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. Run Windows Update about 8 times to install all the primary and secondary updates.
  13. Run Calculator and choose Scientific view.
  14. Install secure shell client.
  15. Place the following on the desktop:
  16.     Shortcut to c:\windows\temp
  17.     Shortcut to c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe
  18.     Shortcut to c:\windows\system32\mstsc.exe
  19.     Shortcut to secure shell client
  20. Edit the properties of the cmd.exe shortcut so that its startup directory is c:\windows\temp.
  21. Enable immediate delete for the recycle bin.
  22. Verify proper time and time zone.
  23. Place notepad.exe and wordpad.exe in the Administrator's sendto directory.
  24. Adjust the mouse sensitivity if necessary.
  25. Adjust the folder views to the following:
  26.     Do not cache thumbnails
  27.     Do not hide extensions
  28.     Display common tasks
  29.     Enable these settings for all folders
  30. Arrange drive letter assignments as necessary.
  31. Enable numlock.
  32. Enable Automatic Updates.
  33. Enable incoming RDC / Terminal Services.
  34. Remove enhanced IE security.
  35. In IE, set the following:
  36.     Add Google to favorites
  37.     Set home page to be blank
  38.     Remove all other favorites and hide the Links directory
  39.     Do not allow autocomplete
  40.     Do not allow passwords
  41.     Check close download box when complete
  42. Install Adobe Flash viewer.
  43. Install Adobe PDF viewer.
  44. Install WinZIP if necessary.
  45. Install WinRAR.
  46. Adjust display properties appropriately.
  47. Adjust power settings appropriately.
  48. Set default sound option and enable taskbar icon.
  49. In task manager, enable viewing all processes for all owners.
  50. Rename the system partition to SYSTEM-00.
  51. Rename the system to be all capital letters.
  52. Run media player to set the default options.
  53. Install any necessary printers and adjust the page setup / margins in IE.
  54. Turn off AutoPlay.
  55. Turn off UAC.
  56. Verify Product Activation of Windows.
  57. Clean everything in the following areas:
  58.     Users' local settings\temp directory
  59.     c:\windows\temp directory
  60.     IE's cache, history, pw, and forms data
  61.     All event logs
  62.     Spurious items in the Start menu
  63. Shut down system normally.
  64. Create GHOST image!