Automating a Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 Installation for a Media-Based Installation

Q. How do I automate a Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 installation for a media-based installation?

A. Unattended answer files can be created with the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) and used via Windows Deployment Services or placed in a SYSPREP'd image. However, if you’re using Vista or Windows 2008 installation media, an automated installation is possible by saving your unattended answer file as autounattend.xml and placing it at the root of a USB device or floppy drive that is present while the boot from the media happens. The floppy/USB is searched at boot and the autounattend.xml file will be used to automate the installation.

—John Savill