XP SP3 & Updates Integration

[JChambers]

I have been desperately trying to integrate SP3 and all the updates into an XP installation to no avail.

I have tried using nLite, RyanVM, and manual slipstreaming.

I've tried burning the results with many software packages, and have been using the recommended programs to work with the boot files (usually isobuster).

No matter what combination I follow, this always fails. my nLite discs fail during the GUI phase of installation, usually missing several vital files that won't let windows finish installing (If I try with nLite to create the install, then burn it using Nero Burning ROM, whether using my own boot file or the one that came with the CD to begin with or even the one nLite produces, I get the message "0 Active Partitions" after the DOS boot phase".

When attempting a RyanVM or manual slipstream method, I end up with the same problem. I even tried creating my install, then using a boot-from-HDD method to do the installation. I still get the active partition error. Before you ask, yes the HDD is good. Tried this with over a dozen HDD's (all passed every diagnostic I could throw at them) on dozens of machines.

I've given up trying to create this (everytime someone tries to give me an answer, they just copy and paste instructions from the sites I tried to begin with). Instead, I'm trying to find out if there's a release of the OS's from Microsoft that comes with SP3 and the updates already built in, and isn't cracked. I am a repair tech, and I'm tired of 1-1.5 hours of updates after doing an XP/SP2 installation every time someone catches a nasty bug. I tried slipstreaming the updates post-install, and this works, but it still can take an hour for all of them depending on the machine.

PLEASE help, I'm at my wits end on a solution to this, and everytime I search for an integrated installation on TechNet or Microsoft's main site, I just keep getting links to the SP3 network installation. BAH.

Thanks

[spacesurfer]

I have tried using nLite, RyanVM, and manual slipstreaming.

my nLite discs fail during the GUI phase of installation, usually missing several vital files that won't let windows finish installing (If I try with nLite to create the install, then burn it using Nero Burning ROM, whether using my own boot file or the one that came with the CD to begin with or even the one nLite produces, I get the message "0 Active Partitions" after the DOS boot phase".

When you say you've tried manual slipstreaming, did you try this method here: http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/S...ice_Pack_3.html?

You said there are several vital files missing, did you write the names down, then look in the CD to see if they were there or not?

When you say using your own boot file or the one that came with the CD, what do you mean? What boot file are you talking about?

Okay, so you get a message "0 active partitions" (I've NEVER seen that error before; I have seen missing HDD error but not PARTITIONS), do you actually see your HDD(s) and the partitions during the text-mode setup?

Are you HDD's SATA or IDE? Do you have the sata drivers integrated? Or are you using F6 to provide the drivers?

Yeah, you provide information but not all of it. Lot of information missing.