MultiSet is not a ‘backup’ program. It is a program that allows you to customize and automate a Windows installation CD and/or create an automated software install CD.

For example, I like reformatting once in a while because I gather lots of junk on my computer over time. However, installing crucial programs, such as my IM app, my FTP app, Office, etc. can be annoying and repetitive. MultiSet would allow me to automate those installations.

The program/article you linked talks about making a back up of your Windows installation (if I understood that correctly). That will help you restore your Windows, with everything as is, in case something goes wrong.

So they are two different programs that serve two different purposes; however there is some gray area that I can understand where you are coming from. Technically speaking they both can be used for the same task and same end result so good suggestion.

Hope that helps.

However, RVM Integrator looks interesting.

as I said in the GAOTD forum I know this program probably better than you because it was given earlier last September (version 6.1) and to be honest I’m a little bit surprised you were not aware of, not to mention that it got a good review on SOFTPEDIA also.

I find this SW very useful indeed because with this tool you can RESTORE all your applications and SOFTWARE previously installed in your PC in case of sudden system CRASH included previous GAOTD, even though I personally know other SW and tricks to do that as I already told you a few days ago (remember??)..

Although it is admittedly a little pain to run it (but the help file includes a detailed guide on how to create a bootable windows disc with applications) with this TOOL you can reinstall any of the programs you want back with the necessary keys saved into the registry.

It also records the installation procedure of other software applications allowing users to replay that specific installation, through a “script”, so that the program is installed automatically all the time users need it, by creating an unattended install CD that boots up, installs Windows (XP or VISTA) along with all the various programs needed for it and all this is made automatically.

So all you have to do is just to choose your favourite applications and then insert a disk into the CDROM, DVDROM or FlashDrive to undertake the complete installation procedure following instructions.

In other words with MultiSet you can create an operating system tailored for your own specific needs using any media (CD/DVD/Flash/Hard Drive) wherever and whenever you like.

That means that when you have to reinstall your Windows XP or VISTA following a CRASH you are no longer forced to format the system drive, configure your original operating system, install the necessary software, enter serial keys, tweak and/or restore the previous system etc…

Of course you must disable the antivirus software and firewall when the program is running but if you still don’t trust it you can test it on a virtual PC programs and install the OS via this software, as if you have another PC into your PC (use VIRTUALBOX, for instance, which is FREEWARE!!).

So what’s the problem, man?

Why did you warn bloggers not to use this TOOL because useless or even dangerous especially for non advanced PC users ?? Can’t undestand that!

MultiSet is, in my humble view, an extremely helpful product which saves an awful amount of time both for regular users and for those who deal with client system crashes on a regular basis.

Perfect for those PC users like me who do a lot of installs of Windows and other applications on a daily basis, as not only it can create a bootable disk that will install Windows with its latest service packs and patches but also device drivers, video and audio codecs, players and any other software that you need, all this in a single process.

As for FREEWARE ALTERNATIVES, besides nLite e vLite, I would also add RYANVM INTEGRATOR.

Have you ever heard about it?

http://integrator.siginetsoftware.com/index.php?download

Please note that this is NOT a BACKUP UTILITY (it neither lets you use the same copy of XP on different machines, where you didn’t install the program on, nor clone or copy the current drive), so a CLONE of the HD onto another hard drive is still the best real way to go if the worst should ever happen!!

For these reasons I’ll stick with this GAOTD program, upgrading from version 6.1 to 6.3, because, unlike the other freeware mentioned in you review, it supports software pre-installation so the script creation process is automated, instead of manual, and it’s also easily customizable to other applications that don’t have scripts already made for them (by the way do you know that Microsoft does not recommend use nLite\vLite?).

So it’s true that you can do the same things with nLite or vLite but to do so you need to know how to create OEM pre-installation scripts and packaging which of course is not an easy task especially for an ordinary PC user like me and, I suppose, 90% of GAOTD visitors (unfortunately I’m not a tech expert like you, ASHRAF…LOL!!!).

Moreover Multiset is also much easier to use than the other FREEWARE mentioned above since it just records what you do.

So in the end I once again (the second time in 3 days…what’s going on, Ashraf?? LOL!!) don’t agree with your review even though I quite undestand that this may probably be due to your new commitments which no longer allow you to write comprehensive reviews as the previous ones.

What a pity!!

Good night from Italy!!

Giovanni

http://dottech.org/featured/6194

I know it takes up more space… or maybe that is the whole idea about these programs…

Melatonin

You are right that MutliSet can automate software installations, which is a plus for it over n/vLite. However, this feature is implemented so badly, as I mentioned earlier and you have noticed, I am willing to forgo the feature in favor of a superior n/vLite.

If you think about it, the automate software install feature will *only* come in handy if you format more then once because of the way it is set up to work. If you spend the time to uninstall your programs, then reinstall them all the while recording the installation, that actually turns out to be more work then actually installing them once you reformat. The work would only pay off if you format more then once. How many people do you know that have even formatted once? How many people do you know that have formatted more then once? Besides geeks like me .

I don’t think, I know it is possible to automate multiple software installations. Do I know how/what program does it? No However, n/vLite allow you to add drivers without using the macro record method.

Lastly, that virtual install is an interesting point you bring up. I did not think of that, thx I have not tested it but *technically* I don’t see why it won’t work as long as you use the same OS on the virtual as the one you plan on installing. Try at your own risk though.

Ashraf, since I joined 4 days ago I’ve been thanking God/Allah for you, but today I’m disappointed you did not appreciate what MultiSet does that vLite does not do.

Do you think a program could make multiple-software installations automatic without using the ‘macro-record’ method?

If we already have the software installed, can we do a [virtual/pretend] install so MultiSet can record our answers to the installation prompts, or do we have to uninstall our software then install it again so MultiSet can record our installation?

That would be a big negative to MultiSet. Is it so?