nLite and vLite
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nLite and vLite are freeware applications which create customized installation CDs of Microsoft's Windows 2000, XP, 2003, and Vista.
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[edit] Overview
nLite lets users customize and remove components from their Windows install disc, integrate updates, automate the installation process by entering things like the Product Key, Administrator Password and Region Details and install third party programs automatically. nLite is for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 while vLite is for Windows Vista, Windows 7 and works partially with Windows Server 2008 as well.
[edit] Process
nLite and vLite automate the customization process. First they copy the contents of the install disc to a folder on the user's computer. Then they let the user remove Windows components, tweak its options, install Windows Service Packs, patch faults, set up Unattended Details and add drivers. The user can preset the service settings in Windows or remove services entirely. One of the main uses is to remove programs and components, many of which cannot normally be removed in Windows, such as Internet Explorer, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Media Player.
After applying the changes, an image file can be created or the Windows installation can be burned onto a CD.
[edit] Service Packs
vLite v1.2 Final lets a user slipstream Windows Vista Service Pack 1 into their installation media, but it does not have support for slipstreaming Windows Vista Service Pack 2. However, if the user has an original DVD with Service Pack 2 already on it, they are able to customize that DVD. nLite lets the user slipstream any service packs (including XP SP3 and 2003/x64 SP2) for the Windows version they are customizing.
[edit] Updating
If the user has used vLite on their current Vista installation, then SP1 will not be available on Windows Update. Installation of Service Pack 2 will fail if certain components have been removed from the Windows Installation.
If the user removes a component, then Windows Update still works. It does not show updates for the components the user has removed, but still shows and installs updates for components the user has kept.
[edit] Significance
nLite lets users reduce Windows' resource consumption while retaining features that they desire. With a smaller operating system footprint, more computer resources remain available for Windows programs, as well as allowing backups to complete faster.
Another important use of nLite is for slipstreaming drivers or service packs onto a Windows CD. Specifically for RAID or SATA drivers, which are needed during installation of Windows XP (or Windows Server 2003), as compared to other drivers, which can be installed after installation. When the computer has no floppy drive, slipstreaming is the only way to install Windows XP (which was implemented before SATA) on a SATA or RAID drive (for which Microsoft hasn't included drivers on the CD).
It is also used extensively by netbook users, for removing (from Windows XP mostly, but sometimes Vista, especially on smaller SSDs) unwanted components.
