Remote Installation Service (RIS) is a service includes with Windows Server 2003 that can be used to deploy an operating system such as Windows XP. When you use RIS, computers connect to the RIS server during the boot phase and begin the installation of the operating system across the network. The operating system can be installed by using the installation files on the source CD or by using images created with RIPrep.

The general steps that occur are outlined below. It’s a good idea to have an understanding of what occurs because it will make it easier to troubleshoot problems if and when they do occur.

1. The target workstation is started. During the boot process, using either the PXE-compliant NIC or the RIS boot disk, F12 is pressed to begin the process of remotely installing the operating system.

2. The client receives an IP address and Globally Unique Identifier (GUID).
3. The client is referred to a RIS server on the network.
4. The RIS server queries Active Directory to see if a computer account exists for the workstation. If so, the client is referred to a designated RIS server and prompted for credentials. If no computer account exists, the RIS server that responded prompts the user for credentials.
5. Once the user is logged on to the server, a list of images is displayed from the user can choose the required one.
6. At this point the installation of the selected operating system begins.

[tags]diana huggins,windows server 2003,remote installation service,ris[/tags]