New Install w/SP2

[fbrdphreak]

Long story short, I am going to be reformatting my computer tomorrow morning. Basically, I want to get some feedback on what order I should do things in.
First of all, I have the following XP CDs: XP Pro (Pre-SP1) and Pro SP1a. I can also slipstream SP2 onto a disc and go from there. What would you recommend?
Now, if I don't slipstream SP2, should I install all of my device drivers BEFORE or AFTER SP2. You can see my rig in my sig, so I mainly have to install the VIA 4in1 drivers, nVidia ForceWare, and Creative drivers.
Luckily I have all of my personal files on a second HDD, so if I have to I can reformat at any point and go from scratch WITHOUT SP2, but I figured this would be the perfect time to try it. Thanks in advance for any feedback

 

[MrChad]

Slipstream SP2 onto your original XP pro CD. After installing, run Windows Update then install your latest drivers.

 

[Canterwood]

A slipstreamed SP2 install likely to go a lot smoother.

If you decide not to slipstream, then install XP, next install SP2, then your drivers, then your apps.

 

[caledai]

Slipstream the sp2. I did this and then installed all the drivers etc. Using the cd takes a least 1h30 less (time for sp2 to apply) and there is no undo files filling up your hd from updates.

 

[EULA]

I'm going to suggest applying latest drivers before SP2; I applied latest drivers after, and now I don't have a standby feature anymore, however I did when I applied drivers before upgrading to SP2. I've already loaded much software, and don't feel like redoing anything...

 

[fbrdphreak]

Slipstreaming sounds good to me. But the question now is do I use the original pre-SP1 CD or the SP1a CD or does it matter? I guess it all depends on if you have to have SP1 installed to use SP2.....
P.S. Thx for all the replies!

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Slipstreaming sounds good to me. But the question now is do I use the original pre-SP1 CD or the SP1a CD or does it matter? I guess it all depends on if you have to have SP1 installed to use SP2.....
P.S. Thx for all the replies!

No it doesnt matter you can you either of them.

 

[CJP]

Ok this might sound dumb but when you slipstream do you copy your files onto the actual original XP disk (I didn't think it was a cd-r disk) or do the more likely and copy the original and service pack onto a separate cdr/w?

 

[ginfest]

Originally posted by: CJP
Ok this might sound dumb but when you slipstream do you copy your files onto the actual original XP disk (I didn't think it was a cd-r disk) or do the more likely and copy the original and service pack onto a separate cdr/w?

Here's a good little guide on the process:

slipstream SP


I also saw a good one here at AT a couple weeks ago, do a search.

Mike G

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Ginfest

Originally posted by: CJP
Ok this might sound dumb but when you slipstream do you copy your files onto the actual original XP disk (I didn't think it was a cd-r disk) or do the more likely and copy the original and service pack onto a separate cdr/w?

Here's a good little guide on the process:

slipstream SP


I also saw a good one here at AT a couple weeks ago, do a search.

Mike G

I like this guide.

To answer the original question, slipstream involves the following steps.

1. Copying the contents of your XP CD onto your hard drive.
2. Downloading the network installation version of the the service pack and extracting it to your hard drive.
3. Running the service pack setup using special command line switches that will integrate the service pack files with the original XP setup files (which are now on your hard drive from step one).
4. Burning the newly integrated CD files back onto a new CD (and making that new CD bootable).

It's extremely easy to do, and it can save you a lot of time if and when you need to rebuild a system.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Update: I slipstreamed SP2 and it went smoothly. Right now its formatting my HDD and we'll go from there. I just wanted to post another slipstream link that I found, as this method makes it particularly easy. While the other methods listed where you have to integrate SP2 from the command line and use Nero to make a bootable CD, etc etc are not challening to the tech savvy, this way is fast and easy for all.
MSFN Universal Windows Slipstream Guide
It also works for any copy of Windows with any SP. Check it out
I'll write back later after Windows is installed & all my drivers are up & running

 

[Raincity]

There is some freeware program that will intergrate the service pack files and create a bootable iso for you. I am sure that somebody around here knows the name of the program.

 

[fbrdphreak]

The link I posted before your post is to a guide that uses that software. It is called nLite.