Trying To Create a BOOTABLE XP-PRO Disk with SP3

[Bazz49]

HHEELLPP...I am struggling here folks. I didn't think it would be so hard. I have the latest version of nLite and am trying to Slipstream SP3 into an older XP Pro without any Service Packs. I have read several threads already on this forum, and have followed all advice with no luck. For options I only choose "Integrate Service Pack" and "Make ISO". It copies from my XP CD to a directory, off the root, called XPUpgrade without issue. I then point nLite to my downloaded SP3 Service Pack renamed to "winsp3.exe". Integration goes well without issue. On next screen I choose "Make ISO" instead of clicking next. ISO file iscreated to my Desktop and is named "WinLite.iso and is 635MB in size. I then burn the ISO file to a blank CD using Nero 9 selecting create data disk. The burn is successful but when I try and boot to the disk I get repeated errors saying "Non System Disk" My original XP CD still boots on both of my DVD/CD drives so I know it's not the drives. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? I'm so frustrated. I've wasted 9 blank CD's trying to accomplish something I was told was very simple with nLite SW. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

[Sp0iLedBrAt]

Did you try just to burn it without making an ISO file? nLite offers such an option on the same screen as "Make ISO file". I don't know Nero 9 (I use Nero 6), but I don't think there is a big difference if you will use data or mixed mode burning.

I hope you are not burning the ISO image itself, but have mounted it on a virtual disk to get the data from the XP SP3 CD; then you can simply choose "Copy CD" in Nero's options.

Cheers

Edited May 22, 2009 by Sp0iLedBrAt

[Guest]

Test the ISO without burning it with a virtual machine like VMware or VirtualBox. Both are free.

You should also try rewritable CDs and slower write speeds. You'll save a lot of money.

[johnhc]

Bazz49, your problem is in burning the CD from the ISO. You must burn a bootable CD (with a boot sector). I recommend you simply use nLite for this purpose or better yet, use a virtual system for testing - no more coasters. VirtualPC, VirtualBox and VMware Server are all free. I don't think this is a problem, but I would suggest you leave the SP named as MS intended. This habit will get you in trouble later. Now, please attach (not paste) your Last Session.ini. Make sure to always start with a fresh copy of your CD files/folders, do all your work in one nLite session and integrate only one SP. Please report when you have a solution, so others can benefit. Enjoy, John.

[Bazz49]

John,

Got your post. I have the file you wanted and I will try and figure out how to attach it. I think I got it. Let me know if you get it and have any further advice. thanks in advance...

Last_Session.ini

[submix8c]

I then burn the ISO file to a blank CD using Nero 9 selecting create data disk. The burn is successful but when I try and boot to the disk I get repeated errors saying "Non System Disk"

Oh-Ho! Burned incorrectly. You don't make a "compilation" and burn the ISO as "data" to it. You have to literally burn the ISO (as an ISO) to it. In other words, open the ISO with Nero and burn it. (I'm thinking this is the problem).

(edit - or maybe not... see post below...)

Edited May 22, 2009 by submix8c

[johnhc]

Bazz49, in your Last Session is the line:

Target = Windows XP Professional SP1 - 5.1.2600.1106 - English (United States)

I think this reflects the fact that you changed the name of SP3. I assume you integrated SP3, and nLite should show SP3 in the Target area. So, if you have any further problems, change the name of SP3 back to MS's original name. Please let us know how it goes. Enjoy, John.

[submix8c]

It copies from my XP CD to a directory, off the root, called XPUpgrade

AARGG! Is the original an Upgrade CD? If so, it's not bootable. You will need to get the Boot Binary and (somehow?) insert it. That is, if it will actually do a clean install. I am under the impression an Upgrade only works on top of another pre-installed OS.

Or am I really missing the boat, John?

edit - Update!

To get the "compliance check", just copy your "win98" (if you have one) or "win9x" (WinME if you have one) folder (including the foldername) to the location of the root of you XP-copied CD before nLiting. (dunno how this will work for nLite; assume the "compliance search" will find it). If more space needed (if you run into this), you MAY be able to delete the SP1.CAB and SP1.CAT files from the I386 folder.

edit (again) - you state original boots, so "bootable" should not be an issue (besides, I notice nLite has the Boot.Bin included)...

(sheesh... been a while...)

Edited May 22, 2009 by submix8c

[Bazz49]

It is an XP Pro Upgrade disc. Normally during installation, when it asks, I throw in a copy of Win NT 4.0 and everything's good. Do I have as issue using an upgrade disk trying to create a bootable disk. What I don't understand is my upgrade disk boots fine. I'm not looking for an unattended install disk. I plan on being in front of the puter for the F6 prompt, as well as the "Insert former Windows Disk" prompt. I just don't want to have to DL forever to get all the SP's. Does that make sense?

[submix8c]

Try johnhc's suggestion(s) and also confirm that you have a "BOOTABLE" ISO. This can be confirmed by cranking up Nero's ImageDrive software.

1- Go the the Tools (in Nero) and start ImageDrive.

2- Define First Drive (on initial screen - a "fake" drive will be installed)

3- Go to (new) First Drive tab and Mount the ISO (press SHIFT so no auto-play)

4a- in Explorer, go the the "fake new" CD/DVD and check the properties - should say "bootable" -OR-

4b- in Nero, use the Tabs to find Disk Info (or something like that) and check

In addition, if it IS bootable, you can "copy" the mounted image (as if you had 1 reader and 1 burner) to a real CD. Just don't forget to "unmount" the ISO in ImageDrive.

Something squirrely here (maybe just what johnhc said - he's one of the experts). The thing should be bootable AND have x.SP3 (x being "whatever") files in the mounted ISO (using the Search Folders function). If your PC has the "power", get MS' Virtual PC (free), install it, and test the ISO (no need for ImageDrive for this) so you know you're good. You'll probably going to have to make an ISO of your NT CD to do this (Nero should be able to do this - MUST be a ".ISO' file for Virt.PC) so you can unmount/mount/remount during testing (you'll figure it out). After you've confirmed you're good, then start all over and include ALL of the known hotfixes etc according to nLite.

Good luck. And don't forget that nLite wants to start from SCRATCH to work correctly.

Edited May 23, 2009 by submix8c

[johnhc]

Bazz49, I am not knowledgeable of using an upgrade CD, except for an earlier post in which a way was found to include the necessary files in your source folder to avoid having to insert during install, and your reported experience. In fact, submix8c may well be correct on what to do, but do a search for the upgrade path thread. You can include text mode drivers (and all other drivers) into your CD using nLite - no wait for F6. There are also Update Packs (see RyanVM forums), then you have just one large DL and you are set. What you are doing makes sense to me - each to his/her own. Have fun, John.

[Bazz49]

This is really killing me. I give up. Where can I buy an XP-PRO CD with SP's already installed. I've already downloaded almost 2 gigs of VM's and free programs. Registered my a** off on half a dozen sites...meaning I'll get triple the SPAM I do now. I give up.

[submix8c]

NO NO! Don't give up! It CAN be done and FYI SP3 cd's are NOT available (except by MSDN subscription). Try what's been proposed. Trust me, it will work! FWIW, you could just test direct integration (not using nLite using the "/integrate" switch) and see how it goes. If good, then just use the created direct Slip to polish off everything else.

Please don't be frustrated. You ARE in THE only place with quick help and solutions...

(p.s. no spam in RyanVM's place and there is more good info in there, including integration of the "extras"... we-no-likey-spam) (oh, BTW, I use MS' Virtual PC 2004 on my PC - works great)

RyanVM

Driver Packs

Unattended Site Map (has SATA drivers)

Remember, that you don't want a FULL unattended since you have to pop in an NT cd (unless you have a DVD burner - put your NT I386 contents in a NOT I386 folder in the initial start, just like the 9x suggestion).

edit - you DID start with a full SP3 Administrative file (not the "skinny" one), right?

(btw, I'm the "anonymous" user - I like it that way; and you must "refresh" the screen to see new posts and an italisized "member" means they are writing a post...)

DOH! Forgot to mention HFSlip as an alternative (to inserting the updates), and AutoPatcher or Windows Updates Downloader (WUD) to get all of the latest updates ready to Rock&Roll. Google Search... All of which are directly or indirectly related to MSFN.

(you mention F6, so you must have some special drivers needed to install, all found at MSFN or above links)

Edited May 23, 2009 by submix8c

[Bazz49]

Downloaded VM Server SW. Huge file and it has completely taken over my work laptop as far as resources. I tried to pull this off on my brand new Home Built gaming Puter and it didn't work. Read on forums that I can't make an XP ISO disc on a Vista machine. Is that true...My vista machine is super powerful but based on what I read I'm relegated to using my work laptop with 1 gig of memory. AAARRRRGGGGHHHH.

[submix8c]

Bloated and unnecessary - try this one (the one I use) -

Virtual PC 2004

Here's VPC2K7 -

VPC 2007

Neither larger than 32 mb download. 2K7 is more suited for Vista (or xp/2k3/higher). Both free and work fine (MS provides it for newer OS "trials").

Delete any other Virtual PC / VM software (taking up space) unless you PAID for it (burn to CD/DVD). 1GB RAM should be more than enough. For a test install of XP, will need about 3-4GB disk space (define it that size) and 128mb RAM (set in the VM). BTW, if you install VPC on Vista, then install the "original" XP into a VM on it, you can "slip" within the VM. (True, no "slip" on running Vista, only running 2K or XP.)

Server version is for advanced stuff (not needed), so uninstall (if you did). If you want, get the "Virtal PC 2007" (not the server version). But the 2004 version should be fine (as I said, I use it and on "nunya" OS).

Magic, man! So take it easy, have patience, we'll help you (as others have helped us). If it comes to it, I/we will post screenshots step-by-step instructions. I have an older version of XP I can test out the method (using nLite and otherwise) for the "slip" and "install" if necessary (have 1.5ghz cpu, 1.2gb RAM, and lotsa HD space). Have an NT CD, but sadly only have OEM and Full XP's (no Upgrade), so can't test that scenario...

Anything you downloaded "un-useful", go ahead and delete or burn off your HDD (not the nLite, the SP3, or the newly "slipped" so you can see if ok). Make your space available; 2GB of unnecessary "junk"...

Will check in 2-morrow with ya (free time ennyhoo until about 5pm EST). Gonna go now to keep peace with ole lady. Take a break, sip a brew (or tea maybe). Later.

Edited May 23, 2009 by submix8c