Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 into a Installation DVD or ISO File

How to Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 and Updates to Create a Bootable USB, Installation DVD, or ISO File​

   Information

This will show you how to slipstream Windows 7 SP1 with your retail or student copy of Windows 7 without SP1 to create a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation "DVD", a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 bootable "ISO file", or a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 bootable installation "USB flash drive".

This will also show you how to integrate Windows Updates into your new or previously created slipstream Windows 7 SP1 to create a new updated slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation "DVD", a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 bootable "ISO file", or a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 bootable installation "USB flash drive".

   Warning

• You can only do this tutorial while logged in as an administrator.
• You can only use a retail copy or student copy of a Windows 7 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file to create a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 with.
• You can only use a previously created slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file using this tutorial to integrate new Windows Updates to create a new updated slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file with.
• You can only create a 64-bit slipstreamed Windows 7 SP1 DVD or ISO if your current Windows 7 installation is also 64-bit.
• You can create a 32-bit slipstreamed Windows 7 SP1 DVD or ISO if your current Windows 7 installation is 32-bit or 64-bit.
• When you install Windows 7 SP1 using the slipstreamed Windows 7 SP1 DVD/ISO/USB created in this tutorial, you will not be able to uninstall SP1.

   Tip

• You cannot use a slipstream Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with on a currently installed Windows 7 SP1.
• You cannot use a slipstream Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with on a currently installed slipstream Windows 7 SP1.
• You can use a Windows 7 with SP1 installation disc (ex: Technet, MSDN, or retail) to do a repair install with on a current slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation.

   Note

This tutorial is designed to be followed like a flow chart to help make it easier to use and select the options (ex: DVD or ISO) you want.

Here's How: 1. If you have not already, then you will need download and install the free 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) RT Seven Lite "Beta 2.6.0" for your same 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7 installation DVD or ISO file.

   Note

Alternative RT Seven Lite Beta download link: RT Seven Lite Download - Softpedia

   Warning

At the rt7lite.com site, you will need to scroll down a bit past the RC 1.7.0 build to see the Beta 2.6.0 build download links.

This tutorial will not work using the RC 1.7.0 build.

2. Click on the RT Seven Lite shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu to run the program. (see screenshot below)
3. Do either step 4 or 5 for what you have to use to integrate the Windows 7 SP1 and/or Windows Updates into.

4. To Select and Use a Windows 7 Installation DVD or Bootable USB A) Insert your retail or previously slipstreamed Windows 7 installation DVD into the DVD drive and close it, OR plug in your Windows 7 bootable USB flash drive. If a AutoPlay pop-up opens, close it.

B) In RT Seven Lite, click on the Browse button, and select the Select OS path option. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you do not have much else running, then you may wish to change the Set priority setting to High first to help speed the slipstreaming process up some.
C) Navigate to and select your DVD drive or bootable USB flash drive with Windows 7 on it from steps 4A, and click on OK. (see screeshow below)
D) Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
E) Select your Desktop, and click on the Make New Folder button. (see screenshot below)
F) Select the New folder on the desktop, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
G) The contents of the Windows 7 installation DVD from steps 4A and 4C will now be copied into the New folder (step 4F) on the desktop. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This may take a few minutes to complete.
H) Go to step 6.
5. To Select and Use a Windows 7 ISO File

   Note

You could use a Windows 7 ISO file that you already created from say RT Seven Lite, or a Windows 7 w/SP1 U ISO downloaded from: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links

A) In RT Seven Lite, click on the Browse button, and select the Select ISO file option. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you do not have much else running, then you may wish to change the Set priority setting to High first to help speed the slipstreaming process up some.
B) Click on the Select a ISO button. (see screenshot below)
C) Navigate to and select the Windows 7 ISO file, and click on Open. (see screenshot below)
D) Select the Extract path button. (see screenshot below)
E) Select your Desktop, and click on the Make New Folder button. (see screenshot below)
F) Select the New folder on the desktop, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
G) Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
H) The contents of the Windows 7 ISO file from step 5C will now be extracted and copied into the New folder (step 5F) on the desktop. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This may take only a few minutes to complete.
I) Continue on to step 6.
6. Do either step 7 or 8 below for what you want to do.

7. To Only Integrate New Windows Updates
NOTE: You would only select this option if used a previously created slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file using this tutorial in step 4 or 5 above, and only want to update it by integrating new Windows Updates. A) When finished, select (dot) the Windows 7 edition that you want to create a updated SP1 slipstream version of, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: When this window below opens it likes to hide behind another opened active window, so you may need to check behind them when the screenshot above (step 5H) shows it's "Status" as Loading Image.... and does not appear to be doing anything.
B) Go to step 9.
8. To Slipstream SP1 and to be able to Integrate Windows Updates
NOTE: You would select this option if you used a retail copy or student copy of a Windows 7 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file that did not have SP1 slipstreamed in it in step 4 or 5 above. A) If you have not already, then you will need to download the same 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 SP1 EXE installation file for your same 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7 installation DVD or ISO file at the Microsoft link below, and save it to your Desktop. Download details: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (KB976932)


B) Right click on the downloaded windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe or windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe file, click on Properties, click on the General tab, and click on Unblock.
NOTE: If you do not have a Unblock button under the General tab, then the SP1 exe file is already unblocked and you can continue on to step 8C.

C) When RT Seven Lite is finished from step 4G or 5H, select (dot) only the one Windows 7 edition that you want to create a slipstream SP1 version of, check the Slipstream Service Pack box, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
D) Click on the Browse button. (see screenshot below)
E) Navigate to and select the Windows 7 SP1 EXE installation file on your desktop from step 1, and click on Open. (see screenshot below)
F) Click on the Start button. (see screenshot below)
G) RT Seven Lite will now start preparing, integrating, and saving the SP1 (step 9) with the DVD (step 4) or ISO file (step 5). (see screenshots below)
NOTE: This will take a good while to complete depending on how fast your system is and what you have the priority level set as in step 4B.



H) When finished, click on the Proceed button. (see screenshot below)
I) RT Seven Lite will now start start loading the image. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will take a few minutes to complete.
J) Continue on to step 9.
9. When finished, click on the Task tab in the left pane. (see screenshot below)
10. Do either step 11 or 12 below for what you want to do.

11. To Only Slipstream SP1
NOTE: You would do this step if you did step 8 above and do not want to integrate any Windows Updates into the Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file. A) In the Task tab, check the ISO Bootable box option, then click on the ISO-Bootable tab in the left pane. (see screenshot below)

B) Go to step 12F.
12. To Integrate Windows Updates and still be able to Slipstream SP1 (if not already)
NOTE: You would do this step if you did step 7 above and want to integrate Windows Updates into this new or previously created Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file. A) If you have not already, then you will need to download the standalone MSU installation files for each Windows Update that you want to integrate into the slipstream, and save them to your Desktop.

B) In the Task tab in RT Seven Lite, check the Integration box and ISO Bootable box options, then click on the Integration tab in the left pane. (see screenshot below)
C) Under the Updates tab, click on the Add button. (see screenshot below)
D) Navigate to and select all of the Windows Update MSU files that you want to integrate, and click on Open. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You can press and hold the CTRL key to select more than one random MSU file.
E) When finished adding MSU files, click on Apply. (see screenshot below)
F) Do either step 12G or 12H for what type of Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 you want.

G) To Create a Single Windows 7 SP1 Edition Slipstream

NOTE: This will create a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 with only the one Windows 7 edition that you selected in step 7A or 8C.

• Select High priority level, select (dot) Build current image only, and click on Commit. (see screenshot below)

• Go to step 12I

H) To Create a All-in-One Windows 7 SP1 Edition Slipstream
NOTE: This will create a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 with all Windows 7 editions that will allow you to select which one to install during installation. (see screenshot below)

• Select High priority level, select (dot) Re-build all images, and click on Commit. (see screenshot below)

• Continue on to step 12I

I) RT Seven Lite will now start integrating the Windows Updates. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This may take from a few minutes or longer depending on how many Windows Update MSU files you added.
J) When finished, click on the ISO-Bootable tab in the left pane. (see screenshot below)
K) Continue on to step 13.
13. Do either step 14, 15, or 16 for what you would like to have your Slipstreamed Windows 7 SP1 as.

14. To Burn a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 Installation DVD A) Insert a blank DVD (ex: DVD-R) into the DVD drive and close it. If a AutoPlay pop-up opens, close it.

B) In RT Seven Lite, select the Direct Burn drop down menu option under Mode, select the drive letter used from step 14A under Device, then click on the Direct Burn button towards the bottom right. (see screenshot below)
C) RT Seven Lite will now start creating the image. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will take a few minutes to complete.
D) When finished, click on OK. If a AutoPlay pop-up opens, close it. (see screenshots below)
E) You now have a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD.

F) Go to step 17.
15. To Create a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 ISO File A) In RT Seven Lite, select the Create Image drop down menu option under Mode, then click on the Make ISO button towards the bottom right. (see screenshot below)
B) Navigate to and select your Desktop, type in a name that you want for the ISO file, then click on the Save button. (see screenshot below)
C) When finished, click on OK. (see screenshot below)
D) You now have a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 bootable ISO file.

   Note

• You could also use this ISO file to burn and create a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD with.
• You could also use this ISO file to create a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 bootable installation USB flash drive with. For how, see part 2 here: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool
• You could also test or use this ISO file in a virtual machine if you like.

E) Go to step 17.
16. To Create a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 Bootable Installation USB Flash Drive A) If you have not already, plug in your USB flash drive.
NOTE: You will need to have at least 4.5 GB free on the USB flash drive.

B) In RT Seven Lite, select the USB Bootable drop down menu option under Mode. (see screenshot below)
C) Select your USB flash drive from the drop down menu under USB Bootable. (see screenshot above)
NOTE: If there is not enough free space on the selected USB flash drive, you will get a notice telling you so. You will then need to select a larger USB flash drive. (see screenshot below)
D) Click on the USB button towards the bottom right. (see screenshot below step 16B)

E) Click on OK to format the USB flash drive. (see screenshot below)
F) RT Seven Lite will now start formating the USB flash drive and copying the files to it. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will take a few minutes to complete.
G) When it's finished, click on OK. (see screenshot below)
H) You now have a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 bootable installation USB flash drive.

I) Continue on to step 17.
17. Close RT Seven Lite.

18. Click on Yes to confirm closing RT Seven Lite. (see screenshot below)
19. RT Seven Lite will now clean up it's temp files before closing. (see screenshot below)
:warn:WARNING: Do not stop or interrupt RT Seven Lite from cleaning it's temp files to avoid getting this error here the next time you try and run RT Seven Lite.
20. You can now delete the New folder from step 4E or 5E and it's contents on the desktop if you like.

   Tip

You can keep your newly created slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD, bootable USB flash drive, or ISO file updated by doing this tutorial again with steps 7 and 12 to integrate any new Windows Updates released afterwards into it.

When you install Windows 7 SP1 using the slipstream Windows 7 SP1 DVD/ISO/USB created in this tutorial, you will be able to use the Windows 7 SP1 Disk Cleanup Tool (OPTION THREE at link) to delete the SP1 backup files.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How Use the Windows 7 SP1 Disk Cleanup Tool to Recover Lost Disk Space
• How to Uninstall Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta, RC, and RTM
• How to Create a Windows 7 Installation USB Key
• How to Create a Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc
• How to Create a Windows PE Disk
• How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc
• How to Burn a "ISO" or "IMG" Disc Image file to a CD/DVD in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to make Windows Boot Manager Boot an ISO from your Hard Drive
• How to Create a Virtual Machine in Windows Virtual PC
• How to Do a Upgrade Installation with Windows 7
• How to Do a Clean Installation with Windows 7
• How to Do a Custom Installation of Windows 7
• How to Download the Standalone MSU Installer File of a Windows Update
• Windows 7 Service Pack 1 FAQs and helpful links
• How to Extract an ISO File to the Desktop
• How to Slipstream Office 2010 with Service Pack 1 (SP1)

 

[David Ben Yosef]

I do have a question for you though, Shawn, since I don't use RT7lite. Does service pack 1 show up in the "Installed Windows Updates?" Like when you go to Windows Update from the All Programs list, then click on Installed Updates at the bottom left hand corner. Is it displayed there as an installed update?

 

[Brink]

Yes, it will be listed there unless you used the Windows 7 SP1 Disk Cleanup Tool command options. It removes the SP1 entry since you will no longer be able to uninstall it afterwards. However, the SP1 will still be listed in the View update history location if the SP1 was installed through Windows Update.

 

[David Ben Yosef]

I was just curious, because it's also listed as an installed update using the WAIK method. So neither method is a true slipstream per se. They just install the service pack separately during setup. I guess Microsoft quit supporting true service pack integration after XP, because you couldn't do it in Vista either. The Windows 7 SP1 offered at TechNet is a true integration though. I sure am glad I got that just prior to my subscription expiring!

At any rate, it's a whole lot better than installing the service pack after the initial OS installation. Especially for those who need to do a ton of clean installations over the course of a year.

It's also the same way with the WAIK in regards to the SP1 cleanup tool as well.

One last question for you, Bro. When you go to install the OS from the disc this thread instructs you how to create, does the OS title actually say "Windows 7 Service Pack 1" when you go to sign the EULA? The WAIK method leaves out the SP1 in the title at install, but has it in the edition title after the desktop loads for the first time.

 

[Brink]

No problem mate.

Oh no, using the RT Seven Lite program in the tutorial to slipstream SP1 into Windows 7 is a true integration afterwards. Only if you installed the SP1 through Windows Update after installing Windows 7 will you see SP1 listed in the "view installed updates" (Programs & Features) or "View update history" (Windows Update).

Unless you added a Windows Update to the slipstream Windows 7 SP1 and used it to install with, then it will not SP1 listed in the EULA during installation. After the installation is finished, you will see SP1 at the top of the System (Control Panel -> System) properties page though.

 

[David Ben Yosef]

No problem mate.

Oh no, using the RT Seven Lite program in the tutorial to slipstream SP1 into Windows 7 is a true integration afterwards. Only if you installed the SP1 through Windows Update after installing Windows 7 will you see SP1 listed in the "view installed updates" (Programs & Features) or "View update history" (Windows Update).

But the pic you posted did in fact have the SP1 listed in the "Installed Updates." A true SP1 integration won't have it listed. It seems to me that RT Seven Lite uses the WAIK too, which isn't really a true integration like we could do in XP. It merely installs the service pack during setup.

Unless you added a Windows Update to the slipstream Windows 7 SP1 and used it to install with, then it will not SP1 listed in the EULA during installation. After the installation is finished, you will see SP1 at the top of the System (Control Panel -> System) properties page though.

You will see SP1 at the top of the System (Control Panel -> System) properties page using the WAIK method as well, but it's not a true integration. I'm pretty certain that both methods [WAIK & RT Seven Lite] are the exact same thing, only RT Seven Lite has a GUI for less advanced users. If you'll notice, when you do a clean install of the TechNet Windows 7 SP1 OS, it won't have the service pack in the "Installed Updates" or anywhere else. There are no "cleanup" files for the service pack either. It's a true integrated service pack, and therefore there are no backup files at all. Both methods merely take an OS image after the service pack is installed. See what I'm saying?

It's not the same as the TechNet OS installation image, or if you were to buy a physical "Windows 7 SP1" disc from Microsoft. At least, that's what I'm thinking. In other words, to simplify what I'm saying. Using the WAIK method, or RT Seven Lite, they don't produce the same disc image as one you would buy from Microsoft, or a software distributor. In XP, you could integrate a service pack that would produce the exact same thing as a purchased disc from Microsoft with the service pack already integrated. I have no idea why Microsoft no longer supports true integration anymore, but it's a real bummer for many people.

Have you installed your TechNet Windows 7 SP1 yet?

 

[Brink]

No problem mate.

Oh no, using the RT Seven Lite program in the tutorial to slipstream SP1 into Windows 7 is a true integration afterwards. Only if you installed the SP1 through Windows Update after installing Windows 7 will you see SP1 listed in the "view installed updates" (Programs & Features) or "View update history" (Windows Update).

But the pic you posted did in fact have the SP1 listed in the "Installed Updates." A true SP1 integration won't have it listed. It seems to me that RT Seven Lite uses the WAIK too, which isn't really a true integration like we could do in XP. It merely installs the service pack during setup.

The pic I posted was not from a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation created using the tutorial on the first page with RT Seven Lite. It was from a Windows 7 installation that had SP1 installed separately afterwards through Windows Updates.

Trust me mate, the RT Seven Lite program as in the tutorial will create a true SP1 integratation.

You can create a Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 ISO from the tutorial and create a virtual machine in Windows 7 Virtual PC with the ISO to test and verify.

 

[Night Hawk]

I don't know, but I would think it would be much easier and less problematic to use RT7 Litealong with the tutorial on the first page of this thread.

Much, much easier! That's how that goes! It's a time saver when you look at what it would take for download as well as install time for everything. And if IE 9 ends up seeing an MSU that will be another plus to consider.

However, you will only be able to create either a 32-bit or 64-bit all edition slipstream version. It will not create a 32-bit and 64-bit combined one.

Honestly, I don't think that's possible Bro. I haven't looked into it, but I've given it some thought. I just don't see it happening. It's easy to unloack all editions on a finished slipstream disc, but having both architectures on a single slipstreamed disc doesn't seem possible. I wouldn't be able to test it anyway, because all my Windows 7 installation DVD's are from TechNet, and they don't offer a download with both architectures on a single DVD. They have one for Office though.

But if is possible somehow, you will definately have to do it on a x64 machine. There's no way you could get a x64 disc built properly on a x86 machine.

If you had to use the WAIK and that was strictly for the 64bit over 32bit having two different versions that would be the case. If you have a WAIK that works well on both from there it would only be a matter of placing files in their correct places to prepare at least an iso.

Some form of separator or divisions of compressed archives where a main gui is what autoloads allowing to select which "flavor"(32 or 64) of Windows.

I don't think it may be possible either. At least not using the program in this tutorial. It will only create a all editions one for either or, but not both.

Final analysis? Never happen? It wouldn't be "impossible" but far more time consuming until a working method could be simplified in some way being rather involved from the start.

Probably the best example is a utility disk you download that has several tools and you select one from a menu while each is kept separate and maybe compressed into an archive which expands once selected to initialize the setup.

Project? Yes for a programmer. Practicality for typical user? ??? likely none!

 

[David Ben Yosef]

The pic I posted was not from a slipstream Windows 7 SP1 installation created using the tutorial on the first page with RT Seven Lite. It was from a Windows 7 installation that had SP1 installed separately afterwards through Windows Updates.

Ahhhhhh, that's where we got our wires crossed. No need to test, I trust that you know what your talking about, Shawn. But I have just recently gotten interested in virtual computing, so maybe later on down the road when I find the time.

 

[Brink]

LOL, no problem.

 

[Meshe]

When trying to integrate the SP1 it shows me a error saying "Data invalid", any idea?

 

[Brink]

Hello Meshe,

It may be related to your other issue.

Where did you get your copy of Windows 7?

After what step do you get this error?

 

[Meshe]

It's from the university, but they don't use a student version, they have a full professional edition, I have an ISO from that version.

 

[neeraj]

thanx Shawn for such a wonderful tutorial..!!!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Neeraj.


@Meshe,
I'm thinking it may be related to your other issue, but try again double checking that you didn't miss anything in the steps.

 

[Meshe]

Does the slipstream works in safemode? I may try it generating the iso there

 

[Brink]

Meshe,

Yes, it should work while in Safe Mode as well.

 

[Night Hawk]

I don't think anyone has tried running it while booted in the safe mode. But booting there to see if it runs will tell. Since it creates a shortcut and the folder it runs out of there isn't other registry involvement making it more of a stand alone type app.

 

[cobrin]

Firstly great tutorial A+++

I'm a long time reader, first time poster and enjoy this forum; but I have stumbled across an issue that I can't yet fix.

My OS is win7pro x64 SP1

Using RT Lite I successfully slipstreamed SP1 into my Win7pro x64 install iso (from Digital River) and removed the ei.cfg file making it multi version. I tested it in a virtual PC and everything is great SP1 registered in system properties.

I then made a win7pro x86 with SP1 slipstreamed (using a x86 disc from Digital river) exactly the same way as the x64 procedure except using the x86 SP1 .exe as you should.

When installing it in a Virtual machine SP1 isn't installed it doesn't show up in system properties or in the installed updates list. Actually nothing is in the list, and 52 odd updates are waiting to be installed when I checked for new updates.

I've made the x86 sp1 slipstreamed iso twice now to confirm and it's the same both times.

anyone else have the same issue?

Or anyone else slipstreamed SP1 into an x86 iso on a PC that's running win7 x64 using x64 RT seven lite?

I'm wondering if I have to do it on a x86 PC, I read the notes that say I can do both on a x64 PC so it has me scratching my head.

Cheers for any advice...

 

[Brink]

Hello Cobrin, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I have tried it with a Digital Rivers copy, but I used a retail 32-bit Windows 7 ISO and slipstreamed the 32-bit SP1 exe as in the tutorial and it installed in a Windows Virtual PC virtual machine with the SP1 displaying in system properties afterwards.

Have you tried making one with the 32-bit version without removing the ei.cfg file to see if it has SP1 displaying in system properties when installed?

 

[cobrin]

I actually never thought of that, but I would have thought that if it were to work for x64 then it should for x86.

I'll give it a go to eliminate it none the less.

edit:OK finally got it working

I tried two more times and it still failed. I used an iso I made from Digital River's disc they sent and RTseven lite failed to copy the data from it (only got two files from the iso) to my x86 folder. I tried the original iso DL from Digital River when purchased online and it still failed but upon closing RTseven Lite it crashed.

From there it failed to start every time. So I uninstalled it rebooted and installed again. This time I used the same iso DL'd from digital river (but with the ei.cfg removed) all went well and I tested it in a VM and it slipstreamed SP1 correctly. So it seems beta RTseven lite had issues on my PC.

I've just finished making an All in One iso 9 versions in total x86 and x64; two have installed perfectly in VM. So happy right now....