Windows install cd pre-loaded

johnny · Post by **johnny** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 9:53 pm

I was wondering if it possible to make a Windows Xp Pro SP3 CD/DVd that would have all my favorite programs already to go on it, so I can avoid installing everything after installing the os. I know I can make a ghost image but that only works on the same system, I want one that would work on any system. I have the Windows files but have no idea how to, or if it's even possible to add other programs to the installation menu, or perhaps on a menu after the OS installs.

Thanks for the help.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:43 pm

It's called slipstreaming & if you're up to the task, it's great. Though, it is often more work than installing them yourself. However, if you frequently install new OSs, then it may well be worth it. I like to keep my initial OS install pretty lean even with a slipstream (pretty much only the Windows updates & a few basics like MS Office). These can be found pretty easily in torrent form & are legal so long as you have a legal key to go with it (though many of the torrent ones are preactivated & would require you to re-register your key).

Here's some basics:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/xp ... stream.asp

johnny · Post by **johnny** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:52 pm

Slipstreaming sounds interesting, but from what I read I thought it ws only for adding the service packs to prior versions of the OS, but if I can add other components as well that's great!

I too want to keep it rather light with just the basics; office, adobe, NOD32, and the flash players like adobe flash, apple quicktime, and macromedia.

I'll check out some torrents and see if one is any good in there, but I have been using a couple that I've found in the past and they all have things I don't want, and are lacking some things I do want. Seems like everyone adds all the chat programs which I never use and have to uninstall later.

I'll keep looking for a tutorial or program that might be useful to help- me make a slipstream . . . sounds like fun . . . hell after reformatting and installing dozens of times I might as well. (I have 7 pc's here at my house and hardly a month goes by without having to reinstall something).

I do have my license so the files aren't an issue, it's making the slipstream without f-ing it up and wasting too much of my time on it only to find out that it's too hard.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:35 pm

OK, well actually installing the other programs is called Windows Post Installation (WPI). Here's a link to a good tool for that:
http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=93

canton_kid · Post by **canton_kid** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:36 pm

Thanks maybe just what I need too.

I hate trying to find all the disks, keys, files, etc.. to install everything I will always install every time I have to reformat or install a new boot drive etc.. or build a new system.

Now the big questions is, how much can you actually add? Can you make a Boot DVD or use several CD's?
I don't thing I could fit all the programs and Windows onto 1 CD for a slipstream.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:39 pm

Oh yeah, most people use DVDs. They boot just fine.

johnny · Post by **johnny** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 4:07 pm

Thanks Norm, doing a lot of reading at the moment . . . looks like some learning but I think it will be well worth it once accomplished.

I appreciate the help.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 9:25 pm

Yeah, it's one of those things where after you get over the learning curve that it's not too bad.