Can i make a custom XP (or Vista) install that has my apps on it already?

[Nvidiaguy07]

so my aunt and grandmother look like they both need their HD formatted and windows reinstalled. Once i do that i plan on putting on some apps like firefox, VLC, aim, cdburnerXP, adobe reader/flash, 7zip, and maybe a few others. I also plan on installing all windows updates as well.

Is there a way i can make a CD that will install windows with all that stuff already on it?

If not whats the best way to do this?

Ive heard people use vlite for this sort of thing, but will it be able to do this? and for xp?

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well there is a way to slip stream your windows disk with the latest SP and updates. Just google slipstream and you'll find step by step instructions to do this. Not sure if you can use the same prosses to add otehr applications though.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

nlite. There is a forum on their website that has a list and download links of every supported application that can be slipstreamed onto a XP disk.

 

[Jeff7181]

I'm pretty sure you can use sysprep to do this but I could be mistaken as I've never done it myself. I'm positive there's a way to do it though.

 

[bruceb]

The easiest is just to make an Image of each system after they are setup the way you want them. These files can be burned to DVD or saved to a spare hard drive. Then if it crashes, just restore your image, any personal data files (which the users must remember to make backups of)
and install any new updates from MS that came the image was made. For best results, do a new image every 3 months. For this you need either
Norton Ghost or Acronis TruImage ... The way you wanted to do it would have issues with activations and different hardware platforms.