ME2U

Tried adding those files in driver.cab using Joebeck's method since it also updates the driverindex files, however, the driver (SATA) was not recognized/read/installed properly, so back to the $OEM$ method.

I don't think this is possible in a CD bootup installation running the normal WinXP setup. If you can copy the directory/files that are created by winnt32.exe on a CD then copy this to the target HD, you can probably get away without the need of removing the HD from the case and just copying the contents from CD. The files/directories you are as follows NTLDR NTDETECT.COM txtsetup.sif Boot.ini (hidden file, use attrib -H -R to show it) $WIN_NT$.~BT (with all subfolders and files) $WIN_NT$.~LS (with all subfolders and files)

Indeed a copy of i386 folder is created on your HD with /makelocalsource switch for the winnt32.exe but this is erased/deleted once installation is completed. So what I do is include a copy command in the T-13 mark so a copy of the local source is copied to the windows directory before this is deleted. For a new installation, this only works if you have access to a computer tha already has a WinXP os running. What I do is use an external USB 2.0 to IDE connection/box and hook up the target HD there. I run winnt32.exe from the working computer and winnt32.exe does it job by copying the files to the target HD hooked up through USB. Don't forget the other switches such as /noreboot /syspart /tempdrive. After doing this, you can then move the HD to the target PC and it should install by iteself without the need for CD drive.

Is there a way to make Winnt32 copy the svcpack directory automatically since I am using similar method to deploy the OS to a second HD? (using the /syspart /noreboot and other switches) Its much faster than installing via CDROM. The only remedy I could think of is to use a batch file to copy the svcpack directory to the target HD. By the way, your website has plenty of very helpfull information. Thank you very much...

Why is the svcpack directory not copied when performing Gosh's method for reducing size. I am also using similar method to deploy Win XP to several PCs via USB/IDE connection, but Winnt32.exe does not copy the svcpack directory from the source. Appreciate any help.