Windows 7 Customizations

So I have been working with a client these past two weeks on their Windows 7 image, attempting to get them from a full wim image (replacing ghost) to a single scripted image, with no applications pre-installed into the image.

During the installation process, of course, we do want certain settings to be set for the customer that give Windows 7 the look and feel that they are looking for.  This includes things like:

• Small icons on the task bar
• Small icons on the desktop
• Show Start -> Run
• Show Administrative Tools in the Start Menu
• Turn on Desktop icons for My Computer, Network, My Documents, etc

I decided that I need a place to put all of that information, as I know that sitting in my brain is the short term solution and I want something that will be a little more long lasting and ... well, permanent.

Let's start with, I'm a fan of performing a "From the DVD scripted installation", removing the intricacies of maintaining a golden image every so often with the latest updates from all of the vendors for all of the software that is included with the image.

Of course, to do this successfully, one must keep the desired image changes (background images, default user settings such as small icons, etc) located in a central location and applied via a script in the postinstall phase of their Task sequence.

Service Manager 2012 - Preview

There's a new contestant on the scene for being my first customer to receive a little System Center 2012 customization work.  The customer is looking for a little bit of help with Service Manager out of the System Center toolset.  Sadly, I don't know anything about what the customer is looking for, just a general statement that they are looking  for customizations.

As I get details of the engagement and the solution that I'll provide, more details will follow.