[brunces]

Friends,

I like to make copies of my CDs because this way, every time I need to install something, I simply use the copies and do not mess with the original ones. I use to keep these in a safe place, so they are always "new" and away from damages.

I have an original Windows 7 DVD and I would like to make a copy of it, but this time, differently. I would like to add to it all the programs I usually install on my computer. But notice that I do not want to create an unattended installation CD, just like those modified Windows versions we see on the web. That is not what I want. I just want to put a folder of mine with all the programs I like within the copy, so that I will have a single CD with everything I need. I do not want those programs to be installed by themselves during Windows installation. I myself will install them just after Windows is ready. I just want everything to be together. So, my doubt is: how do I do that?

I have been thinking of creating an ISO file, then open it with WinRAR and add the folder to it. After that I would simply burn the DVD. But is it that simple? Or should I use any specific program to do that?

Thank you very much for your attention.

brunces

P.S.: I did not know exactly if this was the right place to put this question. If I am in the wrong area, please rearrange this thread. Thanks.

[midders]

Uless M$ have changed their policy since Windows Vista, you can just copy the entire contents of the install disk into a new folder using windows explorer and then add whatever files you want before burning the result back to a new disk; there is no need to bother with making an ISO image. I recommend that you use ImgBurn for writing the disk, it's free and awesome.

If you want to keep the install disk bootable, you'll need to extract the boot image from the original disk (use bbie or isobuster) and then use the advanced settings of ImgBurn to make the disk bootable and point it at your boot image.

Slainte

midders

[brunces]

midders, thank you very much for your prompt response.

First, what did you mean by "Unless M$ have changed their policy since Windows Vista"? I am sorry, I just did not understand it.

Well, according to your explanation, the process is simple. I just did not know that thing about extracting the boot image, because I have never done the way you said. Every time I copy a CD, I simply create an ISO file and burn it on a new CD, then it gets bootable automatically. That is why I asked about the ISO stuff.

Well, I do not know how to deal with that bootable issue, so could you please tell me about any available tutorial on that? I appreciate it.

brunces

[midders]

Originally Posted by brunces

First, what did you mean by "Unless M$ have changed their policy since Windows Vista"? I am sorry, I just did not understand it.

M$ haven't used any sort of copy protection on their OS install disks so far; I haven't got my hands on a Windows 7 disk, so can only assume that this remains the case.

Well, according to your explanation, the process is simple. I just did not know that thing about extracting the boot image, because I have never done the way you said. Every time I copy a CD, I simply create an ISO file and burn it on a new CD, then it gets bootable automatically. That is why I asked about the ISO stuff.

Creating an ISO in this case would be a waste of time, since you would have to extract its contents in order to add to it.

Well, I do not know how to deal with that bootable issue, so could you please tell me about any available tutorial on that? I appreciate it.

ImgBurn can extract the image for you: http://club.myce.com/f153/possible-e...5/#post2097920
(N.B. When ImgBurn runs choose write files/folders to disk)

Once the image has been extracted, on the same screen:
- check the make image bootable box
- load the image file that you saved previously
- set emulation type to none
- leave 7C00 and 4 as they are

You can now drag and drop or search for the folder containing your install disk and other software. ImgBurn is pretty smart and if it prompts you to change various options, just let it, as it will probably recognize that you are making an OS install disk.

Slainte

midders

[Megabite]

Easy way is to use a program like PowerISO.....just load it in PowerISO and add file then you can burn to CD/DVD or make an ISO image file and burn it later....you can also use MagicISO

[Elvandil]

...or UltraIso. So far, adding folders to a bootable ISO image has always resulted in an image that retained its bootability.

[brunces]

Very good, guys. Thank you all very much for your attention.

midders, I am going to check your tips. Thanks.

brunces