nLite newbie - creating up-to-date XP Pro SP3 setup disc

[falcon8]

I have a Windows XP Pro SP2 setup disc which was provided with my system (used Dell Optiplex). I have figured out how to slipstream sp3 into my image using nLite but would like to add a few other things to bring my setup up to date and have my "base system (Win XP up-to-date + IE8 + Adobe Flash with no Autoruns)" installed upon the completion of WinXP Setup.

I intend to put the following update packs into my nLite'd Setup disc and am wondering if there is a "best" order for adding them?

OnePiece_IE8_WinXPSP3_v2.2.0_AddOn

xable_WindowsUpdateEngine_v1.4_AddOn

xable_UpdatePack_SP3_v2.0.3

xable_AdobeFlashPlayer_v1.13_addon

xable_WGAV_v1.6_addon

xable_DisableAutorun.inf_v1.0_addon <- is this same as nLite's Disable Autorun tweak option?

I would also like to have the Update for Root Certificates and MS .NET Framework updates incorporated into my Setup disc, what is the best way to do that?

I have figured out how to setup a basic test environment using VMWare Player but am wondering if there is any way I can have it mimic the exact equipment of my system so that I can test the drivers that I am trying to include in the image as well. I realize this isn't a VMWare support forum, just thought I'd ask at same time.

Thanks in advance for any help provided.

Edited October 10, 2010 by falcon8

[Sp0iLedBrAt]

Welcome to MSFN

xable_DisableAutorun.inf_v1.0_addon <- is this same as nLite's Disable Autorun tweak option?

Yes.

I would also like to have the Update for Root Certificates and MS .NET Framework updates incorporated into my Setup disc, what is the best way to do that?

Not sure about the Update root certificates, maybe there is a silent switch, but you can't just add it as you do with the add-ons; you can download ready-made add-ons for .NET Framework or make it yourself with this http://www.msfn.org/...8-w2kxp2k3-x86/

am wondering if there is any way I can have it mimic the exact equipment of my system so that I can test the drivers

Unfortunately, no. You can use a VM to test the process of install and possible errors after first logon, but the driver integration will not work on a VM. It is a very reliable process, as long as you have the correct drivers and are adding them in the correct mode. E.g. SATA/RAID/AHCI drivers get integrated in TXT (text) mode, whereas other (network, video, chipset, modem...) drivers should go as PnP. My best advice is to integrate SATA/RAID/AHCI drivers last in order.

Cheers

[falcon8]

Ok, one other question. It seems I currently have an OEM disc from Dell. While that isn't a problem here at work (since all the systems are Dells), can I use the same updated disc that I have created on other systems and just input their Windows license code upon installation? I tend to be the "tech guy" for most of my friends & acquaintances and would like to build a winxp setup disc that I can use on any of their systems for reformats as well.

I am already looking at using WinXP Power Packer to combine a friend's WinXP Home edition with the WinXP Pro I have already. That home edition is also a Dell OEM. I am not so worried about being sure I have all the latest drivers on this disc, as I can usually use the default drivers to access the internet and download any drivers needed. Any suggestions as to the best way to proceed in order to make a WinXP 2in1 Setup disc that will provide an up to date OS install on the majority of their systems? Though I realize XP is rather out of date in itself at this point, I tend to prefer it due to the lower system requirements and overhead needed. I also realize that I may have to add Win7 to my tool bag before long, since all currently sold systems have Win7 licenses and not XP.

Edited October 14, 2010 by falcon8

[Ponch]

While that isn't a problem here at work (since all the systems are Dells), can I use the same updated disc that I have created on other systems and just input their Windows license code upon installation?

It is a problem

-at work, because nLite is for personal use only, no commercial use.

-at friends because that Dell OEM disc can legally only be used on (Dell) OEM machines (and yes, "personal use" also applies).

[falcon8]

While that isn't a problem here at work (since all the systems are Dells), can I use the same updated disc that I have created on other systems and just input their Windows license code upon installation?

It is a problem

-at work, because nLite is for personal use only, no commercial use.

-at friends because that Dell OEM disc can legally only be used on (Dell) OEM machines (and yes, "personal use" also applies).

So the discs that I received with these Dell systems that were sold in the 2nd hand market as used "off lease" systems that were created using nLite (and are essentially DELL OEM discs) are not even usable?

According to my understanding of Windows licensing, both OEM or Retail, I understand that the copy of WinXP that I am intending to use as my base came with an OEM license key and that license key can only be used on the OEM system it came with. I don't understand why using the setup files to install WinXP and using the destination system's license key would be a problem. I have no intention of transferring license keys to different machines, just using one set of setup files to avoid needing to keep track of 15 different copies of the exact same operating system.

As far as use of nLite here at work, wouldn't "commercial use" consist of reselling the discs (or including the discs with a sale) rather than using one disc to simplify my tech support needs here at work? If the second case would be considered "commercial use", I would venture to guess that at least 70% of the people that currently use nLite would fall under "commercial users".

Edited October 14, 2010 by falcon8

[falcon8]

Instead of getting sidetracked into a copyright infringement debate (which I have no intention of doing), I would like to rephrase my question.

Does anyone know of any problems using an OEM WinXP Setup disc as a source for installing Win XP onto another manufacturer's system?

Again, I am not using my OEM license on any other system than the one it originally came with, merely using the Setup files (+ any Hotfixes I find prior to building) as a Source to facilitate a much reduced System Setup time. It is very annoying running this WinXP sp2 Setup, having to go thru the 2 (more?) reboots that entails, then going to Windows Update and having to install 2-3 packages as separate updates (sp3, ie8, netfx - with reboots between each), then having to go back to Windows Update and actually start the process of installing the 90+ updates that have been released since sp3 (which usually entails at least 2 more passes & reboots thru Win Update). This process currently entails 2-4 hours to just get the Operating System installed & updated and ready to add other software. Under my tests so far (on my Dell systems) with an updated (unattended) source, it is down to about an hour (maybe a bit less) for the OS to be fully installed and up to date.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

You are making a profit using nLite THAT is what falls under the term "Commercial usage"

EVERYTING that nLite does can be duplicated with other means that are free and ok to use in commercial areas.

My suggestion?

I see you are familiar with the ryanvm update packs. There is an integrator that goes with them! (OK to use in buisness setting) Also you can use runonceex

There are 2 basic types of windows XP disks you need to concern yourself with. Retail and OEM. NOBODY really says you cannot make and use the same disk for OEM systems the concern here is that you are using nLite and that you may be distrubuting these disks with the system or repair job. (Which is DEFINATLY illegal)

Edited October 15, 2010 by Kelsenellenelvian

[Ponch]

We can understand your motivations in ignoring nLite's legal agreement at the same time as requesting help with that, but it still doesn't make your point valid.

As Kelsenellenelvian very gently said, other tools exist to do that. Also ask your boss if your workplace has any policy regarding EULAs.

[falcon8]

A: I am not trying to ignore anything about nLite's legal agreement or anyone else's. I have no intention of distributing any discs to anyone regardless of the way they were created. I am trying to build a single setup disc for my use in various settings - home, friends, and at work since I am the default IT guy, tho I am not an IT technician, nor is that my primary job. We are a small printing company and my primary job is to process & consult on business mailings along with various secondary tasks, which includes tech support of the 5 systems we have here.

B: Although I have recently heard of Ryan's Integrator, I have yet to look at it so wasn't aware of what it's capabilities are or it's legal uses available. I have played with nLite in the past just attempting to cobble something together for my own use at home since I have been building my own systems for several years. I came across nLite a few years ago in a magazine's cd (Maximum PC?). As far as any other tools, I wasn't aware of them being available.

You are making a profit using nLite THAT is what falls under the term "Commercial usage".

I don't understand how this would apply. Are you saying that if I am being paid for my knowledge & time spent in setting up a system and making that process easier (and shorter which means less charges involved) using a disc I created with nLite along the way, profiting from the use of nLite?

Edited October 15, 2010 by falcon8

[Kelsenellenelvian]

I don't understand how this would apply. Are you saying that if I am being paid for my knowledge & time spent in setting up a system and making that process easier (and shorter which means less charges involved) using a disc I created with nLite along the way, profiting from the use of nLite?

Exactly what I am saying

PLUS!

nLite changes MANY files even when you are only adding addons and drivers...

I understand that nLite saves a CHITLOAD of time BUT, think of all of the extra knowledge you gain (And the experience making you a more valuable employee) if you learn how to do this yourself.

Edited October 16, 2010 by Kelsenellenelvian