Slimming down the core XP size is a wise thing to do, and goes a long way into optimising your system to run light. What you need to do is remove certain components from the Windows XP installation that are never used, by using 'nLite vI.4.5'. The nLite program is a free tool made exactly for this purpose, and lets you build an unattended Windows Setup disc.

To do this, just follow our instructions exactly as they are shown to you below.
1. Put your XP setup disc into your drive and then fire up the nLite application. Specify the directory to copy the contents of the XP installation disc to. Ignore the Presets option, which lists previous nLite sessions, and click Next.

2. Proceed to see a list of options with labels on the Task Selection window. Select the following options: Bootable ISO, Tweaks, Options, Unattended and Components. If you have a non-XP Service Pack 2 CD, select Service Pack, and if your configuration has any components that need drivers, select Drivers.

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3. Next, you will see the Components window. Select the components to be removed from the Windows instal¬lation. Click on the Compatibility, to ensure no important feature has been inadvertently removed. Here, check the DHCP functionality (Ethernet and Wi-Fi) and Remote Desktop boxes.

4. Next, you will see the Unattended window, and you can select and customise various settings here. Enter the CD key, add users on the Users Tab, customise Regional Settings, enter the Owner and Network ID details and then proceed.
5. Now, select appropriate tweaks as per your needs.
Similarly, from the Services tab, select what services you want to continue running automatically, or else disable them.

6. Finally, nLite will apply the changes made to the installation. Choose Make ISO when prompted, and nLite creates a bootable ISO file. Burn it on a disc and install it on the destination drive of your new download box.