This is my guide to the the ultimate clean packaging virtual machine.
This guide covers in steps what I do when I create a packaging machine in VMware Workstation.
This can also be used in other virtualization software like: Hyper-V, VirtualBox etc.
Hardware:
- Remove USB
- Remove Printer
- [Optional] Remove Sound Card
After OS installation (Easy Install) remove the following:
- CD-ROM
- Floppy
Things to do in the Operating System:
- Install Windows Updates
- Turn off system restore
- Disable antivirus
- Disable windows updates
- [XP Only] Disable windows security center notifications
- Do not install Microsoft Browser Choice Screen Update for EEA Users [This is only applies to EU based virtual machines]
- [XP Only] Do not install Windows Search 4.0
- Enable local administrator account and remove other accounts from the computer
- Optional Enable auto logon using "control userpasswords2"
- Optional Disable UAC
- Remove Printer Microsoft XPS Document Writer
- [Windows 7 Only] Remove Printer Fax
- [Windows 7 Only] Action Center, Turn off all Maintenance messages
- [Windows 7 Only] Action Center, Turn off all Security messages
- In Folder Options -> Enable show hidden files and folders
- In Folder Options -> Remove tick from Hide protected operating system files
- [Optional] Add VMware Shared Folders if used
Snapshot the machine so you have a clean machine without any SWV/SWS installed.
Install the version of SWV you are using, and create another shapshot.
You are now ready to package applications and have a easy way to revert to a clean machine.
Happy Packaging 