Adding Combo Update and Software to Install DVD

[mechdrew]

Here's the deal: I frequent the MyDellMini forums about Mac OS X, and for a while now I've been trying to figure out how to add the Combo Update, updated software packages (such as Safari and iTunes) and delete unused packages (languages, printers, etc.) from the Install DVD. This would be nice for several reasons:

 

1. Before we have fully-functioning Mac netbooks, most users (pretty much all) need a combo update. While our current methods work decently with 10.5.6, the latest retail disc, 10.5.4 discs and below are require an update before drivers function, and there is almost no reason that we shouldn't update to 10.5.7.

 

2. As part of the install process, it requires at least two additional restarts before the netbook is ready for operation. This is annoying and sometimes presents problems.

 

3. Some netbooks use small solid state drives (SSD) that are only 8 GB (6 GB actual) in size. Some drives even report lower amounts of space, making it impossible to install. Even after an successful install and deletion of unnecessary software, the combo updates are too large to apply.

 

So far I've managed to modify OSInstall.mpkg to allow a user to deselect some of the "Essential Software" such as Additional Voices and Mail.app, and last week finally figured out how to get it to allow me to delete said packages entirely from the contents of the DVD. The problem I still face is getting updates and additional software to install. I know this is possible considering that some of the disk images out there include an option for a Combo Update within the Installer without it actually being "slipstreamed" into the disc. I have been able to add an option for the Update, but it fails the Mac OS X Installer before it even installs anything. I've also been able to use Terminal to open the package in a normal Installer window, but that fails due to "not enough space" (although I have 75 GB available.)

 

Can anyone help me figure this out? I've tried searching this forum (and on Google) and so far all I have seen are posts about how slipstreaming is almost impossible, I'm not looking for that. I just want to be able to install the Combo Update during Mac OS installation.