Is it possible to install a stripped down barebones version of Windows XP ??

[plainman007]

Hi,

Ive heard of windows being available as a component based OS also. Is this True ? I mean can one load only a very minimal footprint version of the OS without all the finer aspects for looks and other bells and whistles. Ive heard that theres a version like this offered called windows component service or something akin to this but ive forgotten what i read since it was a long time back and hence dont know if thats even the correct term.

What im actually needing is a system that would only do one job and run just one software. Say for example a Kiosk. So you wouldnt need sound drivers. You wouldnt need a a lot of other elements maybe. So can one install just the components one needs so that the system will be very stable and maybe crash proof since it might be a highly crucial task based system.

If this is not possible. Can i remove as many components from within windows, which means lesser background services. Lesser components. Lesser load. Etc. Id like to start by removing Windows Movie Maker..and such other rubbish to start with.

Thanks...

[ibarnett]

You can use NLite nLite - Deployment Tool for the bootable Unattended Windows installation
Nlite will enable as much or as little as you like to be installed.
For a guide (structured for a EeePC) see here:i64X.com - nLite Windows XP Install on Asus Eee PC

[JBNimble]

Maybe Linux is your solution.

[plainman007]

IBarnet > Have u used Nlite ? If yes can you tell me does it only prevent a few major applications like movie maker and messenger from being installed or does it show each and every component of windows and allow options to avoid them ?


JBNimble > Yes i was seriously considering Linux as an option. The only issue being that the main software i want to run on that system is a windows based program. I dont know if wine or an emulator would run the application that i need to run. The application i will be using is not a popular general purpose program such as photoshop or word etc. Its a niche software that controls robotic lighting. DMX. This software is only popular within people who use it inside of that industry. Is there an emulator or application that woudl cause any windows program to run on linux. And secondly, is there a benefit in dong that. I mean since the emulator is running we might still experience the weaknesses of windows or do we get the best of both worlds,,, The ability to run the windows program but with the robustness of Linux behind it ?

Thanks...

[ibarnett]

NLite shows every component - load as little or as much as you like - see the guide I posted.

[plainman007]

Barnett, I didnt read that link since it said for a eeepc and i dont for starters know if thats just a brand name or a type of pc so i left it out but read all that i could on Nlite. I am off to read the link youve suggested right away. Thanks.

[plainman007]

I read the link and even tried out the entire process ending up with s successful bootable cd of windows lite. Thanks. But my only gripe is nearly 50% of the settings are so cryptic and how does on know which process does what ? I guess only someone very familiar with the windows internal processes can decide what to turn off. The help description is there only for some of the items leaving one hanging as to what to decativate and what not to ?

I also ended up with a windows installation that was 1.2 gb after install. The process was much quicker ofcourse. But still 1.2gb isnt that small as its users say it usually ends up with about 600mb of an install size. So im guessing i should deactivate more items. But this would mean burning several cd iso's again and again. So my 2 main questions are ....Can i make the .iso onto a thumb drive and boot from it for testing purposes ? Or alternatively is there a guide as to what all i can deactivate safely ?

[ibarnett]

I don't know the answers to all that.
Appart from trial & error, read the FAQ's & Forums on the NLite website - plenty of info there.

[plainman007]

Fine No Issues. Thanks Anyway.

On a side note i made my install without moviemaker. But the Moviemaker folder is there within c:\programs. But its empty. And it doesnt delete too. Odd Hmm.

Thanks