Validate an Answer File

Before an answer file can be saved in Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM), the settings must first be validated.

The following procedure describes how to validate the settings in an answer file. When an answer file is validated successfully, all the setting values in the answer file can be applied to the Windows image.

To validate the settings in an answer file

1. In Windows SIM, open a Windows image.
   For more information, see Open a Windows Image or Catalog File.
2. Open or create an answer file.
   For more information, see Open an Answer File or Create an Answer File.
3. On the Tools menu, click Validate Answer File.
   The setting values in the answer file are compared with the available settings in the Windows image.

Important

If no modifications have been made to component settings, the component is not saved with the answer file.

If the answer file validates successfully, a message verifying no warnings or errors in the answer file appears in the Messages pane on the Validation tab. Otherwise, error messages appear in the same location.

Note

If an error occurs, double-click the error in the Messages pane to navigate to the setting.

You can also use the CPI API to programmatically validate an answer file in an environment that supports the .NET framework. However, to validate an answer file in an environment that does not support managed code and the .NET framework, you must use publicly documented native code interfaces. Sample code that utilizes these interfaces is provided with the Windows OPK and Windows AIK in the samples directory.

The publicly documented interfaces are documented in the Windows SDK Web site.

See Also

Concepts

Add a Component to an Answer File
Customize a Setting in an Answer File