This is nothing more than a fancy macro recorder, sorry I wasted my time trying to work it out, it sounded good but from what I read here a lot of people misunderstood what i woudl do

#34, #42, and #51:
It can make an unattended Vista install disc. It's one of the options under Make a Windows Disc. Check the screenshots in this review:
http://dottech.org/gotdreviews/2898

#44 and #48
You're looking for an disc imaging program, which this isn't. Disk imaging programs like Macrium Reflect, Acronis True Image, and Norton Ghost are able to save all the files on your PC as an "image" file, meaning that when you restore, your disc would return to the state when it was backed up, with all the files, software and settings restored.

This program is for creating a new, "clean," install of Windows and other software. Meaning, if you use this program to create a setup disc, it could install Windows, your games, and insert the proper keys for them, but it's not going to restore your documents or saved games & scores. It's also not going to be able to install any GOTDs, since it uses the original setup files, which are date-restricted.

Agreeing with everyone else here-- not only is this program not very intuitive, but the website offers virtually no help, and even has visible html code due to a lack of closing brackets. Not exactly professional, I must say. When I do figure out what exactly I am supposed to add and how to do so, I don't know if I'll trust this utiltiy.
I think I need to make a virtual copy of my cds and then point to that... maybe an ISO? Good luck figuring this out. Hope someone can link to a good tutorial on this. Suffice it to say I would be extremely angry if I had bought this.

@#17: I think you meant, "...disks!"

#31 - It's obvious YOU have little knowledge of computers. #24 never said anything that warrented that kind of response.

An operating system cares little about system brand - #24 never mentioned Factory Reload or Factory Install discs. The BIOS does not recognise the difference, but MOST factory Install discs DO check the system to determine if it's ok to install. It's the reload software that makes that system check, not the BIOS.

HAL is not a driver. HAL has NOTHING to do with system Vendor checks, and little to do with BIOS. A fresh install will determine what HAL needs to be setup.

#20 - "if you deploy it over a network that’s using different machines you’re going to run into BIOS and many other problems." - you can have problems reinstalling from factory discs if you have an outdated BIOS. Many times this can occur from adding more memory, faster CPU or adding an expansion card.

Oh wait, #20 is the same person as #31 who doesn't seem to know the difference between BIOS and HAL and Factory reload discs.

@ #28 - Flattop

Actually, since I upgraded to a Phen II X4 940 and an ASUS M4A78 Pro, it takes only a few mins to back up or restore a 30G partition using Acronis.

I tried nlite so many times, I never want to see it again. It failed to create a proper install CD so many times, nlite should buy me a new spool of CD's. Absolute garbage, if you try to set some of the tweaks it claims to be able to do, and I have yet to see anyone create an up to date CD with all hotfixes. It simply fails every time...so, I'll be happy to try this program. They all seem to have some kind of major flaw that keeps them from doing what they claim. I hope this one is different.

#24

"You CAN’T install an operating system meant for lets say an HP and install it on a Dell."

This is a big surprize to me ... I do it all the time.

It RUNS on Vista.. but it does not create a DISC or an auto installation for Vista.

Hi the GAOTD team,

thanks for this very useful software. Everybody should have it specially those who have assembled computer. because now with this you can create recovery disk.

Why? XP is pretty much out dated, and you can get the same product for free. It's called nLite (duh?).

To 31, brand has no effect on an installation of the OS. BIOS? Pscht. The BIOS just boots the OS (except for some other stuff). And you can know what drivers you need by LOOKING AT THE SPECS! Everest, SIW, Hardware Manager! They all tell you what you have.

The only time brand matters is when you use a recovery disk that came with the computer.

The last time this was given away I didn't grab it, BIG mistake!

I lost my primary and my secondary drives due to something I won't say was my husbands fault. (Even if it was >:( ) I lost everything, including all those past wonderful giveaways! If I had grabbed this when it was given the last time I wouldn't be running such a nice clean empty PC now :(

I've seen some great reviews and some that lack a point about this software but when it comes down to it, a chance at getting your info back is better than finding all your CDs, praying that you wrote down the Keys so you are not sending out tons of emails to retrieve expensive software registrations, spending hours trying to gain back the levels you built up on XX game, and waiting to actually use your PC cuz Windows Update still requires a restart and takes forever to install SP2...again.

Thankx GAOTD! I will be using this one at least for the hope of keeping my stuff. If I don't mess it up :) Oh and the hubby, he's not allowed on Momma's PC anymore ;)
Thank you!
~Reeker

Phil # 31,

re your remark to jay G #24, " its obvious you have little knowledge of computers ". Disparaging and derogatory comments like this are not needed, so please confine yourself to encouraging ones. In fact you did not understand what Jay G was trying to explain.

For those who wish to learn, please read up on the basic functions of bios, operating Systems, drivers, all separate things, and installed in that order. Finally, multi driver operating system installation discs.

It would take me too long to clarify the confusion here. However, I advise, DO NOT FIDDLE WITH THE BIOS, once its set to the optimized defaults, you can forget it, if an update is necessary, pay a real expert to do it, and save yourself the heartache.

Regards, Bill, New Zealand.

#31:

What you're referencing is an image, aka a "factory restore" disc, of a royalty-OEM install. This is not what MultiSet deals with. Instead, it deals with a XP or Vista installation disc.

You absolutely can take a standard Retail, OEM, or VLK install disc and use it to install on multiple brands/models of PCs. How do you think the retail XP and Vista discs otherwise work? I've used the same OEM XP install disc on multiple HPs, Dells, and IBMs, not to mention a few custom jobs. XP detects the proper HAL and hardware during install and configures the OS appropriately. All I do is change the Windows key when activating.

Note: the drivers included with the XP install disc are years out of date. If you can burn to DVD, you can integrate the drivers for nearly every XP-compatible internal hardware device via this site:
http://driverpacks.net/

Also, I'm wondering which program is better as far as this goes. All I'd want is to be able to ghost the actual 'Windows' part, as I don't have a 2nd HD for the comp. One of my computers runs Vista (and it came with a backup disc, so no worries on that) and the other is Xp and wouldn't be able to run anything higher as is, anyways.

So it's the Xp one that I'd want to ghost, just the windows part... Which one would be better?

I don't think he meant it going on Dell from say a HP, I think he means, is it 'like' Dell's disk lol. If i'm wrong, shoot me (but shoot me nicely, I don't want dents :p)

I don't get it!!! It says: "Want to create a WindowsXP installation disk ", so obviously it will not create a Vista installation disk, however it states that is is supported by Vista. Why would you want to create an XP installation disk if you are running Vista?

When I used to do hardware support, I would use nlite and vlite.

For those of you with Vista, go ahead and upgrade to Windows 7. There's absolutely no hassle and the new os is much more stable than Vista could ever hope to be.

This program is worthless! The second program I tried to add, the program locked me out of my computer. I couldn't even use task manager to stop it as it blocked me from clicking anything on my screen! Don't use this program!

#20: "This program is only good for the machine it was created on, and if you deploy it over a network that’s using different machines you’re going to run into BIOS and many other problems.

#31: "...#24 it’s obvious you have little knowledge of computers. You CAN’T install an operating system meant for lets say an HP and install it on a Dell..."

Actually you can get away with it. Multiset, or nlite etc are based on the Windows set-up discs, so they'll install anywhere Windows will, only you don't have to sit there to answer any prompts. If there is anything hardware specific it'll be drivers, which can be left to Windows' defaults, handled by updating after Windows install, by inserting the drivers into the Windows set-up so they're available and so on... Of course this is less a problem for biz that tend to buy several PCs at a time to get better pricing, since they'd be identical & easier to support, but the main thing is: if Windows will install, Windows will install from Multiset (assuming you've created the install disc correctly).

As far as Bios: this is the on-board operating instructions for the mainboard [motherboard]. When the PC or laptop's fired up, it takes a quick inventory to see what's plugged in, set's various frequencies & voltages like for your memory, then looks for a bootable OS. The manufacturers write the code for their Bios, & can include whatever IDs as a means of DRM, so that their software only runs if that ID is present. It's why you can't go out & easily run Apple's OS on your PC, or maybe can't take the manufacturer supplied restore disc from one PC and use it unlicensed on every other PC you can find.

Installing Windows & most other software that's irrelevant, since you're not using some manufacturer's proprietary disc. There is no separate version of Windows set-up disc for every brand/model of PC made that has to be matched like the air filter on your car.

There are of course licensing issues, that can be handled several ways -- see the Multiset docs & site along with whomever wrote the software you're installing. Serial numbers (keys) can be stored on servers, in files on the install discs, &/or versions of software can be used that don't require a key at install and so on.

I have said this before & I'll say it again! I use Vista Ultimate exclusively now in x86 & x64 on separate 750 GB, 32 mb cache hard drives. I do so for a reason. It's because they have by far the best drive imaging module already built in that I've ever seen or used to recover a system. Vista Business has the same built into it.
No I'm not recommending either to all Vista users but I am if your buying a new PC & unsure what version to get. On lesser versions a 3rd party drive imaging solution is what your left with. Either is a better solution then todays offer unless your still using XP. If thats the case todays offer is a worthy download although to the best I can recall, it's not easy to use. Time in the help file might resolve that.
As #31 states, PC to PC most everything will be different starting with it's drivers. If you run multiple computers with XP as your OS, you'll have to install this offer on all of them & create your set of disks for each individually. That seems a daunting task especially when theres a free drive imaging program available that does a decent job provided you have a separate location to store said images like an external hard drive. Something thats somewhat new is a hard drive dock where you can use an internal hard drive in a similar manor as a true external. There available all over the web at sites like "Tiger Direct" or "Geeks.com". Starting price is around $25.00 which makes it a cheaper solution to a real external hard drive mainly because internals are so cheap these days. It's called Macrium Reflect Free. Any way you go, backing up your PC is crucial be it data or a drive image.

With Multiset you can create a bootable disk that will install Windows & software unattended -- like a macro recorder on steroids you record &/or set the steps to take, & then when you run the disk it'll install Windows & the apps you've set without you having to sit there at your desk monitoring the install, answering prompts etc. Of course it's only practical if you install the same Windows setup more than once or twice, or if install time is critical, considering the time/effort it takes to create the bootable install disk in the 1st place. For many home users it's overkill, since they'll never install Windows in the 1st place, or if they do, it's just once.

Up to XP the alternative from Microsoft was to create an unattended install of Windows using a more involved process, that was a fair bit harder to understand. It was designed for the corp environ where you had several PCs to setup, & was/is hardly user friendly. Programs like Nlite took/take it a step further, including the ability to integrate updates, which can take considerable time to complete. Even faster is setting up one PC, then just duplicating the hard drive... You can create a backup disk image using the prior GOTD from Paragon, or free tools from companies like Seagate & Easus -- that's essentially what the discs from Dell are -- & use that to skip a manual (re)install. This is the direction that Microsoft & many in IT are headed.

With Vista Microsoft developed their AIK (Automated Installation Kit), which creates an editable, updatable image that is the basis for installation & can even run as is in a limited fashion (people have for example put a wim image on a USB stick to run a copy of Vista directly from the stick). Windows 7 goes further, with emphasis on virtualization... Some versions will include a virtual copy of XP for example contained in a VHD file. Rather than run purely in a virtual machine emulating a PC -- something you can do already using free software from Microsoft in XP & Vista -- this virtual install can be made bootable, running off your PC's hardware directly. With this virtualization not limited to XP, replacing a VHD file, with for example an earlier copy, is equivalent to a (re)install.

Compared to over-writing a disc with a disc image, replacing a VHD file can be quicker, or you can have however many VHD files on drives ready to run in the time it takes one or more to boot. Behind the move to virtualization, this is an advantage if/when server availability is critical, plus you can fire up whatever OS, complete with software. Many (most?) of the advantages are still for biz rather than home use, where they can do things like host the OS & software on servers rather than each PC, which become more like a dumb terminals.

Thanks "Nobody" (#5)! Keep the free alternatives coming.

I often download from here, but since Microsquish OSs are so flaky, I find myself rebuilding my systems pretty frequently, and anything I download is washed away.

By the time I really needed this thing, it'd be gone.

But freeware is always there!

This is not a do all, be all program. The installation of the software itself supports Vista as stated, but the actual purpose of the software does only what it says: "WindowsXP installation disk "

For those who want to do same WinXp installations on different computers, you are going to have a problem since some drivers will not work from one manufacturer's machine to another. If it is a true OEM install, then you will have to use it on the same machine: Dell to Dell, etc.. See #31.

To Phil (number 31 above): A program that I have been looking into-ParagonHard Disk Manager has a new feature called "Adaptive Restore" which does allow you to restore to different types of hardware, machines, and even virtual machines. This app has many excellent features all in a suite. I believe several of their apps also have that feature. This plus all the other features makes this app very attractive to me. Check it out if you like.

ok it says it is registered but to burn a cd you have to have
the key...so it isn't free after all...whats up with that

#24 it's obvious you have little knowledge of computers. You CAN'T install an operating system meant for lets say an HP and install it on a Dell. The BIOS would reconize it as being from a different machine. Not to mention the problems you'd have with drivers. Hal (Hardware Abstraction Layer) is one of the first things that will give you problems. If you create the install CD/DVD on one machine, how are you going to know what drivers the other machines are using?
If you have all machines the same they'll be no problems

I just love this program. I like it that GAOTD keeps rolling out (ie, giving away) new versions frequently. Good Job.

will this make other bootable disk for other prgrams as well? Ie.. corel draw? photoshop...etc....?

#7

Reinstalls of Windows XP and drivers with Acronis True Image do not take less than a minute. A 25 GB restore takes 40 to 45 minutes on a Pentium 4; 3.3GB; Windows XP Pro system. I used Symantec's Ghost before True Image and it too took approximately 45 minutes.

A restore from an image is faster than a classical re installation - but not less than a minute for even the OS and drivers alone.

so nlite can do the factory reset once the back up cd is ready? just like the dell factory reset ghost image program?

I forgot..

#18:
The Windows 7 Beta has been replaced by the updated Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC). This version is still available for download and free unlimited use until March 2010:
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/Windows-7/download.aspx

Anyone with Windows 7 Beta should upgrade to Windows 7 RC, since the Beta is due to expire at the end of June this year.

Anyone know of a program that would do Vista? Thanks

#14:
The version of the program given here at GOTD is the full version. The license info given by the installer is for the trial version, which this isn't. If you complete the install and check the program's "about" screen, you'll see that it's a registered version.

#15:
I just installed this over a previous version of MultiSet with no apparent problems. I forgot which version I previously had installed, though since I got it here, it likely was 6.3.

#16:
This program is designed primarily for creating a new installation of Windows with apps automatically installed. If you want Multiset to install plug-ins, personalizations, and bookmarks, you'll have to start from scratch and record all those install processes.

#4, #6, #12, and #18:
As #19 and #22 point out, the version supports Vista. It can be installed on Vista and be used to create an unattended Vista install. The "Create disc" option in the program has a Vista disc option.

#20:
I don't think I've ever heard of different BIOSes causing a problem with install. Since MultiSet creates a new install each time, using the same disc on machines with different HALs shouldn't be an issue. Also, as long as the drivers for all the different hardware on the different PCs is included, the install disc should install them without issue.

#21:
The freeware programs nLite/vLite and RVM Integrator all support slipstreaming Windows Service Packs onto the installation disc, as well as additional Hotpacks. They also support installing applications and keys via the use of add-on packs and scripts. However, the writing and editing of scripts is a bit more complex in the freeware programs than the script "recording" feature of MultiSet.

A final note. If you're primarily interested in backing-up your PC in the state it's in right now, with programs, documents, and settings, an image-backup solution is a lot simpler. However, if you do a lot of fresh installations of Windows and/or programs on PCs, this program may be better suited for that task.

This is a great program!

About Vista support:

How can I run MultiSet in Vista?
Alex
Administrator

To run Almeza MultiSet in OS Windows Vista:

1. Load Windows Vista under administrative account.
2. Disable UAC(User Account Control).

a. Press Windows Key + 'R'.
b. Enter 'msconfig' in the invoked window.
c. Switch over to tab 'Tools', choose 'Disable UAC' and press 'Launch' button.
d. The console window with message 'Command completed successfully' will appear on the screen.
e. Reboot the computer.

Warning!

When the work is finished, enable UAC for security reasons.

a. Press Windows Key + 'R'.
b. Enter 'msconfig' in the invoked window.
c. Switch over to tab 'Tools', choose 'Enable UAC' and press 'Launch' button.
d. The console window with message 'Command completed successfully' will appear on the screen.
e. Reboot the computer.

You can read this on the Almeza-forum.

Dear all, MULTISET says "your favorite applications are automatically installed, the necessary keys are entered into the registry, drivers are updated, new patches (service packs) from Microsoft are installed." - Is there anyone who has CHECKED THIS?

Secondly, MULTISET is the ONLY SOFTWARE that backsup (as it commits)...
1) APPLICATIONS/SOFTWARES INSTALLED with keys etc and
2) WINDOWS SERVICE PACK
Where as NONE of the FREE ALTERNATIVES (mentioned above by various GAOD users) does this.

Because it can only be used as an unattended installer I think I'll pass. This program is only good for the machine it was created on, and if you deploy it over a network that's using different machines you're going to run into BIOS and many other problems.

#4, #6, and #12 it states it supports Vista.

MultiSet is useful ONLY of you run Windows XP. It is not for Windows Vista users or those who are testing Windows 7 Beta...

I too remember MultiSet being a complex piece of software - do not remember actually using it...

For a review of Windows 7 Beta and test drive it yourself (although Microsoft have removed the Beta from their website), visit http://www.welloiledpc.com/windows7beta.htm

#4 Unfortunatly it will not make any dicks!!

If I try to make a New Mozilla Firefox install (to use it along with windows install), first I have to remove my so far existing installation of Mozilla Firefox on the computer in order to make Almeza install for the future? What about my extensions, bookmarks and settings I have? Do I have to remove it and look for it again? Or this program copy my already existing extensions and bookmarks?

Just downloaded 2days GAOTD, a thought crossed my mind, will this auto update the previous GAOTD version 6.3 or should it be uninstalled first?
For others reference V6.3 worked fine on XP Home sp3;)

The description given is extremely misleading. The free version can only be used for 30 days, it can only install 5 programmes, and it cannot be used to create a bootable CD/DVD unattended installation disk. Which doesn't leave a lot that it can do! If these limitations were made clear, and the cost of purchase shown, I doubt whether there would be too much of a rush for it.

Monday’s games were a couple of Beat ‘Em Up games called Barbarian 2 and Pretty_Soldier_Sailor_Moon Today’s games even include a demo called AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity, but I only included it because I think it’s innovative, brilliant and has enough levels to make it a worthwhile download. There’s also a psychedelic 3D third person shooter called Canopia, a Doom remake not surprisingly called Doom 6666 and another shooter called Eight Legged Freaks. You can find the above games HERE and HERE

And for those who missed the free weekend games; there’s a good selection of them to suit most tastes (over 10 games were posted), including some excellent free online games. You can find those HERE and HERE

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Thanks for reposting this application; I lost it to a forced format before I had the chance to use it. It installs via a dual activation and setup wrapper, with no activation code needed. The GUI is simple (if not a little bland) and the program is easy to use. A thumbs up from me, though I may try the alternatives posted by Ashraf and Nobody to see how they compare. (If I can pull myself away from my games, lol)

vista compatible freeware alternative... http://www.vlite.net/download.html

Wow Thanks I Been Wanting This For A Long Time But didn't wanna Pay 100$ for it!!! :) GREAT GIVE A WAY OF THE DAY

There is a problem with this and unpredicted behavure and different screen resolutions, pc speed generel ...

I tried this program out the last time around, and figuring out how to use it was pretty bothersome (I have been using computers regularly for over 10 years and do trouble shooting for my friends, though I am not an IT professional). I then found out about Nlite from the Giveaway discussion, and found that it was a much more simple software to configure and use. Another software, available from http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/ give the ability to add all the latest updates from Microsoft either to Nlite or to Ryan Integrator.

Works as a portable - just copy the Almeza installation folder in programme folder to your flash drive and use multiset.exe to start the main programme.

Thanks GAOTD

My previous experience with an earlier version of this makes me NOT willing to even try this new version...might've been me but I never got a workable disk the last time I tried

FWIW, disk imaging is probably a better solution...install the OS with the patches then burn an Acronis or Ghost image. Re-installs take less than a minute and (at least for me) have been completely reliable. No uncertainty, no muss, no fuss.