Slipstreaming ... even deeper

[Gino]

I have learned about slipstreaming and made a bootable cd with Windows XP
Pro Upgrade that I've purchased last year from a store and XP SP2 that was
released recently.
It works fine!
However, since my Windows XP Pro is an Upgrade, during setup I am prompted
to insert my Windows ME or other cd's that I've purchased to prove that I
have had an OS installed before upgrading to XP Pro. It is an extra step for
me.
I was hoping to get these files updated with the slipstreamed cd that I've
made so I don't have to change cd's everytime I format my computer to flush
viruses, etc.

Is there a way to do this?
What files is the setup looking for?
Can I copy these to the Windows XP Pro SP2 cd and point to that folder
during setup?

Thank you in advance.
PS. I have both cd's (XP Pro and ME) legit. So, I'm not worried about any
legality since I am doing this as a convenience and backup.
Thank you again.
Gino

 

[Phillips]

There should be an XP2 install log where all files that the setup is looking
for are mentioned. Guess that if you search for all (or maybe only .log)
files created at the SP2 installation date, you will find your answer.
Michael

 

[Hiroshi]

I am sure there is a way to do this but I don't believe that there is an
official Microsoft supported way to do this.
This would, afterall, circumvent the whole purpose of the upgrade version.
You would then not be required to
insert your original previous OS CD-ROM to prove you owned it. I,
personally, find the upgrade check to be
somewhat of a joke as you can insert anyone's previous versions of Windows
CD and it will go ahead and install
it doesn't have any further intelligence to it than that....would be rather
difficult to implement any such secure
method at this time....in due time, in due time.....

As for your situation, the best thing to do IMO, would be to install your OS
and set it up exactly how you want it and take
a snapshot of your HDD using Symantec Ghost, Acronis, etc. This way you
won't have to "format my computer to flush
viruses, etc". Simply reimage your drive and boom you are ready with no
interaction or reinstallation of other apps necessary.
Simple enough IMO.

-brandon

 

[Gino]

Thank you for all responds.
I actually installed Symantec Ghost trying to make a disk image.
However, now that I remember, the reason I didn't go ahead with it was
because C: drive had 18GB. Now that I'm thinking about it, I must have had
many files saved on my C: drive that had nothing to do with OS.
What disk imaging do you prefer, because it makes better sense than
reinstallation of OS followed by programs, etc etc.
Is Symantec Ghost the best one?
Thanks.
Gino

 

[DL]

"everytime I format my computer to flush
viruses, etc."
Sounds like a fundemental problem, with the correct setup/protection you
should'nt be seeing any viri, unless of course you access dubious areas.

 

[Alex Nichol]

However, since my Windows XP Pro is an Upgrade, during setup I am prompted
to insert my Windows ME or other cd's that I've purchased to prove that I
have had an OS installed before upgrading to XP Pro. It is an extra step for
me.
I was hoping to get these files updated with the slipstreamed cd that I've
made so I don't have to change cd's everytime I format my computer to flush
viruses, etc.

Is there a way to do this?

No - Your CD has a setup that does two things; it looks for a 'Upgrade'
series Product key, so copying the Setup from a 'full' version will not
work with your key; and it checks for evidence of a qualifying system -
that makes a check on a *lot* of files being present either on the HD or
on a CD that is shown, and there is no practical way to get round that

 

[Gino]

Actually it's by choice.
In my opinion, Format is the best way to get rid of any viri or spyware on a
pc.
It's not a fundamental problem.
Thanks
Gino

 

[Plato]

In my opinion, Format is the best way to get rid of any viri or spyware on a
pc.

I'm glad you dont work in the pc repair business.