PCA Forums

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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