Windows 7 Unattended Installation

This tutorial will cover the basic steps to create an unattended installation for Windows 7 using the Windows System Image Manager.

What is an unattended installation?
A hands-free installation.
An installation that requires no interaction while it's happening.
An installation where all the answers have been provided ahead of time.
A time saving feature!

Resources of an Unattended Installation:
Windows Automated Installation Kit, a free download from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5753

Windows System Image Manager (A part of Windows AIK)

A source copy of Windows 7 OS

Simplified Steps:

1. After installing the Windows AIK open Windows System Image Manager.
2. In the the Windows Image box in the bottom left corner right click "Select a Windows Image" and browse to your Windows 7 installation iso (or DVD) and select the Sources\Install.wim file.

3. For this tutorial we will use the sample auto unattended file provided with Windows Image Manager and make adjustments as needed. In the Answer File box right click click "Untitled" and select "Open Answer File."The file is located at C:\Program Files\Windows AIK\Samples\autounattended_sample. 

4. In the Answer File box, we will be primarily working with the "1 windowsPE" pass and the "4 specialize" pass. 

• In the "1 windowsPE" pass we can set up our disk configuration and partitions. These settings will remain unchanged for this tutorial. 
• Under "UserData" we will input our product key. 
• In the "4 specialize" pass we can set up our computer name and OEM information.

5. Use the Tools drop down box at the top of Windows System Image Manager and select "Validate Answer File." This will check for errors and if found report them in the messages box.

6. Save the answer file by going to File > Save Answer File As > "autounattend.xml" (File must be named exactly!)

7. Use the Windows 7 USB/DVD tool to create a bootable USB or DVD. 

8. Copy the autoattend.xml file you just created to the root layer of the USB drive. Alternatively, you could use a third party program to create a new iso file that combines the Windows 7 installation with the autounattend.xml file. 

9. Use the Bootable USB drive to install Windows 7 as you normally would; except this time you can enjoy a glass of ice tea and a sandwich while windows installs without needing attention from you!