Creating Windows XP Images

If RIS or a third-party imaging software will be used to deploy Windows XP desktop images, some steps must be followed to ensure that an image is created as problem-free as possible. The goals of deploying a new desktop image or the goals of creating standard builds and deploying using desktop imaging software might be very different between organizations but the following sections will cover steps that should be used for image creation regardless of the project goals.

Installing Desktop Software

Unless a RIS image will be created only using the Setup Manager Wizard and the installation media for a vanilla installation, Windows XP and any additional updates and applications must be installed on a workstation. First the operating system must be installed and patched to the latest service pack and post service pack release. This will help ensure operating system reliability and security by raising the installation to the latest build and locking down known vulnerabilities.

After the OS is updated Microsoft and third-party applications should be installed and updated to the latest patch level. If necessary, open the applications to verify that all the installation steps have been completed such as registering, customizing, or activating the software.

Standardizing the Desktop

After the operating system and application software have been successfully installed and configured, the desktop settings can be customized to meet the particular deployment needs. Things that might be performed during this phase are the enabling or configuring of Windows XP programs such as Remote Desktop, Remote Assistance, or Automatic Update. If roaming user profiles are not used in the organization, the desktop settings such as desktop look and feel and including screen resolution and desktop shortcuts and start menu options should be configured. After the desktop has been configured as desired, the administrator account can copy the user profile used to create the settings to the C:\Documents and Settings\Default User folder, assuming that the XP installation is on the C drive.

The Little Things

Many times after you prepare desktop images there are a bunch of annoying things that are discovered after the image has been deployed to the enterprise. Things like leftover mapped drives or local printers or application install points that only exist in the imaging lab remain in the Registry and cause confusion when an application needs to be updated or uninstalled . Something as small as leaving a window open upon logging off of the workstation before the user profile is updated to the default user profile can prove to be very annoying or look unprofessional after image deployment. To avoid the little things that might have the end users, clients , or management view your image deployment as a failure, deploy the images to a few pilot users who will be meticulous enough to alert you of these issues before the entire user base has to experience it themselves .