Windows XP Help - Drivers, Disks, etc

[Murrgh]

I'm trying to get a full set of Windows XP Disks, as I reinstall Windows a lot, on various machines.

I know there are Three Types of Windows

• Professional
  
• Home
  
• Media Center
  

And for each on there are three types

• Preinstalled
  
• Full Retail Version
  
• Business
  

Meaning I will have to get Three Professional, Three Home, and Three Media Center (One of each type for each OS) I know I can't use any of them, as the keys do not work interchangeably, for instance, I know I cannot use a Preinstalled Windows Home Key with a Windows XP Full Retail Disc.

I currently do not have all of the disks, and so how can I go by getting them? I've called Microsoft, and they will not give them to me. I am avoiding from downloading from most websites, because I am not sure as to what people have also put into the files.

So, here are my questions.

1. How Can I get the rest of the Disks?
   
2. How can I get the Minor Updates? *I can install Windows onto any computer, and if I did, how can I get the minor updates from the already, up to date, installed copy?
   
3. I am using NLite, and I am also using Driver Detective after I install Windows on a Computer, is there a generic ethernet driver for Windows XP? I cannot use Driver Detective unless I have internet connection.
   
4. On Nlite, how can I slip Stream a driver? I have gotten a USB Ethernet Cable Adapter (I Prefer Wired Connections) and Integrated it onto my disk, and once installed, the USB Dongle doesn't work.
   
5. Is there a way to include programs (Such as AVG or Firefox) into my install disk, using NLite?
   

Thanks!

Edited October 15, 2010 by Murrgh

[Sp0iLedBrAt]

Welcome to MSFN.

Before we answer any of your questions, please confirm that you are not running a business, as nLite is tool licensed for personal use only.

If you ARE running a business, there are other ways to do what nLite does.

[Murrgh]

Welcome to MSFN.

Before we answer any of your questions, please confirm that you are not running a business, as nLite is tool licensed for personal use only.

If you ARE running a business, there are other ways to do what nLite does.

No, I am currently just doing it personally, for my self.

But what are other ways to do what nLite does, as this may evolve?

[Sp0iLedBrAt]

Well, for example, nLite automates what we already know about different things: integrating Service Packs, Hotfixes, Critical Updates, drivers and installation of programs from the XP CD/DVD. All this can be done manually and you have but to look at the sub-forum titles on the main forum page to realize you have the needed info here. From there on, it's a matter of search and you posing specific questions to get specific answers. There are tools to do specific jobs whose EULAs aren't against commercial use.

Cheers

[Murrgh]

Thanks

So now that you know I am doing this for myself, would you mind answering my questions?

Thanks!

Edited October 16, 2010 by Murrgh

[Sp0iLedBrAt]

How Can I get the rest of the Disks?

Have you tried ordering what is left from amazon or newegg?

How can I get the Minor Updates? *I can install Windows onto any computer, and if I did, how can I get the minor updates from the already, up to date, installed copy?

You can download updates with update lists (see Windows Updates Downloader) or other lists like this http://win-x.co.cc/updates.html. You can also use an update pack (use search here or visit RyanVM's forum)

I am using NLite, and I am also using Driver Detective after I install Windows on a Computer, is there a generic ethernet driver for Windows XP? I cannot use Driver Detective unless I have internet connection.

Some generic drivers (from different manufacturers) are already present on the XP CD itself. However, one driver cannot serve for all NIC cards.

On Nlite, how can I slipstream a driver? I have gotten a USB Ethernet Cable Adapter (I Prefer Wired Connections) and Integrated it onto my disk, and once installed, the USB Dongle doesn't work.

Make sure the driver is extracted in a folder that contains an .inf file. You can point nLite towards that .inf file and it will copy the necessary files.

Is there a way to include programs (Such as AVG or Firefox) into my install disk, using NLite?

Yes. You can use add-ons (look at the Application Add-ons sub-forum of nLite) or switchless installers to be run from RunOnce or RunOnceEx.