Windows 7 - RT7 7 SP1 DVD-IE9, post SP updt, twks, remove, etc...2.63gb!!!

Source: Retail 7 SP1 integrated DVD: 3.10 gb
Integrated post SP1 updates, IE9 (54 total): 132 mb
Approx 45 mins from "commit" to ISO creation. 10-15 mins prep, under an hour total.

Last session attached. Component removal, tweaks, unattend, customize, ISO creation.

About to test in VMWare Player...

Attachment 194034

Comments, thoughts, observations, criticisms, suggestions, etc are welcomed & encouraged!

From what I've seen across several forum boards, these types of discs are usually followed by the user's complaining of strange issues and unstable systems. Call me old school, but I prefer apply the Windows 7 tweaking mantra to the installation process as well....leave it alone. I can understand wanting to make it unattended and possibly build in some drivers, but as soon as I see that components are removed....that's the end of it for me.

I never liked using any of these 'home brew' installation OS disks. You never know what might be slipped into them that could be dangerous to your privacy, especially if it came from a site with an *.ru extension. Some of the XP disks I've tried in years past always left me with a strange feeling that something wasn't right; like there was someone watching what I was doing.

Not saying the OP is creating one of these 'spying' disks, but I prefer to stick to a DVD I get from a reliable source, bloatware and all. I just feel safer this way.

Understood. Allow me to clarify. I have several DVD's, most of which are "clean"--(untweaked, all components, Digital River)

A "clean" retail 7 HP SP "0" 3.01 gb
A "clean" retail 7 HP w/slipstreamed SP1, 3.63 gb
A "clean" retail 7 HP w/slipstreamed SP1, Post SP Updates (thru Oct 2011) IE9 3.85 gb
A "clean" retail 7 HP w/SP1 integrated, IE9, & 53 Post SP1 Updates (thru Jan 2012) integrated, 3.18 gb
A "clean" retail 7 HP w/SP1 integrated 3.10 gb
An OEM (Gateway) 7 HP SP "0" Recovery Disc set, drivers, bloat, repair, etc... about 11-15 gb total.

This is my first attempt at removing/tweaking anything and is for use only in a virtual environment/testing new software, etc... If anything gets "broken" I'll just look up what went wrong, add the knowledge gained to my personal library, delete the VM & start again when I have the time.

Cuz we all know Micro$oft isn't "watching" everyting we're doing. Again, point well taken. Caveat Emptor & all that jazz.

Found out that permanently removing Tablet PC components also removes Snipping Tool one of my favorite 7 tools.

New build, 2.83 GB: Attachment 194097

That's exactly why I avoid removing any components, and always have. There are so many dependencies, that when you consider the entire process, there's no logical reason to remove anything.

My thought is just let Windows 7 be Window 7 and it will and does work great.

After 3 attempts at removing "safe" to remove stuff, I'm convinced you're correct. I'm currently building an ISO using the integrated SP1 image (3.10gb) adding 54 post SP updates (including IE9, 132 mb total) adding a few tweaks, customizations, service (reg) configs, unattended, etc... We'll see how that plays out in VMWare, if OK I can always go back and add Drivers when/if needed.

Thanks again for your input DF!

My WEI graphics score is 28% better in VMWare than on my crappy Gateway NV59C lol...

Attachment 194217

Installed a "clean" 7 HP w/ IE9 & 53 updates, a few tweaks, customizations, etc... Only glitch I've seen so far is all services I set to "Automatic-Delayed" didn't start...matter of fact there was a blank space under the Startup Type column. All items started by setting them manually in services.msc
Screengrab of security center, set to auto (delayed)--didn't start. (I thought I took a shot of services.msc but can't find it):
Attachment 194216

Could this be caused by my disabling UAC?

Last session.ini: Attachment 194218