Automating Vista Installation DVD

[SiliconJon]

I'm building an ISO for an unattended Vista Install using AIK's Windows SIM and vLite. I found a useful starter tutorial here: Deploying Vista - Part 1: Understanding the Windows AIK

At this point it's fairly automated, though I see no way to delete any existing partitions using the autounattend.xml generated through WSIM, so the UI pops up in the beginning due to the partition already existing, which will be a common occurance since most installations will be over preinstalled OEM installations.

Any thoughts on how to add a DeletePartitions to my autounattend.xml to remove all existing partitions prior to creating a full sized single primary partition?

[SiliconJon]

Doh...just write down the problem and I'll see what I was overlooking...WillWipeDisk looks like it, time for a test run...

[SiliconJon]

That didn't work, now I not only get the UI but I get "Windows could not prepare the partition selected for installation". No time now, will get back to later.

[SiliconJon]

Well, that little issue is no big deal since this will be an offline installation DVD, so that momentary need is OK since it's at the beginning and the rest of the installation is automated.

Now, how to get the program installations to automate post-installation. I'm currently using a batch file, but it's not working for several of the installation applications. Creating packages is not yet an option - I need to get as much done as I can by tomorrow at lunch, so such fanciness will have to wait until the second half of May. Last on the list, and can wait until May as well, is integrating the hotfixes, which I'll be using this as a guide: Windows Vista Hotfix & Ultimate Integration Guide

[SiliconJon]

Who can tell me how to run a batch file in an unattended installation? Which configuration pass do I use and what are the component(s) to use for this?

EDiT: Found it: Installing Applications

Is there no easier way? All I need is the variable value for the installation path for the CommandLine values...

[SiliconJon]

Here's another resource:

Batch File for Integrating Vista Updates - MSFN Forums