NLite Problem - Really Stuck!

[Raystr]

Hi All,

I am having real problems trying to use NLite, can you help me please?

Here's the situation:

I tried to do a reformat using my original Windows XP Disc but when asked to press any key to boot from the disc, it made no effect, and Windows launched instead. I also got the report that the software I was trying to install from the disc, was "Older" than that on my system (common problem I think)

So, this is what I did:

1. Installed NLite, and went through all the stages and created an ISO file, containing SP3 and Update 3...no problem!

2. After NLite did it's thing, I ended up with a "WINRAR" archive, which ends in the extention, .iso!

3. When inserted into my CD Drive, it DOESN'T boot, and does exactly the same thing as my original disc. All I get is the blue splash screen but as before this is no good because windows has been allowed to load.

**My question is....Should this file that Nlite produces be a WINRAR ARCHIVE FOLDER, or am I doing something wrong? This is how it looks "fullISOImage070809.iso" but it is actually a WINRAR ARCHIVE!

Please help, because I am really stuck!

Kindest Regards,

Raystr

Edited August 9, 2009 by Raystr

[Kelsenellenelvian]

#1 OK that sounds good (Not sure about update 3, but the rest is ok)

#2 WinRAR is a multi format utility. It recognizes and unpacks MANY, MANY different formats .iso just being one of them so that is right too.

#3 You need to burn the iso to the disk, not on the disk. Meaning you select and let nlite burn it or use a burner like imageburn.

As for the blue screen, what type of PC\Motherboard is it? If it has SATA drives you are missing a key step. If not then you are just plain old burning the cd wrong. (Common mistake, don't sweat it.)

[johnhc]

Raystr, first, please edit your first post and change the title to something that reflects your problem - not just a plea for help. Please see the forum rules at the top of the page. How did you make your ISO? In the last task of nLite, you can build an ISO and burn it to a CD/DVD. It sounds like you simply do not have a bootable CD. I suspect you are using some tools after running nLite and don't have the proper boot sector. The default ISO name created by nLite is WinLite.iso. It should not be an RAR archive. Please let us know when you have a solution. Enjoy, John.

[jaclaz]

#3 You need to burn the iso to the disk, not on the disk. Meaning you select and let nlite burn it or use a burner like imageburn.

Here:

imageburn IMGBURN:

http://www.imgburn.com/

http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=screenshots#isowrite

http://forum.imgburn.com/index.php?showtopic=61

The default ISO name created by nLite is WinLite.iso. It should not be an RAR archive.

It is NOT a "RAR archive", simply WinRAR has been associated to the .iso extension, as many programs can be, like Winimage, 7-zip, etc., etc.

jaclaz

Edited August 9, 2009 by jaclaz

[Raystr]

A BIG Thank You for your replies - and also, sorry for the topic heading (I'll try to edit it)

It would appear that I am doing something wrong, that's for sure...anyway, I'll look at your suggestions one by one.......

Thanks again guys for your very quick response...I'll let you know how I get on.......

Now to "Edit" that title.....this'll be a laugh!

Edited August 9, 2009 by Raystr

[Raystr]

Right....The Blue Screen I refer to, is the Windows XP start up splash screen that you get from the XP Disc, so , This Is Not A Fault!

Obviously, if I was able to "Boot the disc" on start up from dos, I would never see this, and instead would get to the "Recovery Console" where I would be able to select to FORMAT the hard drive, with the "R" command. Unfortunately, the disc is totally ignored, and instead..XP Loads!

For the record: When I click on the .iso file created by NLite, I get to the XP start up splash screen as normal. This screen allows for an install but NOT a Reformat. I also, noticed, that it asks for the CD Key, even though I have used the unattended option in NLite...clearly, the disc isn't working OR IS IT?

With regard to burning the iso file and Kelsins....reply: You need to burn the iso to the disk, not on the disk, what exactly do you mean mate "To the disc NOT ON THE DISC"....can you please be more precise!

Finally, whilst in NLite, I asked it to "Create" an image file, and then clicked on Make ISO.....the result was a Winrar archive, with the extension .iso

Hope this helps and once again, Thanks Guys!

Regards,

Raystr

[jaclaz]

Raystr

Take a deep breath, don't panic.

You DO NOT "click on the .iso".

You burn the .iso to (if you prefer over) a CD, which means that you "fill" the CD with the contents of the .iso, NOT that you create a new CD with the .iso file in it.

A .iso is an image file representing a whole CD, NOT a file to be written in a CD filesystem, but rather the CD filesystem.

Link to a suitable app (advised) and how to use it given.

Simply do what is clearly, step by step, detailed in the given links.

jaclaz

[Ponch]

Maybe you just need to enable "USB Legacy" or something like that in the bios for your keyboard to be effective at CD boot.

[albator]

@Raystr

you are wrong, an .iso file with the winrar icons is still an iso file !

It's just that winrar will associate itself by default with the .iso.

[Raystr]

Once again, Thank You for your replies fella's - Back to the drawing board!

I almost gave it up as a bad job last night but will give it "one last attempt"

Whatever the outcome - Thanks Again!

Regards,

Raystr