Headless install of WHS 2011 RC

[dcmackie]

I tried to install WHS 2011 using the VAIL headless install technique of a bootable USB with the cfg.ini file in the root of the USB drive with the following code:

[WinPE]
InstallSKU=SERVERHOMEPREMIUM
ConfigDisk=1
CheckReqs=0
SystemPartitionSize=60
[InitialConfiguration]
Language=en-US
Locale=0409
Country=US
KeyboardLayout=00000409
AcceptEula=true
ServerName=VailPremServer
PlainTextPassword=Head13$$
PasswordHint=See ServeTheHome.com
Settings=All

With no success. Any advice on any variables that need changing? (I already removed the partitions in the HD to force a boot from the USB.)

 

[Patrick]

I am guessing the two that need changing are:
InstallSKU=SERVERHOMEPREMIUM
ServerName=VailPremServer

I haven't done this one yet, but will try it in the next day or two.

 

[dcmackie]

I already changed the server name and password to suit. Since everything else seems generic I guess the big question is the InstallSKU ? Can it be found anywhere on the ISO?

 

[dcmackie]

Discovered a problem with cutting and pasting the contents pf the cfg.ini file.

After fix, the install went OK. Just needed to connect to the IP address of the server rather than the Server name when installing the connect software.

 

[Patrick]

Ah cool, so the above script still works?

 

[dcmackie]

Yes, most definitely.

 

[dcmackie]

Due to the removal of DE I quickly ran into a problem with the lack of space available on the 640GB WHS to backup all my four client machines.

I am not having any success running the same script on a 1.5TB HD . As before, prepared the new HD by removing all partitions prior to the install attempt.

Are there any additional issues that need to be addressed when using a 1.5TB HD?

 

[Patrick]

There is no reason it should be different that I can think of off of the top of my head.

Two thoughts:
First, I would not use the RC in "production" just yet.
Second, I would probably just install the OS then use 2x 2TB or 2x 3TB drives as storage if you are mainly doing client backups.

 

[dcmackie]

I am not "in production" I am only trying got see if WHS2011 suits

Can the client backups folder be moved to external USB ? How can it be split between 2 drives?