Bill I'll try to answer your question, if I understand it correctly. I've spent the day on the forum trying to get a grasp on this app. The C:\DESTR_WIN, is a folder you create to copy the contents of your original Windows OS install disc.
You do this so that Multiset can access it when it either makes a Windows installation iso, which includes not only the os, but any apps that you load into the package following the Express Guide in the F1 help doc/file. Once you have installed all the apps to be included and tested them, you either click the disc icon or the USB Flash Drive icon, which will create the ultimate iso file that can be burnt to disc. The result will be an unintended installation of your os and all the apps you included.
I hope I've got that right. I'm a bit sleep-deprived at the moment.
Now I'll take a minute to give some praise to Almeza and GOTD. I really like this program,cause to me, it's another form of backup. If things get unrepairable with your installation, all you have to do, is run the ultimate Windows and Software install disc you created. It's bad enough that you've lost your working pc, but with Multiset at least you don't have to go thru the drudgery of reinstalling your os, and be there to click when you're needed, or downloading and/or finding your app install disc all the apps you had installed. You simply insert your Multiset install disc, set it and forget it until it's done. It'd also be best to set up a reliable backup system so that any additions you make to your pc after creating the Ultimate disc, you'll only need to restore the backups after the install disc finishes and you're right back where you were before disaster struck!
I'm done.
skilz853

Multiset asks for Windows distribution package e.g. C:\DISTR_WIN'
There is no such a package on pre-installed OEM.
Recovery OEM disk only points to recovery files, which recovers system by first formatting disk- removing all installed programs.
Multiset does not recognize recovery files, as distribution package.
The distribution package is to find only on Windows installation disk.
I don´t understand how to use it, when 99% new computers comes with pre-installed OEM?
Users which created an installation kit for Windows with application on OEM machines- please answer where You found the distribution package?

Thankyou for this piece of Software, i really this, i really wanted a software that could make an automated installation of XP, all this time i got my hand only on freeware, which was still good/ but this was something i wanted for a while.

GREAT JOB GUYS, AFTER SUCH A LOOOOOOOOOOOONG TIME.

After several tries to get my USB with the PE builder of this program, it did not boot properly. I restarted in my Vista Home Premium OS and i found the USB drive "shared" when this was not set to be shared by the user (me), so i needed to stop the sharing manually... there was 1 user connected.

This is an awesome and very useful TOOL, even though nLite and vLite (for Vista) can both be a great FREE ALTERNATIVE to this GAOTD.

The best feature of this program is that you can create several DVDs, that automatically install a customized Windows XP (Vista or Windows 7) copy with service packs and updated drivers, along with your favourite software (MS Office, Nero, FireFox, Google Chrome tec...), without any knowledge of scripts writing.

Cool, isn't it?

And I believe that with this TOOL you can even reinstall licensed programs (included GAOTD), you had previously saved in your HD, after a reformat of your system following a sudden PC crash.

What do you make of it dudes??

2 THUMBS UP from me!!

Suggestion: Get a native English writer to clean up your website. Headings like "How to install many programs on many computers not leaving your working" make no sense!

#25 first, OEM pre-installed computers do have a key. There should be a certificate of authenticity sticker on your computer somewhere, with a key on it. If you can't find that, you can always use a keyfinder like magical jellybean. As for the disc... Say you use your recovery option, and it re-installs, we'll say vista, with service pack 1. Your best be would be to find an oem disc of windows vista with service pack 1. Sometimes a service pack 2 disc will work. Make sure that if you have a 32-bit version, you use a 32-bit version during the re-install, and choose the right edition. You could try and get a replacement media-only disc, they tend to be about $30, but can be hard to find. Most OEM PCs have the ability to burn system restore discs, though I don't know if multiset could use those.
It is possible to download the discs, but I won't go into that.
OEMs like HP and Dell sell replacements too, but who knows if they would work with a program like multiset or nlite or whatever.

Quote... "MultiSet wont work with Windows OEM -preinstalled on computers.
It asks för distribution package from Windows install disk, and a key, which are not present on OEM machines.
Someone know how resolve this?
Comment by Bill — April 25th, 2011 at 11:14 am"

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You should contact the OEM dealer you bought it from to get what you need. One thing OEM's are REQUIRED to do, is place the sticker from the OEM opsys package on your computer (usually in the back); it will contain the Activation Key you need. Also, they like to make a FAT partition to hold the full installation files that they use if you bring it in for restoration, or such. Just point Multistage to that partition.

When users buy preloaded systems, they should insist on getting the medium as it's THEIR disk, not the OEM's! It can also help down the road, if you need to reinstall and have to speak with someone at MS... You also get some piece of mind that key is not as likely to be installed on multiple machines, which can really make problems for you, if MS sees it's been activated multiple times with the same key. Although, if you keep receipts and all paperwork, they have very good customer service; they'd probable send you a replacement disk (for a small fee, of course).

Good luck!

#31 and #32:

NO it will not erase C: it only makes an image of it.

Now about this image being used on a completely new computer: "It is NORMALLY true" that you can not put it on a new system....UNLESS YOU DO AS STATED. I have acronis workstation and universal restore. I have the newest version, and the previous version...

IT WILL image to a new system, you will load drivers last, for the new motherboard and hardware.

Hey I'm just trying to help, but don't take my word for it...GO to acronis and read up. Then you will have it straight from the horses mouth.

MULTISET states it will perform "automatic installation of any software". So if I want to re-install some GAoTD software that I installed years ago does that mean I need the Setup.exe file and the password (or is it smart enough to copy Registry settings, folders, etc...) ?!?

@ 20 & 27

Thanks mike & mike studyform for the replies..both appreciated!

Also, my apologies for the obvious typos..not sure what happened there..but no offence intended to anyone or the guys at MulitSet for that matter.

Thanks again..

PeterC

I'll be using this to batch run software installation programs. Antivirus, antispyware, utilities, etc.
Installing the OS using this program wouldn't be practical for me.

#28

windows 7 has a built in utility to make an image of your system that you can restore from.

Does anyone know what the difference is between this version and the previous GAOTD Multiset "Professional" version 7.8.1? There does not seem to be a "Professional" version on the Almeza site any longer. Thanks.

#5
You could buy acronis, but who wants to spend money? clonezilla is free. Clonezilla can make a bootable restore DVD, as long as your hard drive doesn't have too much crap on it (a dual layer disc is 8.5 GB, but clonezilla can generally compress about 20 GB down to 8.5. Back up your documents and pictures, etc, separately). If you have a blu-ray burner, you should be able to use that. There is a guide here:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5779033_create-clonezilla-recovery-dvd.html
If you can't fit your backup on to a DVD, you can always back up to an image file on a portable hard drive or some other form of storage.

#24 says you could restore your backup to a completely new computer. This is usually not true. If you install windows on one set of hardware, and then suddenly change everything, windows will likely give you a blue screen of death on startup. Even if it doesn't, windows will be de-activated and you may run into problems there. I have imaged countless systems with clonezilla (used to work for a computer refurbisher) and we had one image for each model or family of machine. Not to mention that loading an old windows install on to new hardware is illegal.
And if you have Windows 7, disc imaging is built-in to the OS so you don't even need clonezilla.

Acronis is easier to use, but clonzilla is free and has plenty of tech support and tutorials, so it's up to you.

A question to #24-rod:
Will acronis workstation erase, the original system on drive C, while copying it, to destination drive D?

mike studyform #20
The answer to the question is no; the reason being that this way you only copy the system visible to you, there is a lot more needs to be copied of the system area that is hidden.
Thanks Gonzo #8 after reading the review you gave a link to, I’ll pass on this.
As hard drives are so cheap now my preferred method of backup is to use the free MaxBlast and make a direct copy off my drive via USB. If things go wrong then I just exchange the drives.

I wish I would have had this a couple days ago when my computer crashed and I had to reinstall Windows 7 and all my programs :/

Installed fine on Windows 7 (32-bit). Tried to use it to make bootable USB, but the program doesn't recognize my Verbatim 2 GB USB drive or my 8 GB SanDisk Cruiser.

Oh well...the concept seemed good. Anyway, I have no Windows 7 CD/DVD. Windows came pre-installed.

MultiSet wont work with Windows OEM -preinstalled on computers.
It asks för distribution package from Windows install disk, and a key, which are not present on OEM machines.
Someone know how resolve this?

#5 about your question. If I were you I would image your C: drive and then copy that image to one or two spare hard drives (like D: and E:)

One hard drive (D:) could be in your box, and E: could be in a portable case..

For software I would go with acronis workstation with universal restore. This would allow you to not only restore your computer if you lose your hard drive, but would allow you to restore your system to a completely new computer.

Just buy the program from acronis, download the cd file too, burn the cd file to a cd. Boot with the cd, (choose via bios/ot F8 key as system is booting). Choose complete workstation option, choose disk C: as disk you are copying. Choose destination D:...That's it your done.

I just finished the trial run of MultiSet and these are the results:

* After creating USB boot-able drive and copying the operating system on it (win 7 pro), I tried to re-installed it on a new freshly formatted drive and it said: WRONG KEYS ENTERED, CAN NOT CONTINUE.

* I re-did the above process again and came to the same point, where it said: CAN NOT OVERWRITE PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED OPERATING SYSTEM

* I tried this time on a re-writable disc and it did not copy some hidden operating system files from the original win 7 pro disc and came to the same point of disappointment.

I spend almost 2 hours and can not do what it claim can do.
Just uninstalled it. Some of you may have better luck than I.

Not being remotely technical, I think this might have some use for most people, BUT, and I'd appreciate the help of those of you who know.......

Is it possible to merely save everything on my computer onto a external drive, stick, or CD(s), and in the event of a crash just load the lot onto a new computer (or hard drive)?
If so, does this program help in this respect?

Also

#13.
Watch out for electric shocks mate. Or at least get someone else to help. :)

"I don't know what people are talking about when they recommend MultiSet. The best way to describe MultiSet is a 'good idea implemented horribly'. If you want to put up with the "macro-recording" method of this software that is your choice - I hope it serves you well. However, my advice is to skip on MultiSet. vLite and nLite are superior software to MultiSet in my opinion. True vLite and nLite cannot automate applications (on your Windows install CD or otherwise), but they can add drivers and automate Windows installation in a better, much easier and less cumbersome fashion than MultiSet. They also allow you to remove certain components of Windows, such as Internet Explorer, from your Windows installation...something MultiSet cannot do. For creation of an automated Windows CD, my recommendation is vLite/nLite. However if you are willing to create (and keep) an image backup of your Windows after you install it, I recommened using the Macrium method mentioned above because it is superior to vLite/nLite and MultiSet both in terms of easiness to reinstall Windows - just create one backup (which may or may not, depending on how you did your backup, include installed drivers or software) and restore it whenever you need to "reinstall" Windows; restoration is always automated."

Comments here a bit confusing and contradict each other. Has anyone actually tried to restore a computer with it. Does it only restore programs only after it was installed or will it create a backup or clone of the system you have? Someone mentioned it needs serial #s,
but their website says it will automatically install the OS Windows without asking questions about username and product key. Is this just a 30 day trial or does it register for a longer time?

To Gonzo: Tks, to a couple of non techs like me, this type of comments are really helpful as a guide to know what the giveaway really does, a lot of times I simply do not understand what the giveaway of the day does.

Seems quite interesting from the looks, although coming off awfully similar to AutoIT or AutoHotKey. Sounds good nonetheless, but nothing that can't be accomplished between some VBS scripts and/or AutoIT.

I have Windows 7 and it asked me to make an image backup and a disc and I have my backups on a separate hard drive. When I went to install, thinking this might be useful for the other abilities, my system warned me not to install, that I have software like this. So I guess I'll have to pass. If someone else knows that this will not hurt my system please let me know. I'd love to take advantage of this free software today if it wouldn't hurt my system.

If my hard drive crashes and I want to reinstall do I require this program to be installed on the hard drive first before it will reinstall the other software. That would mean I'd have to purchase the software at the time to reinstall the software to my hard drive.

It's a shame this doesn't make a backup of your system as is..without the need to install everything "after" you install MultiSet, as I think that is what most of us would much rather have..a program that just backs up or copies everything "in situ", so you just pop in a dick or USB and away you go, in the even of a crash, format or just on the move.

Still, it looks like a good bit of kit for doing what it does, but it's not really what I need or am looking for right now.

Thanks anyway, GOTD for bring us this offer.

PeterC

Here is what it says in F1 help...

"Close all the run applications before using MultiSet. The antivirus software and firewall must be disabled when the program is running."

That will NEVER happen with this guy.
Melwarebyts blocks me from reaching their site and forum.

Sure looks good to me.Seems quite handy & saves you a lot of time..

I just wonder why Joe states,that's not so much a base system to work from..??
Would be nice if you could & would ellaborate on that.

Thanks everybody :wink:

It sounds like it produces "slipstream" installation media. I don't have a lot of use for that at home but I'll give it a try. If I again find myself in a situation where I'm installing a lot of computers, this might prove to be a handy tool. If you need a base system to work from... not so much.

I was recently looking at this app with some interest and found an interesting and enlightening review at dottech:
http://dottech.org/miscellaneous/2898

This is actually yet another macro recording app, though geared toward software installation.
In other words, it allows you to record the steps you follow when installing an app (yes, you have to actually install it after installing and running MuliSet) and then it creates a package which you can use in the future to automate the process.
It also allows the creation of a Windows installation CD with many packages in order to install everything from scratch with almost no user intervention.
As far as I know it won't let you create a package from an app that's already installed and it also won't create an image of your current Windows installation (you may want to look for a disk imaging or partition backup tool for that).

I haven't tried it yet, although it does seem like an interesting concept (in a way...).

Mark (comment no.3), I haven't tried it yet so can't confirm, but if you read the home page it certainly seems to say that it DOES capture configuration and customization.

Installed fine on Vista though examples seem to veer toward XP! I want to collect my widows updates into one installable DVD without PE or AIK & if it can do these claimed things everything else is a bonus I notice included are boot.iso`s for Xp & Vista/7 presumably to facilitate numerous reboots during what would be a fairly lengthy install with around 40 windows updates/hotfixes to-date!

For the non-tech people, will this burn a disk with windows and all the programs I have downloaded from this site, and make a bootable disk that can just give me an exact copy of my system and programs if my hard drive crashes? I have many programs from this site that I will lose if my hard drive ever quits. If it does it would be a wonderful back up.

This one, seems worthless to clone a system, with Windows preinstalled on one PC, to another computer.
It asks for some Windows dsitribution package, and a serial number, which I suppose are absent on computers with preinstaled Windows

If it includes the ability to capture POST-install configuration and customization, then it might be worth considering. Otherwise it's leaving a considerable chunk of tedious manual clicking and typing. Many people cannot and do not use applications in their default initial state. Ignoring that is actually ignoring the far more time-consuming and frustrating part of the process of re-creating a work environment and workflow.

A good tool, not tried this version, but a previous version worked well in a business environment to install an XP system with pre-loaded apps. Saved a lot of time when rebuilding systems for different departments - imaging would have been easier, but too messy with so many various pieces of hardware around - so this was a good work-around.

The app itself is kind of disk burning software, but with many advanced capabilities - it can create bootable USB and DVD, with pre-configured Windows and pre-installed software at your choice. I like it a lot, thanks GOTD!

Installed on XP, install is smooth and easy - even no need to care about activation, it's pre-activated.