The success of a deployment of new computers in a business environment has allot to do with the process and being consistent with that process. Getting the steps out of order may cause some issue that were not expected nor will you know why one computer works fine and another doesn't.
Below is a list of steps that we often follow for deploying new computers in a business environment that has a Windows domain controller.
- Remove the original partitions completely during the install process of Windows.
- Register the system with Microsoft, this is often automatic.
- Install any service packs for Windows (ex. Windows 7 Pro SP1).
- Install all post service pack updates.
- Install any Internet based applications (ex. Adobe Acrobat, Apple Quicktime).
- Install all business applications that are not Windows domain dependent.
- Create the workstation in Active Directory and add the system to the Windows domain.
- Install any remaining applications.
- Install any security software (Kaspersky EPS).
- If hard drive encryption is required, back up the system and then enable the encryption last.
- For many Windows 7 and 8 systems, you may want to ensure that IPv4 is the default. See Microsoft KB2533454 for details.
These steps have been kept fairly general and can be adapted for most environments. For home system deployments the process is mostly the same except your last step is #5.
We hope that this information is helpful. Please let us know how this has helped you or if you have additional questions. As always Firestone Technical Resources, Inc. is here to help with your computer support issues - "Providing personal service for your impersonal technology."