Compared to Windows Vista, 7 and 8, XP is still a great performer on older desktops, laptops and netbooks.

Integrate Programs Into Xp Install Updating Just

Because of its age, there are software components such as Microsoft.NET Framework, Internet Explorer 8 and many others that have never been integrated into a standard Windows XP install CD, and you have to spend hours after a new install updating just the Windows software and hotfixes alone.

Integrate Programs Into Xp Drivers That Come

Also, these days the default drivers that come with XP are often not compatible with newer hardware.

Not good if you dont own a floppy drive Even though the XP SP 3 install CD is under 600MB, you would think that means theres not much on the disc that you dont need.

In actual fact, there are a number of components that can be removed from the XP CD without losing functionality.

While this makes the install quicker because theres less data being moved around, it also makes the final size of your Windows folder smaller and less bloated with junk.

Thankfully, there is a way to get things like drivers, hotfixes and newer software components onto a standard Windows XP install CD without having to manually edit the files yourself.

Add to that, the ability to automatically add a number of common Windows tweaks, or remove parts of Windows altogether.

A little piece of software called nlite can do all that and more basically transforming your ordinary Windows XP disc into something that is fully tailored to your needs.

The good thing is the nlite program works and behaves a bit like a wizard style interface that guides you through the process in a number of easy steps.

While this software is quite easy to use considering its power, you still need a reasonable amount of knowledge and common sense because over zealous use could cause Windows not to install at all or create problems during its use.

The program will then use that as the working directory.

The.NET Framework v2 or higher is required to use nlite.

Download and install it or use the portable version and youre ready to slipstream your own Windows CD.

What you need to do after starting the program is point to the Windows XP folder you copied from the CD.

Functions are split up into tasks and all you have to do is click on a button and it turns green, then click Next to go to the options for that task.

The Integrate tasks are useful for adding a Service Pack if you need to integrate SP 3 into you SP 1 or SP 2 disc, adding drivers such as the Mass Storage drivers that you would normally have to press F6 during install to run, and general hotfixes and combined update packs.

You can also add your favorite applications such as CCleaner or Imgburn directly into the install.

There are several available on the web and the nlite application add-on forum is a good place to start.

The Remove Components task is great for slimming down the install size by taking out bits you dont need.

For example, do you really like the animated dog when youre doing a search Or do you ever take the Windows Tour or use the included default music clips and backgrounds If the answer is no, they can be removed, thats a saving of over 30MB with just those four things Ive mentioned Just be very careful about removing the red items as it could cause issues.

The Setup tasks are very useful because from here you can setup the unattended options which automatically sets the options you have to go through during install.

Information such as the Product Key, the Regional and language settings, Users and things like Automatic Updates and System Restore can all be pre-defined reducing the user interaction needed during the install.

How To Integrate Programs Into Xp