How can i customize one Windows installation and apply the customization on more computers?

Question

I have to maintain a large number of computers at work and here is what i want to do: I install Windows XP. Then, i customize it. Like disabling the screensaver, enabling quick launch, setting computer&desktop properties and so on. Well, how can i "record" all this with a program that generates an .exe file or a .vbs or whatever, so i can port all my customization to other computers running a clean installation of Windows XP? So i don't have to do it manually all the time in all those computers that i have to set...
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Check microsoft.com...they have numerious knowledge base articles on making network install discs...provided you have the right number of licenses.

Answer 2

SOunds more like something you need to set an admin system and ghost the new settings to others. Unfortunately it has been about 3 years and can not remember the name of the program we used. But, it allowed us to install new software for a "class" in the company, uninstall previous tools, and disable a few items that might have been a distraction.

Answer 3

I am assuming you will be a system administrator in an organization.

What you should be doing is do the installation on one system configure it. Then create an image of the hard disk using software like Norton Ghost. Then deploy the image on other systems. This will drastically reduce your installation time on the other systems.

Only problem is if the system configuration is different. you need to create the image before you install all the necessary drivers.

Answer 4

The only way I am aware of would be to 'clone' the disc onto the C: drive of the additional computers with True Image 8

That will even transfer all programs already installed, so you can actually get a lot more than what you asked for.

Answer 5

What Ticked said... I know of that program too and have seen it in operation.. the computers we used it on were not even all of same brand let alone HW configz. The computers are ON when you do it... it logs in to them all and installs / changes / etc settings. But they will ALL have to be same operating system to do it...

Answer 6

go to start>all programs>Accessories>files and setting trasfer wizard

it's easy!!!!!!!!

enjoy!!!