Windows is a very flexible operating system, both after installation and, surprisingly, before you install to your computer.

For instance, wouldn't it be beneficial to take your old Windows XP installation CD and add Service Pack 2 and other security updates so these are installed with Windows?

Indeed, if you own a PC with a serial ATA interface, you'll have to go through the routine of trying to locate your old drivers (and these have to be on a floppy disk) so that Windows can install to your serial ATA hard drive.

If you own a small-form factor PC, such as a Shuttle system, you won't have a floppy drive, making this task more difficult.

nLite is a superb little tool that enables you to add external drivers and Windows updates to your original Windows XP installation CD.

Once you've added these files, you simply burn another Windows XP installation CD. Note, however, that you still need your original Windows XP serial code.

nLite also enables you to customise your Windows XP installation, so you can choose to exclude certain components and applications.