nLite and vLite are freeware applications used to create customized installation CDs of Microsoft's Windows 2000, XP, 2003, and Vista.
Overview
nLite lets users customize and remove components from their Windows install disc, integrate updates, automate the installation process, and install third party programs automatically. nLite is for Windows 2000, XP, 2003 while vLite is for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
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, 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.
Service Packs
vLite v1.1.6 lets a user slipstream Windows Vista Service Pack 1 into their installation media. nLite also lets the user slipstream any service packs (including XP SP3 and 2003/x64 SP2) for the Windows version they are customizing and remove new components which come with it.
Updating
If the user has used vLite on their current installation, then SP1 will not be available on Windows Update.
If the user removes a component, Windows Update still works. However, it does not show updates for the components the user has removed, but still shows and installs updates for components the user has kept.
Significance
The popularity of nLite is the result of the computer users' wish to have a clean, light operating system that does not contain bloatware or unnecessary files.
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.[1]
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, then slipstreaming is the only way to install Windows on a SATA or RAID drive (for which Microsoft hasn't included drivers on the CD).
See also
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