I am a huge fan of automated/silent installs. I use nlite to create custom XP discs for every new computer. I've gotten pretty good at it, learned most of the tricks, modified almost all of my software installers, and I now have my XP installs (software, drivers, and all) 95% automated. Mind you, I've been doing this for years. (in the old days by direct editing, before nlite came along)

But its taken me 19 hours of work, 27 DVD burns, and a lot of coffee to nail down a new issue. If you slip stream SP3, and also try to include the .NET3.5 AIO cab, remote desktop host no longer works. The connecting computer shows no errors, RDP goes to the "connecting" screen, then just vanishes completely.

You can dump the .net cab into an SP2 - though I don't know why you would. But not with SP3.

Thought I'd post this, just in case anyone else runs into the problem.

 

A side note, I've worked up a fully automated LogMeIn(Free)/Boinc combo installer. If anyone is interested let me know and I'll post the proceedure. (Once someone tells me how to post code on the forum anyway)

That must have been some puzzle.

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I've heard you talk about making install discs for years now, and am finally trying to make one now, with nlite. I've made one with just SP3, and am attempting to add my typical software I load, like Firefox, Office, Java, Adobe reader etc. Will let you know how it goes.

While I do quite a few installs a year, it's nothing compared to the volume you do. Still, it's a chore, and I hope this works out.

edit- I'm not sure if I can add apps mentioned above on the nlite .iso, unless there is some scripting to do.

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Co-owner, the Group of 10 100 200 300