Creating Windows XP Images

Just out of interest, what services, settings, tweaks etc, do you tinker with when creating your Windows XP Pro images?

Always Remove Games, Windows Messenger, Outlook Express, MSN from 'Add/Remove Programs' and install UPH-Cleaner.

Slipstream XP SP3 and install as new

Add/Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components, uninstall - Games, MSN Explorer, Outlook Express and Windows Messenger.

Install - Logistix Post XP SP3 Update Pack (January 2009), Logistix Microsoft .NET Framework Pack, Logistix Office 2007 Compatibility Plus Pack and Logistix Plugins Plus Pack.

Run Windows\Microsoft Update and make sure all the latest updates are installed.

Disable the "Log on using dial-up connection" check box. Means the check box is faded and cannot be accidentally clicked :)

Code:

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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"RasDisable"="1"

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Prepare a Sysprep answer file and automate Sysprep as much as possible. Creating C:\Sysprep will also get deleted (which is handy).

Don't forget to run sysprep as a last thing before taking the image ...

Install Java from MSI with transforms to kill autoupdate
Same for Adobe Reader

Check all flash, shockwave, quicktime, DVD players all installed

Put all hardware drivers in a folder called #INSTALL on C: drive as there's a gotcha with SMS imaging where it reinstalls the NIC after imaging for some weird reason :p

Remove shortcuts for MSN, Outlook Express etc from Start Menu (haven't uninstalled just in case we get some bizarre request to teach them, never know haha)

Clear HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Currentversion\Run to get rid of unwanted startup programs \ tray icons

Copy sysprep files to C:\Sysyprep

Run SMS capture CD and wait for machine to shut down :D