Slipstreaming FAQ

[GrimmReaver]

I've decided to compile an FAQ about slipstreaming, since this is a topic that has risen in light of BootCamp.

 

1. What is slipstreaming?

 

The term "slipstreaming" is a Windows term, though other OS's have the exact same thing, just called something else. While making Windows 2000, the dev team created an easier process of including Service Packs to the core OS. This was very helpful to enterprise clients who could now make boot disks disc readily available with the latest SPs on them. It’s basically combining Service Packs with Windows.

 

2. Why slipstream?

 

Well, if you need, let's say, to have the required Windows XP +SP2 for BootCamp to work, its a great alternative to shelling out $200 on a new copy.

3. Is it illegal?

 

No. Microsoft provides you with tools to combine SP2 with Windows XP.

4. How do I slipstream? And what do I need for it?

 

Well, the process is pretty long to explain in this FAQ, but don't b discouraged, long doesn't mean difficult. Its very simple if you can follow instructions. This is by far the best guide to slipstreaming, and it shouldn't take that long.

 

You will need at least one blank CD, a burning program, such as Nero or Easy CD Creator. You will need a Windows XP CD, Home or Professional, it will still work. No, I will not tell you where to go to get those. This is optional: VMWare Workstation to check if the SP2 really works.

 

5. How do I check if it works?

 

There are two ways, at least from what I know:

A. Insert your new slipstreamed CD, and go to My Computer. Wait till it loads, and if the Windows XP installation pane opens, than you know that you actually have a working CD. But we need to see if SP2 is correctly placed. Close the pane and right click on the Windows XP CD Drive and select explore. You should now be able to see the contents of your drive. It should look like this:

 

If you see the SP2, that means that SP2 should 99% install with Windows, unless you messed something up.

 

 

B. This one takes longer, but you can be sure that the disc works. Install VMWare workstation, and set up a virtual machine and install Windows using the CD you just slipstreamed. After its done, go to "Start" > "Run" and type in "winver" (without quotes). On the top of the pane it should say " Version 5.1 (Build 2600 xpsp_sp2...)" If it says that, you're in business, and it will work fine on an Intel Mac.

 

 

Please submit more questions. I can still write more, so this isn't final

[henbjo]

Have anyone tried to install XP on an Intel Mac with an install-CD slipstreamed with AutoStreamer? It should work just as well as any other slipstreaming method, and it's faster, easier and more convenient.

 

AutoStreamer is a quite easy to use and self explanatory app, but if anyone needs a guide there is one here.

 

The app can also determine what build you original install CD is, which can come in handy if you're not sure whether your WinXP CD is SP2 or not.