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Nlite Tutorials

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Revision as of 13:42, 20 April 2008

Nlite

Homepage for Nlite

OCAU Forum Nlite Forum Thread

Last updated by BurningFeetMan 11/04/2008

Contents

Why Nlite?

We all know the Windows XP is widely used across many platforms and is still a fairly dominant and widely used OS. Since Microsoft will stop releasing major service packs after SP3 for Windows XP, something... goes here. I sleep now.

Getting Started

Ok, here's a list of applications and items that we need to get the show on the road.

Integrating Service Packs

Before we continue through this tutorial, I can only assume that you've read the Getting Started chapter and have all the tools ready, working and installed as per the guide.

  • Service Pack 2 for Windows XP can be downloaded here.
  • Service Pack 3 RC2 Build 5508 for Windows XP can be downloaded here

Available Addon Software

Here is a good start to getting a real taste of exactly what nlite can do for you.

Here is a list of already made and managed Nlite Addons hosted at http://www.winaddons.com.

So what exactly is in this list? As you can see at a glance, it's sorted alphabetically. Have a quick scroll down and see if you can find any of your favourite applications. Basically, it's a list of freeware & shareware software that you can slipstream to your Windows install disc. For example, on this list is the well known PDF reader package by Adobe, Adobe Reader. By default, Windows XP can't open up PDF files. So to get around this we can download the CAB file located at Win Addons for Adobe Reader and slipstream it to our Windows install disc. Now, when you format your computer, and use this updated Windows install disc to re-install Windows, Adobe reader will also install too! All automatically and silently. You don't have to click any buttons, or sort through any install files. It's all done, and you'll never have to re-download adobe PDF reader ever again!


Custom Addon Software

So you've checked out the list of Addon Software but perhaps you haven't been able to find your favourite software package available? Well, no drama's! All we have to do is download the latest version of your favourite program and then pack it into a CAB file. Although every software package is different, CAB file makers such as Nlite Addon Maker simplify the whole process. Before we go any further, go grab a beer...

Now for this example of creating a CAB file I'll be using an instant messaging application called Digsby. Remember to always check the internet to see if someone else has already created the CAB file you're about to create, as there's no point in re-inventing the wheel! One major advantage when making your own CAB file is that you control EVERYTHING that goes into it, user names, passwords, default installs or customised installs. There's also less chance of any unknown nasties getting into your project, since you're the one packing the CAB file.

A quick google tells me that there's no Digsby CAB file available on the internet. So let's begin making one by downloading the latest version of Digsby, then once that's downloaded, open up Nlite Addon Maker.

Nlite Addon Maker.gif

Some more steps goes here.

Nlite Addon Maker Digsby.gif

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NliteDigsby1.gif

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NliteDigsby3.gif

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NliteDigsby2.gif


Since each program is different, we'll go through two ways of creating a CAB file.

  • Default Install
  • Silent Install

Examples to add:

  • steam

Winamp

Before we continue through this tutorial, I can only assume that you've read the Getting Started chapter and have all the tools ready, working and installed as per the guide.

OK, so you've gone through the Available Addon Software list, and noticed that winamp isn't on that list. want to add the latest Winamp version to your Windows XP Sp3 Cd. Well, we'll start at the Nulsoft website http://www.winamp.com/. Here you can navigate to the "Free Download" button, then download the "Full" version, which is currently 5.53 as I type.


SCREEN SHOTS ARE AWESOME, I'LL GO GRAB SOME NOW KTHX

File Types

Here are various types of file types that you may need to know about for your Nlite project.

  • .EXE
  • .BAT
  • .CMD
  • .MSI
  • .CAB
  • .7z

Terminology

  • Slipstream
  • Integrate
  • Silent Install