Editing Windows (section)

=== Creating Slipstreamed XP Install Media ===

Instead of suffering through the repetitive cycle of installing the several hundred updates created from the time XP was released to the end of its five+ year reign, create a custom installation ISO with the latest service packs already included.

Use the following procedure:

# Copy installation files from an original CD to your local hard disk.
# Download the latest XP service pack (network installation).
# Execute the downloaded service pack, '''eg)''' ''WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU /integrate:C:\XPVOL_EN''

==== Generating the ISO ====

Although you can use Nero or the equivalent to burn the directory created above, I find it easier to just copy the files to a computer running a real operationg system (pronounced 'any Unix derivative') and run the following from the directory:

<pre>
mkisofs \
    -b "Microsoft Corporation.img" -no-emul-boot -boot-load-seg 1984 \
    -boot-load-size 4 -iso-level 2 -J -l -D -N -joliet-long \
    -relaxed-filenames -V "WXPVOL_EN" -o ../wxpvol_en.iso .
</pre>

On completion, you'll have a convenient ISO image that can be burned to disc using any variety of CD recording software.

==== Caveats ====

* Apparently the above functionality was too useful to be included in Vista. This only works for XP.
* The above steps for creating the ISO image and actually writing the disc can not be done on a standard Windows install without installing 3rd party software. Go figure.