How to Create Answer File for windows xp pro unattended cd

At several points during a standard installation, Setup requires that the user provide information, such as the time zone, network settings, and so on. One way to automate an installation is to create an answer file that supplies the required information. Answer files are really just text files that contain responses to some, or all, of the questions that Setup asks during the installation process. After creating an answer file, you can apply it to as many computers as necessary.

To create answer files you need Setupmgr.exe The Windows Setup Manager Wizard tool.

What is Setupmgr.exe ?

Setupmgr.exe stands for Windows Setup Manager.
Its provides a wizard-based interface that allows you to quickly create an answer file for an unattended installation of Windows XP Professional. Windows Setup Manager enables you to create scripts to perform customized installations on workstations and servers that meet the specific hardware and network requirements of your organization.

Creating Answer File

Create a new folder and rename it with deploys tools
Insert the Windows XP Professional CD in the CD-ROM drive.
If the Welcome To Microsoft Windows XP screen is displayed automatically, click Exit to close that screen.
Now go on my computers select CD drive and choose open options from right clicks

locate the \Support\Tools\ Deploy.cab files on the Windows XP Professional CD-ROM

Copy this file and paste it in deploy tools folder created in first steps
Now right click on it and select extract all options
extract deploy tools

Delete all other files expect Setupmgr.exe
Double click on Setupmgr.exe
setup.mgr

Windows XP Professional starts the Windows Setup Manager Wizard. Click Next.

Select Create A New Answer File options and then click Next

Select Windows Unattended Installation and then click Next

Select Windows XP Professional and then click Next

Select Fully Automated, and then click Next

Select No, This Answer File Will Be Used To Install From A CD, and then click Next

Select I Accept The Terms Of The License Agreement, and then click Next

Type your name in the Name box and your organization in the Organization box, and then click Next

Leave the default settings on the Display Settings page, and then click Next

Select the appropriate time zone, and then click Next

Type in the appropriate product key and Click Next

In the Computer Name text box, type a name for the computer, and then click Add. Repeat this step to add additional computers to the installation and Click Next.