Everyone knows Nlite, right? Nlite is tool for reducing the size of original Windows ISOs, but the software hasn't been updated yet for Windows 7 or Widnows 8. Good news, the developer is working on it. With such a tools you can basically strip some options directly from the ISO and install more lightweight system. So there is an alternative called WinReducer 8. It's free. From the same website you can also download a tool which is destined for Widnows 7 and allows reduce size of Windows 7 ISOs.
The software first starts and ask for all dependencies, like 7zip, imageX, Oscdimg (I had to create a quick registration after clicking on that link, cause it's stored at some forum (msfn.org) to get ImageX and Oscdimg, otherwise you'll need the whole WAIK kit from Microsoft) You'll also need SetAcl….
All those tools are not the part of the package, so you have to go and download 4 tools from 4 different external websites. Not so cool, but it takes you 5-10 more min to setup. Once all that setup, you can continue the actual process of selecting the W8 ISO and choosing options which you do not want to be on the new ISO you'll be creating.
There is a video (in German) on YouTube showing how the tool works and what's the options. If you know Nlite you probably know what to expect and how to use. The produced ISOs are smaller and can save space when working in virtual environments. There are probably other use cases too.
The author has also a forum on his website https://www.winreducer.net/ where you can ask questions or read detailed tutorials how to get the most out of it. Since it's freeware you can also donate few bucks to the author.
Here is a screenshot from the main working screen where you're able to tick options to remove. There is several tabs allowing you to strip down options from the original ISO.
The author:
I am “winterstorm2050” and for those who do not know me, I am the developer of RT7-Booster and a former moderator of the deceased Rockers Team Forum (aka RT Seven Lite).
Download the tool here: http://www.winreducer.net/download.html
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I tried installing. It’s payware? It downloaded, then nagged me to pay, after behaving like a virus.
AlbertMcKay.com
As someone who has (after some wrestling with the software) used WinReducer before, Albert, I can at least confirm that it’s not malware. It simply is shareware.