Hi everybody, step 1 in the project, a perfect unattended install of xp pro is done and works faultlessly. For testing i'm using an old Dell a friend was going to throw out. It's slow, but otherwise is excellent for the job, as it's only got a 20-gig drive, so it takes no time formatting. I have one question re the formatting phase of the unattended install. It would seem only to do a quick format, not a full format. Is there a switch i can add to my winnt.sif to get it to do a full format? In most circumstances it wouldn't matter, but in the event of a virus or other nasty would a quick format be enough? I'm really over the moon about the results so far. It may be only a small thing to some, but to me it spells freedom, no longer having to be beholden to sighted friends to help me install windows. Here's hoping that the next step in the project, adding programs and drivers goes as well. Thanks to those who helped me do this, John.