This week’s Freeware Frenzy focuses on a time-saving application. Have you ever spent an entire afternoon reinstalling Windows, clicking through endless screens and the Update website, to then have to add drivers and tweak the settings until it is all just right? Just finishing the ordeal is cause for celebration, but now there is a way to cut this time down significantly. So let’s take a closer look at nLite v1.2.1.

Installation is a standard affair; the program will open after the installer finishes. nLite requires Microsoft’s .Net 2.0 framework, which you can pick up at the Microsoft website.  The wizard will guide you through the entire process. Note that nLite only supports Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 and their respective subversions (Home, Pro, x64 etc.).

The wizard begins with a request for the Windows installation folder. Because nLite is designed for pre-installs, not modifying existing installations, you cannot simply navigate to your Windows folder on the C: drive. Instead, pop in your Windows CD and browse to it. nLite will immediately ask for a folder to save the CD’s files for modification. Simply create a folder where ever it is convenient; it is merely a holding place while you modify the Windows components before burning a new CD. Then sit back for a few minutes while nLite copies your Windows CD to the folder you just created.

The next screen will ask about loading previous settings. We don’t have any as first time users, but this is a way to save certain Windows setups for different uses. Perhaps one setup for personal computers and another for work machines. Next it is time to modify. nLite categorizes different options, such as integrating service packs, hotfixes, updates and drivers under “Integrate.” This is similar to AutoPatcher, which I’ve reviewed. But nLite takes the process one step further with more options for removing components and adding more settings and tweaks. Then, when you’re all set customizing your Windows CD, you can burn an ISO image to disc for future installations. Simply click on each button and Next to work within that option. Let’s take a look briefly at the various operations nLite is capable of.

“Service Packs” and “Hotfixes and Update Packs” let you browse for service pack or update files on your hard drive. If you do not have the Service Pack file stored somewhere, just click on the links for 2000, XP or Server 2003’s service pack websites. Hotfix integration has a few extras such as direct integration for skipping past individual install processes and for error reporting if any updates or add-ons have pop-up warnings. Under Drivers, simply browse for driver files individually or folders for multiples. Check the box to delete drivers after they are installed to save disk space.

Remove Components will first pop up with a list of functionalities, such as Internet Information Sharing (IIS), Printers, Internet Explorer 7, and DHCP (for networking). Checking any or all will remove their components from the master list as a safety measure. This way you cannot accidentally remove something you’ll need later. The full list has 450 components, such as the Windows applications Paint and Solitaire, Windows drivers, keyboards and languages, networking and more.

Smartly, if a certain component can be essential, the list is listed in red with a “Caution” and a warning that explains why you should be careful removing that particular option. Another plus for nLite are the helpful descriptions of each and every component available. A rule of thumb though; if you are not sure about including something, keep it. You would not want to regret the decision later.

Unattended: This area includes the various options that normally come up during the Windows install process; entering the CD key, setting users and accounts, time zone, language and network ID. By filling these out now, your Windows installation will proceed through these screens automatically, letting you leave the installation unattended, hence the name. You can see now the value and time saving nLite offers, especially for frequent installations.

The Options and Tweaks menu include various minor settings for the registry and Windows services. This is geared toward the power user who demands a very particular setup. Reformatting and reinstalling will obviously wipe out any tweak you have made over the months/years and with this, you can set everything ahead of time. Then, when the installation is finished, you computer will be exactly as it was, not how Microsoft thinks it should be.

Finally, burn your ISO within nLite, without the need for any separate burning software and you’re ready to tackle the previously daunting Windows install experience with ease. Check out nLite here: www.nliteos.com