Create slipstream install usb w/drivers/updates?

[TRD10]

I purchased a new SSD and doing a fresh install. I am curious if it would be easier or ideal to create an installation disk/usb with all the added windows updates and drivers for my system(if possible)? Originally I had Windows Vista Ultimate and then upgraded to Windows 7 Ultimate. So, I have the original install disk for Vista and an upgrade disk for 7. I will also have 3 other HDD's installed, if it matters. Thanks for the help.

 

[Kaktussoft]

You say "with all the added windows updates and drivers for my system". Why you wanna do that? For recovery purposes in case of severe problems? Only for that specific system?

 

[TRD10]

Just kind of an all in one solution, rather than OS, then drivers, then updates. Last time I reinstalled the OS on a computer it took what seemed like forever to update everything using windows update. Just curious mostly if this would be ideal and beneficial or possible.

 

[marsmimar]

Hello TRD10 and welcome to Seven Forums.

Here's a tutorial that should help to slipstream Windows 7 and create a bootable media.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...ows-7-sp1-into-installation-dvd-iso-file.html

Personal opinion (and others may disagree.) Too many things can go wrong when slipstreaming. I think it would be better to "manually" get your computer up and running exactly the way you want it. Once that's done and you have all your programs installed, updates, drivers, personalized all your settings, etc make a system image and call that your master copy. Keep it on a small external hard drive in a safe location. That image will restore your computer to pristine condition. Then get a second external hard drive (maybe 1TB) and make periodic system images once a week or once a month, whatever suits your needs. The more frequently you image the computer the more up to date the image will be.

With all the free imaging software available from Macrium, Paragon, EaseUS Todo, etc I think slipstreaming is no longer a necessity. But as I said, this is just personal opinion and others may have very valid reasons to disagree with me.

 

[TRD10]

Sounds like that will be a better option. What is going to be the best way to get all the updates after a fresh install? Is windows update going to be the best option? Should I leave out any updates? Thanks for the quick responses!

edit: thanks for the welcome, joined a while back but never posted.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It all seems like wasted effort, if you want my opinion. Since SP1 is the latest, and likely final, SP version, just download the SP1 incorporated .iso file from a legitimate source (link coming). Keep a flash drive with all of your drivers, and keep them updated. So, anytime you need to install, you have them already. Once the install is finished, Windows Update will bring you any missing updates.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

If you plan to be reinstalling often for some reason, then create a system image once you have everything installed and updated.

 

[OldMX]

I did install Win7 HP to a virtual machine using Virtualbox, then applied all updates till latest patch tuesday, syspreped on audit mode to remove user account, restarted and syspreped on oobe mode, turned computer off and captured a new .WIM with a winpe disk to a network share, the new .WIM replaces the one on my usb flash drive, now after a clean install i download 0 patches