Installing over a network
To install Microsoft Windows XP Professional over a network you should create a distribution server that has a file share containing the contents of the \i386 directory from the Windows XP CD-ROM.
Allocate 1.5 GB minimum, plus 100 - 200 MB free hard drive space to hold temporary files during installation.
Install a network client on the target computer or use a boot floppy that includes a network client.
Run winnt.exe from a file share on the distribution server if installing a new operating system or winnt32.exe if upgrading a previous version of Windows.
The client system must have a pre-existing FAT16 partition (MS-DOS & Win 95) or FAT32 partition (Win95 OSR2 & Win98) to hold setup files copied across the network.
Winnt.exe can be modified with the additional switches shown in the following table:
| Switch | Function |
|---|---|
| /a | Enables accessibility options. |
| /e[:command] | Specifies a command that will be run at the end of GUI-mode setup. |
| /r[:folder] | Specifies optional software to be installed. Folder is not removed after installation. |
| /rx[:folder | Specifies optional folder to be copied. Folder is deleted after installation. |
| /s[:sourcepath] | Specifies source location of Windows XP files. Can either be a full path or network share. |
| /t[:tempdrive] | Specifies drive to hold temporary setup files. |
| /u[:answer file] | Specifies unattended setup using answer file (requires /s). |
| /udf:id[,UDF_file] | Establishes ID that Setup uses to specify how a UDF file modifies an answer file. |
Next: Winnt32.exe Switches
