• Unattended installations do not require administrator intervention. The entire process can be automated using an answer file called Autounattend.xml.
• An answer file is an XML file that contains settings used during the Windows installation process.
• With an unattended installation, you can use a distribution share to install Windows 7 on the target computers. You can also use a Windows 7 DVD with an answer file located on the root of the DVD, on a floppy disk, or on a universal flash device (UFD), such as an exter-nal USB flash drive.
• Unattended installations are faster than attended installations and can be more consistent when the same answer file is used each time. Unattended installations give you a wider range of configuration options.

Advantages of Unattended Installation

• Saves time and money because users do not have to interactively respond to each installation query.
• Can be configured to provide automated query response, while still selectively allowing users to provide specified input during installations.
• Can be used to install clean copies of Windows 7 or upgrade an existing operating system (providing it is on the list of permitted operating systems) to Windows 7.
• Can be expanded to include installation instructions for applications, additional language support, service packs, and device drivers.
• The physical media for Windows 7 does not need to be distributed to all computers that will be installed.

Disadvantages of Unattended Installation

• Requires more initial setup than a standard installation of Windows 7.
• Someone must have access to each client computer and must initiate the unattended installation process on the client side.