An apparatus for automatic retrieval, parsing and application of configuration for a specific-purpose local client having a windows-based embedded image with a write-filter while obviating reinstallation of an entire windows-based embedded image onto the specific-purpose local client and while allowing persistent configuration change across a reboot, the apparatus comprising: means (2402-A) for automatically locating a remote repository server containing a configuration file, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; means (2404-A) for automatically obtaining, at the specific-purpose local client, the configuration file from the remote repository server over a network, while the write-filter is enabled, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; means (2406-A) for automatically loading the configuration file, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; means (2408-A) for automatically parsing at least a portion of the configuration file associated with a group of settings for the windows-based embedded image, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; and means (2410-A) for automatically applying, to the windows-based embedded image, a configuration change based on the at least a portion of the configuration file, while the write-filter is enabled, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up, wherein the windows-based embedded image comprises the write-filter to allow one or more changes applied to the windows-based embedded image with the write-filter enabled, to be discarded when the specific-purpose local client is shut down, wherein the configuration change persists across a reboot of the specific-purpose local client while obviating reinstallation of the windows-based embedded image with the configuration change onto the specific-purpose local client, and wherein the windows-based embedded image supports a graphical user interface and comprises an operating system and one or more applications dedicated to the specific purpose. means (2402-A) for automatically locating a remote repository server containing a configuration file, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; means (2404-A) for automatically obtaining, at the specific-purpose local client, the configuration file from the remote repository server over a network, while the write-filter is enabled, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; means (2406-A) for automatically loading the configuration file, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; means (2408-A) for automatically parsing at least a portion of the configuration file associated with a group of settings for the windows-based embedded image, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up; and means (2410-A) for automatically applying, to the windows-based embedded image, a configuration change based on the at least a portion of the configuration file, while the write-filter is enabled, each time the specific-purpose local client boots up, wherein the windows-based embedded image comprises the write-filter to allow one or more changes applied to the windows-based embedded image with the write-filter enabled, to be discarded when the specific-purpose local client is shut down, wherein the configuration change persists across a reboot of the specific-purpose local client while obviating reinstallation of the windows-based embedded image with the configuration change onto the specific-purpose local client, and wherein the windows-based embedded image supports a graphical user interface and comprises an operating system and one or more applications dedicated to the specific purpose.