MSFN happenings

We have all heard of how Windows XP in its new Service Pack 2 avatar is more secure, has some enhanced features, and so on. And almost everybody wants to install it. But not all of us have the kind of internet connection that will enable us to download this monster-sized package.

Well, Microsoft has understood this fact, and is now taking orders for free shipping globally of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. It contains only the Service Pack, you have to have a licensed Windows XP CD to be able to make use of it. Delivery times vary from one week to two months, and the CD can be ordered from the link below:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

Most of the components that will form part of the XP reloaded campaign are out. Today, we will see a short guide to make for yourself the Windows XP Reloaded CD.

You need:
1. Your Current licensed Windows XP CD (professional or home edition).

2. Service Pack 2 (download the appropriate version for your language)

3. Follow one of these guides to update your Windows XP install-source. (to install integrated with SP2 by default - saves on time, and gives you peace-of-mind)
The D-I-Y guide --OR-- Universal Windows Slipstreaming and Bootable CD Guide

4. Download the Windows Media Player 10

5. Download the .NET framework 1.1 and the update for it (SP1).

6. Additional tools download and info for XP SP2.

Put it all in one place, and burn a CD. Enjoy having something that isn't even on the store shelves as yet.

You can further discuss this topic, here.

Hey, some of us are bothered about the existence of utilities we never use in windows. If you feel so too, this tool is for you. It is to be used on an existing Windows 2000/XP/2003 installer CD - it will aid you in removing the like of Windows Media Player, Windows Messenger, Outlook Express, and so on. Basically, it will de-integrate all the junk that should never have been part of windows. Then, when you install from the newly created "nLite"ened CD, you will have a squeaky clean windows.

Its possible to have a 160 MB windows XP installer, which when installed occupies 400 MB on the hard-disk. Amazing by any measure! Competing tools, like XPlite are not as good because of two reasons - the others aren't free, and they are usable only *AFTER* installing WindowsXP - so you don't have a clean setup to begin with.

nLite also assists you in slip-streaming (merging) the latest Service Pack into a supported version of a Windows CD. It also allows you to create basic unattended setups.

The really beautiful thing about it is, the levels of acceptance and usage it is seeing. Many home users, and lots more IT-pros use nLite to slim-down their install. In fact, if imitation and usage by the under-ground of the software audience is a measure of popularity, nLite has already climbed very high up that ladder - lots of warez sites host it, or bundle it along with downloads of unlicensed Windows XP CD-images, LOL.

It started out as a personal tool by an MSFN member {name - Dino Nuhagic (nuhi)}, after he collected enough info about eliminating components. Then, friends and members of MSFN encouraged him to develop the tool further. And now it has acquired a professional quality, but still is free.

Its clear that he's not doing it for himself alone, anymore - would be nice if some people could donate (link to donate is on the home-page of the tool) to encourage him to continue the good work.

nLite forums
nLite project home

Once you have an unattended CD up and running fine, you start to want more things - which is when you would make a multi-boot windows installer DVD.

See the detailed tutorial here.

You can see more informative web-sites made by MSFN members here.

Towards the end of this year, when Windows XP's latest update (Service Pack 2) is satisfactorily rolled-out we are going to see a media blitz. Looks like Microsoft favours letting a year or two roll-by, and getting a good service pack out of the door, before advertising in public media about their OS and office suites.

All hail to Windows XP Reloaded. Preliminary speculation says that its going to be a package (XP integrated with SP2 + Windows Media Player 10) promoted as an OS different from what you knew WinXP to be. Its not a retail product - its not a new version of windows.

The Guide

That's a link to MSFN's official guide on how to make your own customized CDs, for client PCs installation (of Windows 2000/XP/2003 - the steps are pretty much the same).

That's not my site - I'm a member there. MSFN also is a nice place to be, with its friendly atmosphere, and all the knowledge floating around, literally begging you to make use of!

Hey buddies,
This blog will be a day-to-day listing, of what's hot and happening at my favourite site-
MSFN - Microsoft Software Forums Network