Dave's Windows Post-Install Guide

Chapter II
Problems and Solutions

Notes:

Steps:

  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.  Place notepad.exe and wordpad.exe in the Administrator's sendto directory.
  23.  Adjust the mouse sensitivity if necessary.
  24. Adjust the folder views to the following:
  25.      Do not cache thumbnails
  26.      Do not hide extensions
  27.      Display common tasks
  28.      Enable these settings for all folders
  29.  Arrange drive letter assignments as necessary.
  30.  Enable numlock.
  31.  Enable incoming RDC / Terminal Services.
  32.  Remove enhanced IE security.
  33. In IE, set the following:
  34.      Add Google to favorites
  35.      Set home page to be blank
  36.      Remove all other favorites and hide the Links directory
  37.      Do not allow autocomplete
  38.      Do not allow passwords
  39.      Check close download box when complete
  40.  Install Adobe Flash viewer.
  41.  Install Adobe PDF viewer.
  42.  Install WinZIP if necessary.
  43.  Install WinRAR.
  44.  Adjust display properties appropriately.
  45.  Adjust power settings appropriately.
  46.  Set default sound option and enable taskbar icon.
  47.  In task manager, enable viewing all processes for all owners.
  48. In start menu properties:
  49.      Enable the clock in the system tray
  50.      Show quick launch
  51.  Run media player to set the default options.
  52.  Install any necessary printers.
  53. Clean everything in the following areas:
  54.      Users' local settings\temp directory
  55.      c:\windows\temp directory
  56.      IE's cache, history, pw, and forms data
  57.      All event logs
  58.      Spurious items in the Start menu
  59.  Shut down system normally.
  60.  Create GHOST image!