Bootable XP Disc

[G-Stress]

Hey guys, I'm wondering... I want to make a bootable CD/DVD image of pretty much my own custom XP install.

Scenario

Install XP/Vista then install all the programs I want to use and possibly 1 specific directory I want to add and burn it as a bootable operating system.

Wondering how I could accomplish this, I know Norton Ghost images the hdd but it seems as if it will only image it to restore a current installation, I would like to have this disc handy for say troubleshooting purposes, etc.

I've heard of N-Lite or something like that, and bart's PE builder. I've actually tried bart's p.e. builder and wasn't too impressed it didn't seem to fit my needs and most of my programs it had wouldn't run properly.

Appreciate any advice:)

[nixgeek]

N-Lite is what you're looking for. Not sure it works with Vista yet.

[Blunderboy]

try using something called ERD commander or ERD something. It is a bootable version of Windows XP. It is for fixing windows but I'm sure you could find other uses for it. You will have to buy it of course.

[G-Stress]

Thanks nixgeek and Blunderboy

I assume ERD stands for Emergency Recovery Disk, which I believe I do have somewhere or something like it. The only thing is would that allow me to create my own XP installation and run it bootable along with my choice of programs? I shall google now and give n-lite a shot :)

Thanks guys.

[Sparda]

Can we (royal we) please clarify what is to be archived. Is this for a Live CD style affair, or just a bootable install CD (aka 'Slip streamed' install)?

[G-Stress]

Sorry Sparda, Yes live CD is what im looking for, but actually that would be nice also a bootable XP CD/DVD containing the programs of my choice so every program I use will install along with XP, glad you mentioned it :D I actualy thought about that the other day, but forgot all about it.

[nixgeek]

Then i'm not sure ERD is what you're looking for. He's looking for more a customized XP install.

[kickarse]

If your looking for a bootable Windows CD (with OS functionality) you want BartPE(free but limited) or Reatago (pay for - cheap - but more like XP)

ERD is EXPENSIVE, good but pay out the ass expensive.

[G-Stress]

Yea I tried Barts P.E. Builder and wasn't too impressed. The applications I created with the P.E. image none of them worked properly at all and really didn't do anything but crash alot. Reatago I never heard of I'll check that out, but N-Lite is probably what will work I'm gonna give that a shot tonight.

[kickarse]

nLite won't create a bootable OS...

it'll only customize the installation for your windows source cd and create a bootable install cd.

[G-Stress]

I see. Well that takes care of one method I knew it done something like that, I still haven't tried it, but im glad I found a way for that. Now if I can find a way to make a custom windows XP live CD. :D

[digip]

It's not exactly an xp live cd, which owuld probably require a dvd to really be usefull, but for a small alternative there is this:

http://www.digg.com/software/Windows_XP_Li...g_ISO_(MicroPE)

It's a custom compilation of ReactOS, WINE, and WindowsXP dlls to mimic xp on a live cd. I posted the DiGG link instead of just the forum link because there is some more comments there to read all about it. But check their forum post and see if it might be what you need it for.