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Configuring a Reference Computer

A reference Computer contains the hard disk configuration that will be

replicated to the target Computer s. This configuration can include not only the

operating system, but also retail and in-house applications, and network and

Computer settings. When you configure the reference Computer, be surę that you

have logged on by using the built-in Administrator account. Configure a reference Computer by performing the following steps:

1.    Install Windows XP Professional.

Install Windows XP Professional on a clean Computer. A "clean" installation means that Windows XP Professional is installed on a newly

formatted hard disk.

2.    Configure components and settings.

These are the settings that will represent the new Computer configuration.

The configuration can include everything from the appearance of the

desktop to the installation of printers.

Always verify that all configuration settings are appropriate for all

users who will install the image. If only a portion of users need a particular

setting or application, use two images created by using Sysprep. exe, or use an answer file and a UDF.

3.    Install and configure applications.

An application should be included with an image only if all users need that

application at the time of deployment.

4.    Test the configuration.

Test Windows XP Professional and all applications before you create an