Install Only the Parts of Windows Vista You Want with vLite

By | January 29th, 2008 comments icon (1)Comments


vlite vista screenshot

Ever wished that booting up a brand new computer didn’t involve giving the “delete” key a swift workout sifting through all the garbage software the manufacturer put on there? Unfortunately, there’s no remedy for that just yet, but there is a way to sift out some of Microsoft’s garbage during a Vista install.

vLite allows the user to configure Vista ISO’s for lean installations with only the stuff they want (via LifeHacker). Unfortunately, it’s not for cleaning up already installed copies of Vista. vLite assures that next time someone opens an email attachment containing prize info on the New Zealand Lottery and throws a wrench in the whole network, the user can do Vista installs their own way. vLite allows the user to create their own custom trimmed down Vista ISO’s and burn multiple disks with their customized Vista on it. Mostly, I see vLite as being useful for IT professionals to install Vista multiple times without having to do multiple configurations or just for someone who sees the need to install Vista often.

Apart from cleaning up the install configuration, vLite also enables the user to skip having to stand by a Vista install like a watchful parent by configuring answers to installation questions right on the disk. No more selecting drives and clicking answers to superficial questions; just start the install and leave it to work its magic. vLite should be used with some caution however, as any neglected features can’t be appended post-install. So if you’re confident enough to tweak your next Vista install, you may want to give vLite a try, it’s a free download.





Filed in: Software

  • http://www.alexandergrundner.com Alexander Grundner

    Interesting. Direct from Microsoft to CNET regarding products like vLite:

    “Microsoft does not recommend using any tool to strip out applications from Windows Vista prior to installing it on your system, as it may affect your ability to download future Windows updates and service packs, and may cause your system to become unstable,”