Nlite + xp

[coreygr]

Just a simple possibly very stupid question.

While using NLite, can I take an image of my currently setup machine and create a windows install disc that would have everything included?

When I say everything I mean: All the programs, settings, users, folders , etc...

In a general idea, I would like this windows install this that I create to replicate my current machine as a imaging software such as ghost, altiris or acronis...would do.

(On winXP pro 64bit)

Edited April 21, 2011 by coreygr

[Ponch]

I don't understand your question. nLite creates an install cd, Ghost copies an installed Windows (or other OS/partition/disk). nLite can integrate programs in the Windows install, but it's not as quick/simple as imaging a finished install. Ghost can copy everything, but will not have it run nor activated on every hardware. Please give a more precise idea of what you want to do. Imaging or installing, you can't have both.

[Guest]

Ponch is correct: nLite is for custom installations, not for imaging. You could also try SysPrep.

[schwepp]

I have 2 older computers both are pretty clean of software and just have the basic stuff like anti-virus spyware, vlc, and open office, as well as the required drivers for gfx card ati 9600 and 9800 to be exact. I no longer have my xp install cd's so can I make a cd through Nite that will do a complete reinstall of windows and my current set-up in case there is ever a disaster and I need to re install or reformat.

I might be planning on selling these computers and I do not really want to sell them unless the next owner is gonna have a copy of the installation and the required keys, I am just wanting to make it easier for the person buying so they don't have to re download and install all the other stuff.

If I have to do the sysprep could you direct me to the right path of reading and does that not require a lot of coding of batch files etc?

thanks for your answer in advance.

[Ponch]

I no longer have my xp install cd's so can I make a cd through Nite

1) nLite needs the install cd to make a new one.

2) Legally, you can't sell the XP licence without handing over the ORIGINAL cd. In other words, you can't sell "XP" to someone and sell the media to someone else,... which you haven't done, ...but you've "lost" it, so you can't sell it...

Buy one on eBay.

+You can't sell a cd created with nLite as nLite is "for personal use only".

[schwepp]

but i am not selling xp I am selling the computer.

I have the xp cd files backed up on the computer. I am not selling xp to someone and then to someone else both computers have different xp installations and separate keys I just want to be able to give them something to be able to restore and reinstall the os and the other programs on it. and since I no longer have the original disk's it is not like i am violating any laws by keeping it and using it myself.(cause the copy will be given to each person, i wont be keeping anything)

is it not better to give someone a copy then to not give them anything at all? (not like it is a copy really when it would be the only one) one xp is with sp1 the other is sp2

Edited April 24, 2011 by schwepp

[submix8c]

OK, we're in (as jaclaz might say) a "suffusion of gray".

MS and OEM's (afaik) allow ONE backup copy to be made PER COA. It's allowable to slipstream (their way) Service Packs and Hotfixes/Updates/Drivers. nLite is not to be used for anything "for sale" (it's considered "for-profit"/commercial). The FBI and/or nLite police won't bang on your door in the middle of the night, so squash talk of using nLite for "selling a PC".

You have backed up ONE cd (presumably using two separate cd's at one time to "load" the pc's). You may (presumably) be allowed to burn the ORIGINAL BackUp to CD (twice, assuming as stated previously) to "replace" the "lost" CD (that's why your allowed ONE backup PER PC and to be PROVIDED with the PC along with THE COA's), then (by MS' method) slipstream, install using the Slipped (just to "speed the process"), then DESTROY the Slipped CD's (violates the ONE COPY rule).

(we're really treading thin ice here...)

Edited April 24, 2011 by submix8c

[schwepp]

But I have not copied anything twice. they are two different licensed copies on two different machines,different keys provided on the licensed sticker on each machine.

Is it not technically illegal to sell a machine that does not have a copy for the person buying it? so ya we are in a pickle. Do I just sell the computers as is with no cd for the future user and no way to restore or reinstall the os if need be?

If that is the case what do I do then, create a bootable image with acronis that will restore everything to its state now?

if that's done does acronis not need to be installed onto the machine prior ? all I want to do is give the person buying the computer a way to restore their computer to the way they bought it like the big corporations used to do, I thought Nlight was the easy way to go instead of coding a ton of batch files etc.

I don't really want to argue about legal issues as we both know nothing is gonna happen unless I am mass producing machines with the same copy of xp which I am not.. So thin ice aside am I able to do what I want to do with Nlight or do I need another way, if another way is required please point me in the right direction. It is hard to find the right answers in google as there is always these so called legal issues brought up.

[allen2]

Nlite need the original CD to create your custom one so if don't have a copy of it then nlite won't help there. You can also sell your computer without an OS or with a linux distribution.

[submix8c]

Please re-read my post (and take note of what allen2 stated - a COMPLETE CD -or- all files originally on it -or- an ISO image).

These are the COA's (legit)

two different licensed copies on two different machines,different keys provided on the licensed sticker on each machine

Do I just sell the computers as is with no cd for the future user and no way to restore or reinstall the os if need be

I stated this

MS and OEM's (afaik) allow ONE backup copy to be made PER COA.

and this

You may (presumably) be allowed to burn the ORIGINAL BackUp to CD (twice, assuming as stated previously) to "replace" the "lost" CD

So "technically" ("suffuse of gray"), you are safe providing a "replicated CD" as long as the key from the COA is used on said PC and NEVER REUSED ON ANOTHER (including the COA key). We are presuming since a COA exists on the box (I said as much) that these are Legit OEM boxes.

Proceed to slipstream, test the installation(s). Whether you provide both the "replaced due to lost but backed up" -and- the slipped one, that's your call and the reason you won't get a definitive answer. Same as you were told about using nLite - your call, just don't argue with us about it or we are also in deep-darks...

'Nuff said! Do what you will, just be aware that you DO NOT ask for help in what MIGHT be considered illegal/breaking EULA...

(can you say "non-specific"?)... we have rules here that must be abided by.

[schwepp]

so I am able to add in open office vlc player and my drivers, with Nlight. there's no problems at all with doing that.

[submix8c]

You're asking the same question and are getting the same answer - I (nor anyone else) is going to "approve" - you are "digging" for it. Re-read previous posts and act accordingly. Please don't ask again.

[schwepp]

you know what i think its just gonna be easier to sell the **** things as is if the computers mess up down the road then screw em.

[submix8c]

Load them up, then unload them. If functioning fine when gone, great. Support is an entirely different matter - don't get "caught up" in that because they'll treat you as if they have a lifetime warranty. Trust me on that! Just play it safe and don't try to get "fancy" - OS + Updates + Free lite-weight A-V + Java + Adobe Reader + Flash Player - these are the usual essentials - all the rest is wasted effort. Let them decide if they want any other "goodies" and blow it up themselves.

Again, 'Nuff Said - have at it! I'm building a couple myself (older no-longer-do-I-want-to-keeps).

Edited April 24, 2011 by submix8c

[schwepp]

i dont know i would like to give them something to restore by though, so what do i do then use acronis to make an bootable image. would acronis need to be installed to actually restore that bootable image though. if i can do it easily through a bootable image then ill do it that way and it saves us all the trouble.