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Preparing a Reference Computer

To create and install an image, perform the following tasks:

1. Configure the reference Computer.

A reference Computer includes Windows XP Professional, retail and custom

in-house applications, and network and Computer settings.

2. Preserve custom user settings.

You will need to copy the customized user settings to the Default User

profile on the reference Computer. Otherwise, after the image is deployed on

a target Computer, only users who log on as Administrator will receive the customized settings.

3. Configure an answer file to automate the Mini~Setup Wizard. You can use an answer file to automate the Mini-Setup Wizard so that users

are not prompted for configuration information. This method provides a

morę fully automated installation.

4. Prepare the hard disk.

You prepare the hard disk on the reference Computer by running Sysprep.exe. Sysprep.exe removes all configuration settings that are uniąue

to a Computer, such as the Computer narne and the uniąue security identifiers

(SIDs). It also installs the Mini-Setup Wizard. After the image is installed

on a target Computer and the Computer is restarted, the Mini-Setup Wizard

will prompt the user for some of the information that

Sysprep.exe removed,

such as user name and Computer name.