Determine What to Migrate
By default, USMT migrates the items listed in What Does USMT 3.0 Migrate? (depending on which migration .xml files you specify). These default settings are often sufficient for a basic migration. However, when considering what settings to migrate, you should consider what settings you would like the user to be able to configure and what settings you would like to standardize. Many organizations use their migration as an opportunity to create and begin enforcing a better managed environment. Some of the settings that users can configure prior to the migration (on unmanaged computers) can be locked on the new, managed computer. For example, a standard wallpaper, Internet Explorer security settings, and the desktop configuration are some of the items you can choose to standardize.
To reduce complexity and increase standardization, your organization should consider creating a standard operating environment. A standard operating environment is a combination of hardware and software that you distribute to all users. This means selecting a base line for all computers — including standard hardware drivers, core operating system features, core productivity applications (especially if they are under volume licensing), and core utilities. This environment should also include a standard set of security features as outlined in the organization’s corporate policy. Using a standard operating environment can vastly simplify the migration and reduce overall deployment challenges.
In this section: