New Laptop -- How to make it managed

[pedz]

I'm doing something wrong but I'm stumped. Can someone list out the 1, 2, 3 steps to get a new machine to be managed?

I got a new Mac Book Pro. I'm not sure what the CD's install it at but I just bought it so I figure it is probably around 10.4.6. I'm on my third attempt.

After I install it, it is fresh and clean. I assume I run through the introduction screens and create my first administrator account local to the machine. I then try to get the laptop to be managed. It is kinda but not completely. I've tried various things but nothing gets me 100% of what I'm looking for.

I add the machine to my already existing list of managed computers (which is just one). I also change using Directory Access the LDAP settings on the laptop. I've tried checking the box to get the settings via DHCP. I've also tried adding the server by hand. The drop down list on the right I leave as "From server".

The machine is kinda managed because I can log in as one of my PHD users and the directory is copied over but not all of it. I have it set so that almost everything comes over but, for example, my email settings are not set.

Also, the login screen should say "Come and Be at Ease" and it does not. It comes up the way that it is set via the local system preferences (and I have login manged for the list of computers).

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks,
pedz

p.s. I think there is a simple way to get back to a "clean slate" without actually doing a complete reinstall. A pointer explaining how that is done would be much appreciated as well.