I talked a lot about how to build a windows 7 image and though I put together a list of resources for you
The best location to find information on Windows is the Springboard site here, this site will help you find resource for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows7.
Take a good look at these tools
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 (MDT 2010) provides a common console with the comprehensive tools and guidance needed to efficiently manage deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 is the recommended process and toolset to automate desktop and server deployment. Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 provides detailed guidance and job aids for every organizational role involved with large-scale deployment projects. Learn more about Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010.
The Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit makes it easy to assess your current IT infrastructure and determine the right Microsoft technologies for your IT needs.
MAP is a powerful inventory, assessment, and reporting tool that can securely run in small or large IT environments without requiring the installation of agent software on any computers or devices. The inventory and assessment capabilities provided by this Solution Accelerator can significantly simplify the planning process for migrating your laptops, desktops, and server computers to Windows® 7, Windows Server® 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista® and Microsoft Office 2007. The server virtualization scenarios help you identify underutilized resources and the hardware specifications needed to successfully consolidate your servers using Microsoft Hyper-V technology. Additionally, the toolkit can help you identify unmanaged assets, Microsoft SQL Server® components and virtual machines in your environment.
And last but not least Application Compatibility Toolkit – to building system images, migration user data and automating operating system and application installations.
If you really want to learn a lot about this topic Bing or search for Jeremy Chapman from the Windows Client product management team, he the man!