Suggested deployment steps for Dell Vostro Desktops

(Many of these suggestions are applicable for the deployment of any new computer)


1. Configure and purchase a Dell Vostro Desktop with several specifc upgrades/shopping cart choices:
  • Navigate to Dell Small/Medium-sized Business site, as Vostro line is not available on Dell Home site
  • Choose a conventional form-factor Vostro model (such as Vostro 200/Vostro 400)
  • Upgrade to Windows XP Professional as O/S choice ($99)
  • Add second hard drive equal or greater in stroage size to default hard drive
  • Upgrade to writeable optical drive (CD or DVD burner)
  • Upgrade to optical mouse and basic speakers
  • Eliminate all optional add-in software/services except Microsoft Works
  • ***OPTIONAL: Step up Memory to 2x default amount (at least 2GB)
  • ***OPTIONAL: Step up CPU choice to next faster processor
  • Prior to purchasing, check popular coupon sites (google 'Dell coupons') for current coupon codes that can be applied at checkout

2. Define system/user/admin variables just prior to first boot, the enter them during initial set up sequence:

  • Agree to Dell EULA by pressing any key.
  • Make note of the Service Tag #, if you haven't already. Press any key again.
  • At the 'Welcome to Microsoft Windows' screen, click next.
  • Leave the default region and language settings if you're in the U.S. Click next
  • Select the correct time zone. Click next
  • Click the 'Yes, I accept' radio button. Click next
  • At the 'Help protect your PC' screen, click the 'Not right now' radio button. Click next
  • Computer name: <buyer prefix>0<O/S><computer #><description suffix> , Ex.: lm0xp08wrk
  • Computer description: <Computer name> <O/S> <Computer Type> , Ex.: lm0xp08wrk Windows XP Pro Dell Vostro 1400 Laptop
  • Administrator Password: <define one you won't/can't forget>
  • Leave the default of 'Yes' on the screen that asks 'Will this computer conenct to the Internet directly, or through a network'. Click next
  • Select the 'No, not at this time' radio button at the screen that asks 'Ready to register with Mirosoft?'. Click next >
  • Windows Login (Your name): Choose one that protects anonymity: <buyer prefix><'user'>, Ex.: lmuser
  • Though you won't enter them during the initial setup, have handy:
  • Windows Login password: <something with letters and numbers, 8 characters or more>
  • Windows Login password hint: <A phrase you won't forget that will help you remeber it>, Ex.: Available from ExtremePCMakeovers.com repository
  • Workgroup: Something shorter than 8 characters, will be the same for all your computers <buyer prefix><'lan'>. Ex.: lmlan

3. Optimize the taskbar:

  • Right-click on the Windows Taskbar, select 'Properties'
  • Unselect: Lock the taskbar, Group similar taskbar buttons, Hide inactive icons
  • Click OK.
  • Right-click on the Windows Taskbar, select 'Toolbars > Quick Launch'
  • Select 'Start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer > <right-click> Send To > Desktop (create shortcut)'
  • Drag the Windows Explorer desktop shortcut you just created to the Quick Launch taskbar toolbar'

4. Reconfigure Windows Default folder view:

  • CIick on the Windows Explorer Quick Launch shortcut you created in Step 3.
  • In Windows Explorer, select the Details view by toggling the multi-color button (Views) next to the Folders button
  • In Windows Explorer, select View > Status Bar
  • In Windows Explorer, select View > Toolbars > Address Bar  (or make sure it's already selected)
  • In Windows Explorer, select Tools > Folder Options menu
  • In the General Tab, select Use Windows classic folders. Click OK
  • In the View Tab, select the following:
    Display the contents of system folders
    Display the full path in the address bar
    Display the full path in the title bar
    Show hidden files and folders
    <Unselect> Hide extensions for known file types
    Show Control Panel in My Computer
  • Click Apply. Click Apply to All Folders. Click Yes and OK

5. Uninstall specific, pre-installed Software; apply Windows Service Pack:

  • Navigate to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs
  • Uninstall Browser Address Error Redirector
  • Uninstall Google Toobar and Google Desktop
  • Uninstall Dell Support Center a software
  • Uninstall J2SE Runtime Environment (as it will be updated later)
  • Uninstall SeacrhAssist
  • Reboot
  • Download and install Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (final release). Reboot
6. Label physical drives and move 'My Documents' to D: drive:
  • In Windows Explorer, right-click on each physical drive and select 'Properties' and name them with this format: <computer name>-c & <computer name>-d
  • Create a new folder in the 'D' drive and name it 'My Documents'
  • Also in Winodws Explorer, right-click on the previous My Documents folder and select 'Properties'
  • Click the 'Move' button and Navigate to and select the 'D' drive My Documents folder and click OK. Click Yes and OK to confirm your choice

7. Copy 'Fresh Start' applications disc to My Documents:

  • Create My Documents subfolder called 'system'
  • Drag Fresh Start contents to system folder

8. Set Windows Login Password, workgroup and Auto-login:

  • Open Control Panel > User Accounts > <current user> > Create a password >
    Type the Windows Login password and the     Windows Login password hint you defined in Step 2.
  • Click the Create Password button.
  • Click 'No' on the screen that asks 'Do you want to make your files and folders private?' Close the User Accounts Window
  • Open Control Panel > Tweak UI > Logon tab and click 'Log on automatically at system startup'
  • Click the Control Panel > Tweak UI > Explorer tab and click 'Light arrow' and unselect 'Prefix "Shortcut to" on new shortcuts. Click OK and OK
  • Reboot
  • Open Control Panel > System > 'Computer name' tab > 'Change...' button
    Change the workgroup name from the default 'WORKGROUP' to the Workgroup     name you defined in step 2. Reboot
9. Adjust display properties:
  • Right-click anywhere on the Desktop, select 'Arrange Icons By > Auto Arrange'
  • Right-click anywhere on the Desktop, select 'Properties > Themes'
  • In the Themes tab, select 'Windows Classic' and click OK
  • Download optimized graphics files intended for use as desktop wallpaper (such as a .bmp) to C:/Windows folder
  • Right-click anywhere on the Desktop, select 'Properties > Screen Saver'
  • Select your screen saver preference. Click the Power button. Set all power shceme time options to 'Never'. Click 'save as' and name the new power scheme 'lan'
  • Click the Power Options Properties > Advanced tab. Unselect 'Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby'
  • Click the Power Options Properties > Hibernate tab. Unselect 'Enable Hibernation'
  • Click OK and OK
  • Right-click anywhere on the Desktop, select 'Properties > Settings'. Set the screen resolution to higher, more useful resolution that the default (800 x 600)

10. Install Microsoft Office or other productivity suite:

  • If you do not have a valid Microsoft Office registration key, a good alternative is to download and install the OpenOffice Productivity suite, which is compatible with Microsoft Office

11. Patch and update Microsoft Office / Windows:

  • Reboot & navigate to Microsoft Update. Run initially, click the 'Custom Updates' button
  • Avoid installing Internet Explorer 7 for Winodws XP by unselecting it from the 'High Priority' list and clicking 'Don't show this update again' on it
  • Select all available 'High Priority' or 'Software, Optional' updates but avoid Hardware Updates
  • Run repeatedly until no more 'High Priority' or 'Software, Optional' updates remain

12. Set up a shared folder:

  • Create a new subfolder in My Documents and call it 'sharetest'
  • Make sure you are part of an existing workgroup in your network
  • Right-lick on the new 'shared' folder, and select 'Sharing and Security'
  • Click on the link that reads 'If you understand the security risks but want to share files without running the wizard, click here
  • Select 'Just enable file sharing'. Click OK
  • Select 'Share this foilder on the network' & 'Allow network users to change my files'. Click OK. Reboot

13. Install an Antivirus:

  • A preferred choice is Symantec Corporate Antivirus (requires license)
  • A free alternative is AVG Antivirus

14. Install other important utilities and applications:

15. Install a Software Firewall:

  • A preferred choice for Windows XP users is Sygate Personal Firewall. ( LAN IP range is 192.168.0.1-192.168.255.255 )
    Vista users can continue to use the default Windows Firewall.

16. Install several Anti-spyware applications:

17. Install diagnostics tools and media applications:
  • Install fileTweak Hash and CRC
  • Install Belarc Advisor
  • Install Sisoft Sandra
  • Install Quicktime Player
  • Install Divx Codecs
  • Install Media Monkey
  • Install Fastatone Image Viewer
  • Install VLC Media Player. Reboot
18. Install other useful software, if desired:
  • Install Gmail Notifier
  • Install GoodSync
  • Install SwitchOff
  • Install SetBrowser
  • Install Trillian
  • Install WirelessMon (for Laptops)
  • Install Flock
  • Install dBpowerAMP
  • Install AF5_Rename_Your_Files
19. Deploy custom support information into Windows System Information:
  • Download OEMLOGO.BMP into C:\WINDOWS\system32\OEMLOGO.BMP and Custom PC, Dell or Vostro OEMINFO.INI into C:\WINDOWS\system32\OEMINFO.INI

 

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Computer name: lm0xp08wrk
Computer description: lm0xp08wrk Windows XP Pro Dell Vostro 1400 Laptop
Administrator Password: unforgettable
Windows Login (Your name): lmuser
Windows Login password: distinctive123
Windows Login password hint: Available from ExtremePCMakeovers.com repository
Workgroup: lmlan
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