What is the smallest Windows install ?

[Frobi One]

Hi,

For work I need to run some simple software that is only available in Windows. I only have a 251GB SSD, so am looking to have the smallest windows install possible in Parallels.

Anyone know that that might be ? Also any tips on things I could not install / uninstall in Windows to save space ? And maybe any tips in parallels to minimise space ?

Thanks

Frobi One.

 

[Bobby.e]

Its going to depend on the programs and how much space they take up.

 

[blevins321]

I'd do XP if your software allows for it. With drivers and updates you're looking at around 6GB.

 

[ericrwalker]

Windows 3.1 took up about 10 to 15MB on the hard drive, but may not be very practical.

 

[Frobi One]

Thanks Guys,

The software is only a few MB. But it requires flash to run, and other windows background stuff. It will run on XP. I was just wondering if Windows 7 was more elegant and be smaller if you avoid installing all the bloatware. (I'm pretty sure that it is smaller than Vista - from bad experiences !)

Thanks

 

[FoxMcCloud]

You can make it even smaller by switching off Page File, Hibernation and System Restore.

 

[Tombs]

Windows 3.1 took up about 10 to 15MB on the hard drive, but may not be very practical.

And??

 

[ericrwalker]

And??

And it's probably the smallest windows install possible.

 

[Renzatic]

I found this guide that gives you step by step instructions on how to pare Win7 down to a 3GB install using Vlite. If you've got the time and patience to try it, this is your best bet.

 

[ibarnett]

Try nLite (for Win XP) http://www.nliteos.com/index.html
I haven't used it for a long time, but it worked a treat on the original Asus EeePC 700 series, which only had a 4Gb SSD.
From memory you could get the install down to below 1Gb.


 

[blevins321]

Try nLite (for Win XP) http://www.nliteos.com/index.html
I haven't used it for a long time, but it worked a treat on the original Asus EeePC 700 series, which only had a 4Gb SSD.
From memory you could get the install down to below 1Gb.


Ditto to this. You can also get the Xable update pack and have all the updates installed during the installation.

A couple big things that you can remove from the install using NLite: manual upgrade (there won't be SP4 anyway), most of the included drivers (keep the generic printer), search assistant, MSN Network Explorer, and the Tour.