Batch Files / GUI Manipulation

I've got a rather strange and yet interesting question. Is there a way to
manipulate the graphical user interface in Windows through batch files (i.e.
Windows scripting) in terms of being able to enter text into text fields,
clicking or using buttons without a mouse, or changing component focus for
example?

Something similar to the installation of Windows 95 where it brings up the
Start > Run dialog and then you can actually see something being placed in
the text field character by character and then run that command. (Either this
was a very, very realistic and cool animation, or it actually happened.)

That was pretty freaking cool actually. I only now remembered it; I haven't
seen it in years. It came back to me when I was faced with the task of
automating or at least speeding up the process of upgrade everyone at work to
XP SP2. There are small tweaks after the installation that need to be done to
the Windows Firewall among installation of other things that don't have MSI
packages.

I am aware of unattended installations and MSI stuff, kind of. (Just
starting to learn now.)
.