Unattended XP Install WITHOUT Product Key Prompt?

Burned_Alive · 11 Oct 2007 at 13:26

Is this possible?

I want to create a install boot cd that is a fully unattended and does not require the product key to be entered during the process, i also do not want to included the product key in winnt.sif as i want to use the cd on different machines that use different keys.

Any Ideas?

Ronaldo · 11 Oct 2007 at 13:43

i dunno about that but you could install it with 1 key and activate with different keys but that might go against T&C

some one will confirm what you can do

marc2003 · 11 Oct 2007 at 13:45

wait for sp3.

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=9211

According to NeoSmart, SP3 contains 1,073 hotfixes and patches; 114 of which are security related. SP3 also adds four major features to the Windows XP operating systems.

The first is a new activation scheme which will not require a product key during installation. The second feature is a new Network Access Protection Module first featured in Windows Vista. Other new items include a Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographics Module and a Black Hole Router detection algorithm.

Usher · 11 Oct 2007 at 13:52

I have one of those disks so it can be done, it was given to me by the bloke at local PC shop & it auto loads windows / adaware & other stuff with no intervention. Trouble was that when the shop went bust & their corporate licence expired it no longer validated so I bought myself a full version.

I am wary of XP sp3, why would microsoft bring out enhancements for an earlier version of windows when they obviously want you to buy vista instead ? probably contains a self destruct file

uv · 11 Oct 2007 at 13:54

use nlite

slipstreamed, integrated, unattended installs for the win.

Usher · 11 Oct 2007 at 14:01

The activation without product key cannot apply to existing XP reinstalls as you can't continue the install without the key as far as I know so surely it would only be implemented in new XP issues

marc2003 · 11 Oct 2007 at 14:06

Usher said:
The activation without product key cannot apply to existing XP reinstalls as you can't continue the install without the key as far as I know so surely it would only be implemented in new XP issues

well that's where slipstreaming comes in. take any old windows xp cd, full sp3 download, nlite and a blank cd and you have yourself a nice new sp3 cd.

uk_viper · 11 Oct 2007 at 14:39

make a fresh install. with updates etc. make a disk image file and then use it each time

Burned_Alive · 11 Oct 2007 at 14:54

uk_viper said:
make a fresh install. with updates etc. make a disk image file and then use it each time

Not possible for multiple machines with different keys and hardware. Ive sorted it now, the disc i was using has an embedded key, so ill just use that for all the installs and replace the key at activation stage.

bledd · 11 Oct 2007 at 18:45

not currently possible, sp3 looks like it's going to be like vista in the setup process (not forcing you to enter a key)

plus if you're using xp disc for multiple machines, be aware there are about 12 different versions of xp