multi boot assistance requested

[syntax01010]

I'm trying to get a project completed to where I can have Windows 98SE, Windows 2000 Pro w/Service Pack 4 streamlined, and Windows XP Pro w/Service Pack 1a streamlined, all onto a single install CD.

I have checked out nLite, and have been playing with options of removing various initial components that are unneeded for the XP and 2K files. However, I can't seem to find any program that will do the same for Win98 to slim down its install files. Is there such a program? If so, where can I find a copy to download?

I am also curious, will Gosh's method for slimming down the source work still, after using nLite on the source files to remove components? or, Is there a way to use nLite after using Gosh's method for slimming source? I tried that a couple times already and kept getting an error message saying certain files were missing.

Also, is there a way to use nLite or a similar program to where you can tell multiple operating systems on the same disk to all look in the same folder/sub-folders for additional drivers without having to go into the files and choose the .inf for each and every different driver?

Would there be a way using nLite or similar program to replace existing Windows components installed by default?

Example: Prevent Windows Media player from even being installed during initial setup, and make Windows install Media Player classic instead, and get Windows to use it as its default media player?

Example #2: Prevent Windows from installing any IE files(other than those needed for the OS to function correctly) during initial setup, and instead make Windows install Firefox or Mozilla in its place and use it as its default web browser?

Example #3: Prevent Windows from installing Notepad and Wordpad during initial setup, and force Windows to install Metapad and Open Office in their place? Likewise, prevent Windows from installing MS Paint, and make it install Gimp for Windows instead?

Thanks for any assistance or advice anyone is willing to give.

[jaclaz]

However, I can't seem to find any program that will do the same for Win98 to slim down its install files.

Have a look here:

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=32407&hl=

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=27296&hl=

jaclaz

[syntax01010]

-Update

As an update on the project I am working on, i've run into two distinct but different dead ends.

1. When I attempt to use Gosh's method to slim down source, after using nLite to remove unwanted components, I get the error "Cannot boot from CD -code 5"

2. When attempting to Gosh's method to slim source first, and then remove components via nLite, I get errors that needed .inf files are missing from nLite and it crashes.

It would seem a great idea if this were actually possible to combine both projects, since my finished .iso image for Windows XP Pro SP1,(when using the first method, I can actually create the .iso it just won't boot), down to a slim 229MB!

Compared to the normal 450-475MB a standard XP Pro CD is that is tiny, I would so love to be able to get this to work, but i've retried both methods a few times now and they either aren't compatible or there is something i'm missing in the process of trying to adapt both ideas together.

-I did find the post where it was mentioned that nLite won't be adapted for Win98, I was just hoping that perhaps some other tool might exist that will work. I can't use 98Lite, because it requires the purchase pro version to have full functionality, and frankly, I don't have access to a credit card or similar cash to afford buying it. nLite is free, 98lite is far from it, that's why I asked.

[jaclaz]

I can't use 98Lite, because it requires the purchase pro version to have full functionality, and frankly, I don't have access to a credit card or similar cash to afford buying it. nLite is free, 98lite is far from it, that's why I asked.

Yes, and that's why I replied.

THESE methods are FREE:

http://www.etek.chalmers.se/~e8gus/nano98/

http://winimize.com/

http://scp.gmxhome.de/msdos71/

http://www.geocities.com/politalk/

http://www.lachiesadicristo.it/w98cd/page1.htm

http://www.heise.de/ct/english/99/11/206/

Qualystem Rescue 1.2 Free Edition

http://www.qualystem.com/en/download.html

Of course, if you are looking for a FREE, completely automated tool like nlite is, I am afraid there is none I know of, each of the above needs some "work".

jaclaz

[kludger]

I can't use 98Lite, because it requires the purchase pro version to have full functionality, and frankly, I don't have access to a credit card or similar cash to afford buying it. nLite is free, 98lite is far from it, that's why I asked.

Yes, and that's why I replied.

THESE methods are FREE:

http://www.etek.chalmers.se/~e8gus/nano98/

http://winimize.com/

http://scp.gmxhome.de/msdos71/

http://www.geocities.com/politalk/

http://www.lachiesadicristo.it/w98cd/page1.htm

http://www.heise.de/ct/english/99/11/206/

Qualystem Rescue 1.2 Free Edition

http://www.qualystem.com/en/download.html

Of course, if you are looking for a FREE, completely automated tool like nlite is, I am afraid there is none I know of, each of the above needs some "work".

jaclaz

http://www.winimize.com now offers an INF based installer that is free, and sets up a tiny (18-20 Meg) installation of Windows. Much of the hardware on older machines is detected in the setup process. The whole installation process takes about 10 minutes, once the setup directory is built. Check it out.

[jaclaz]

Yep, and it has already been reported as WORKING!:

http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=12326&st=55

(with some screenshots)

jaclaz