Notes for deploying Dell Optiplex 270 workstations with Windows XP. The machines are recycled, to be put into a student lab for light web surfing, and word processing.
Install Windows XP OS
Partition Hard Drive
Install Windows XP SP2 from Dell CD
The machines originally came with a Dell “reinstall” disk CD, which contained an OEM version of Windows XP SP2. Each machine also has a sticker on the side of the machine, with a hologram that displays a “genuine Microsoft” installation key.
First User = “Network Manager”
Administrator password =
Drivers: Install Intel Chip Set Drivers
Drivers: Install video drivers — video will change from 640×480 to something more reasonable
Drivers: Install network drivers.
These drivers are available on the Dell support website. You an search based on the Dell service tag. The drivers are downloaded as zipped file, these need to be unzipped, and then the installation folders are copied to the hard drive. From there, you can execute the setup program for each driver. There will be several reboots required.
Install Windows Updates, SP3 and subsequent updates
This is an iterative process, which involves download, install, reboot.
Using Internet Explorer, you can choose “Tools” ->”Windows Update” to get to the update web site. You’ll be prompted for installing the latest version of the update plug-in for IE. Once that is installed, you can return to the same link and start looking for actual Windows updates.
If the Dell installation disk does not include Windows Service Pack 3, then this has to be installed and downloaded before installing subsequent updates.
Assign the machine name: YBWSx — Workgroup = Workgroup.
Do this using the Control Panel – System applet. Change the machine name to something matching your naming conventions. The machine name also shows up within LogMeIn, so make it identifiable if possible.
Install Security Software
Install Microsoft Security Essentials
My current favorite for virus protection.
Create accounts and the network connections.
Create user accounts: labmgr/labpassword with Admin rights, and student/student with normal rights
Install FreeNas batch file in C:\FreeNas
Create shortcut for Freenas batch file on desktop
This asks the user for a name and password to reach their personal folder on the network.
Install Microsoft Office 2007 Office 2007
Install LogMeIn
Log in under the Student Account:
Remove icons for OE, Windows Media, etc. on start menu
Create shortcut for Freenas batch file on desktop
Pin Word, Excel, icons to start menu
Change search engine in IE to Google, and home page to Google.
Finish up
Create iD stickers and instructional stickers and put on machine.
Install on site
Login with admin account
Install printer(s)
Login with student account
Test MAP H: connection to server
Optional:
Create Auto Login for student account
Press WindowsKey+R
In the box type control userpasswords2
select the student account
check box, allow login without password.
tfnp 