Keep Windows source files on HD

[Stalemate]

This may seem like a no-brainer, but I haven't seen it mentioned in this section yet.

Copy all Windows files from the installation CD (or just the ones needed for basic installation) onto another drive or partition in your target system. Do it over a network if you must.

Install the OS from these files to speed up OS installation, updates and driver installation. If the OS is already installed, you can still copy the CD files and then use this link from Winguides (http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/42/) to modify the default OS install path.

No more scrounging for an installation CD and you can even save on the cost of a CD drive in some cases.

An added tip may be to image (ghost) this setup for multiple deployment where needed.

[MacGyver]

This is a must if you have people on the road with laptops. Everytime they change their network config, Windows reloads all the drivers for no reason and if they don't have the cab files, your road warriors are up the creek.

If you use Novell Netware client, then copying those files in the same way as the Windows cabs is an excellent idea, too.

[Sly]

I thought that was SOP....LOL <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Stalemate]

Originally posted by MacGyver:
<STRONG>This is a must if you have people on the road with laptops. Everytime they change their network config, Windows reloads all the drivers for no reason and if they don't have the cab files, your road warriors are up the creek.

If you use Novell Netware client, then copying those files in the same way as the Windows cabs is an excellent idea, too.</STRONG>


This IS SOP for laptops, at least for the OS. But if you have networking clients or other required drivers - whether on laptop or desktop PCs - you will understand the immediate advantage, Sly69.

As I stated in my original post, this is something that most techs already do, but it's also a major help for home users <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[WesFlash]

That is a life saver for me. I work helpdesk for a national company. EVERY computer has a virtual copy of the install CD on a directory on the HD. This saves us so often when users need things reconfigured, the users would be in shambles if they didn't have that on their computers. They'd all go ballistic when they need to install that print driver or fine tune their network configuration because the installed AOhelL again.

[tradeer3]

Well, here at our shop we copy the win98 folder to a cabs directory.
if we dont install from that directory the Registry key is

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Setup\sourcepath="path to files"

very helpfull!!!

[Stalemate]

Originally posted by tradeer3:
<STRONG>Well, here at our shop we copy the win98 folder to a cabs directory.
if we dont install from that directory the Registry key is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Setup\sourcepath="path to files"

very helpfull!!!</STRONG>


Check out the link in my original post - same instructions!

[Sly]

Originally posted by Ad3pT:
<STRONG>


This IS SOP for laptops, at least for the OS. But if you have networking clients or other required drivers - whether on laptop or desktop PCs - you will understand the immediate advantage, Sly69.

As I stated in my original post, this is something that most techs already do, but it's also a major help for home users <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"></STRONG>


What I should have said is Thats my SOP!!!
<IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">

[ßracius]

I usually direct the setup tp utilize the ram and then install on to the HDD instead of copying the setup files and running it on the HDD. After the install I dump the CD in the Cabs directory.

[pcejim@dol.net]

In a OEM environment, we use the Microsoft OEM preload tool that is on the OEM CD. It does the same thing, but you can configure the installation somewaht. Plus, after install is complete, it rolls back to the User sign on screen so User has to enter liscence number, etc. But as an added benefit, it does copy all the cabs, etc over.
JIM

[Quiet Thunder]

All you really have to copy is the win98 directory on the cd onto the hd or network. Then change the key previously mentioned in the post. For full installs, use the Microsoft Batch program on the cd and you can easily install the os hands free. You have to input maybe three or four screens, and they are all next buttons. You can even have the batch tool automatically put in the Product code so you don't have to type that annonying thing.

[agm130]

I have found this app that does everything for you. Just copy the Cab files to a directory and tell the program where they are.

Banish CD http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/system/banishcd.htm

[cyberhh]

SOP - Always