Windows 7: Guide to trimming W7 down as much as possible?

QuadAllegory · 05 Mar 2009

I was wondering if there is some sort of guide that tells you how to trim down and remove many unneeded features to make 7 even lighter.

I'm getting ready to install 7048 and just hate that windows auto installs tons of features I don't need or use.

It would be cool if in the installation it asked you if you wanted any of the following features disabled or if you want express install.

Copyright · 05 Mar 2009

The installation won't ask you much, and there's not really much to remove. A fresh install(at least w/ my specs) is faster then XP Pro.

davehc · 05 Mar 2009

There are a few guides around for Vista. Most of the hints/tips will also work with 7. I wrote quite a large one myself, but have found, working through it, that many of the "stripping" suggestions certainly do not show an improvement in performance. I am leaving it for now, until the OS matures. I think MS are geting it (almost) right, this time.

Airbot · 06 Mar 2009

I don't see why anybody would want to strip it down at all.

It's already light enough as it is and works great.

unawave · 06 Mar 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Airbot

I don't see why anybody would want to strip it down at all.

If you have a Netbook with only 4 Gb SSD card, then it's interesting to have a small installation.

I have tried "vLite". This program is basically for Vista but also works with Windows 7. With this program you can create a new boot DVD without some modules. I have removed:

All foreign language support
Internet Information Server (IIS)
Windows Media Center
and some other smaller parts

With such a boot DVD the installation of Windows 7 shrinks to 2,5 Gb. And this is very interesting for Netbooks with only 4 Gb SSD card.

Airbot · 06 Mar 2009

This might interest you guys.

Beta to RC Changes – Turning Windows Features On or Off

jimbo45 · 10 Mar 2009

Although you cold use vLite (this is used to "strip down bloatware in Vista) I don't think this is a useful exercise at the current time -- remember this is a BETA which is effectively the "Ultimate" version.
When Windows 7 hits retail there will be a number of different versions with different features in them so your "trick" probably will be of no use at this time.

However if you still want to try then use vLite to "slipstream" your Windows 7 iso.
vLite - Windows Vista configuration tool

OK I know it's vist but it works for Windows 7 as well -- be careful what you remove - if you remove some core features your system probably won't boot.

I've installed the x-32 version on a small 1GB netbook which came with XP.
Even with the lowly "Atom processor" the netbook ran the full build of 7022 (x-32) absolutely OK so I don't think messing around deleting stuff is worth the effort (unless you are trying to boot on an 8GB usb stick).

Cheers
jimbo

unawave · 10 Mar 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by jimbo45

remember this is a BETA which is effectively the "Ultimate" version.

When Windows 7 hits retail there will be a number of different versions with different features in them so your "trick" probably will be of no use at this time.

But Vista DVD includes also all versions (Start, Basic, Premium and Ultimate). With vLite you can shrink every version - step by step. I think this should work also with Windows 7 final.

Quote: Originally Posted by jimbo45

be careful what you remove - if you remove some core features your system probably won't boot.

No problem. Shrink it with "vLite" and burn it to a rewritable DVD. If you find problems (e.g. not booting) burn another DVD.

Quote: Originally Posted by jimbo45

I've installed the x-32 version on a small 1GB netbook

You mean 1 GB RAM ? That's no problem - runs fine. Problem could be with 4 GB SSD card (hard disk replacement).

Hegel · 13 Mar 2009

I'm curious to know how far people have slimmed Windows 7.

Here's a working Last Session.ini for 7048 x64 I'd like to share. I'm currently testing it on build 7057 x64 and all seems well so far...

EDIT: I've discovered that the Last Session.ini below does not work with build 7057 x64....it will install but breaks the context menu. I'm working on a new version and i'll post it here if/when i get it working.

Code:

; vLite preset file
;
;#Environment:
; vLite v1.2
; Framework 2.0.50727.42
; Microsoft Windows NT 5.2.3790 Service Pack 2 64-bit
;
;#Target:
; Windows 7 ULTIMATE 64-bit 
; Version 6.1 English (United States)
;
[Compatibility]
ACDSee / XnView
DriveimageXML
DVD Treasury
Halo 2
Hauppauge WinTV
KMPlayer
Logitech Setpoint
MediaPortal
Perfect World Client
Zoom Player
Aero Glass
File and printer sharing (Server)
Internet Information Services (IIS)
Recommended
Scanners and Cameras
Windows Update

[CustomHide]

[Components]
;# Accessories #
Games-Inbox Games
Games-Premium Inbox Games
Welcome Center
;# Hardware Support #
Floppy Disk Support
;# Languages #
Japanese
Korean
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
;# Multimedia #
Media Center
Music and Video samples
Sample Pictures
;# Network #
Windows Mail
;# Services #
Error Reporting
Offline Files
Windows Search
;# System #
Help
Parental Controls
Run a legacy CPL elevated
Security Center
Software Quality Management (SQM)
User Account Control (UAC)
Windows Defender
Windows Easy Transfer

[Options]
DEP (Data Execution Prevention) = Disabled (AlwaysOff)
User Account Control (UAC) = Disabled
AntiSpyware Realtime Protection = Disabled
AutoPlay = Disabled
Paging Executive = Enabled
Power scheme = Balanced
Power button = Default
Sleep button = Default
Control Panel - Classic View = Enabled
Show hidden files and folders = Yes
Show protected operating system files = Yes
Show extensions for known file types = Yes
IE Phishing Filter = Default
IE Phishing Verification Ballon Tips = Default

[Services]

[Protection]

[Drivers]

[Unattended]
SpecRegional
AcceptEULA
SkipNewUser
SkipProductKey
SkipAutoActivation

[Hotfixes]

[LanguagePacks]

bummpr · 14 Mar 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Hegel

I'm curious to know how far people have slimmed Windows 7.

Here's a working Last Session.ini for 7048 x64 I'd like to share. I'm currently testing it on build 7057 x64 and all seems well so far...

Thanks for sharing this Hegel...keep us posted on your progress.

I'm also anxious to cut down the footprint of Win 7 to facilitate install on some real lightweight laptops and a few old computers.

Windows 7: Guide to trimming W7 down as much as possible?

Guide to trimming W7 down as much as possible? problems?