Deploying Windows XP

Backin August, 2004 I mentioned the XPCREATE utility which can be used to slipstream service packs and hotfixes into Windows XP installation CDs. With Windows XP continuing to age and hotfixes still accumulating there are even better tools availible to ease the installation process. The most widely recognized tool today is nLite. This program has a clean and easy to use interface that allows you to create deployment CDs for Windows XP that include all of the latest hostfixes plus craft an unattended installation disc or one with custom default settings. Previously creating discs such as these was only possible with a deep understanding of how Microsoft install CDs worked and writing a lot of INF files by hand. Even for simply getting patches onto your install CD nLite is a great option.

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