Customise your Windows XP install CD

[Stu]

If you currently only own a legit Windows XP Home or Pro CD, which is either original or SP1a integrated, when it comes to doing a new install or a repair install, having to reinstall SP2 again can be a bit of a pain, not to mention another lengthy procedure

So why not make yourself an updated XP SP2 disc, so at least if you have to reinstall Windows, you can reinstall to the latest version without any further messing.

The "slipstreaming" procedure, also allows you to integrate additional drivers and hotfixes, so they are all present when you do a new install.

Here are some links that allow you to customise and create your own XP install CD. Note that you will still need a valid Product Key to install any version of Windows XP, and you will also require a genuine Windows XP install CD.

Please note that the MSI Forum is not responsible for the content of external links; links are provided for reference only. If you need any help, or want to ask questions then please start a new topic. MSI Forum also does not advocate the use of illegally obtained software; any references or links to illegal versions of Windows will be removed.

• TheElderGeek - How to slipstream SP2 to your XP CD
• WindowsITPro - Updating Drivers in a Slipstream Installation
• Nlite - create a custom XP install CD
• AutoStreamer - slipstreaming made easier!
• MSFN - Unattended XP CD Guide

 

[syar2003]

Should also mention autostreamer from neowin .
Makes it easy enough so even grandma can make a slipstreamed sp2 xp-cd.

The official autostreamer thread with download link

 

[bassmadrigal]

I will also include this link that shows how to create an unattended installation. In essence you don't have to input all the normal stuff (Name, Org, Time Zone, Product key, etc.). There are more advanced links in there to allow adding of software and drivers.

http://unattended.msfn.org/beginner/winnt_sif.htm

Just did this today. Hopefully everything works.

Have Fun
Jeremy

 

[Grunberg]

Which of the custom procedures mentioned above do you guys use? Are these effective for automatically installing Serial ATA drvers during installation (rather than prompting for the floppy)?

Also, I've heard this makes installing XP with SP2 (and other components) more convenient. Yet, even doing this, are we still prompted to insert the original XP CD?

 

[tuxsavvy]

There is a commercial version of nlite which kind of does similar thing to nlite but you can do it on your current installation of windows without having to make an image, burn it and re-install. It is called xplite.

Which of the custom procedures mentioned above do you guys use? Are these effective for automatically installing Serial ATA drvers during installation (rather than prompting for the floppy)?

Also, I've heard this makes installing XP with SP2 (and other components) more convenient. Yet, even doing this, are we still prompted to insert the original XP CD?

Re: SATA drives requiring drivers during installation. You may as well have it properly set up installation of XP and then image it with some imaging utility, such as Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image, etc.

Re: Installing XP with SP2 (and other components) prompts to insert original XP CD? If you are not removing anything from the standard XP installation, i.e. using nlite/xplite for example. Then no. Otherwise, if there is something missing and XP itself knows its missing, then it will keep prompting you to reinsert the XP setup disk. In that case, you have to use XP with SP2 disk.

If you use original XP (no SP) to restore functionality on a modded installation of WinXP SP2, you may cause system instability or unbootable operating system following a Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) after restoring.

Generally, nlite/xplite is smart enough to be able to remove the components you wish to have not included on your current/future installation. Though it really depends, e.g. removing IE because you do not like it one bit and you see it as a flaw could lead to no windows updates from Microsoft. Then again, at the same time you are getting rid of that 30+ MB off the installation.

 

[stereo]

tuxsavvy , what are these hard disks you have

, i just thought he is thinkg of the project " DOWNLOAD THE INTERNET "

 

[Stu]

stereo,

lets keep this sticky on-topic. make use of the

Personal Message feature for questions like that

 

[Triel]

I personally have built a DVD with the MSFN how to guide. The actual XP build was very easy when using the Microsot tool "setupmgr.exe" (MS Setup Manager for XP). The product nLite worked well also.

But before I go on I should tell everyone that wants to try this to go get a copy of VMware Workstation http://www.vmware.com. It will cost you a good amout but it will save so much time and energy. Before you install it though yo best have a pc strong enough for the task. I found a Pentium 4 w/HT and a Pentium D to wrk just fine when you also tack on 3 or more GB's of RAM.

I should warn all that the next parts may burn a hole in your head.

My WinXP Pro SP2 was also complimented with a complete unattended install of every program I wanted installed on my PC. Usng Batch coding and RunOnceX commands was very hard and very time consuming. It took me almost 4 months to learn how to use those and it never really paid off. I then found a program called "Windows-Post Installer". You cn find it at http://www.wpiw.net/. That program made it so much easier and I could tell myself what programs do, before I install them, via descriptions. When you look at the site you will see what I mean.

OK, let's get real down and dirty. "SWITCHES", my own personal demons. I found it so frustrating that a switch would work on one version of software and one version of WPI but not work on mine. I had to learn what one meant, set it up, and then test. I then found some switches to not work correctly in a vurtual enviroment. Lord save me from myself, PLEASE .

All of this is explained in much detail at the MSFN how-to http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/view/web/1/. They have updated alot of there information since I pull my hair out. So read on peoples for the only one that can help you is reading this right now, that does not in anyway shape or form mean ME, lol!

 

[Blazer]

Triel

  soooooo i guess that means you wont build an unattended personalized install disk for me?

if i read the post correct vmware had to be installed and you performed the unattended build of xpsp2 with your wanted programs there.

 

[Blazer]

chk the vmware link, as the site doesnt have anything related to workstation.

 

[Triel]

Yeah they made it very easy to find, lol! I agree, the link I gave you was not even close to being good enough. They put the link to Workstation in the fine print. Here is the link http://www.vmware.com/products/ws/[... then that is a learn as yougo kind of thing.

 

[Blazer]

ill give it a try, thanks

 

[thescreensavers]

I have used this http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/ which is far superior from any thing I have ever used

 

[Triel]

Yeah, I already listed that in this post.

 

[Triel]

I just came across software that may help everyne that has read this post. The software is by Studio Software and called Setup Studio. The home user will only have to pay $29. I have downloaded the trial and will post on what I think about it. According to their website it will install just about everything in one fail swoop.

Here is the link if you want to check it out and post your thoughts:

Setup Studio

 

[russellmrgn]

I've just tried Setup Studio myself after reading your post, and IHO its very good.
In the past I've used nLite to make unattended Windows install discs, but this is better. It will download hotfixes for you, it lets you do most of the things that nLite does, but it will also reformat your hardrive for that fresh install. Best of all when its finished, it will even turn off your pc for you! For only $29 its good value for money.

Russell 

Edit
Have just made a custom cd using both nLite and Setup Studio together. Used nLite for everything except the user  regional settings and info. Then I used that as the "original" for Setup Studio. With Setup Studio I used the options to accept the EULA (F8) and reformat and create a partition on the drive, and then added my personal details and a few other tweaks that were not available with nLite. You can even get rid of the "press any key to boot from cd" stage if you want, but I chose to keep that as a safety feature. Now I just press the key and go and watch TV, come back later to find a  fresh new install of Windows XP waiting for me on the screen