Microsoft Windows Registry Guide, Second Edition

Chapter 16

Configuring Windows PE

Half the job of installing Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (Windows) or building disk images is starting the computer. Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE or WinPE) is just another way to start computers, similar to using MS-DOS, only better. It allows you to more fully automate the installation process than using MS-DOS does. This chapter describes how to use, customize, and automate Windows PE for the purpose of installing Windows in enterprise environments.

NOTE

Do you have Windows PE? Windows PE is a benefit of Microsoft Software Assurance. For more information, see http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/sa/support/winpe.mspx.