In case you have used VMware WS 6.5 or 7.x you noticed that it can automatically install guest OS for you. It is very handy as it saves a lot of time for advanced users, and is a real saver for newbies.
There is a wish opened for some time: http://www.virtualbox.org/ticket/5810 But let's discuss what we need for this feature. For Windows guests, it is simpler than for UNIX guests. We need the following: 1. FAT-formatted floppy image 2. put single file with unattended script in there This must be created on demand. unattended script consists of parameters, and of Windows CD-key. VM must be created with the following boot order: HDD->CD/DVD->Floppy (reverse to what we currently have) On Linux hosts this can be done by simple scripting: 1. dd if=/dev/zero of=myfloppy.img bs=1024 count=1440 2. mkfs.msdos myfloppy.img 3. mount -o loop myfloppy.img /mnt/ 4. copy the unattended script into the image 5. create a VM with reverse boot order and insert Windows CD + floppy Windows will install fully automatically. On Windows hosts it is more problematic -- there is no way to loop mount floppy image. Example script attached for Windows XP guests. Just modify CD-key, and encapsulate into floppy image. Naming: VMware calls this feature "EasyInstall", so we can name it "ExpressInstall". -- -"Technologov"
winnt.sif
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