Windows Compact Disc Management Script (WINCDMAN)
Soon to be replaced by WINCDMAN 2.0

Objective:

Create a script that handles all the necessary upgrades one might want to do with a Windows NT/2000/XP CD.

Automated Process:

• Copy CD install(s) to temporary location.
• Slip Stream service pack into installation.
• Extract hot-fixes and service packs.
• Remove irrelevant hot-fix files.
• Integrate hot-fix files into CD install.
• Recompile necessary cabinet files.
• Extract the disk boot images (if multi-boot).
• Edit the disk boot images (if multi-boot).
• Remove setup prompt for CD-Key (if desired and possible).
• Find any duplicate files (i.e. TEST.EX_ and TEST.EXE)
• Compress any new files.
• Create the ISO image.
• Burn the CD with a working boot sector.
   

Proposed Solution:

The script will handle all the necessary file operations for slipstreaming a Windows 2000 single  / multi-boot CD and integrating any hot-fixes in it.  The script is written in batch code using a collection of utilities and Windows Command Extensions (won't work under Win 9X).

Note: This script edits the necessary files via hex code on the fly, so it may work with Windows NT and XP already.   It should work regardless of what service pack you're installing.  You may experience problems if you attempt to upgrade an already personalized CD --- this uses date comparison as the method of upgrading from hot-fix files and using cdimage.exe wrongly (as some sites instruct) will encode a false modified date onto CDs.  This script maintains the structure of the Windows installation, keeping actual modified file date.

Releases:

As usual I have gotten behind and loaded with other work so I have not had much time to improve  / fix this.   I apologize if I haven't respond to email -- I just realized I had all of it filtered into a mail folder I never checked -- sorry.  I'll update this as I get time, and hopefully have something that works 100% by the next service pack of XP/2K.    

 -  Bryan

Bug Report Includes (If Possible):

• A Directory Printout (Goto CMD.EXE: DIR /A /S C:\TEMP_CD > SEND_TO_BRYAN.TXT)
• The Files: SETUPLDR.BIN, TXTSETUP.SIF, CMDLINES.TXT, INSTALL.BAT
• Screen Image / Printout of WINCDMAN
• Applicable During-Install Error Messages
• Your Name, So I Can Thank You

Silent Install Pre-Setup (If Possible):

• Internet Explorer 6
• Windows Media Player
• DirectX
• Windows Messenger 5.0

Information Used:

• "Nu2 Productions" www.nu2.nu
• "Tech-Hints" www.tech-hints.com
• "Bink's Site"  www.bink.nu
   

Tools Used (All Freeware / Shareware):

Note: The necessary files from these packages are distributed together in the releases section.  I have provided their links for support, licensing, and credit purposes.

• CDRECORD.EXE - CD Recording Utility (Link to Information)
• CYGWIN - POSIX API Emulation (Link to Information)
• GSAR.EXE - Search And Replace Utility (Link to Information)
• EXTRACT.EXE - List / Extract Cabinet Files (Link to Information)
• COMPRESS.EXE - Windows File Compressor (Link to Information)
• CABARC.EXE - List / Compile Cabinet Files (Link to Information)
• QCHAIN.EXE - Multiple Hotfix Enabler (Link to Information)
• IMGTOOL.EXE - List / Extract Proprietary Image Files (Link to Information), No Longer Used As Of 1.04
• XXCOPY.EXE - Adaptable File Copy Utility (Link to Information), No Longer Used As Of 1.04

Other Tools Used:

Note: I claim no responsibility in the use of these files.  I could not find information regarding their legitimacy of use or licensing.  Several other sites distribute it, so I will as well.  It is included in the above package.

• CDIMAGE.EXE - Microsoft CD Image Generating Utility