How do YOU install windows?

[techs]

I make a directory on the c: drive, win95,win98 or win9x depending on version, copy the contents of the corresponding directory on the windows cdrom, then run setup from the c: drive. i find it easiest, as when i am done windows will look for files, by default, where they were installed from and it saves me and the client time navigating to the cab files.
I notice that most major manufacturers place it in c:\windows\options\cabs. Is there anything to be gained doing it that way?

[This message has been edited by techs (edited September 18, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by techs (edited September 18, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by techs (edited September 18, 2000).]

[shawnMt]

That's where I always put the cabs. The only thing gained is it's a standard way to do it. That way if you're working on a machine for the first time you don't have to hunt them down, wonder whether they are on the drive, or search for *.cab

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[Green Iguana]

The same way.

[InTheWayBoy]

Format that HD, make a directory chain C:\Windows\Options\Cabs\, copy all the cabs there, and then run setup via a msbatch.inf I made. Makes life alot simplier. Put that all on a CD, made it bootable, added a menu system (Still working on that one) and BAM! It's just that easy folks NERO!!!

[Larommi]

I copy the .cabs to the hard drive for windows reloads.
For brand new builds I use the system builder OPK or whatever that is called. I put the floppy in the drive, cd in the tray, start it and after the Fdisk and reboot, I can walk away. Works great!

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only to discover that you're on the wrong train.

[Darren Wilson]

Ditto to all the above apart from I create a directory called CABS then attrib it to be hidden, so Customers don't delete it off of their drive. I also use a msbatch.inf file for the hands free installation.

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[pcshark]

The industry standard is C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\CABS. If I don't find the files there, I will copy them there and make the registry fix to point there.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr ent Version\Setup

Key= Source (dword value)
Value= c:\windows\options\cabs

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[gren]

First I cut a big hole in the wall, then I put in block spacers for the frame.. then the pane of glass goes in..

I usually backup my data to a slaved drive and fdisk/format the master. I copy the cabs to the freshly formatted drive and run setup from whatever dir for whatever OS I run. I haven't been in the practice of dual booting OS's, so anytime I want to change my OS, I usually just wipe what I had and install fresh. The way I see it, if you want NTFS, go Win2k/NT.. if you want Fat32, go Win98/ME. It's too much of a pain in the a$$ for me to boot both...

[NeuromancerIV]

Yeah, we follow the most of the same general ideas, but sometimes we have large build (400+) of identical machines for clients, we create a master drive then ghost it, then remove the Windows reg prod key. Cabs on the HDD that is such a godsend when a CD-ROM drive dies...or CD goes missing (happens to me at my house all the time)
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"I dont care about apathy."

[techs]

Originally posted by Darren Wilson:
Ditto to all the above apart from I create a directory called CABS then attrib it to be hidden, so Customers don't delete it off of their drive. I also use a msbatch.inf file for the hands free installation.

I like the hidden attribute idea! What is the msbatch.inf ? first i have heard of it.



[This message has been edited by techs (edited September 19, 2000).]

[Damned Angel]

Windows\options\cabs here too

[cyberhh]

Typically - I create a windows\options\cabs directory - copy installation files and install. I have also made an installation cd to automate.

[Tech666]

We use the windows OPK wizard to create an unattended install , by default it puts all cabs in the options\cab dir.

techs , if you buy a mulitpack of windows OEM there are instructions on how to create an unattended install.

[shawnMt]

98 preload is a good thing - anyone make an ME preload disk yet?

------------------
GENERAL FAILURE READING DRIVE A:
(A)bort, (R)etry, (G)et a beer?

Paint your old laptop!

[ransomedson]

c:\windows\options\cabs

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