just wondering cause i want to reinstall my windows but i dont want to install xp then sp2 later.  it’s like installing windows two times instead of one try.  also by doing xp then sp2, it takes 200 mb of my hd space for sp1 file archive

anyone know when ms will release its xp pro sp2 ? thanks.

You can make your own SP2 XP CD by slipstreaming it into existing copy of the installation files.

http://www.tech-recipes.com/windows_installation_tips587.html

Just follow the directions, burn the CD and you’re done.

quick reply, thanks. but how about the cd key?  can i use my sp1 cd key?  how difficult is it to do the slipstream?  thanks.

btw, i read the whole thing.  why do i need to have a win 98 boot floppy ?  i mean after step 4 from the above procedure, can you just burn the whole directory instead of going to step 5? i don’t have win 98 boot floppy and my drive is ntfs, not fat 32 and it’s only 1 partition.

thanks for the tip

You can use the same key. Also, there’s a way that you can pre-enter the key so that it doesn’t ask during the installation.

Do a Google Search for “slipstream XP SP2” and you’ll find tons of guides (all almost the same) with different ways to do this.

I would do it for you but I have Sunday brunch…and you can figure it out. I believe in you.  :wink:

There’s no mention of any boot floppy in the article at all. The reason to go to step 5 is to have a CD you can just pop into the drive to install without floppies or to do a repair and not have to run a whole SP afterwards.

oh, i want to reformat my drive and boot from cd is the only way to install win xp, right?  therefore if i skip step 5 and burn everything from the folder, can i still boot from my new cd?

i have official sp2 cd from ms, and i just see that ms themself give guide on how to slipstream.  so i will use their instruction, however my main concern is initial boot, u know when u want to fresh install, blue screen come out and ask for partition, format, etc.  if i just burn the whole directory without going to step 5, will i be able to do that?

thanks

In order to get a bootable CD, you need to follow the “make a bootable CD” step. It’s kind of like baking cookies without the “bake” step. Don’t get me wrong, raw cookie dough (especially cocolate chip) has its uses, but it’s not cookies.

Ok, back from brunch…and am back to make the world a better place for slipstreamers… :wink:

Here’s an even easier way to do it!

http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/1092632287/1

Enjoy!

good to know, but does it make the CD bootable?  i already slipstream it but i can’t make the cd bootable like when you want to fresh install from CD…