Possible to make an automatic install disk for third-party programs?

[Steve801]

I have found tutorials (here and elsewhere) for custom Windows (7/XP/Vista...) install disks, should you wish to tailor your Windows install to your needs. However, I have not found anything relating to my current question.

While I will create one of these Windows disks, what I am wondering right now is: Is it possible to do the same thing with multiple programs from different vendors?

I would like to eventually create a Windows install disk that has been trimmed of all the excesses I do not need, adding drivers, SP1 and some critical updates instead. If there is enough room on the install disk, I would like to add some third-party programs to be installed as well. It may turn out that I would need a Windows disk and an applications/programs disk also (as the programs themselves would be rather numerous and/or bulky).

I know it is possible, since the big OEMs do this, but would it be cost-efficient (read: free), or even possible, for an end user to do?

To make the whole thing even more confusing, I would also like to apply custom settings/automatic registrations to these programs, if possible.

Thanks in advance.
Steve

 

[Layback Bear]

If you want the ability that the big boys have you might want to look at this.
OEM System Builder Licensing

 

[gregrocker]

Another method is to customize your install exactly as you like and then save a Win7 backup image, or use a more flexible imaging program like Acronis, free Macrium, or Paragon. If you then SysPrep image to move HD to another computer it can be applied to any other hardware and start up like a new installation but with all of your customizations intact.

To Customize your installer ISO you want 7Lite which is not as popular as Vlite was for slimming down Vista since Win7 is already as lean as you would want to go without having unintended consequences. However it does have features to slipstream in the latest updates and some programs. You'd want to start with the latest official ISO which would have SP1 anyway.

I have weighed both of these methods, experimenting with stripping down Win7 using Vlite in beta days to no useful avail, and now regularly re-image my perfect setup to other hardware using Win7 backup or Acronis backup imaging.

 

[Steve801]

...look at this.
OEM System Builder Licensing

This is not what I want.

I am looking to customize one computer. I already have a copy of 7 I will use to install on one computer. I will not be having clients or customers. I simply want to learn how to install more smoothly and efficiently.


True, should I have the need to use the info for a friend or family member's computer, I would be able to do the same for them as well.

 

[Layback Bear]

I misunderstood you desire when I read in you first post.
I know it is possible, since the big OEMs do this, but would it be cost-efficient (read: free), or even possible, for an end user to do
Sorry for my mistake.

 

[Steve801]

...Win7 is already as lean as you would want to go without having unintended consequences.

The only slimming I need to do is removing the bloatware Toshiba put on this thing if I need to reinstall, as I may have to do frequently. (See the post I am about to make)

However it does have features to slipstream in the latest updates and some programs. You'd want to start with the latest official ISO which would have SP1 anyway.

This is what I want to do. I am afraid that I will not be able to put the stuff I want on a single disk alongside the OS. I could pick up a DL DVD, but as I only need the one, it would be a waste. Even if I tried to get it right 5 times with a 5 pack, I've still wasted 4 of them. I figure I'd just need one OS and one program regular DVD.

I also wonder if the best method would be to create a new Windows install disk with a program install disk next to it, or just to create a system image with everything pre-installed. This troubles me because I do not think my system restore image is stable (see the post I will make when done here).

I have weighed both of these methods, experimenting with stripping down Win7 using Vlite in beta days to no useful avail, and now regularly re-image my perfect setup to other hardware using Win7 backup or Acronis backup imaging.

I did pick up 7lite (and the 7 iso from MS), guess i'll give it a shot. I have heard there may be issues when using a key from an OEM during an install using a version of Windows from another source? Would the MS iso (Essentially an off the shelf version?) give me any issues too difficult to overcome? It's probably a trial and error thing, right?

 

[gregrocker]

Your best bet is to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 (same for retail) then after it's set up and running best using the Best Practices in tutorial, save a backup image which can be used in place of reinstalls.

You can even SysPrep the image to use on any other hardware. SysPrep to move HD to another computer. Acronis True Image with Universal Restore or Paragon Adaptive Restore CD's do the same thing more easily.