When receiving a new computer we always replace the default install the computer was shipped with- with a new build based on the recovery discs. We do this to ensure we know exactly what is on the computer prior to issuing it to an end users. When installing a number of computers it can be useful to list down the configuration points to ensure consistency and to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

These are notes we use for ensuring a consistent install of new computers using the Microsoft Windows XP Professional Platform.

Preparation

• Locate and store recovery CD/DVD
• Locate and keep additional Drivers handy
• Locate the Microsoft Office CD
• Locate additional software required including Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Backup, VPN
• Identify Serial Numbers/License Information/Activation Codes and record them on the log sheet

Installation

• Insert Windows XP or Recovery CD into drive
• Boot up computer
• You will be greeted with the “Welcome to Microsoft Windows”, click Next
• Set Date and Currency –> Next
• Set Time Zone –> Next
• Read and accept EULA –> Next
• Enable Automatic Updates –> Next
• Name the computer – write it down on the log sheet –> Next
• Set a secure Administrator Password –> Next
• Configure Internet Connectivity –> Next
• Register with Microsoft –> Next
• Installation Stage Finished

Post Installation Configuration

• Remove the CD and boot the computer
• The computer will start up with Windows XP Logo and Please Wait… message
• If using a HP computer – at this point the laptop may reboot into the HP Backup and Recovery Manager to Create a Recovery Partition, once completed the laptop should boot up. Some manufacturers may differ at this point.
• On the Welcome screen enter the Administrator password to login
• Upon initial login, certain manufacturers may have specific routines that run. HP for example start the custom Software Installation
• Install specific drivers
• Check in Control Panel -> Switch to Classic View -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager for any missing drivers/errors, etc
• Join the computer to the network domain (Start->Control Panel->System->Computer Name
• Reboot the computer to join the domain
• Check the General tab under System to ensure computer is correctly reporting information
• Configure the end user account details
• Configure Automatic Updates (Control Panel->System)
• Configure System Restore (Control Panel->System)
• Disable remote users from connecting remotely to the computer
• Disable allow remote assistance to be sent from this computer
• Install Windows Updates
• Check Control Panel –>Security Center to ensure Firewall is active

Installation Clean Up

• Head into Add/Remove programs to remove non-essential software, typically removed software in our environment include:
• AOL Toolbar 5.0
• PDF Complete
• Norton Internet Security (Symantec Corporation) (this is usually a 60 day version so we remove it and install our corporate registered version)
• Install essential software
• Install Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Software
• Install custom print drivers
• Install VPN Connection Software
• Install Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Install Google Toolbar
• Install Remote Control Support Software
• Install Remote Backup Software
• Install Office Software
• Remove Unnecessary Desktop Shortcuts and Program Items

Final Installation Configuration

• Configure VPN software for remote connection to head office
• Setup Remote Desktop Connection
• Customise the Start Bar – right click on the Start Bar – Properties
• Our defaults include:
• Start Menu Tab -> Start Menu –> Customize
• Large Icons
• Number of programs on Start Menu and Clear List: 0
• Show on Start Menu
• Internet: Internet Explorer
• Email: Microsoft Office Outlook
• Advanced Tab
• Open submenus when I pause on them with my mouse:Off
• Highlight recently installed programs:Off
• Control Panel -> Show as Link
• Enable Dragging and Dropping:On
• Favourites Menu: On
• Help and Support: Off
• Manufacturer Link: Off
• My Computer: Display as Link
• My Documents: Display as Link
• My Music: Don’t Display this Item
• My Network Places: off
• My Pictures: Don’t Display this Item
• Network Connections: Don’t Display this Item
• Printers and Faxes: On
• Run command: On
• Scroll Programs: Off
• Search: On
• Set Program Access and Defaults: Off
• System Administrative Tools: Don’t display this item
• List my most recently opened documents: On
• Go Back to the Star Menu Properties and select the Taskbar Tab
• Lock the taskbar: On
• Auto-hide the taskbar: Off
• Keep the taskbar on top of other Windows: On
• Group similar taskbar buttons: On
• Show Quick Launch: On
• Show the Clock: On
• Hide inactive icons: Off
• Customise the Quick Launch Tab to include only Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office Outlook, and Show Desktop
• Configure the software applications