Custom windows install dvd

[Red Squirrel]

How hard/easy would it be to setup a fully custom windows install disc? Basically it would install windows, then change whatever settings I choose, then install a bunch of software (ex: firefox, thunderbird etc) all unatanded.

I googled and found nlite which sounds promissing for at least the first install step, I suppose the stuff like installing firefox I could automate through a special script.

Just wondering what other solutions exist out there for fast, premade deployments. Note that imaging is out of the question here, as I want this to work on any hardware. I find myself reinstalling windows xp often and I always do it the long way, and it dawned on me, there has to be an easier way where I can just set it and leave it, then come back and it's done.

 

[MTDEW]

Not sure its possible for apps along with the OS in one installation.
I always just use images for that, but have to resort to the long way on new builds also as you already stated.

Plus im not sure you could ever actually make a "one disc fits all" OS disc either due to different drivers for different hardware, it would be next to impossible to include them all on the disc using a program like NLite.


But just in case, i'll bump ya in the hopes that someone knows of a way, cuz it would come in REALLY handy! :thumbsup:

 

[Red Squirrel]

Actually I'm not too concerned about special drivers. I realize that I'll end up strugling with compcraps and stuff, but Windows XP seems to generally be pretty good about picking up most hardware by default. Though a "Driver pack" would be nice if it's something that can be added.

 

[techmanc]

Check out these sites

http://www.wpiw.net/

http://www.msfn.org/