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Choosing a Method Based on Directory Services Considerations

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

When choosing your automated installation method, you need to consider the directory service your organization has in place. Figure 1.5 illustrates the place of this step in the process of choosing an automated installation method.

Figure 1.5   Choosing a Method Based on Directory Services Considerations

Choosing Based on Directory Services Consideration

Examining Plans for Directory Services

If you plan to use RIS for automated installations, you must be using the Active Directory® directory service. RIS relies on Active Directory for security and computer account placement. In addition, RIS uses Active Directory to identify RIS clients and RIS servers.

Identifying Applications That Are Dependent on Active Directory

Identify any applications that you plan to include with the automated installation that are dependent on Active Directory, such as client applications that access human resources or proprietary data. These applications cannot be installed and configured on a Sysprep image. You must install and configure these applications after the disk image is copied onto the destination computer and the computer is restarted. In this case, an Unattended Setup installation might be a better choice because Active Directory–dependent applications can be included with the rest of the installation.

Examining Plans for Domain Controllers

Special considerations apply if you intend to create domain controllers by using an automated installation method. You cannot configure a Sysprep master computer as a domain controller. You need to first configure a master computer as a stand-alone server, and then install Active Directory by using the Active Directory Installation Wizard (Dcpromo.exe) after the disk image is copied onto a destination computer. However, you can script Dcpromo.exe with an answer file, and you can use the GuiRunOnce entry in your answer file to automatically start it at the end of an Unattended Setup. This is, therefore, a more efficient choice for installing preconfigured domain controllers.