Can this be done?

CyberGhost

I don't want to use windows CD everytime I re-install windows, so is it possible to allocate like 1GB of hidden partition to store WinXP installation files so later if I need to re-install I just won't use the cd but rather boot up from that partition somehow? and install from there?

Karoma

CyberGhost wrote:

I don't want to use windows CD everytime I re-install windows, so is it possible to allocate like 1GB of hidden partition to store WinXP installation files so later if I need to re-install I just won't use the cd but rather boot up from that partition somehow? and install from there?

..why not just use Imaging software? Not only speedup the re-installation, eliminate the need for a CD, but also get it back to a more usable state (i.e. With other software / config's installed)?

beller b

Norton Ghost can write & full backup to a partition or a second hard drive..With this it will do a full restore in about 20 mins.

CyberGhost

Hmm now that is a much smarter idea guys, Thank You!

cormie

Just on this, I've reinstalled my OS millions of times due to laptop problems, replacement PC's etc etc. Anyway, each time I do it, I do it the same way, I customise the start menu the same, I put the same software on (AVG AdAware, 7 Zip and all that) and I install Service Pack 2 on it. What is the best way to go about Making a default installation that I can basically just do all that, even on a new laptop that I haven't gone near before for example?

DemonOfTheFall

An Unattended windows installation disk. You can make the beginnings of one with nlite - www.nliteos.com

This guide will help you on the way to a very very advanced auto install disk
http://unattended.msfn.org/

Other programs such as WPI ( Windows Post Installer ) are great for installing a set list of programs with no interaction from you.

It's a bit of work to get it all set up, but it's very sweet when finished

beller b

The registry entries & drivers etc, are going to be different for different machines.

Karoma

Windows Post-Install Wizard sounds decent.. I personally just use a custom CD & .bat.. not a nice way of doing it.

cormie: I cannot think of a way of doing this (i.e. With a different machine/hardware..) -> Unless..you could try setting up a machine with the most generic / Windows drivers and make an Image -then update the drivers on each machine. I'd expect this to create more work that it'd solve though (Registry issues, driver issues, license issues,etc.). It's really not much effort to just create an Image - just create an image each first time you use a machine.. and store it on a removal disc/drive.

CyberGhost

I just realized, if you use Norton Ghost, won't you still need a cdrom? to run Norton Ghost itself?

Demon, that looks very interesting, I'll look into that Thank You!

cormie

sounds like a lot of work alright!

I think my computer issues are over for the time being anyway, fingers crossed so hopefully I wont need to do it for a looong time!

BopNiblets

I've switched to ghosting too (with Acronis TrueImage), it's a lot speedier than re-installing XP.
You still have to update all the programs and stuff and make minor changes, but at least your core XP is there, tweaked the way you like it.
I think I re-imaged my HD withouth using aCD, but I have one anyway in case I can't do that, so I can re-image from a boot-up state.