To produce an optimal copy of Windows XP complete with service packs, hotfixes and drivers, you can use a freeware called "NLite". Note that NLite requires access to Microsoft .NET's library, which needs to be installed on your system.

This and Service Pack 2 are available on the Microsoft web site. The Service Pack and hotfixes need not be installed as NLite will only integrate the necessary setup files. Remember to install the .NET-Framework before NLite. Before running NLite, create a folder named "XP" on your desktop. Insert your Windows setup CD into the DVD/CD ROM drive and copy the whole CD into the new folder.

Any changes made from now are done to the newly copied files in the XP folder. Do not meddle with the existing installed copy of Windows on your hard drive. Run NLite and select the "XP" folder as the root directory. Click on "Next" after the program completes reading the folder until you reach "Task Selection". Activate options for integrating SP and hotfixes as well as "Erase components", "Patches" and "Tweaks". With the help of the NLite wizard, you should aim to create an optimal streamlined copy of Windows.

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To minimize total file size and shed excess baggage, remove any entries highlighted by NLite as safe for deletion. Visit org (MSFN Forums - Member Contributed Projects - nLite) to get more information on the latest configuration manuals and other useful tips on this program.

Also, If you prefer to use an alternative browser such as Firefox, you may discard the Internet Explorer option but do include the "I nternet Explorer Core" option so that useful features such as Windows Update can still function.