Integrating CAB files

[DVAmon]

I have a few silent installs I have integrated into my build, and for the most part all of them work and install, but the one I am interested in finding out why it does not, is not my own. I have been using RyanVMs hotfix pack, but if I integrate anything else, it does not install. Has anyone else had this problem or know how I can fix it to unattended install apps as well as the hotfixes?

Thanks in advance!

[Nightlord]

Not me. I've started using the .CAB hotfixes from various sites (including the Ryan Pack) and everything seems to work just fine.

You might try starting over the way I do it:

I call it the Lego approach.

1. Create multiple directories for the following.

( A ) Windows files. [This is where you copy all files from your original Windows XP CD.]

( B ) Hotfixes. [This is where your .CAB files for integrating go.]

( C ) Drivers. [if you use the simplified Drivers from CD method, put all driver directories here]

( D ) Installation programs. [i currently use WPI for installing programs. This is where my WPI setup goes.]

( E ) Copy Over. [This is where my modified OEM and I386 folders go. The OEM folder gets copied over BEFORE Nlite, and the I386 folder gets copied over AFTER Nlite.]

Quick note about the Copy Over folder. In the OEM directory you place files which must be copied to your harddrive during install. Examples include your Wallpapers, Themes, ect. The I386 directory holds your custom system files: WINNT.SIF, custom billboard and Logon DLLs, ect.

Once your directories are created and setup, you're ready to begin experimenting without losing the stuff that you know works. Simply create a working directory like C:\XPCD

Then, start COPYING over the files.

First, you copy over the contents of Windows Files. Then, Drivers and then Installation Files. Now copy over your modified OEM directory and tell it to overwrite files. Now run NLite on your XPCD directory, making whatever tweaks and so forth that you want. (This is the reason I call it experimenting) Knock yourself out with removing components and tweaking settings. When it gets to the Hotfixes portion, just point NLite to your Hotfixes directory and select every .CAB file there. When NLite gets to the part to make and ISO file, WAIT! Leave that screen up and copy over your modified I386 directory, telling it to overwrite files. Once that's finished copying you can have NLite create your ISO file.

Done! Now just run a program like VMware or Microsoft Virtual Machine to test the ISO. If it doesn't work, you need only empty your XPCD directory and copy files back over like your did before and you're ready to play with it again.

Edited December 17, 2005 by Nightlord

[DVAmon]

Thanks, I will try that and see what is going on. Hopefully your approach will solve my issue.