Best "Create your own XP install CD" program...

[IamDavid]

I have been reading about Reatogo and a couple others but I can't decide which is better... Anyone have any experiences with these apps?

I want to install everything from the OS, of couse, all the way down to my movie codecs..

Thanks,
David

 

[IamDavid]

ttt

 

[de8212]

nlite?

 

[PseudoKnight]

Wait, what are you trying to do? Make a recovery CD or make an XP installation CD?

Nlite is a good XP installation creator but it didn't offer codec installation as far as I know. I'm not aware of any installation program that does that. Couldn't you get Windows exactly how you want it and then ghost it? I've never done it, but it seems reasonable.

Reatogo is just an expanded BartPE Recovery CD program. I can't say I've used it, but my BartPE recovery CD is a great tool. Sounds like you want to use it as a fully functional OS, though. uh.. why? and I have no idea if codecs would work on that.

 

[Parkre]

I have tried what you want, slipstream everything (drivers, codecs, programs, etc) into ONE single windows install. Unfortunately, there's is no way to do that. Like psuedoknight said, install everything and ghost it. It may take 5~6 gigs on your second harddrive but it's worth it if you reinstall windows everymonth...

WinBorg XP may be what you are wanting (drivers, codecs, programs, etc) in one install.

 

[IamDavid]

Thanks guys, I was looking for something to slipstream everything into one cd.. I don't know why it isn't possible.. Microsoft intergrates all kinds of software in the install CD for major companies..

Thanks anyway..

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: Parkre
Unfortunately, there's is no way to do that.

I have a hard time believing that, since i have seen "releases" of XP with literally everything included.

Also, ever wonder how the PC manufacturers create their recovery CDs?
They take an XP CD & completely modify it, & have everything including drivers & chipset drivers all on it.

There is a way to do this... we just have to figure out what program to use, or how.

 

[crizzar]

In the WinPE environment that OEM's use, there is a point in the process of creating the install image to make an answer file to preload Office and a couple of other MS-supported software programs that you dump on the cd's $OEM$ dir.

It's a labor intensive process that you can see outlined here: setup. I do not know if there's a software program out there that will automate this process.

Until then, I'll stick to the install/image process previously mentioned. The amount of time spent creating and testing the manufactured image will probably take longer than installing and then imaging. As an added bonus going the Acronis route, incremental backups 🙂