AIO Neowin Un-Attended SlipStream CD Suggestions

[cpugeniusmv]

reply so i can track this topic ..

this thread roXer.

Kyro.

:whistle:

[HotBlack]

Well heres my 0.02$:

Project started on 22 Dec 2003, following a few weeks playing with autopatcher XP and reading the associated neowin forums. I decided to create a GUI unattened XP install CD/DVD maker, that would allow users to make XP install discs, that installed a fully updated, tweaked and personalised system with all the apps a given user wishes without any intervention from the user. To give some initial idea of its capabilities it grew from trying to make a better version of the "setupmgr.exe" program in the XP-SP1 deployment tools. It is written in C++ and requires the .net framework to run.

Visually it looks like "setupmgr.exe" with a small pane on the left taking you through the install process and one on right showing the options for that stage, at the bottom is a progress bar used to show the size of the disc (similar to nero): (can't seem to make a screen shot so good old ascii art must do)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

?CXDIM 0.0.3 (Concept Alpha) ?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------?

?Welcome <-- ? ?

?Locate XP CD | WELCOME ?

?Update XP ? ?

? Slipstream SP1 ? This wizard will guide you thorugh creating a custom, up to | Slipstream SP2 | date, unattened XP install CD/DVD ?

? Slipstream KB files ? ?

?Configure XP ?

? Peronsal Details ? YOU WILL NEED ?

? Product Key ? ? ... ? A full XP install disc, that is a home or pro version of windows

?Addtional Win comp. ? XP not a demo version. ?

? Media Player ? A serial number for this disc (this can be a key that needs

? Movie Maker ? actiavtion or a coperate pre activated version). |

? .net framework ? Install files and serials for the apps you wish to install (there

? Java ? must also be a plugin for this program that supports your app).

? Win script ? Any CMD line programs you wish to add to your CMD line.

? IE addons ? Drivers for your system. ?

? IE spell check ?

| ... ?

? DzSoft Fav Search? ?

? ... ? |

?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------?

?Size (X MB): [xxxxxxxxxxxxx 17% ] ?

?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------?

? -------- --------- --------- ?

? ? EXIT ? ? BACK? |NEXT ?

? -------- --------- --------- ?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------?

Wow, long time since I did that! [anybody know of a good program to take screen shots?] Okay here is the oh so important screen shot. Obviously things will be slightly different but that gives you an idea. (oh and I am getting to my point)

A snapshot of the implemented features as of tonight (UK) follows:

Indented entries are not "seen" in left hand panel.

0.0.0) Start up. - Load GUI,

0.0.1) Create log file - Add header to log file, add date+time to log file.

1.0.0) Display Welcome screen. - Include; Welcome (explanation), what you will need, warnings.

2.0.0) Display Instert you XP CD. - Add a browse button to point to install files on CD or anywhere include this in text.

2.0.1) Check for i386 folder and a few other files.

2.0.2) Check for SP1.htm - If found CD is SP1 slip then skip SP1 Slipstream section 3.1. (This can be

improved; detect more).

2.0.x) Check for value add, lang, win9x up etc.. folders.

2.0.3) Set location of files as global variable - Just that.

2.1.0) Select what to include - Option boxes (use advice on site). All existing on by default. Text explain if okay off.

2.1.1) Copy files to temp folder - Display progress bar.

3.0) Update XP Welcome - Display some usefull websites about XP updates?

3.1.0) Slipstream SP1 - Will not continue if not done.

3.1.1) Browse to SP1 network ver.

3.1.2) Splistream SP1 - display progress bar.

3.2.0) Slipstream SP2 - Will not continue if not done. [this not yet implented, SP2 not out]

3.2.1) Browse to SP2 network ver.

3.2.2) Splistream SP2 - display progress bar.

3.3.0) Slipstream KB Hotfixes - Opens manifest file KB_Hotfixes_manifest.txt in dir "KB_Hotfixes" below run folder.

3.3.1) Read manifest file - Get info for each fix and file name, and default status.

3.3.2) Display list of all fixes and info - Tick updates using default status.

3.3.3) Slipstream updates - display progress bars; total, update.

4.0.0) Configue XP Welcome - Tell user to get product key, and other needed info

4.0.1) Create variable for all data.

4.1.0) Perosnal details - Prompt for name and org.

4.2.0) Product Key - Prompt for Key.

4.3.0) Display settings & basic shell options -.

4.3.1) Browse to wallpaper.

4.4.0) Time Zone & Regional - prompt.

4.5.0) Networking.

4.5.1) Browse for .ins file for RAS settings.

4.6.0) Choose printer - [move?]

4.7.0) Choose XP compnents (the ones in the sif; file solitaire etc...)

5.0.0) Drivers Welcome - Explain to user.

5.0.1) Opens manifest file Drivers_manifest.txt in dir "Drivers" below run folder.

5.0.2) Read manifest file - Get info for each driver and file name, and how to silent install.

Not all drivers installations will work using this method. If you come across one that doesn't

work, then you may want to consider doing a silent installation on the driver package itself

and run it from [GuiRunOnce].

5.0.3) Display summary and confirm.

5.0.4) Add lines to winnt.sif [unattended] section (or if needed make batches).

5.0.5) Copy files to temp folder using structure.- display bar.

6.0.0) Addtional Windows Components Welcome - [much to add].

6.1.0) MSN Messenger 6.1.0203

6.1.1) Messenger plus

6.1.2) Remove Windows Messenger 4.

6.2.0) Java

6.2.1) Microsoft Virtual Machine (Build 3805.0)

6.2.2) Microsoft Virtual Machine (Update to Build 3810.0)

6.2.3) Microsoft Virtual Machine Patch (Q329077)

6.2.4) Sun Java 1.4.2_03

6.3.0) Microsoft DirectX 9.0b

6.3.1) Q825116 NTSC-J, PAL, or SECAM-Formatted TV Tuner No Longer Works Correctly After Upgrade to DirectX 9.0b

6.3.2) Microsoft DirectX 9.0b Control Panel Shortcut

6.4.0) Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1

6.4.1) Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Update (KB824629)

6.5.0) Windows Media Player 9

6.5.1) Windows Media Player 9 Update (Build 3075)

6.5.2) Windows Media Player 9 CD Codec Pack

6.5.3) Windows Media Player 9 DVD Decoder Pack

6.5.4) Windows Media Player 9 MP3 Encoding Ability

6.5.5) FIX: Windows Media Player 9 Series May Not Be Able to Connect Through an Authenticated Proxy 2.0 Proxy Server

6.5.6) FIX: Java Runtime Does Not Initialize the Windows Media Player 9 OCX Control in Netscape Navigator

6.5.7) FIX: Hardware-Created ASF Files Stop Playing in Media Player 9 Series

6.5.8) Windows Media Player 9 Tweak MP PowerToy

6.6.0) Microsoft Windows XP PowerToys

6.6.1) Background Switcher Powertoy.

6.6.2) Calculator PowerToy

6.6.3) Command Window Here PowerToy

6.6.4) Destop Manager PowerToy

6.6.5) Highlighter PowerToy

6.6.6) HTML Generator PowerToy

6.6.7) Image Resizer PowerToy

6.6.8) Internet Explorer Find Bar PowerToy

6.6.9) ISO Recorder PowerToy

6.6.10) Magnifier PowerToy

6.6.11) Microsoft Font Properties Extension Powertoy

6.6.12) Microsoft Internet Explorer Image Zoom Powertoy

6.6.13) Shell Audio Player Powertoy

6.6.14) Target Context Menu PowerToy

6.6.15) Task Switcher PowerToy

6.6.16) TimerShot PowerToy

6.6.17) Tweakomatic PowerToy

6.6.18) TweakUI 2.10

6.6.19) TweakUI 2.10 Control Panel Shortcut

6.6.20) Windows Media Player 9 PowerToy

7.0.0) System Tweaks -

7.0.1) open manifest file.

7.0.2) read manifest file.

7.0.3)

8.0.0) Cmd Line tools

9.0.0 GUI Tools folder?

10.0.0) apps

11.0.0) Summary, final add options and manual edit files.

12.1.1) Create+Write winnt.sif file.

12.2.1) Write batch files.

12.3.1) Create+Write log file.

13) Create iso

---

Okay now to my point, I would like to combine forces with this project are you interested? Apps will be added via an XML plug-in schema which I am still working on. I have a huge list of features I plan to add.

Okay any and all feedback plz? (I wont be offened) Cheers

[devilman2590]

I tried making my own and ****** up badly :p.

[B.Y.O.B.]

good job on the ascii art :)

[Shifty]

Ive been getting tons of PM's and emails asking about

whats coming in the next release and when...

Here is a quick update for the next release...

I have finished making modular batch files.

this means that if you need to do something specific

it can be done.

there will still be a "master batch" file to do everything.

Here are some issues addressed:

1. Language Issues.

I have decided to NOT delete out the Lang folder.

after testing, w/ the current AP it will still fit all on 1 CD.

2. WINNT.SIF

I have added more inputs for the winnt.sif

-time zones

-initial formatting, auto or DYI (dont ask to make custom settings for this!! its not possible!!)

-Admin Password Encryption, user can choose to encrypt password (might take this out and tell it to encrypt anyways)

3. Drivers

I have deleted out all the unneccessary stock drivers from my XP install

and added all my new updated drivers...

I have successfully installed an All-in-Wonder and my Nforce2 chipset, sound storm drivers (all current)

Though it hasnt been tested on other hardware, it was really easy for me.

the advantage is works on these points:

-System is installed w/ current drivers, so there is no need to installed new drivers manually later.

-By deleting out the stock drivers, I was able to save about 90MB of space!!

*NOTE* this is for advanced users!! You have to know what hardware is being installed

and NOT deleting out critical drivers like USB, serial, parallel port drives will render your computer

useless!!

Here is an example: if you dont have a printer installed, then you can delete off the printer drivers.

i kept all the stock critical system drivers and let the new drivers overwrite them during isntallation so not

to mess up hardware installation. after inspecting Hardware Manager, there were NO "unknown device" listed!!

I will have to mess around some more and find some people w/ advanced knowledge of drivers and hardware.

4. Application Installation (Un-Attended)

I have complied a small list of apps that i always install (winamp, nero, myie2, etc)

I have install file switches for some of them and appearantly all the email i sent out

asking for switches for install files from various companies have gone un-answered...

Im sure there is a post on neowin w/ switches for various programs.

I have tested some of them out w/ RUN and seems to work for some of the install files

i have.

As far as release dates are... im shooting for the end of the month.

one factor is the next release of AP. this will determine if it will fit

on the XP install CD or not.

Also I have run into some hitches... like the lack of CDRW's in my

area. Since i live in the middle of Redneck Metropolis (Southwest VA)

CDRW's are hard to find, especially High Speed ones.

Im trying to experiment w/ CDRW installations

to make the "Dynamic Update System" :wacko: more on this later...

some of you may have figured this out already :shifty:

Also at work shat has hit the fan w/ Viacom and asking Dishnetwork

to pay up to 5 times more money for a contract renewal than last year!!

since my company did budge to pay and negotiations have failed.

right about now a crap load of channels like MTV, VH1, nickelodeon, etc

will be taken off the line up, which means there will be 9 MILLION :angry: ANGRY :angry:

PEOPLE calling in at once to complain!!

that means tons of mandatory overtime on my precious days off to be at my

second job, neowinite!!

thanks for all your patience and please dont hate me if i dont reply to your

emails!! i get like 30 or 40 a day!!

HotBlack, check your email!!

[Bizkit]

devilman2590, why can you not take a screenshot? DO you not have paint on your comnputer?

[Shifty]

Here is one thing that was suggested to me at work...

saving of favorites list!!

just pop in your user name and whamo!! your favorites folder is

copied to the cd and placed in the right place!!

how many times have you formatted only to realize half way during

the format you forgot to back up your favorites list...

im guilty on many occasions... like 4 nights ago!!

[coucou]

saving of favorites list!!

just pop in your user name and whamo!! your favorites folder is

copied to the cd and placed in the right place!!

Super idea!

May you be more clear Shifty, my english is not so so!

what code and where to place it for saving the favorite list.

Cheers

coucou

[Shifty]

basically the code would look like this:

(pseudo code)

input user_name>>

xcopy %systemdrive%\Documents and Settings\%user_name%\Favorites >> &cdrom%\$oem$\$1\backup\favorites\

[sialivi]

What about Services? Would be nice to be able to select between different Services "profiles" like the ones on this webpage: Windows XP Home and Professional Service Configurations by Black Viper

[Shifty]

What about Services? Would be nice to be able to select between different Services "profiles" like the ones on this webpage: Windows XP Home and Professional Service Configurations by Black Viper

I checked out that link. good stuff!!

unfortunately there are too many options and customization for each user

that making a default could cause a lot of problems for many users.

also, that guide is for the hardcore that really wants to squeeze out every ounce

of power from XP and for the average neowinite that could pose a problem.

again, w/ different preferences and tons of different combination of configurations.

i like the guide and its something that i would do at first boot.

i would recommend it in my guide as an extra step to

XP heaven!!

if i do include that guide, which is a good chance, i will be sure to give you credit!!

[Shifty]

Its been a while since i have posted any updates here...

its been a super long week!!

I have decieded to have 2 versions of my the 2nd Release.

1-Batch File Method for tweakers and hardcore alike

2-GUI front end for noobs and lazy people like me

Once i get my .net studio installed this weekend i should be able to make a GUI front end

in no time.

[Oddstar]

Cool!

Ready to host anytime...

[HotBlack]

I too have been hard at work and here are 3 proper screenshots of my app:

I been away from the internet for a while so I only just got the message from shifty, it would seem pointless to have (at least) two people working on an app that does the same thing, so hopefully we can merge our efforts.

I should (work permitting) be able to release a version that is complete up to and including drivers before the end of the month.

[Bizkit]

Looks nice. Want a tester?

[Shifty]

Greetings folks!!

Me and CPUgeniusMV have completed yet another batch file for the next release!!

this one covers just one of many requests.

((Batch Info Updates))

-BackUp Favorite List(s) for IE for any user (must be logged in as administrator or have admin rights) *completed* (other browsers still in developement)

-Stock XP Driver removal to save tons of space *beta, but works great!!*

-Removal of Non-Essential apps from the CD (ie:MSN Explorer, MSN Messenger, etc and highly customizable)

-WINNT.SIF Generator *completed*

Still the same:

-Modular batch files to do specific tasks

-Master Batch file to do everything in order

Extra Stuff in the Office:

-GUI Front end like HotBlacks one, perhaps it might be the same one!!

-Inter-Active Webbased Guide and Code Generator!! *sub-alpha development*

[Premgenius]

Cool...

If you need space hosting PM and I'll giv you a login and a public access URL and I am willing to test it for you :D

Serious when we be able to download cos i seriously wanna tst this out

Edited January 19, 2004 by DJ Prem

[Shifty]

DJ Prem,

I'll have a RC1 ready to go this weekend (work has been a killer, 10 hours overtime every week...) , and if you want to try it i can whip it up

and give it to you.

only you can have it though!! :)

[HotBlack]

Thanks for the offers for Beta testing I may well take some of you up on it later. But for now my app is still in alpha and beta will not be before the end of the month.

For now here are some more screen grabs that so many of you seem so eager for. These show a bit more of the actuall functionality:

[HotBlack]

Only one pic per post it seems: so here is one more, I will post one more after that so as not to waste all your bandwidth.

[HotBlack]

Last one, they are many inbetween these:

[c4rl0s]

Seems really good HotBlack, you oughta speak with Shifty about this, it would be great to combine both apps, in one killer app..

[Premgenius]

Nice.....give me a PM if you need me :D

[Venturas]

cant wait for final version :)

[Gergith]

cant wait for final version :)

me too, im downloading all my install files for software and such, so i can make a fresh 2004 install cds :-p and give my baby new install, format! (ignoring the fact i got the computer for christmas, i accumulate alot of trash)