Windows Byte Diet? Installing a Quick Lightweight Windows
How long does it take for your windows to boot into your glossy desktop? Too long? Well with a bit of time and effort you can make your windows machine boot in seconds using certain programs and techniques.
Please forgive me if some of this rambles on, I am writing this for my own personal reference as well as sharing my new gained knowledge with my beloved readers:-).
How?
Using a simple program called nLite for Windows XP or vLite for you Vista fans. Although this babble will be based around nLite as far as I am told both are very similar. This program allows you to copy your entire XP disk and customise it by slipstreaming in the latest service pack downloaded from Microsoft or even incorporating your machines drivers so that you are ready to go from a windows install.
Requirements
To take advantage of these programs you will have to already have a Windows OS Running with .Net Framework 2.0 installed. From what I understand the only other requirement that you need is an optical drive.
So what can nLite do for me?
features-of-nlite
Here is a short list of what you might use nLite to achieve
- Integrate a new Service pack
- Integrate machine Drivers
- Slipstream Programs
- Unattended install
- Remove bulky parts of windows that you don’t need
- Create an ISO/Burn your new OS
Integrate Service Packs
Installing Windows XP, or even vista for that matter can be painful. You wait through the install time just to find that you have to wait to install another big pack that gives you ‘added features’.
Using nLite or vLite you can add your service pack before you even put your windows disk in the drive. This simply requires downloading the exe or msi file from the Microsoft website and pointing the software at the service pack when asked to do so. Then the software takes over and ‘slipstreams’ it into your custom image. This can take around 8 minutes, but it’s worth it.
Drivers, Ready on Disc
So your windows is running, but you can’t do anything because you need to download your drivers. One problem, you don’t have drivers for your Network controller because you need the drivers to download them. OK so most people looking at this option will have a second PC available to them, but quite simply, this is much easier and quicker.
My advice for adding drivers is to go to your PC’s/components manufacturers website and download all the drivers to one folder stored locally on your HDD. Then when selecting drivers you can choose ‘multiple drivers folder’ and it will automatically find all the drivers that are in the file.
Never Install it again
Before I begin with this section I would like to make it clear that my project failed a few times on this section and I didn’t have the energy to look into it at 2am, so I skipped it. In theory you can point the software at exe files and they will be included in your disk without you having to change a thing after the windows install process.
Unattended Install
This will be of more use than others, depending on your needs. This allows you to enter your usernames, serials, computer/domain/workgroup name, Language, screen resolution, automatic update setting and network card settings.
This allows you to press enter to set windows installing and not have to touch another option before hitting the start button and celebrating your success.
Only Install What You Use
So do you need all those languages, windows movie maker or games? Probably not, this section on the process allows your remove all the unwanted bits of windows. The options already mentioned are a very small selection of options. If you plan to use this software to its full potential then this is where most of your time will be spent. Windows XP can be restricted to just a few gigabyte, (now you don’t need that new HDD) if you are selective. Before Choosing what you can ditch you are asked what main functions you still require, the software will now warn you when you remove something that may affect the components you chose that you need.
Conclusion
I have been running a laptop with a custom XP installation CD for around a week now, and it has brought the old gem back to life. I can now boot my computer in a mere 45 seconds, and shutdown in 15. I haven’t restricted myself with my software selection to ensure that these numbers do not rise. While different features will be of more use to certain people I think there is a helpful function for all of you who have installed windows more than once.
Being able to create a bootable disc within the software that is often smaller than a CD’s capacity is a great feature. You can even save as an ISO file if needed so that you can burn later or on another computer.
Please post any comments or questions below
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