Microsoft warns users against using Vlite

[Aberforth]

From TechPowerup
Windows Vista is known for a lot of things. Among them is eating memory, both in storage and RAM, like a fat kid through cake. The folks who made VLite, a program designed to let you custom-build a Windows Vista disk without a lot of things you don't need, were very proud of what their program was doing for people who liked a streamlined operating system. Unfortunately for VLite, Microsoft has sent a look of scorn at the makers of the software. A public outcry asks, why? After all, VLite keeps people using Vista, instead of letting them come to the conclusion that XP is more streamlined, and should be used in place of Vista. However, Microsoft's reason for not liking VLite actually makes a lot of sense. When users go merrily chopping programs and processes willy-nilly, they risk keeping Windows Vista from updating properly in the future. Basically, Windows Update would try to update a component that isn't there, making parts of Windows unstable, and possibly bricking the whole system.

As long as you understand the risks, though, and know what you're doing, using VLite should not be a problem, and Microsoft is not going to make VLite copies of Vista illegal.

http://www.techpowerup.com/index.php?51421

 

[VinDSL]

LoL!

vLite is like 'streamlining' in reverse...

Since MS allows one method, why not allow the other?!?!? 😀

 

[Red Squirrel]

wow I'm actually very surprised MS is not more against vlite then that. So they're basically saying its ok but just understand the risks.

 

[hclarkjr]

Microsoft is overstating the risks. i used nlite for years which is the same persons program for XP that does the same exact thing on XP. he thoroughly beta tests his projects and accepts input from everybody via a tech forum like here.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: hclarkjr
Microsoft is overstating the risks. i used nlite for years which is the same persons program for XP that does the same exact thing on XP. he thoroughly beta tests his projects and accepts input from everybody via a tech forum like here.

Right - and in each version, there are usually quite a few flaws or bugs that impact the final product (negatively), and so he keeps putting out updates.

Don't get me wrong - if you're into it, it's neat stuff. But it shouldn't be used for anything more than hacking in the back rooms (non-production, non-professional use). There are all kinds of possible issues that can crop up when using nonstandard deployment mechanisms - anything from a bug on vLite's part to a design decision on Microsoft's part that causes the system to come crumbling down if XYZ.dll isn't installed correctly.

If you want to really learn how to do this (there's real money in this if you're good), rather than just hack around, download the Microsoft Windows Deployment Kit or the Business Deployment Desktop 2007 kits. Those provide a repeatable, supportable, professional development environment for a customized desktop image.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: hclarkjr
Microsoft is overstating the risks. i used nlite for years which is the same persons program for XP that does the same exact thing on XP. he thoroughly beta tests his projects and accepts input from everybody via a tech forum like here.

Nonsense. I've had problems since day one of using it. nlite and XP install/update is a VERY difference beast than vlite and vista install/update. Knock yourself out and vlite all you want, but don't pretend that there arent any issues. The risks are not overstated at all, theyre actually fairly well stated without going overboard.

 

[hclarkjr]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: hclarkjr
Microsoft is overstating the risks. i used nlite for years which is the same persons program for XP that does the same exact thing on XP. he thoroughly beta tests his projects and accepts input from everybody via a tech forum like here.

Nonsense. I've had problems since day one of using it. nlite and XP install/update is a VERY difference beast than vlite and vista install/update. Knock yourself out and vlite all you want, but don't pretend that there arent any issues. The risks are not overstated at all, theyre actually fairly well stated without going overboard.

have you posted on the vlite forums asking for assitance?

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: hclarkjr

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: hclarkjr
Microsoft is overstating the risks. i used nlite for years which is the same persons program for XP that does the same exact thing on XP. he thoroughly beta tests his projects and accepts input from everybody via a tech forum like here.

Nonsense. I've had problems since day one of using it. nlite and XP install/update is a VERY difference beast than vlite and vista install/update. Knock yourself out and vlite all you want, but don't pretend that there arent any issues. The risks are not overstated at all, theyre actually fairly well stated without going overboard.

have you posted on the vlite forums asking for assitance?

Wasnt going to bother until full sp1 is out. I havent heard of any fixes, and I know Im not the only one affected by this.