Ronni Pedersen's Blog Site: SCCM 2007

Using Task Sequence Variables to customize deployments

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:36:09 GMT

Living in a non-english speaking country like Denmark, I often have to deal with deploying English versions of Windows XP and/or Windows Vista, with other Regional Settings, Keyboard Settings, Time Zones etc.

In the past I've created a VBScript to modify the sysprep.inf or the unattend.xml, after laying down the image on the client. The values were configured with Collection Variables or Computer Variables. The script collected the value during deployment, and replaced the value in the sysprep.inf or unattend.xml file before restarting into mini setup.

This year at TechEd in Orlando, I attened a great session on Windows Deployment with Configuration Manager (Part 1 of 4) with Michael Kelly. In this session he showed a demo, where he created a custom variable ("XRes" and "YRes"), and typed the variable direct in sysprep.inf like this:

sysprep.inf:
[Display]
XResolution=%XRes%
YResolution=%YRes%

This was a simple example, but it gave me a lot of ideas to work with. And as a result of this, I no longer need my "fancy" script to take care of my deployments anymore. This is how I do it now (example):

For my Windows XP deployments I've created a sysprep.inf that looks like this:
(This can also be done with Windows Vista deployments, but you’ll need to use the unattend.xml and the format should be in XML).

sysprep.inf:
[GuiUnattend]
   TimeZone=%LAB_OSDTimeZone%
[ResionalSettings]
   SystemLocale=%LAB_OSDSystemLocale%
   SystemInput=%LAB_OSDSystemInput%
[Display]
   XResolution=%LAB_OSDXResolution%
   YResolution=%LAB_OSDYResolution%

The sysprep.inf file should be place in a package in order to use it from the task sequence.

In the “Deploy Windows XP” Task Sequence, you need to specify the sysprep.inf file in the “Apply Operating System” section, like this:

In order to use the sysprep.inf containing the variables we need to assign some variables to our collection first.

How to Create Collection Task Sequence Variables:

	In the Configuration Manager console, System Center Configuration Manager / Site Database / Computer Management / Collections.
	To assign a variable to a collection, right-click the collection, and then click Modify Collection Settings.
	Open the <New> Variable dialog box, click the Collection Variable tab, and then click the New icon.
	In the New Variable dialog box, specify a name (example: “LAB_OSDSystemInput”) for the variable. On the Value line, specify the Value (Example: 0406:00000406 for danish keyboard) of the variable, and if the value is masked, enter the value again to confirm the variable on the Confirm Value line, and then click OK.

You can also specify Precedence by selecting a numeric value from the drop-down list, where 1 is the lowest precedence, and 9 to specify the highest precedence. The Precedence level will be used when a computer is a member of multiple collections with differing precedence levels assigned.

You can also specify per-computer task sequence variables, by right-clicking the computer object, click Properties, and then click the Variables tab. Per-computer variables will allways overwrithe per-collection variables.

That’s all folks… No more scripting for modifying the sysprep.inf file during deployment :-)

Additional resources:

TimeZone codes: (scroll down to the end where you’ll find “TimeZone”)
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/1cd05ce1-7eaa-4b03-bef5-772bb2d799eb1033.mspx?mfr=true

Locale ID’s and Input Locale:
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/reference/winxp/xp-lcid.mspx

Windows Server 2008 Security Configuration Wizard and SC Configuration Manager 2007 SP1

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:24:07 GMT

With ConfigMgr 2007 SP1 released, we now have support for running ConfigMgr on Windows Server 2008. Microsoft has released an update that adds the required information, so the Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) can lock down the ConfigMgr Site Systems.

Download the update here.

Overview:
The Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) is an attack-surface reduction tool for the Microsoft Windows Server® 2008 operating system. SCW determines the minimum functionality required for a server's role or roles, and disables functionality that is not required. The Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 Windows Server 2008 SCW template supports both new and updated site system definitions and the required services and ports.

Feature Bullet Summary:
The Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 Windows Server 2008 SCW template adds support for the following new site systems:

Out of Band Service Point
Asset Intelligence Synchronization Point

The Configuration Manager 2007 SCW template renews support for the following site systems:

Fallback Status Point (FSP)
State Migration Point (SMP)
PXE Service Point (PSP)
Software Update Point (SUP)
System Health Validator (SHV)
Primary Site Server (PSS)
Secondary Site Server (SSS)
Server Locator Point (SLP)
Management Point (MP)
Reporting Point (RP)

Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 released

Fri, 23 May 2008 09:20:59 GMT

Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 now offers full support for management with Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008, integrates customer feedback, feature Integration with Intel vPro Technology and enhances Asset Intelligent features.For reference, this is a new server and client version, so all need to be upgraded. And you will need to upgrade to SP1 in order to use the Configuration Manager 2007 R2 features (they require SP1).

Service Pack 1 itself includes:

Rollup of hotfixes since RTM
Full Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 Support
Intel AMT Integration
Asset Intelligence 1.5

Download

Download Size: 1039.0 MB... Happy Downloading :-)

Setting default logon Domain in a Task Sequence

Sun, 18 May 2008 08:07:19 GMT

When you deploy a Windows XP client with Configuration Manager OSD, and the user hits CTRL+ALT+DELETE, the user gets the usual logon screen, but with the target set to the machine name, and not the domain the computer is joined to. This is not the biggest problem on the planet, but why deal with it the problem could go away?

There are many workarounds to this issue, but I prefer using a "Post Configuration Task" in my Task Sequence. All you need to do is to configure two steps (Run Command Line) that will run the following commands:

reg add "HKLM\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\winlogon" /v altdefaultdomainname /t REG_SZ /d "DOMAINAME" /f

reg add "HKLM\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\winlogon" /v defaultdomainname /t REG_SZ /d "DOMAINAME" /f

“DOMAINNAME” in both lines must be replaced with actual domain name :-). Both steps must be executed before the last restart in the Task Sequence.

Importing HDC Storage Drivers in Configuration Manager 2007

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:09:58 GMT

A question that seems to popup from time to time, is how to import HDC Storage drivers in Configuration Manager RTM.

When importing storage drivers into Configuration Manager 2007, not all types (Class), can be used (selected) from the Task Sequence wizard. This is a known bug. At the time ConfigMgr 07 shipped, Microsoft were not aware of any mass storage drivers that used the HDC class, so only SCSIAdapters were flagged as boot critical (UPDATE: This issue is fixed in Service Pack 1). To workaround this issue you need to do the following:

When you import HDC storage drivers you need to point at the TXTSETUP.OEM file. This file depends on the *.inf file(s) where the Class is specified. If the “Class” is configured to “hdc”, you can’t select the driver from the “Apply Driver Package” in the Task Sequence. In order to use the driver you need to modify the *.inf file before importing the driver into the driver repository. Replace the “Class=hdc” with “Class=SCSIAdapter” under the [Version] section.

Example of an INF file:

[version]
CatalogFile=iaAHCI.cat
Signature="$WINDOWS NT$"
Class=SCSIAdapter
ClassGuid={4D36E96A-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
Provider=%INTEL%
DriverVer=03/21/2007,7.5.0.1017

This is how it should look like after the import:

If you modify the inf file after the import the driver should be deleted and re-imported.

Then you should be able to select the driver from the Task Sequense:

Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Pro SCOM & SCCM Connectors

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:50:34 GMT

Download the Visio add in and the web server component to connect and generate datasets to connect to your existing diagrams or auto generate your diagrams for your infrastructure monitoring needs. See your data from OpsManager and ConfigManager live in Visio diagrams.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=521B3884-1EDA-4B9D-8AD7-67D00FE9CE8A&displaylang=en

ConfigMgr 2007 Software Updates Synchronization SuperFlow

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:17:14 GMT

The Software Updates Synchronization SuperFlow is a dynamic, interactive dataflow model that provides all of the information needed to understand the software updates synchronization process in Configuration Manager 2007. The SuperFlow also provides an animation for the process and resource files and links that provide information related to the process.

For many enterprise products, technical flowcharts can be an invaluable tool for IT Professionals to help them understand a feature or process within the product and to help them troubleshoot issues that might occur. The SuperFlow is a new concept that takes a technical flowchart to the next level by providing the following:

Interactive Flowchart

General and in-depth technical information about each step in the process.
Sample log files, status messages, including sample log file entries, procedures to accomplish tasks, troubleshooting information, and more!

Animation

A visual representation for the steps in the SuperFlow process.
A detailed description for each step in the SuperFlow process.

Resources

Links to internal resources such as the detailed dataflow for the process, sample log entries for the end-to-end process, verification checklists, etc.
Links to external Web resources that provide more information about the product and SuperFlow process.

Download:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d509a9f4-e397-4d0a-89bb-fa3d68b9e8be&DisplayLang=en

Configuration Manager 2007 Audiocasts

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:13:59 GMT

This article contains links to all of the ConfigMgr 2007 Audiocasts on the Microsoft website.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Setup and Deployment (13 mins 25 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Wally Mead, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
In this episode of the Configuration Manager audiocasts, listen to Jeff Wettlaufer and Wally Mead discuss the best practice guidance and recommendations for how to install System Center Configuration Manager. From SMS upgrades to green field deployment, hear from the early experiences of Configuration Manager customers about deploying the infrastructure and clients.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Windows Deployment (11 mins 1 sec)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Michael Kelley, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
A significant investment in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is focused around Operating System Deployment. Taking advantage of new technologies in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, listen to Jeff and Michael talk about concepts such as the Task Sequencer, Driver Catalog, WinPE and other areas of OSD. Learn how the same toolset can be used for both Client and Server deployments, and how Configuration Manager can drive end to end automation into your next deployment project.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Desired Configuration Management (10 mins 22 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Jeffrey Sutherland, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
One of the key abilities in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is the concept of Desired Configuration Management. DCM is a new approach to configuration management, using SML concepts to define Configuration baselines that can be used to monitor your enterprise. In this audiocast, listen to Jeff and Jeffrey discuss the concepts of configuration management, how to define configuration items, baselines, and the deployment of these in the network. Learn how to interpret this information, and understand the concept of analyzing Configuration Drift.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Software Distribution (9 mins 9 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Dave Randall, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager

In this edition of the Configuration Manager audiocast series, listen to Jeff and Dave discuss the concepts of Software Distribution, what has improved, what is new, and the benefits these enhancements will bring to your organization.

System Center Configuration Manager 2007: Software Update Management (8 mins 33 secs)
Jeff Wettlaufer, Sr. Technical Product Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
Marc Umeno, Sr. Program Manager, System Center Configuration Manager
In this edition of the Configuration Manager audiocast, listen to Jeff and Marc speak about the improvements in Software Update Management. Some great improvements have been made to the previous collection of tools and processes, and learn how to employ these today in your organization.

ConfigMgr 2007 and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit - Video Walkthrough

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:25:22 GMT

Are you struggling with setting up ConfigMgr 2007 Operating System Deployment and integrating MDT? - download and view the video walkthrough that shows you how to:

Setup the server environment for ConfigMgr 2007 OS deployment
Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Site Settings
Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Computer Management Settings
Configure the ConfigMgr 2007 Operating System Deployment Settings
Setup and use MDT integration with ConfigMgr 2007
Add a reference machine object to ConfigMgr 2007
Create a build and capture reference image for mass deployment using ConfigMgr 2007

Download from here (51.2Mb)

Source: The Deployment Guys

Configuration Manager 2007 SDK Now Available on Download Center

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:01:14 GMT

The Configuration Manager 2007 Software Development Kit (SDK) has been released and is now available on the Microsoft Download Center.

In addition to Service Pack 1 support for Windows Vista, MDT 2008 also has the following new features:

Full support for Windows Server 2008
Additional Actions including Configure DHCP, Authorize DHCP, Configure DNS, and Configure ADDS
New scripts that will automate the installation of Mass Storage Drivers for Windows XP and Windows 2003 Systems
Ability to use a WSUS server for the Windows Update script
Improved performance for the PXE Filter for System Center Configuration Manager unknown computer support
Improved documentation including a new Quick Start Guide for System Center Configuration Manager and a guide for implementing the Management Pack for System Center Operations Manager

Download:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=064A995F-EF13-4200-81AD-E3AF6218EDCC&displaylang=en

TechNet Webcast: Configuration Manager SP1 and R2 Overview (Level 300)

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:48:54 GMT

Event ID: 1032369053

Language(s): English.
Product(s): System Center.
Audience(s): IT Professionals.
Duration: 90 Minutes
Start Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Event Overview
Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 shipped recently, but we are not done yet! This year, we will also release a service pack and an R2. In this session, we cover the changes we are making in the System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 (SP1) timeframe, in addition to the following System Center Configuration Manager 2007 R2 release. We briefly introduce System Center Configuration Manager, but our focus is on the new elements to support Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008, in addition to some additional changes for Asset Intelligence and Intel AMT Integration.

Presenter: Jeff Wettlaufer, Senior Technical Product Manager, Microsoft Corporation

What's New in Service Pack 1 and R2 for Configuration Manager 2007?

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:32:16 GMT

What's New in Configuration Manager 2007 SP1

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 introduces a new feature for out of band management.
Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 provides significant enhancements to the Asset Intelligence feature introduced in Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 and included in Configuration Manager 2007.
The length of the evaluation period has changed in Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 to be more consistent with other Microsoft products. In Configuration Manager 2007, the evaluation period is 120 days. In Configuration Manager 2007 SP1, the evaluation period is 180 days.
The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) Connector and the System Center Updates Publisher are no longer included with the Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 installation media.
Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 provides support for Windows Server 2008 as clients and site systems.

Note
Windows Server 2008 does not include WebDAV by default, which is required for Configuration Manager 2007 management points and distribution points. For more information, see the release notes.

What's New in Configuration Manager 2007 R2

Application Virtualization management support
Forefront Client Security Integration
SQL Reporting Services Reporting - Allows you to report on Configuration Manager activity using SQL Reporting Services
Client Status Reporting - Provides a set of tools and Configuration Manager 2007 reports to assess the status of client computers, sometimes referred to as "client health." Clients that show a change in activity patterns might need administrative intervention.
Operating System Deployment Enhancements
- Unknown computer support
  In Configuration Manager 2007 R2, you can deploy operating systems to computers using a PXE service point without first adding the computer to the Configuration Manager database.
- Multicast deployment
  Previously, all operating system deployments used unicast. Multicast can make more efficient use of network bandwidth when deploying large images to several computers at the same time.
- Running command lines in task sequences with credentials other than the local system account.

If you haven't already joined, to get access to the program, which includes the ability to provide feedback, download pre-release bits, and use newsgroups for discussing product topics, please apply for the program here:
https://connect.microsoft.com/programdetails.aspx?ProgramDetailsID=1829

Deploying Windows Server 2008 With System Center Configuration Manager

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:52:56 GMT

With Windows Server 2008, the installation process for servers has substantially changed for the first time since Windows NT 4.0. Since the underlying technologies for deploying Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista are now the same, wouldn’t it be great if you could use the same tools and leverage the same knowledge to deploy both? System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment now provide that integrated toolset. In this paper, learn how to use System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment to automate the deployment of Windows Server 2008 – through native integration with these new deployment processes and tools.

Download…

Source: Rod Trend at myITforum.com

Extending the SCCM console with basic tools

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 07:52:31 GMT

Remember back in the SMS 2003 days we had nice tools that enabled right-click on computers/collections to ping/force policy refresh etc. You will find that now extending the SCCM console is easier. It all comes down to an XML file placed in a proper folder. We can soon expect many extensions (also those from SMS) to be ported to SCCM console. As an example a ping extension for computers from SCCM console.

Create a file called e.g. PingWorkstation.xml:

<ActionDescription Class="Group" DisplayName="SMS Tools" MnemonicDisplayName="SMS Tools" Description="SMS tools for agent" SqmDataPoint="53">
<ActionGroups>
<ActionDescription Class="Executable" DisplayName="Ping Workstation" MnemonicDisplayName="Ping Workstation" Description="Will ping a workstation">
<Executable>
<FilePath>cmd.exe</FilePath>
<Parameters> /k Ping ##SUB:NetBIOSName##</Parameters>
</Executable>
</ActionDescription>
</ActionGroups>
</ActionDescription>

Place the file in c:\Program Files\SCCM2007\AdminUI\XmlStorage\Extensions\Actions\7ba8bf44-2344-4035-bdb4-16630291dcf6\ and restart the console. The GUID is reference to the resource object in collections. A collection would have these GUIDs:

dbb315c3-1d8b-4e6a-a7b1-db8246890f59 - top level collection
fa922e1a-6add-477f-b70e-9a164f3b11a2 - subcollections

The GUID referring to the SCCM resource object. Additional extensions can be made with the use of SDK documentation in a similar fashion. SDK is now in December CTP available on https://connect.microsoft.com/availableconnections.aspx site (look for SCCM SDK beta - you need to sign in with a live account). RTM should appear somewhere this quater.

This tip was made by Andrzej here.

ConfigMgr 2007 KB articles for December 2007

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:06:46 GMT

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=944542
The "wake on LAN" feature does not work as expected if a site server uses a non-daylight saving time zone in System Center Configuration Manager 2007
12/18/2007
Sys Center Config Manager 2007 AL
EN-US

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=945211
You cannot install the client software for the System Center Online Asset Inventory Service
12/13/2007
Asset Inventory Services EN
EN-US

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=945213
Error message when the System Center Online Asset inventory is not being processed: "HRESULT 0x80092004"
12/13/2007
Asset Inventory Services EN
EN-US

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=945898
The System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Offer Status Summarizer does not process advertisement status summary data
12/8/2007
Sys Center Config Manager 2007 AL
EN-US

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=945536
Client computers can no longer synchronize with Windows Server Update Services after you import many third-party product updates
12/11/2007
WSUS 3.0 AL
EN-US

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=946137
You cannot use Windows Server Update Services 3.0 to install Internet Explorer 7, even though the package is available from Microsoft Update
12/13/2007
WSUS 3.0 AL
EN-US

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 International Client Packs

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:29:35 GMT

International Client Packs (ICPs) contain international-language clients to use with System Center Configuration Manager (SC Config Mgr) 2007. ICP downloads contain only the Config Mgr client files, not the English-language SC Config Mgr 2007, which is required.

ICP1 contains the following languages:

English
French
German
Japanese
Spanish

ICP2 contains all languages from ICP1 plus the following:

Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Czech
Danish
Dutch
Finnish
Greek
Hungarian
Italian
Korean
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese (Brazil)
Russian
Swedish
Turkish

Download

Enable the Debug Shell on your ConfigMgr boot image

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:51:56 GMT

Boot images have an option to enable a command shell while running in Windows PE. This is turned off by default for security reasons (since it would allow an end user to open a command shell during the re-imaging process) but can be enabled on the “Windows PE” property page.

Open the boot image’s properties dialog
On the Windows PE tab check the “Enable command support (testing only)” option
Update the boot image on the distribution points
Rebuild any media that uses the boot image (e.g. capture media, boot media, or stand-alone media)

When a task sequence is running in Windows PE you can open a command shell by pressing F8. As long as the command-shell is open the task sequence will not reboot the machine. This will give you a chance to verify network connectivity, diagnose driver issues, and view/copy the log files (see Client Log Files section below).

KB and Hotfix released! - SCCM Offer Status Summarizer fails to process status

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:13:59 GMT

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM) site servers installed prior to December 1, 2007 will fail to process advertisement status summary data, also referred to as offer status summary data. Status (.SVF) files will being to accumulate under the \inboxes\offersum.box folder on the site server. By default in a new installation this path will be \Program Files\Microsoft Configuration Manager\inboxes\OfferSum.Box. For Site Servers upgraded from SMS 2003, the path will likely be \SMS\Inboxes\offersum.box.

Site servers installed after December 1 may not process any status messages, as the offersum.box folder does not get created, which blocks the status message system.

This occurs with either the evaluation or licensed versions of the RTM product.

If you are using the International Client Packs (ICPs), please go to the English page to download the hotfix for these files.

Please refer to KB945898 for more information.

Download the Hotfix

Configuration Manager 2007 Visio Stencils

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:23:15 GMT

Attached is a set of Visio stencils that Cameron Fuller put together based upon both the original SMS 2003 stencils and using the new OpsMgr look and feel. The following exist within the stencils:

Primary Site Server
Secondary Site Server
SQL Server
Configuration Manager Database
Management Point
Software Update Point
Device Management Point
Server Locator Point
State Migration Point
Software Update Point
Reporting Point
Protected Distribution Point
Branch Distribution Point
Distribution Point
System Health Validation Point
Proxy Management Point
PXE Service Point

An example of these stencils in use is shown here:

The Config Manager stencil is available for download at: http://systemcenterforum.org/wp-content/uploads/ConfigMgr2007Stencils.zip

This isn’t an official stencil of course, but is designed to provide a level of consistency with the Operations Manager stencils (a set of these are available for download at: http://www.mcalynn.com/?s=aem).

A full set of the OpsMgr 2007 stencils are available on the CD of the upcoming Operations Manager 2007 Unleashed book (http://tinyurl.com/27mqnm). An example of the OpsMgr stencils is shown here:

TechNet Webcast: Deploying and Upgrading to System Center Configuration Manager (Level 300)

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 19:18:14 GMT

Part 1 Today: http://www.myitforum.com/forums/calendar.asp?eventID=103&caldate=2007-12-03

Part 2 Tomorrow: http://www.myitforum.com/forums/calendar.asp?eventid=102&calDate=2007-12-04

Configuration Manager 2007 Documentation Library (November 2007)

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 06:32:57 GMT

Download an updated version of the documentation (smsv4.chm) for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 for a computer running the Configuration Manager console. The November update contains new material and fixes to documentation problems reported after Configuration Manager 2007 was released.

Download…

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Reviewers Guide

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 10:46:28 GMT

The intent of this whitepaper is to provide a framework for the evaluation of System Center Configuration Manager 2007. System Center Configuration Manager—previously known as Systems Management Server—represents a tremendous advancement over its well-regarded predecessor, now providing the control necessary to more effectively manage change in today's dynamic IT infrastructures. Manage the full deployment and update lifecycle with streamlined, policy-based automation; with enhanced insight into, and control over, assets and systems compliance; and with optimization for Windows—particularly Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista—and extensibility to customized administration experiences and third-party applications.

This whitepaper isn't published yet on Microsoft Download, but you can crab it from the blog of Daniel Lai.

Download the System Center Configuration Manager 2007 reviewers guide

TechNet Webcast Audio: New License Options for System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (Level 100)

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 22:15:04 GMT

Great podcast on Configuration Manager 2007 licensing. Dont miss it...

http://www.myitforum.com/absolutevc/avcview.aspx?v=495

TechNet Radio: System Center Configuration Manager 2007 - Deploying Windows in the Enterprise

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 22:10:43 GMT

Tune into this session to hear Jeff Wettlaufer and Michael Kelley discuss deployment of System Center Configuration Manager 2007. With over 45,000 customers currently using Systems Management Server 2003, the goal of this session is to help existing customers move to System Center Configuration Manager 2007 successfully. Included is an overview SCCM 2007 server roles, security modes and an introduction to managing Internet Based Clients with a focus on the core areas of setup and deployment.

Participants:
Jeff Wettlaufer and Michael Kelley

Link: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/tnradio/archive/nov132007.mspx

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Product Feature Quizzes

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:53:02 GMT

This is something new… Learn ConfigMgr 2007 by taking a quiz :-)

The System Center Configuration Manager 2007 User Assistance team has created a set of quizzes to help you assess your understanding of the dependencies and requirements for key features of Configuration Manager. These quizzes are intended to raise your level of awareness of the some of the nuances of these features before you configure and use them.

They can also be used to help train other Configuration Manager administrators within your organization. Each quiz consists of 10 questions that can be answered Yes or No. Regardless of your answer, the quiz will display the correct information, and include one or more links to the corresponding related content located in the Configuration Manager 2007 Documentation Library located on the Configuration Manager TechCenter. We are testing the usefulness of this format, and ask for your feedback on the format and the content contained in each quiz.

Please send feedback to SMSDOCS@Microsoft.com.

The following quizzes are available:

Configuration Manager 2007 Client Installation Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Client Management Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Client Roaming Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Client Site Assignment Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Desired Configuration Management Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Internet-Based Client Management Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Native Mode Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Network Access Protection Quiz
Configuration Manager 2007 Wake On LAN Quiz

Download….

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Toolkit

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:03:14 GMT

Microsoft has released a new toolkit similar to the SMS Toolkit 2 for Configuration Manager 2007. Below is the highlights of the tools.

Client Spy

Policy Spy

Trace32

Security Configuration Wizard Template for Configuration Manager 2007

DCM Model Verification

DCM Digest Conversion

DCM Substitution Variables

Download

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=948e477e-fd3b-4a09-9015-141683c7ad5f&DisplayLang=en

Configuration Manager 2007 RTM is now available on the MVLS site

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:25:03 GMT

If you have a Volume Licensing agreement then the final System Center Configuration Manager 2007 code is available on https://licensing.microsoft.com. It seems that a lot of people are having a hard time finding it so here's a tip: Search for "Config Mgr Svr 2007" under downloads and you should find it.

Technet Spotlight On Demand Video - System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Technical Drilldown

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:46:21 GMT

This session starts by reviewing recent additions to the System Management Server 2003 product, including Asset Intelligence. The next major release of Systems Management Server, named System Center Configuration Manager 2007, is launching this year and the session continues by reviewing enhancements in this release to core features such as inventory, software distribution, update management and reporting. The session then covers new features such as OS Deployment and Desired Configuration Management before drilling into upgrade and deployment planning guidelines.

http://www.microsoft.com/emea/spotlight/josh_pointer_system_center_configuration_manager_2007_technical_drilldown.aspx

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 VHD

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:11:44 GMT

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is the next-generation release of Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003. Leverage deep integration with the 2007 Microsoft Office system, the Windows Vista operating system, Windows Server 2008, and Exchange Server 2007 to promote your systems-management solutions. And generate new sales revenue by extending of one of the most secure, well-managed, and cost-effective platforms in the industry.

Download Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 VHD.

This download comes as a pre-configured VHD. This download enables you evaluate Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007.

System Center Configuration Manager is now RTM

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:33:30 GMT

Bill Anderson has announced that SCCM 2007 is RTM.

OMG – Anderson’s not dead! Look – a blog entry! Wow – how time flies. It seems like only yesterday that Brady/I were on stage at MMS, basking in the glow that was the release of SMS 2003. (I think the actual quote he used was, “wow – we should ship a product that works more often” J). Ah, those were the days. We could stand in front of a room, announce we removed logon points, and get applause! Ah, the simple life… Today is the next in that line of milestones. At 4PM today 8/24, the team signed off on System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (still can’t get used to that name!) and we’ve officially released it to manufacturing.

Continue at source...

Source: The Anderson's Blog!

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Administrator's Companion for pre-order

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:45:56 GMT

Perfect Paperback: 850 pages

Publisher: Microsoft Press (January 30, 2008)

Get the definitive guide for administering System Center Configuration Manager 2007 straight from an expert. This comprehensive reference delivers all the information you need to plan, design, deploy, and manage mission-critical software updates and help maximize your organization s productivity. This comprehensive administrator s reference drills into Configuration Manager 2007 features and capabilities for change and configuration management for Windows® based desktop and server systems, providing easy-to-follow procedures, practical workarounds, and key troubleshooting tactics for everyday, on-the-job results. The author, a Configuration Manager 2007 expert who has written extensively about the technology, provides in-depth information for remotely installing, administering, diagnosing, and troubleshooting applications, and deploying patches, monitoring system usage, and tracking assets must-know details for protecting and optimizing your technology investment. The companion CD features a fully searchable eBook and job aids.

Delivers expert, end-to-end guidance from a leading System Center Configuration Manager expert

Features easy-to-follow procedures, practical workarounds, and key troubleshooting tactics

Includes a fully searchable eBook and job aids on CD

About the Author
Steven D. Kaczmarek, MCP, MCT, MCSE, is the manager of the System Center Configuration Manager documentation team. Formerly, he worked as a professional trainer, writer, and consultant, specializing in Systems Management Server and enterprise network management. He is the author of Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Administrator s Companion and Mike Meyers MCSE Windows 2000 Directory Services Administration Certification Passport.

Check it out…

SCCM 2007 Delayed !!!

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:49:49 GMT

Still unconfirmed rumors, but my sources inside Microsoft has told me that the RTM version is delayed to November 2007.
The official RTM date is still Q3 2007.

When I have more documented information I'll update this post.

Update #1 (17-08-2007):
SCCM will be released Nov 1th. and the World Wilde launch will be announced at IT Forum in Barcelona Nov 11th.
But the RTM version might be avalible for TAP, Early Adapters and on MSDN earlier.

Update #2 (19-08-2007)
There's no such delay for "RTM" -- Release To Manufacturing. But "General Availability" will be later than RTM, and that may be the cause of the confusion and the November date.

Michael Kelley
Lead Program Manager
Configuration Manager 2007

Configuration Manager 2007 RC1 (Build 5831) available!

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:29:07 GMT

Configuration Manager 2007 RC1 (Build 5831) is now available for download!

Download:
https://connect.microsoft.com/Downloads/Downloads.aspx?SiteID=16

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 is now supported for site server and site system roles, and is correctly detected as part of setup prerequisite checking.
SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2 is now required for the SQL database server role.
Windows Server Update Services 3.0 RTM is now required for the Software Update Point site system role.

More info when I have complete the download and started the test of his new build.

Upcomming SCCM 2007 Technet Chats

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:02:39 GMT

Deploying System Center Configuration Manager 2007
Q&A with the SCCM 2007 Deployment Feature team.
Add to Calendar
June 29, 2007
10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Additional Time Zones
EnterChatRoom

Operating System Deployment with System Center Configuration Manager 2007
Q&A with the SCCM 2007 OSD Feature Team
Add to Calendar
July 10, 2007
10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Additional Time Zones
EnterChatRoom

Software Updates Management with System Center Configuration Manager 2007
Q&A with the SCCM 2007 Software Updates Management Feature Team
Add to Calendar
July 12, 2007
1:00 P.M. Pacific Time
Additional Time Zones
EnterChatRoom

Desired Configuration Monitoring with System Center Configuration Manager 2007
Q & A with the SCCM 2007 DCM Feature Team.
Add to Calendar
July 19, 2007
10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Additional Time Zones
EnterChatRoom

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Internet Based Client Management and Native Mode
Q & A with the SCCM 2007 Client team focusing on Internet Based Client Management and Native Mode Security Configuration.
Add to Calendar
July 24, 2007
10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
Additional Time Zones
EnterChatRoom

Upcomming SCCM 2007 Webcasts

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 18:24:21 GMT

TechNet Webcast: Deploying System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (Level 200)
Monday, July 02, 2007 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pacific Time
Wally Mead, Senior Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032343568&Culture=en-US

TechNet Webcast: Deploying System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Clients (Level 300)
Friday, July 06, 2007 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Pacific Time
Wally Mead, Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032343641&Culture=en-US

And both of them with my farvorite presenter: Wally Mead :-)

Configuration Manager pre-RTM setup switch

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:12:20 GMT

If you find yourself blocked by a required prerequisite when you're running setup to evaluate Configuration Manager 2007 Beta 2 in your lab environment (or TAP production environment) there is a setup switch than can come to your rescue: Setup /NoPrereq.

Using this setup switch will cause setup to run and skip the prerequisite checking process. This means that none of the prerequisite check rules will run during setup so I'd recommend that you first run setup with the prerequisite checking turned on to ensure that you've resolved as many setup prerequisites as you easily can.

This setup switch will only be available in pre-RTM builds. So when Configuration Manager 2007 is officially released, this switch won't work. For now though, if you're installing any of the currently released builds of Configuration Manager, this switch will allow you to install a Configuration Manager 2007 site without verifying installation prerequisites.

Source: Jeff Gilbert, myITforum.com

What are the SCCM 2007 Site System roles?

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:46:37 GMT

SCCM 2007 supports the following 14 Site System roles, with those prefixed with [NEW] being new to SCCM:

Site Server - The server on which you install the SCCM software.
Site Database Server - The server running SQL and hosting the SCCM Site Database (only required for Primary Sites)
Configuration Manager Console - The interface for administering SCCM. Installed by default on Primary Site Servers this role can also be installed on workstations to allow remote administration.
SMS Provider - The intermediate Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), layer that sits between the Configuration Manager Console and the Site Database (the Configuration Manager Console accesses the Site Database via the SMS Provider). Only required for Primary Sites.
Component Server - All SCCM Site System roles (except for the Distribution Point (DP)), requires SCCM-specific software to be installed in order for the Site System role to function. When such software is installed on a computer that computer becomes a Component Server.
Distribution Point (DP) - Stores SCCM Packages from where Clients can access them to install them. Only required for the Software Distribution, Software Updates, and Advertised Task Sequences functions of SCCM.
[NEW] Fallback Status Point - A "catch all" Site System for Clients that cannot be installed because of various issues such as assignment, or their inability to communicate with their Management Point (MP). Not required by default, but recommended to help with Client installation issues.
Management Point (MP) - SCCM Clients do not communicate directly with the SCCM Site Server and vice versa. Instead all communication is facilitated via the Management Point. A Default Management Point needs to be defined in every Site that has Intranet Clients.
[NEW] Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE) Service Point - The Site System that responds to any computers requesting deployment of their Operating System (OS), via a PXE request. Only required if Operating System Deployments (OSD), are going to take place using PXE boot requests.
Reporting Point (RP) - Hosts the Report Viewer component that provides the web-based reporting functionality of SCCM. Only required if Reports need to be run on a particular Primary Site.
Server Locator Point (SLP) - Responsible for informing SCCM Clients which MP they should access in order to install the SCCM Client software. Only required in some Client Deployment scenarios.
[NEW] Software Update Point (SUP) - Assigned to the computer running Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Only required if the Software Updates feature is going to be used.
[NEW] State Migration Point (SMP) - Stores the user's state migration data when a computer's OS is migrated. Only required if the OSD feature is going to be used.
[NEW] System Health Validator Point (SHVP) - This role is assigned to the computer running the Network Policy Service. Only required if the Network Access Protection (NAP) feature is going to be used.