Network server description configuration files

You can customize your integrated Windows servers by creating your own configuration files. For example, you might want to change screen resolution or suppress installation of the IPX protocol. You can do this by following these steps.

1. Create an NWSD configuration file. See Network server descriptions.
2. Specify this file with the Configuration file parameter when you install a server or create or change a network server description.

Each time the network server starts, i5/OS uses the configuration file to change the specified integrated server file on the server's C or D drive.

When the Install Windows server (INSWNTSVR) command activates the integrated server, it generates a Windows unattended installation setup script file (UNATTEND.TXT). By specifying your configuration file on the INSWNTSVR command, you can use this file during the installation to modify the UNATTEND.TXT file.

Attention: Be careful what you change with configuration files. Avoid removing device drivers from UNATTEND.TXT, for example, or changing the OEM section or the section that installs TCP. Otherwise, your changes might prevent your server from starting. If you are creating a configuration file to modify an installed server, first make a backup copy of whatever files you plan to change.

• To see how your system drive is formatted, you can use the Work with Network Server Storage Spaces Command (WRKNWSSTG) command.
• Before creating a configuration file, read NWSD configuration file format. This section tells you how to use each entry type.
• You should also read this topic, Use substitution variables for keyword values, to see what variables are available for you to use and how to create your own list.
• You might also want to read: Example: NWSD configuration file.
• Then you are ready to follow this procedure: Create an NWSD configuration file.

If you have problems starting a server after you create a configuration file, see NWSD configuration file errors.