19 - Create your own RMPrepUSB package using Nullsoft Scriptable Installer (NSI)

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Let us assume you want your users to be able to make their own bootable USB flash memory pens. You want them to use RMPrepUSB and also to use your OS payloads (of which there may be several), they also need to perhaps run Install grub4dos after formatting. Furthermore you want distribute a package that will install itself and create a Desktop and Start Menu shortcut.

    1. First copy the RMPrepUSB folder and all it's subfolders to a folder of the same name/path that you want the final installation to reside (e.g. C:\myproduct\makeusb)

    2. Now delete any files or folders you do not want (e.g. unwanted language INI files in the LANG folder, the TESTMBR folder, etc.).

    3. Next, copy your source OS boot files to a folder below the RMPrepUSB folder (e.g. C:\myproduct\makeusb\product1, C:\myproduct\makeusb\product2).

    4. Now use RMPrepUSB to actually make a USB drive, then type F10 and save the configuration to the RMPrepUSB.ini with a title and user instructions. Read the latest RMPrepUSB.pdf for detailed instructions on using the F10 INI feature.

    5. Edit the RMPrepUSB.ini file (press F9) and change the settings as desired (e.g. remove any unwanted buttons, etc.)

    6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for any other types of boot drive you may have

    7. Exit from RMPrepUSB and then re-run RMPrepUSB and test that an end-user can successfully use the pre-saved configurations you have just made.

    8. Download NSI v2 from here and install it.

    9. Download the sample RMPrepUSB.nsi script from the Beta downloads page here

    10. Edit the nsi file as required. Change the install path, files to copy and files to delete on uninstall as required.

    11. Compile and test the nsi script by right-clicking on the file and choosing Open With - makensisw.exe, The script will then be compiled. You can test the resultant file by clicking the Test Installer button.

A minimum configuration of files for v2.1.615 and later would be:

RMPrepUSB.exe

RMPartUSB.exe

grldr (if installing grub4dos)

grubinst.exe (if installing grub4dos)

LANG folder - English.ini (and any other ini/pdf files you want)

Mke2fs.exe (if creating an ext2 volume)

PEtoUSB folder (if using BartPE option)

RMPARTUSB.exe

RMPARTUSB.exe.manifest (if using under Vista/Win7)

RMPREPUSB.exe

RMPREPUSB.exe.manifest (if using under Vista/Win7)

rmprepusbxp.cmd (if using BartPE option)

syslinux.exe (if installing syslinux)

touchdrv.exe (if installing grub4dos)

RMPrepUSB.ini (with your preset configuration menus)

YOUR_SOURCE_FOLDERS - a subfolder containing your boot files which will be copied onto the USB drive by RMPrepUSB.

You should now have a internally-distributable package for making your own 'brand' of USB drive.