Think about the following scenario:
You have a Windows XP installation CD without any service pack, like those old ones, and you download the Service Pack 2 from Microsoft website. Now you want to re-install your computer (you know it is very common with Windows, isn’t it!), what do you do? First, install Windows XP, then install the Service Pack 2. But, have you ever thought about the integration of the Windows XP installation CD and the Service Pack 2 file? If it is possible, then it will save you a lot of time and headaches because the installation of Windows XP SP2 takes a long time, and even after installation if you need to add Windows components you will be asked to insert either the installation CD or the SP2 disk or one by one.
I’ve heard “slipstreaming” Windows Service Pack 2 yesterday, so I did a little Google and came across the following article:
Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Create Bootable CD.
It’s a very good article with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. I have followed the instructions and successfully slipstreamed my Windows XP SP2 and made a new bootable CD.
The following items are needed:
- Windows XP installation CD (not those come with your computer, like Dell, HP, etc)
- Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 for Network Install (exe file, don’t run it after download)
- IsoBuster (you only need to select the free functionality after installation)
- Nero Burning ROM 6 with the latest update
I am not sure if you can use other CD burning software to replace Nero. I happen to have Nero on my computer so I used Nero. If you tried other CD burning software, such as DeepBurner (free) and it worked, please let me know.