Step-by-Step: Building an nLite Addon for Revo Uninstaller

Overview

This guide shows how to create an nLite addon that integrates Revo Uninstaller into a Windows installation so the uninstaller is present after setup. Assumes Revo Uninstaller Portable or an installer that supports silent installation. Targets nLite-compatible Windows versions (XP/2003-era); adjust for your target OS.

What you’ll need

nLite installed on a Windows machine
Revo Uninstaller installer (preferably portable or with silent install switches)
A working Windows installation source (folder or ISO)
7-Zip or similar for extracting installers (optional)
A text editor (Notepad++)
Basic familiarity with batch scripting and INF format

Steps

Prepare files

Create a folder for the addon, e.g., Addon_Revo.
Place the Revo Uninstaller installer or portable files into the folder.
If using an installer, verify available silent switches (commonly /S, /silent, or /VERYSILENT for NSIS/ Inno setups). Test on a VM.

Create addon structure

Inside Addon_Revo, create: i386 (or AMD64 if targeting x64) and Layout file placement matching nLite expectations.
Typical layout:
- AddonRevo
  
  i386
  
  RevoSetup.exe (or extracted files)
  
  Unattend.txt (optional)
  
  setup.ini (nLite addon descriptor)
  
  addon.inf (instructions for file placement and commands)

Create addon descriptor (addon.inf or setup.ini)

Include metadata: Name, Author, Version, Description.

Specify which files to copy to the target system (usually to %windir%\Program Files\Revo or %windir%\RevoPortable).

Example entries:

[Version] Name=Revo Uninstaller Description=Installs Revo Uninstaller after setup

[Files] i386\RevoSetup.exe=%ProgramFiles%\Revo\RevoSetup.exe

Add post-install commands

Use RunOnce or setupcomplete.cmd to run the installer silently at first boot.

Place a small batch file in i386 that will be copied to %windir%\Setup\Scripts\SetupComplete.cmd (or instructed via addon.inf).

Example SetupComplete.cmd content (adjust silent switch):
Code
start /wait “” “%ProgramFiles%\Revo\RevoSetup.exe” /S exit 0

For portable builds, copy the portable folder to Program Files and optionally create shortcuts.

Handle registry and shortcuts

If the installer requires registry entries, run the installer to create them, then export needed .reg entries and include a reg import in SetupComplete.cmd:
Code
reg import “%ProgramFiles%\Revo\revo.reg”

Create Start Menu shortcuts by dropping .lnk files into the Default User profile or creating them via a small PowerShell script in SetupComplete.cmd.

Test the addon

Use nLite to add your addon to the Windows source and build an ISO or burn to media.

Install on a VM and confirm:

Revo files are present in the intended folder

Silent install runs or portable files are available

Shortcuts and registry entries are correct

No prompts appear during first boot

Troubleshoot common issues

Silent switches not working: extract the installer and look for installer type; try alternate switches or use AutoIt/InnoExtractor to create a portable set.

SetupComplete.cmd blocked: ensure file encoding is ANSI and no extra extension (.txt).

File paths wrong: use explicit %ProgramFiles% or %windir% and test paths in a running VM.

Package and distribute

Zip the Addon_Revo folder or create an nLite-compatible addon .zip.

Include a README with install/test notes and the Revo license terms.

Minimal example files to include

addon.inf / setup.ini with metadata and file mappings

i386\RevoSetup.exe (or portable files)

SetupComplete.cmd to run installer silently or copy portable files

Optional revo.reg and shortcut scripts

Safety and licensing

Ensure you have the right to redistribute Revo files; include licensing info and avoid bundling trial/paid files without permission.

Step-by-Step: Building an nLite Addon for Revo Uninstaller