vLite is a freeware application used to create customized installation CDs of Microsoft's Windows Vista.

vLite automates the customization process. First it copies the contents of the install disc to a folder on the user's computer. Then they let the user remove Windows components, tweak its options, install Windows Service Packs, patch faults, and add drivers. The user can preset the service settings in Windows or remove services entirely. One of the main uses is to remove programs and components, many of which cannot normally be removed in Windows, such as Internet Explorer, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Media Player.

After applying the changes, an image file can be created or the Windows installation can be burned onto a CD.

Benefits of a 'vlited' install.The popularity of vLite is the result of the computer users' wish to have a clean, light operating system that does not contain bloatware or unnecessary files.

vLite lets users reduce Windows' resource consumption while retaining features that they desire. With a smaller operating system footprint, more computer resources remain available for Windows programs, as well as allowing backups to complete faster.

Another important use of nLite is for slipstreaming drivers or service packs onto a Windows CD. Specifically for RAID or SATA drivers, which are needed during installation of Windows Vista, as compared to other drivers, which can be installed after installation.

The Guide1)Download and install vlite v1.1.6 Final from:http://www.vlite.net/download.html

2)Run vlite - if any dependencies are required, install them:

3)Make sure your vista dvd is on your optical drive, and then browse to it, and select OK:

4)Select a folder on your hard drive where you'd like the vlited install to be created, and wait for the disk's contents to be copied:

5)Select your version of vista (basic/premium/business/ultimate).

6)Click on tasks, in the left-hand panel in vlite, then click on all, and then click next.

If you do not have SP1 already installed, download it from:http://www.microsoft.com/Downloads/d...displaylang=en , then browse to it to select it to be slipstreamed into the install

7)In this next window, you may integrate Hotfixes, Drivers, and Language Packs. In my scenario, I only wanted to integrate my wifi, graphics and sound drivers.

8)Click on next and you'll be greeted with a compatibility screen. Choose your specified configuration and continue. For stability I always tick every feature. Then click on the application tab, and if you are planning to use any of the programs shown, tick them.

9)In the components section, remove what you wish. Note the details of each component is displayed on the right. Be sure to read the description of every component before deciding to remove it. I never remove any of the services, for full stability/compatibility it is recommended you leave them, and tweak their start-up settings after the install.

10)In the tweaks section, for best performance, I selected the following options:

11)

My settings for the unattended section (I have configured autologin aswell):

12Click apply and then click rebuild one

13

Click OK, and your original image will now rebuild:

14)Click on 'next', to move on to the 'burning the iso' screen.

15)Burn your image to a cd/dvd, and your finished!!! As you can see I have decreased my iso size from, 3.6GB to about 1.5GB.