With XP Service Pack 2 just out, users and IT departments across the world are scrambling to check and update their Microsoft-based PCs with latest aspects. Sadly, updating to service pack 2 is a long process, particularly if you have more than one PC to upgrade. Typically, Microsoft has available service pack as one downloadable file for IT experts who want to apply it to many systems over a network. This is good, but what if you are dealing with different dozens of new systems which need XP to be installed, along with its new service pack?

The plan of installing Windows XP first then carefully affecting its newest service pack to every machine looks needless. The method depends on capability related to Windows 2000 and XP; that Microsoft integrated the capability to 'slipstream' installation process. Slipstreaming means method of making a latest bootable installation CD or network file for Windows XP which has all original operating system files, and latest Service Pack.

Here explained how to create a bootable Windows XP CD. Steps for making a network installable file with similar changes for use by big IT department.

To create a Windows XP bootable CD, you want:
1. A legal CD copy of Windows XP Home Or Professional

2. A CD burner with new CD creation software. Roxio Easy CD creator or Nero
Burning Rom version 6 or improved.

3. Isobuster software installed.

4. At least 1.5GB of free hard drive space For a CD install file.

5. A copy of Service Pack 2 install file for IT professionals.