Install Rite is a free program which allows customized "Installers" to be created. What the program does is take a "snapshot" of a computer before an installation, then program(s) are installed, tweaked, and personalized, then an after "snapshot" is taken. All changes including installed files, registry entries, .ini file changes, etc. are combined into a single program that can be used to make the same chances on other computers.

I use Install Rite to create "complete" java installations for my students, containing the JDK, MBS files, Karel J. Robot, Lejos, etc. Basically, everthing I have installed at school in a single program. The students simply click on the .exe program, and install everything at once!

Two things to remember when using Install Rite:

(1) Usually a Win9x version and a Win2k/XP version of each installer must be made, this is because of the way registry entries, ini settings, and profiles are created differently between these systems.

(2) Install Rite catches EVERYTHING that changed when creating the before and after images, including Internet Explorer visits, etc. Browse the proposed registry changes BEFORE creating the final .exe file and remove anything not related to your installations.