How good is a slipstreamed XP-SP2 compared to a normal installation?

[Birger]

I've found a program with the name AutoStreamer 1.0.29 that seems to be a program that is too good to be true for me. But since it seems to be so good I have a question that maybe someone of you could answer, someone that has experience with a slipstreamed Windows XP or Windows 2000.

Since I live in Sweden I have to wait until the 14th of September before they release it here and when they do I was thinking of doing a slipstreamed XP-SP2 installation instead of the normal installation (first with Win XP and then adding the SP2).

I have never used a slipstreamed CD before so I have no experience of how my Windows will behave or how good/reliable it will be compared to a normal installation.

Aren?t there any drawbacks with a slipstreamed Windows XP-SP2/Windows 2000-SP4 installation compared to a normal install of Windows XP/2000 that has gotten the SP2/SP4 after you have completed your Windows XP/2000 install, or do they just work as perfect as a normal install?

 

[MrChad]

They work as a perfectly normal install. The benefit is that a) you get the security benefits of SP2 as soon as you are done installing (instead of being in a "vulnerable zone" during the time when you finish the install but have not yet run Windows Update) and b) you'll be up and running much faster.

 

[Slogun]

Microsoft delivered their free SP2 disc to me yesterday.

I've been put-off by the complexity of slipstreaming, very glad to hear about Autostreamer which I just downloaded.

Thx a lot for the info.

 

[pirred908]

I just recieved my SP2 CD from MS yesterday aswell. Is there any disadvantage to installing XP Home with SP1 and than useing the SP2 CD afterwards? Besides it being time consuming? Sorry about useing your topic for my own questions, I just didn't want to start a thread for the same basic thing.

 

[Smilin]

Definately slipstream first. Yes it's a bit of a hassle but sp3 is a long way off so you won't be doing it again soon.

You will be able to skip sp2 for every install from now on. Plus there are some install-time bugs that you can bypass if you slipstream, but have to deal with if you just SP afterwards. The 137GB barrier for older controllers (sp1) and the random admin password (sp2) both come to mind.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Slipstreaming is AWESOME, just finished my slipstreamed install. Hadn't heard of that program, but check out this guide if you want to take the guesswork out for 100% sure as it also uses a slipstreaming program:
http://www.msfn.org/comments.php?shownews=9235
Good luck to all

 

[travanx]

I think nlite was really easy to slipstream the sp2 into. xp pro. Then you can go to msfn.org to figure out how to add other useful programs.