Dave's Windows Post-Install Guide

Chapter II
Problems and Solutions

Notes:

Project:

  1. Install the basic OS.
  2. Install the necessary drivers.
  3. Enable CTRL-ALT-DEL before logins.
  4. Disable welcome screen.
  5. Enable Options button on login screen.
  6. Run gpedit.msc to disable the shutdown tracker.
  7. Copy the I386 directory from the source media to c:\windows\i386.
  8. Run regedit.exe to edit the i386 directory location.
  9. Rename all NICs appropriately.
  10. Remove File and Print Sharing from all NIC configurations.
  11. Place checks in all checkboxes in all HDD advanced property settings.
  12. Install the latest version of IE and its updates before running Windows Update.
  13. Run Windows Update about 8 times to install all the primary and secondary updates.
  14. Run Calculator and choose Scientific view.
  15. Install secure shell client.
  16. Place the following on the desktop:
  17.     Shortcut to c:\windows\temp
  18.     Shortcut to c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe
  19.     Shortcut to c:\windows\system32\mstsc.exe
  20.     Shortcut to secure shell client
  21. Edit the properties of the cmd.exe shortcut so that its startup directory is c:\windows\temp.
  22. Enable immediate delete for the recycle bin.
  23. Verify proper time and time zone.
  24. Place notepad.exe and wordpad.exe in the Administrator's sendto directory.
  25. Adjust the mouse sensitivity if necessary.
  26. Adjust the folder views to the following:
  27.     Do not cache thumbnails
  28.     Do not hide extensions
  29.     Display common tasks
  30.     Enable these settings for all folders
  31. Arrange drive letter assignments as necessary.
  32. Enable numlock.
  33. Enable Automatic Updates.
  34. Enable incoming RDC / Terminal Services.
  35. Remove enhanced IE security.
  36. In IE, set the following:
  37.     Add Google to favorites
  38.     Set home page to be blank
  39.     Remove all other favorites and hide the Links directory
  40.     Do not allow autocomplete
  41.     Do not allow passwords
  42.     Check close download box when complete
  43. Install Adobe Flash viewer.
  44. Install Adobe PDF viewer.
  45. Install Java.
  46. Install WinZIP if necessary.
  47. Install WinRAR.
  48. Adjust display properties appropriately.
  49. Adjust power settings appropriately.
  50. Set default sound option and enable taskbar icon.
  51. In task manager, enable viewing all processes for all owners.
  52. Rename the system partition to SYSTEM-00.
  53. Rename the system to be all capital letters.
  54. Run media player to set the default options.
  55. Install any necessary printers and adjust the page setup / margins in IE.
  56. Edit the Start Button properties to show Net, Printers, and Not Highlight.
  57. Turn off AutoPlay.
  58. Turn off UAC.
  59. Verify Product Activation of Windows.
  60. Clean everything in the following areas:
  61.     Users' local settings\temp directory
  62.     c:\windows\temp directory
  63.     IE's cache, history, pw, and forms data
  64.     All event logs
  65.     Spurious items in the Start menu
  66. Shut down system normally.
  67. Create GHOST image!