How to Integrate the TrayIt! nLite Addon Into Your Custom Windows Setup
Creating a streamlined, automated Windows installation allows you to strip away bloat and pre-configure your favorite tools. nLite remains a classic, powerful utility for customizing legacy Windows deployment images (like Windows XP or 2000). By integrating the TrayIt! addon, you can ensure that this useful window-minimizing utility is baked directly into your operating system from the very first boot.
Here is a step-by-step guide to seamlessly integrating TrayIt! into your custom Windows setup using nLite. Phase 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before opening any tools, you need to gather your source files and organization structure.
Create a project folder: Create a dedicated folder on your hard drive, such as C:\OS_Project. Inside it, create two subfolders: \XP_Source and \Addons.
Copy Windows installation files: Insert your original Windows installation disc. Copy all of its contents directly into the \XP_Source folder.
Download the TrayIt! nLite addon: Search trusted legacy software repositories or specialized slipstreaming forums for the TrayIt! nLite addon file. This file usually handles the silent installation parameters and registry tweaks automatically. It typically comes in a .cab or .7z archive format. Move this file into your \Addons folder. Phase 2: Configure nLite
With your files organized, you can now use nLite to build the integration framework. Launch nLite: Open the application on your computer.
Select the source: On the first screen, click Browse and select your \XP_Source folder where you copied the Windows files. nLite will detect the OS version and service pack details. Click Next.
Skip presets: If you have a previous configuration template, you can load it here. Otherwise, click Next to proceed to the Task Selection screen.
Select the integration task: On the Task Selection screen, you will see various processing modules. Click on Hotfixes, Addons and Update Packs to turn the selection button green. If you also want to create a bootable media at the end, select Bootable ISO as well. Click Next. Phase 3: Integrate the TrayIt! Addon
This is the core phase where TrayIt! is injected into the installation routine.
Access the integration window: You will now see an empty list designated for updates and addons.
Insert the addon archive: Click the Insert button at the bottom right, then select File.
Target the file: Browse to your C:\OS_Project\Addons directory, select the TrayIt! addon archive (.cab or .7z), and click Open.
Verify entry: The addon will now appear in the nLite integration list. nLite automatically recognizes valid addon architectures and will unpack them into the appropriate I386 installation folders later. Click Next. Phase 4: Process and Build
The final phase commits your changes and builds your deployment media.
Start processing: nLite will ask if you want to start the processing phase. Click Yes.
Monitor compilation: The software will slipstream the addon, adjust the setup information files (INF files), and recompress the cabinet files. Wait for the process to display “Finished.” Click Next.
Create the ISO image: On the Bootable ISO page, change the Mode to Create Image. Provide a descriptive label (e.g., XP_TrayIt_Custom), click Make ISO, and choose where to save the final .iso file.
Once the process finishes, burn the ISO to a disc or load it onto a bootable USB drive. When you install Windows using this customized image, TrayIt! will automatically install silently in the background, ready to manage your system tray windows immediately upon your first login.
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