|  | Preparing a Reference Computer Lesson Overview
To create and install an image, perform the following tasks: Configure the reference computer. A reference computer includes Windows XP Professional, retail and custom in-house applications, and network and computer settings. Preserve custom user settings. You will need to copy the customized user settings to the Default User profile on the reference computer. Otherwise, after the image is deployed on a target computer, only users who log on as Administrator will receive the customized settings. Configure an answer file to automate the Mini-Setup Wizard. You can use an answer file to automate the Mini-Setup Wizard so that users are not prompted for configuration information. This method provides a more fully automated installation. Prepare the hard disk. You prepare the hard disk on the reference computer by running Sysprep.exe. Sysprep.exe removes all configuration settings that are unique to a computer, such as the computer name and the unique security identifiers (SIDs). It also installs the Mini-Setup Wizard. After the image is installed on a target computer and the computer is restarted, the Mini-Setup Wizard will prompt the user for some of the information that Sysprep.exe removed, such as user name and computer name.