Creating a bootable Windows XP Pro plus SP2 CD
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Part 1 - Assembling the files needed for the slipstreamed CD

  1. Create a temporary folder on a drive with about 700MB or more free space. This folder will hold the files you will eventually burn onto the CD-R disc. I use a folder named C:\CD. You will also need to make temporary folders for the Service Pack 2 files (C:\SP2) and for the boot files (C:\BOOT).

  2. Copy the entire original Windows XP CD to this folder (C:\CD).

  3. Download the Windows XP Service Pack 2. Be sure to specify the Network Installation version so you can work with entire thing at once.

  4. Extract the downloaded Service Pack to a folder (C:\SP2) using the command "WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe -x" at a command prompt.

  5. Next, slipstream the SP2 into the C:\CD\i386 folder by issuing the command "C:\SP2\i386\UPDATE\UPDATE.EXE -S:C:\CD".

    6.

Part 2 - Burning the files to the disc

  1. You will need to download the Windows XP CD boot sector.

  2. Extract the downloaded boot sector to a temporary folder (C:\BOOT).

  3. Next copy any extra files you'd like to include on your new CD to the temporary folder (C:\CD). I usually create a folder named C:\CD\Included and include drivers for my hardware and files that I use to customize my computers. Be sure that the total size of the files and folders doesn't exceed that of the blank CD you intend to use (usually 640MB or 700MB).

  4. You can use other CD recording software but for these instruction I refer to CDRWIN from Goldenhawk.

  5. Now start CDRWIN and choose the File Backup and Tools icon (the wrench).


  6. First select the Backup/Tool Operation, then choose Build and Record an ISO9660 Image File. Set the other options and checkboxes to match this picture,


  7. Then click the Advanced Options button. Set the Volume Label, System Identifier, Volume Set and Application Name, Publisher and Data Preparer so they match the following image or something similar. The values are only cosmetic but many prefer to have the values accurately match the official discs.

    The Volume Label and related fields depend on your Windows XP version:
    Windows XP Professional Retail: WXPFPP_EN
    Windows XP Professional Upgrade: WXPCCP_EN
    Windows XP Professional OEM: WXPOEM_EN
    Windows XP Professional Volume Licensed: WXPVOL_EN
    Windows XP Home Retail: WXHFPP_EN
    Windows XP Home Upgrade: WXHCCP_EN
    Windows XP Home OEM: WXHOEM_EN
    Windows XP Home Volume Licensed: WXHVOL_EN


  8. Next click the "Bootable Disc" tab and set the options as indicated in this picture. Be sure to select or browse to the boot.bin file for the "Image File Name" field. The Emulation Type should be Custom and the Sector Count should be 4.


  9. Finally, click OK, then Start, then click Continue to burn your new CD.

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Note: the tips presented here are for advanced computer users.
Standard disclaimers apply - if your hair turns white,
your cat explodes and your computer melts down because you've used these tips,
then don't blame me. These tips all worked fine on my computers.