How To: Slipstream Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP1
Posted 07/01/08 at 11:30:27 AM by David Murphy
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There’s nothing we dislike more than firing up a fresh, new installation of an operating system only to find a slew of hotfixes, updates, and patches awaiting us through the Windows Update mechanism. Granted, we can take some small comfort from the fact that the updating process is relatively automatic—but not so when it comes to outfitting a new OS installation with all the requisite driver packages. This list can be a doozy: videocard drivers, soundcard drivers, motherboard drivers, etc.
But you can reduce the time and effort it takes to get a fresh install into tip-top shape. By creating a slipstreamed installation disc you’ll have all the patches, fixes, drivers, and options you need at the ready to be easily and automatically integrated into your next OS install—be it XP or Vista. This is especially relevant now, with new service packs available for both OSes (SP1 for Vista and SP3 for XP). If your original OS disc shipped prior to the SP release, your slipstreamed disc will give you all the newly added features. Depending on your operating system, you can make your customized installation disc using one of two handy tools, nLite or vLite. We’ll show you how.
What you Need:
- A PC
- 45 Minutes
AND
- A Windows XP Pro Installation Disc
$300, www.microsoft.com - nLite
Free, www.nliteos.com
OR
- A Windows Vista Home Premium Installation Disc
$240, www.microsoft.com - vLite
Free, www.vlite.net
1. Setting Up an XP Slipstream Disc
First things first: Download nLite, then point the program to the directory where your Windows files reside. Just to clarify, that’s not C:\Windows\; the program wants the location of the installation files for your OS. The easiest way to accomplish this is to put your installation CD in the drive and tell nLite to look for the files there. Once nLite finds them, it’ll ask you where you want to save the installation files that will subsequently be modified by your tweaks. Make a new folder on your hard drive for this part. The program will copy over the installation files automatically.
Hit Next to be taken to the Settings menu. If you’ve crafted a customized nLite installation in the past, the parameters of your configuration will be listed here. Load them up and press the Next button until the program prompts you to burn a disc. Done!
If you’re starting from scratch, ignore the Settings screen and click Next. You can now decide what options you want to modify to create your customized installation disc. For simplicity’s sake, we’re going with the default All option. But once you’ve played around with nLite, you might identify certain areas of your installation that you don’t want to tweak. If so, you would deselect them from this options menu so they won’t appear later.
To start loading XP Service Pack 3 into your Windows disc, click Next. After you’ve done that, go to http://tinyurl.com/4qvth5 and download the SP3 installation file. Select the executable in nLite and hit Next. Congratulations—you now have an SP3 installation disc!
2. Tweaking an XP Slipstream Disc
Now that SP3 is integrated, you’ll be staring at nLite’s Hotfixes and Updates screen. As the name suggests, this is where you can integrate any number of hotfixes or update packs into your installation—the same way you slapped SP3 onto your disc. Your best bet is to ignore this screen for now. Once you’re done making the slipstreamed disc and you have SP3 up and running, make a note of what fixes pop up in Windows Update and download them from Microsoft’s knowledge base. You can then integrate them into a future version of your slipstreamed disc.
The Drivers screen is a bit more important, as it allows you to integrate drivers directly into the slipstreamed disc. We wanted to pre-install the drivers for our videocard, so we grabbed the driver pack from Nvidia’s website. We then extracted the files from the archival executable to a separate folder and selected this folder as the source of the drivers in nLite. When you do this, the program gives you a list of all the drivers in the directory—in our case, a single file. We selected that, clicked OK, then clicked Next.
This takes you to the Components screen, where you can strip out the unwanted side features of the operating system. If you want a safeguard against removing critical applications, click the Compatibility tab and select the different topics that represent functionality you know you need to keep.
Otherwise, start stripping. We trimmed the fat from the applications section and nuked a ton of configurations from the keyboards menu. Your final selections are up to you, but here’s a helpful hint: If you don’t know what something does, don’t get rid of it.
3. Installing an XP Slipstream Disc
Next, you’re presented with the Unattended screen, where you can shorten and modify the actual installation process of Windows XP itself. A number of tabs are responsible for the different sections of the installation routine. We started off by entering our Windows product key into the appropriate section on the General tab and turning off System Restore (we live on the edge). We then selected the Users tab and added all the different XP accounts we typically have on our machine, making sure to assign each to the appropriate local group.
We added our naming and workgroup details under the Owner and Network ID tab, leaving the Domain name field blank. We then made sure to set the correct options for our Automatic Updates and upped our display resolution to something a bit higher than Windows’s default—remember, since we’ve slipstreamed our videocard drivers, we should have no problem matching our monitor’s native resolution. Hit Next!
We didn’t change any of the settings on the following Options screen. It’s for editing system options that we’d much prefer to keep as-is at this point. Once you click Next, you’re presented with the final Tweaks menu. These are registry edits that control operating system-level functionality, the kinds of things you typically play with immediately after installing Windows.
We used this screen to delete unwanted desktop icons and adjust our Windows Explorer options (showing all file extensions, for example) to reflect our personal tastes.
We’re not going to run through all the options—that would take several more pages. Pick what suits you and hit Next; nLite will make the changes you’ve specified. After hitting Next one final time, nLite will present you with the option to create an image of your installation or burn it to rewriteable media directly. Make sure you hit the Make ISO or Burn button to do so—don’t just hit Next!
Next: Make a Vista Slipstream Disc!
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Tracking
Submitted by PhoneyVirus on Fri, 09/04/2009 - 6:47pm
I got to make a new Slipstream with SP3 soon.
Slipstream Windows Server?
Submitted by MardeeT on Tue, 08/18/2009 - 2:31pm
Any reason this would or would not work for taking a Windows Server 2003 SP1 to SP2? This is pre RC for Windows Server 2003. We have the install disk for Server 2003, SP1 only. Whenever we create a physical server we have to update to SP2, patch like hell, and then we have an updated server. In the virtual world I created a template with SP2 installed, so that took care of that. Anyone done windows server?
Submitted by BillBurn on Fri, 04/03/2009 - 3:39pm
This was incredibly easy to set-up, thanks Maximum PC!
Just a tip for others: An easy way to add all of your non-MS drivers is to first download a driver backup program , such as WinDriversBackup. These programs automatically create a folder of all the drivers specific to your system. You can then just point nlite to this folder when it asks you for system specific drivers. This is *a lot* easier than trying to find the drivers manually and results in an install with no unknown devices right off the bat.
WGA???
Submitted by bandeezee on Sun, 03/15/2009 - 7:23pm
I've tried nLite with a Windows XP Pro SP1 disc with SP3 slipstreamed and it works great on Virtualbox. What I haven't tried yet is slipstreaming all the hotfixes that come up after the install. I've been using WinUpdateList to show me what updates I've installed since the fresh OS install, but when it takes me to the Microsoft website there's nowhere to download the WGA file.
My question is do we have to slipstream WGA in order for the other hotfixes to install? Is there a way to slipstream the WGA files into our disc? I've been looking on the web and it gets pretty complex and involves add-ons like RyanVM, but I was hoping there was a way I could just do it with nLite.
Also, will there be any issues if the hotfixes that you usually download after you verify your windows is Genuine are installed and then you install WGA? Will the installs fail because you haven't installed WGA yet?
Sorry, many questions, but main one is do you have to slipstream WGA and if you do, how do you do it using nLite? I guess I could test and see, but I didn't want to waste a bunch of time if someone out there already had an answer. Thanks in advance =)
Submitted by lorencel on Sat, 01/17/2009 - 8:31pm
would this work with full home premium x64 + ultimate x64 upgrade? I use those 2 dvds whenever i restore my comp.
Submitted by lorencel on Sat, 01/17/2009 - 8:31pm
would this work with full home premium x64 + ultimate x64 upgrade? I use those 2 dvds whenever i restore my comp.
i'm a little lost(nothing
Submitted by pfm069 on Tue, 12/30/2008 - 8:41am
i'm a little lost(nothing new)but how would i turn ..say "whats Running"into a add-on !!??(for nlite)
Submitted by yr on Thu, 01/08/2009 - 5:54pm
google nlite addon and several choices will pop up. With these programs you can create an add-on that nlite will treat just like a windows update and it will install at the end of the Windows installation. If you don't use command line to set up a silent setup, the installation's install will be shown near the end of the windows install and you would install the program as you would on an already installed windows.
Nlite and Mac
Submitted by Aspra on Sun, 11/02/2008 - 6:47am
How would a nLite disc of WinXP Sp2 do with installing it with bootcamp? I only have a sp1 disc so I was think of making a Sp2(or 3 if mac allows it) version of XP.
Submitted by yr on Mon, 10/06/2008 - 3:36pm
I find it CRAZY ANNOYING having to reinstall every program every time I reinstall.
There are programs that turn ANY programs into add-ons for nlite and vlite. You can then add ANY program that you want to your install. Here are a few that I added (ALL FREEWARE):
- dotnet 1,2 & 3
- firefox
- Ccleaner
- Open office
- 7zip
- ImgBurn
- Exact Audio Copy
- Media Player Classic / Real Alternative
- FFDshow
You can make add-ons for almost ANY program. THIS is for power users!
I wish that the magazine would cover this, instead of just the basic slipstream.
Submitted by gothliciouz on Sat, 12/06/2008 - 11:09am
may we know what is the name of this " power users programs"
Submitted by sinless on Thu, 10/09/2008 - 12:59am
You said smtgh about a program which slipstreams anything ... which one ?
Submitted by n0ukf on Wed, 09/10/2008 - 5:37pm
Your article talks about using this process for XP Pro and Vista Home, but what about XP home? Is anything significantly different or will the same process work without changes?
Appearantly so…
Submitted by B5Freak on Sun, 04/12/2009 - 8:39am
At least I proceeded that way on the assumption that the SP3 download that the article tells you to download is actually good for Home as well Pro, and I had no problems during the slipstream process. However, I haven't actually tested the ISO that nLite produced yet, as I haven't had need to nuke the current install I have on my rig, and don't yet have a test rig to experiment with. If I do get a chance to test it out, I'll update this comment with the result.
UPDATE: I recently used the DVD I burned the ISO to in order to do a clean install and it worked flawlessly.
"I know what I know because I have to know it, and if I don't have to know it, I don't tell me and I don't let anyone else tell me either."
Michael Garibaldi, Babylon 5, 2259
Submitted by sfhassan on Sat, 10/17/2009 - 9:07pm
i read this blog thoroughly, nobody has answered if x64 can be slipstreamed. I have a dell XPS 710 and i am looking for someone who has installed XP 64bit successfully.
Submitted by darkagetech on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 1:44pm
If you have a copy of XP that is pre SP1 and wish to create a slip streamed install you do not need to prep the image you create with SP1. The full installer package for SP3 that you download from the provided link in the article is a cumulitive update and contains the previous service packs.
I do how ever have one question. Does any one responding to this article know how to do an "old school" slipstream with out using nLight.
Hope this helps clear up some of your confusion.
Slipstream SP3 into SP0 Disk
Submitted by nsvander on Mon, 11/10/2008 - 12:05am
I saw that there was a lot of talk about slipstreaming SP3 into a SP0 disk. Well I just did it a few minutes ago, and installed the system with it, and it works flawless.
Also in about how to do the old school slipstream, you download the service pack, copy the contents of a XP CD to a folder, ie X:\XP-CD, and to to run type: "X:\WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe -x"
That will extract all the files, it should prompt you to create a directory.
Then open command prompt and type and make your way to the location of the above extracted file then type:
"WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe /integrate:X:\XP-CD"
where X:\XP-CD is the location you copied the contents of your cd to.
Submitted by Tim920810124 on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 8:12am
How did you extract the driver's .exe file?
Submitted by B5Freak on Tue, 10/14/2008 - 4:57pm
I don't know how he did it, but I can tell you how I did. Go ahead and start the .exe and when the installer asks where to extract the files, either note the default location or specify where you want them to go & click the 'Next' button. The installer will then extract the files there. Then when the installer continues to actually installing the drivers, cancel the install. The files that were extracted will still be in the folder that was created. Now, point nLite to that folder (drill down to the last folder in the nest to be certain that the .inf file is found by nLite), choose the one .inf file that shows up, and voila… you have just integrated your Nvidia driver into the slipstream!
"I know what I know because I have to know it, and if I don't have to know it, I don't tell me and I don't let anyone else tell me either."
Michael Garibaldi, Babylon 5, 2259
Fantastic!
Submitted by icebird on Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:27am
Great article! Things like this are the reason I subscribe to MPC. I wiped out my pc last weekend and used nlite to reload XP and it was so fast and convenient!
K
Submitted by Danimal on Wed, 07/30/2008 - 6:17pm
Your article seems easy until you try to follow it. Download & fire up vlite is not that easy. Vlite downloads and installs PARTIALLY. you left out the fact that the WIM Filter needs to be installed... That cannot be installed until WAIK is downloaded and installed. It is an ISO file????!!! How about giving us instructions for these steps?
Submitted by noeltb1775 on Sun, 07/27/2008 - 8:52pm
I've done a run through with nlite to create a new install disk, however as I have an older motherboard (Asus A8N32 SLI), I needed to install RAID drivers during the initial build. Are you able to slipsteam in the drivers as well, or do you still need to load them during installation?
Vista sp1 slipstream, HUH?
Submitted by M1K3Z0R on Sat, 07/12/2008 - 4:52pm
from what Ihave heard SP1 slipstreams are very messy, its not as straightforward as XP and according to http://blogs.technet.com/kevinremde/archive/2008/02/09/i-can-t-do-what-why-can-t-i-create-my-own-slipstreamed-installation-of-windows-vista-sp1.aspx you cant?
Anything's Hot Swappable if you're fast enough...
Submitted by watuzi on Mon, 07/07/2008 - 8:53am
This is a very nice project to do. Can I try to install this using VMware? I just wanna know if it works or not without reinstalling it on my real PC.
Submitted by vintagegold on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 5:15pm
I'm with shadowmaster on this one - I have my original XP Installation CD that has no previous service packs with it. My understanding is that the previous service packs need to be installed before you can install SP3, so what can be done to get those bundled in there, too?
VintageGold
They say the best things in life are free, but are all free things the best?
Submitted by M1K3Z0R on Sat, 07/12/2008 - 4:48pm
From my understanding, service packs are cumulative, so latest SP should have all the updates included in previous ones. I recall installing service pack 4 on a clean windows 2000 install, as well as SP2 on an original XP install.
Anything's Hot Swappable if you're fast enough...
As I mentioned below, I
Submitted by TheMurph on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 12:52am
As I mentioned below, I believe this is incorrect. You can slap SP3 onto a fresh installation of Windows XP. At least, unless I was using a slipstreamed disc myself, I just did this the other day. Let me try this out Thursday and get back to you, but all signs (and my experience) leads me to believe that SP3 does not require the installation of SP1 or SP2. The release candidate for SP3 required SP1, which might explain the confusion.
Submitted by alan6288 on Sat, 08/02/2008 - 4:28pm
Can you slip stream xp and vista x64.
Submitted by vintagegold on Mon, 07/14/2008 - 2:06pm
This Microsoft Tech Net article indicates you need SP2 installed before doing SP3.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cc164204.aspx#1
To install SP3, your computer must meet the hardware and operating
system requirements listed below. In addition, your computer must at
least be running Windows XP with Service Pack 1 installed.We recommended that you have Service Pack 2 installed before installing SP3. You can download Service Pack 2 at the Windows XP Service Pack 2 website.
Is this information just old an outdated?
Is this thing on?
Submitted by scushn8r on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:00am
I don't believe you've had to have previous service packs installed since NT 4.0. You can go straight from an original unService Packed disk to putting SP3 on it.
These instructions work great. I created my slipstreamed disk with an un-SP'd CD and SP3 in 20 minutes. I am using it to install XP Pro SP3 on my ASUS Eee right now.
Thanks Murph.
Hey
Submitted by Techrocket9 on Tue, 07/01/2008 - 10:21am
Could the author of this article help with the similar problem at:
http://www.maximumpc.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=78963
Submitted by shadowmaster on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 3:45pm
I
have XP installation disc here since my computer is old, the XP
available here is service pack 0. but Sevice pack 3 requires at least
service pack 1. How can i both slipstream service pack 1 and 3 at the
same time?
Submitted by TheMurph on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 12:49am
Are you sure SP3 requires SP1? Looking at the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, SP3 is supported on Windows XP, Windows SP1, and Windows SP2. In fact, I'm quite confident I just slapped SP3 on a fresh Windows XP installation in the Lab the other day.
Suffice, if your computer demands you use SP1 for some reason, here's how you slipstream both. First, use nLite to add SP1 to your standard Windows installation files. Don't make any other configuration changes, just follow the above directions and install the SP1 upgrade instead of the SP3 upgrade. That's it. Use this to create an .iso of your installation CD.
Once you've done that, fire up nLite again. Instead of targetting your original (in this case, SP0) Windows CD, target the .iso. You can do this either by mounting the file in a program like Daemon Tools or just burning the image to a CD. Now slap SP3 on using the guide you've just read, and feel free to make any changes as necessary.
In short, you're doing this guide twice. The first time, you're just making an SP1 disc. The second time, you're making your SP3 disc along with your requisite modifications.
First and foremost, MaxPC
Submitted by kleinkinstein on Tue, 07/01/2008 - 9:11am
First and foremost, MaxPC should have a dedicated "How-To" board on their forum. Their are all sorts of invaluable how-to's from users and their does not exist an appropriate repository to share (and improve). Second, slipstreaming is perhaps one of the most useful how-to's. For a similiar XP+SP3 how-to with a bit more meat click here, http://lifehacker.com/386526/slipstream-service-pack-3-into-your-windows-xp-installation-cd and also here, http://www.howtohaven.com/system/slipstream-xp-service-pack-3.shtml.
For slipstreaming up to Acrobat 8.1.2 see here, http://www.maximumpc.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=78663.
there is.. sort of
Submitted by whisp on Tue, 07/01/2008 - 10:27am
http://www.maximumpc.com/forums/index.php?c=9&sid=666616846cc90edf558e2813c370833a
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