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