Performing a Scripted Installation of Exchange Server 2003

If you want to install Exchange with automation instead of manually choosing options, you can create an unattend file to run along with the setup program. This method is frequently used to script a standard series of configuration steps so that a script can be sent to branch offices, allowing local system administrators the option of installing the server onsite with minimal intervention.

Creating the unattend Install File

To create an unattend installation file, use the following steps:

1. Insert the Exchange CD.

2. Close the autorun splash screen.

3. Click on Start and choose Run.

4. Type

     cddrive   :\setup.exe /createunattend   drive   :\   filename   .ini  

   supplying your drive and filenamefor example:

     F:\setup.exe /createunattend d:\e2kunattend.ini  

5. Click Next.

6. Select I agree and click Next.

7. Select the Exchange components you want to install, change or keep the installation path , and click Next to continue.

8. Keep the default installation, type create a new Exchange organization , and click Next.

9. Type an organization name and click Next.

10. Choose I agree on the license agreement page and click Next.

11. Review the installation summary and click Next to accept and continue.

12. You should get a window that says the unattend file was successfully created. Click Finish.

13. Review the unattend file that you created; it is an .ini file and is around 14KB bytes.

Running setup in Unattended Mode

After the script file has been created, execute the script file:

1. Insert the Exchange CD.

2. Close the autorun splash screen.

3. Click on Start and choose Run.

4. Type

     cddrive   :\setup.exe /unattendfile   filename   .ini  

   The setup program will run automatically with no input required. You will see the progress window as it runs through the installation process. When the install is complete, the installation wizard will close.

5. Verify that the installation was successful by looking in the Start menu programs and checking for Exchange services.