Is it possible to combine XP setup discs onto a single DVD-R?

[Ichinisan]

I've been trying to refine my standard image for MCE systems that I plan to produce for fun and profit. Right now, I need to create an automated setup disc with an answer file to streamline the task.

Is it possible to combine the two setup discs onto a single DVD-R so that I can make the process complete in a single step?

 

[mdchesne]

if i remember correctly (don't think i do, it's been a while), those disks are near capacity anyways so even compressing them would only free up about 200mb total... maybe on a double layer dvd with 8+GB you could

 

[Ichinisan]

You can easily fit the contents of two CD's on a single DVD-R...with gigabytes to spare.

 

[mdchesne]

oh right, duh, they're CDs. thought they were dvds for some reason. m'bad. yea, you're right. easily fit em

 

[Ichinisan]

Anyway, my guess is that Microsoft did not make provisions to combine the two discs...let me know if I'm wrong...

Anyone?

 

[mdchesne]

wouldn't doubt it

 

[LeetestUnleet]

It can be done, but I don't know how. My school, through the MSDN Academic Alliance, was able to fit Win2k Pro, Server, and Adv. Server all onto one CD (I have NO clue how that's possible, but they did -- I've tried all 3). It may have been something specific from the MSDN program, but I don't think so.

So, though I don't know how to do it, all I can tell you is that there is a way TO do it.

 

[eggrole1]

Originally posted by: LeetestUnleet
It can be done, but I don't know how. My school, through the MSDN Academic Alliance, was able to fit Win2k Pro, Server, and Adv. Server all onto one CD (I have NO clue how that's possible, but they did -- I've tried all 3). It may have been something specific from the MSDN program, but I don't think so.

So, though I don't know how to do it, all I can tell you is that there is a way TO do it.

The core files are essentially the same. All you need is on copy and a reference to them for each OS install. There are some warez DVDs floating around that include every version of windows on a pair of DVDs (Called something like Windows All-In-One DVDs). I use these at work since I have some 98/2000/xp machines and it just makes my life a lot easier.

 

[Ichinisan]

Even if I copy the contents of both onto the same disc, Windows XP Setup will probably still ask for the sencond disc when it reaches that point during setup.

It's very confusing because MCE2005 always asks for the "Windows XP Professional CD2", even though the discs are clearly labeled as "Media Center Edition" and not "Professional". I want the reinstallation process to be as simple as possible for my customers, so I would like to include a single disc that installs with default settings and does not prompt the user for any information until the installation is complete.

Will Microsoft ever release an update to fix the source disc name problem? When users add Windows components through the Control Panel applet, they are asked for "the disc labeled 'Windows XP Professional.'" Would I be breaking anything to modify the registry and fix the name?

 

[TGS]

I don't have install CDs in front of me, but each one has a specific file that relates to the disk in the top level directory. As long as windows sees those files, it will assume that is the correct disk.

Also, as long as the license is kept with the CD/DVD I don't see a reason why you couldn't do this. Though it seems strange that it's for profit as it's remastering MS cds.

That aside, MCE is just XP pro with a different startup interface.

Using el torito, but...

Barts cached

Barts

Can't hit the site from work, it seems.

 

[Ichinisan]

I have plenty of experience modifying ISO files without losing their bootable properties. I guess I'll try adding the contents of the second disc and I'll see what happens.

I don't see how you're confused about the "for profit" comment. I will be building, selling, and installing entire Media Center Hi-Def setups. I want to include a single, fully-automated setup disc because Microsoft totally b0rked the installation process.

 

[TGS]

Originally posted by: Ichinisan
I have plenty of experience modifying ISO files without losing their bootable properties. I guess I'll try adding the contents of the second disc and I'll see what happens.

I don't see how you're confused about the "for profit" comment. I will be building, selling, and installing entire Media Center Hi-Def setups. I want to include a single, fully-automated setup disc because Microsoft totally b0rked the installation process.

That's what I'm saying, can you legaly provide remastered CD to customers for your automated setup discs? I'm not saying you don't know how to create and burn an image, I'm saying at the top level folder there should be a file that has the cd name. When the installation is looking for a cd it checks that file to determine which CD is in the drive. I believe that it doesn't check the CD property title.

As for the remastering, it sounds fine as long as you bundle the original CD and license with it. I would double check with MS, but that's upto you.

 

[crizzar]

Originally posted by: TGS

Originally posted by: Ichinisan
I have plenty of experience modifying ISO files without losing their bootable properties. I guess I'll try adding the contents of the second disc and I'll see what happens.

I don't see how you're confused about the "for profit" comment. I will be building, selling, and installing entire Media Center Hi-Def setups. I want to include a single, fully-automated setup disc because Microsoft totally b0rked the installation process.

That's what I'm saying, can you legaly provide remastered CD to customers for your automated setup discs? I'm not saying you don't know how to create and burn an image, I'm saying at the top level folder there should be a file that has the cd name. When the installation is looking for a cd it checks that file to determine which CD is in the drive. I believe that it doesn't check the CD property title.

As for the remastering, it sounds fine as long as you bundle the original CD and license with it. I would double check with MS, but that's upto you.

That's correct, as long as you provide the original hologram cd's and the original license, custom restore cd's are fine

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

what about the large OEM's? I dont think i've received any hologram cd's for years. They all just come with one small custom recovery cd