Why Does Windows Setup Take So Long?

[ashmedai]

Windows Setup seems to take an inordinately long time relative to the amount of data involved, even considering that it's largely compressed. Why exactly is this, and is there a way to speed it up (other than what's already accomplished by shrinking the install data)?

[keytotime]

Because it has to id all your hardware and then configure itself around your hardware. Plus it's desisigned to be able to handle alot of different factors, such as languages and upgrades.

[ashmedai]

But when the install CD no longer has any of that? Killed most of the drivers it had since I end up having to install specific ones that aren't built in anyway, removed all the languages except the default, deleted the upgrade from 9X/NT/etc directories...sitting at around 200MB instead of the original 600ish, and it takes roughly the same amount of time to install. I think their installer just sucks...or at least has so much "what if" built in to try and id***-proof the thing, that it blows it for 95% of the time as a hedge against the other 5%.

Heard about their new "Tray and Play" thing? (could have picked a better name, PnP is about the deadest horse there is to beat) Maybe THAT will be the thing that makes Longhorn worthwhile, they'll include it for Windows Setup!

[keytotime]

You got the idea.

I think their installer just sucks...or at least has so much "what if" built in to try and id***-proof the thing, that it blows it for 95% of the time as a hedge against the other 5%.