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* *Use as generic an image as possible* - This helps to keep file size down and allows you to perform customizations later using LANDesk rather than creating a separate image. \\ \\
* *Stage your image in a virtual machine* - This allows the fewest number of drivers to be installed and can eliminate any hardware dependency. You can also use snapshots to easily test and revert changes.
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h3. Summary

The first step of using OSD is creating an OS image.

h6. Instructions

The process of preparing an image for deployment generally starts with a default OS installation of Windows 7. Unless there are special circumstances, the image located at {codenewcode}\\titan\software$\fsp\MCA\Windows 7\Windows 7 Enterprise with SP1 - Tufts KMS{codenewcode} should serve as a good starting point. This image is stock Windows 7 Enterprise. The only 2 changes are SP1 has been integrated and the image is configured to use the Tufts KMS for Windows product activation.

* Install Windows 7 Enterprise from one of the images linked above. As noted previously, this is best done in a virtual machine.
* When you get to the Welcome screen, enter audit mode by pressing SHIFT+CTRL+F3. You can additional information about customizing Windows in audit mode on [microsoft's website|http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd799305%28WS.10%29.aspx]. Make any changes you wish, such as installing windows updates, changing windows settings, etc.
* [Capture the image|Capturing an image]
* [Create an answer file|LANDesk:Creating a Windows 7 answer file]