Unattended Answer Files are XML files used to automate the installation and configuration of Windows operating systems. These files provide answers to the prompts that typically appear during a manual installation, allowing for a fully automated setup process. This can be particularly useful in enterprise environments where deploying multiple systems with consistent configurations is necessary.

What is an Unattended Answer File?

An Unattended Answer File is an XML file that contains settings and configurations used during the Windows installation process. These files can specify various parameters such as the product key, disk partitions, network settings, and more. By using an Unattended Answer File, administrators can streamline the deployment process, reduce manual intervention, and ensure consistency across multiple installations.

Tools Required

1. Windows System Image Manager (WSIM): This tool is part of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) and is used to create and manage Unattended Answer Files.
2. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM): A command-line tool used to service Windows images.

Creating an Unattended Answer File

1. Install Windows ADK:

   • Download and install the Windows ADK from the Microsoft website.

2. Open Windows System Image Manager (WSIM):

   • Launch WSIM from the Start menu.

3. Create a New Answer File:

   • Go to File > New Answer File.
   • You will be prompted to select a Windows image file (usually a .wim file). This file can be found on your Windows installation media.

4. Add Components to the Answer File:

   • Right-click on the components you need (e.g., amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup_10.0.19041.1_neutral) and select Add Setting to Pass 4 specialize.

5. Configure Settings:

   • In the Answer File pane, select the component you added and configure the settings in the Properties pane. For example, you can set the ProductKey, ComputerName, and TimeZone.

6. Save the Answer File:

   • Go to File > Save Answer File and save it as autounattend.xml.

Using the Unattended Answer File

1. Copy the Answer File:

   • Place the autounattend.xml file in the root directory of a USB drive.

2. Boot from Windows Installation Media:

   • Insert the USB drive and the Windows installation media into the target computer.
   • Boot from the Windows installation media. The setup process will automatically detect the autounattend.xml file on the USB drive and use it to perform an unattended installation.

Example of an Unattended Answer File

Here is a basic example of an autounattend.xml file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
  <settings pass="windowsPE">
    <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State">
      <UserData>
        <ProductKey>
          <Key>XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX</Key>
        </ProductKey>
        <AcceptEula>true</AcceptEula>
      </UserData>
      <ImageInstall>
        <OSImage>
          <InstallFrom>
            <MetaData wcm:action="add">
              <Key>/IMAGE/INDEX</Key>
              <Value>1</Value>
            </MetaData>
          </InstallFrom>
          <InstallTo>
            <DiskID>0</DiskID>
            <PartitionID>1</PartitionID>
          </InstallTo>
        </OSImage>
      </ImageInstall>
    </component>
  </settings>
  <settings pass="specialize">
    <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State">
      <ComputerName>MyComputer</ComputerName>
      <TimeZone>Pacific Standard Time</TimeZone>
    </component>
  </settings>
</unattend>

Conclusion

Unattended Answer Files are a powerful tool for automating Windows installations, ensuring consistency, and saving time. By using tools like Windows System Image Manager and following the steps outlined above, you can create and deploy these files efficiently.