resetting fresh install for new user

[mtbvert]

here's a question, how does one reset a fresh install of XP to allow a user to set thier own computer name, netowrk name, etc. What i mean is that when you order a computer from a manuf. when you first turn it on, it bring you to the windows welcome/setup screen where you can chose initial network settings, the computer name, and the like. But all the extra software and drivers for the peripherals are installed already, which you need to be in windows for. So how do the manuf. reset windows after they install everything and send it off to the customer???

[edrod13]

When I worked in the Mainframe, Server Industry for Unisys Corporation, we ran a small script that rolled back the machine to the EULA. When the customers turned on the machine they basically got what you have mentioned. Not sure if there is anything similar for the average user.

[Negeva]

Not fully sure what u mean. only thing i can think of is when they use sysprep and a form of autoinstaller. most manufacturers make restoration disks - i posted these links sometime back they allow u to do what the manuf do.

hope its what ur after.

http://unattended.msfn.org/
http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=31886
http://www.nliteos.com/

[mtbvert]

Edrod hit it on the head, i want to be able to roll back to the EULA after installing software and drivers, so the end user can set their own settings to their new machine.

[Negeva]

as i mentioned in my first post have a look at sysprep, it does exactly what u want.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/library/TechRef/c03a5469-ef71-4545-b970-ce2add5e715c.mspx
http://www.tomax7.com/mcse/sysprep.htm