Remote Installation Service 1

[skimmilk]

Hey Folks,
We are finally getting close to upgrading all our Workstations to W2K. We have been talking about using the MS RIS (Remote Installation Service) to help us get the job done quicker and easier. My questions are:
1) Are there any books available that you recommend?
2) Can the RIS service be used to also install other Apps (i.e Office)?
3) Can you use this to install SP and "Hot Fixes".

Since this is ALL very new to me any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Andy

 

[richgill]

I don't know what the best book on this is. Microsoft has tons of info on their web site that is worth reading though.

RIS can be used to install OS, service packs and most software. It is certainly an easy way of rolling out W2K as, at the press of a button at boot time, the PC gets W2K, W2K service pack, pre-installed software and is joined to the domain. It helps if all your PCs are the same (or similar)!

 

[skimmilk]

Thanks Rich!
Another question I was thinking about was how does RIS differ from Unattended Install. Seems a bit redundant for MS to include two installer programs..
Thanks Again.

 

[GrnEyedLdy]

Milkey,

A RIS server is basically a place to store your installation files. However, you can only get a RIS system image on a computer that knows how to ask for one. First option, your requesting PC must be able to boot to the network via a PXE-equipped PC. If you do not have a PXE-equipped PC, Microsoft includes a utility with RIS that will generate a bootable floppy disk that will replace the PXE BIOS. (RBFG- not all network cards are supported). Once the PC boots to the network, that's it, you are on your way to a RIS install...however, once the installation begins, you will have to answer all the setup questions manually.

Unattended installations offer you the opportunity to create and use an 'answer file', which contains the answers to the setup questions, therefore allowing you to begin the install and walk away.

I like to use unattended installs myself...

Hope this helps a little

Patty

 

[skimmilk]

Thanks Patty,
It seems as though I read somewhere that the RIS installation can also be customized to help "automate" the installation. Is this true?
Thanks for your time!
A

 

[GrnEyedLdy]

Milkey,

I believe that if you view the Properties page of the RIS server, on the Remote Installation tab, you can click Advanced Settings and get to an Images box. From here you can view current or add new Unattended answer files associated with an image. Try this link for more info:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...nol/windows2000serv/deploy/depopt/remosad.asp

Patty