You can do it unattended, as this was done prior to using just the sysprep file....and I was actually able to find the .WIM file viewer utility which is in the RIS folder.....
Long story short, I looked at the sysprep file and saw the exact same syntax I found for the computer name field which is:
computername:"Test-%03#" - this is the wild card combination shown in the sysprep file that worked. no script needed.
However, this will not work with the Ghost image, which is confusing because once the mini-setup starts, the image file type is no longer relevant. Perhaps I am doing something wrong somewhere in the process?
Here is a quick schematic of what my process has been:
Configure an HP DC7900 with all the software I need on it, get it to pristine condition; run sysprep [using the sysprep file already created] - reseal the system, reboot to 3COM PXE environment...open Ghost and upload image successfully.
Then to test, let system boot up and run mini-setup....mini-setup runs fine until it reaches the computer name field where it halts and prompts for a "valid computer name" [this comes after it tells me that windows does not recognize the various symbols in the name]
However, once I put in a random name, the mini-setup completes fully automated, and this includes joining the domain and adding the computer to the custom OU i created. So i know everything works, its just this computer name that is giving me the problem.
someone has the answer, i'm just hoping i find it....otherwise I will have to abandon the Symantec Ghost for a product that will allow fully automated imaging....i'm pretty confident that Ghost can accomplish this tho.