0% found this document useful (0 votes)

329 views

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide

MDTS Guide

Uploaded by

Jacob Vowles

Available Formats

Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

0% found this document useful (0 votes)

329 views

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide

MDTS Guide

Uploaded by

Jacob Vowles

Available Formats

Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

You are on page 1/ 154

Microsoft Deployment

Toolkit 2012 Update 1

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide

Published: August 2012

For the latest information and to leave feedback, please visit Microsoft
Connect at http://connect.microsoft.com.

The information in this document and any document referenced herein is provided for informational purposes
only, is provided AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS and cannot be understood as substituting for customized
service and information that might be developed by Microsoft Corporation for a particular user based upon that
users particular environment. RELIANCE UPON THIS DOCUMENT AND ANY DOCUMENT REFERENCED
HEREIN IS AT THE USERS OWN RISK.
2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
If the user of this work is using the work SOLELY FOR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES INTERNALLY
WITHIN A COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION, then this work is licensed under the Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5 or
send a letter to Creative Commons, 543 Howard Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.
MICROSOFT CORPORATION PROVIDES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT AND ANY DOCUMENT REFERENCED HEREIN.
Microsoft Corporation provides no warranty and makes no representation that the information provided in this
document or any document referenced herein is suitable or appropriate for any situation, and Microsoft
Corporation cannot be held liable for any claim or damage of any kind that users of this document or any
document referenced herein may suffer. Your retention of and/or use of this document and/or any document
referenced herein constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you do not accept these terms
and conditions, Microsoft Corporation does not provide you with any right to use any part of this document or
any document referenced herein.
Complying with the applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under
copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), or for
any purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights
covering subject matter within this document. Except as provided in any separate written license agreement
from Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you, the user, any license to these patents,
trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property.
Information in this document, including URL and other Internet Web site references, is subject to change without
notice. Unless otherwise noted, the example companies, organizations, products, domain names, e-mail
addresses, logos, people, places and events depicted herein are fictitious, and no association with any real
company, organization, product, domain name, e-mail address, logo, person, place or event is intended or
should be inferred.
Microsoft, Active Directory, SQL Server, Visual Basic, Windows, Windows Live, Windows PowerShell, Windows
Server, and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.

Contents
Introduction to the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide..............................................
Deploying Windows 8 Applications Using MDT............................................................................
Deploying Windows 8 Applications Using LTI..............................................................................
Deploying Windows 8 Applications Using UDI............................................................................
Managing MDT Using Windows PowerShell..................................................................................
Loading the MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.........................................................................
Load the MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In Using the Import System Modules
Task......................................................................................................................................
Load the MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In Using the Add-PSSnapIn Cmdlet.................
Creating a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell........................................................
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Viewing Deployment Share Properties Using Windows PowerShell...........................................

Viewing the List of Deployment Shares Using Windows PowerShell........................................
Updating a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell.....................................................
Updating a Linked Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell..........................................
Updating Deployment Media Using Windows PowerShell........................................................
Managing Items in a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell......................................
Import an Item into a Deployment Share............................................................................
View the Properties of an Item in a Deployment Share......................................................
Remove an Item from a Deployment Share.......................................................................
Automating Population of a Deployment Share.........................................................................
Managing Deployment Share Folders Using Windows PowerShell..........................................
Create a Folder in a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell................................
Delete a Folder in a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell................................
Rename a Folder in a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell.............................
Automating the Application of Operating System Service Packs in Deployment
Shares..............................................................................................................................................
Automating the Application of Operating System Service Packs from Updated Source
Media.........................................................................................................................................
Automating the Application of Operating System Service Packs Using a Reference
Computer and Windows PowerShell.........................................................................................
Customizing Deployment Based on Chassis Type......................................................................
Deploying Applications Based on Earlier Application Versions................................................
Deploying Operating Systems Using Configuration Manager 2007 R3.....................................
Deploying Operating System Images to a Computer................................................................
Deploying an Operating System Image to a New Computer Using Boot Media.......................
Deploying an Operating System Image to an Offline Computer................................................
Creating Stand-alone Media......................................................................................................
Creating a Computer Association for a Side-by-Side Migration................................................
Initiating Operating System Image Deployments Using PXE....................................................
Fully Automated LTI Deployment Scenario..................................................................................
Fully Automated LTI Deployment for a Refresh Computer Scenario.........................................
Fully Automated LTI Deployment for a New Computer Scenario...............................................
Calling Web Services in MDT.........................................................................................................
Connecting to Network Resources...............................................................................................
Deploying the Correct Device Drivers to Computers with the Same Hardware
Devices but Different Make and Model.........................................................................................
Deploying Windows Server 2003 R2.............................................................................................
Deploying Windows Server 2003 R2 by Modifying the R2comp.inf File....................................
Deploying Windows Server 2003 R2 by Running R2 Component Installation at Logon
...................................................................................................................................................
Deploying Additional Mass Storage Drivers for Windows XP and Windows
Server 2003......................................................................................................................................
Unattended Installation of Mass Storage Device Drivers..........................................................
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Additional Considerations...................................................................................................
Manually Enabling the Installation of Mass Storage Device Drivers.........................................
Automating the Installation of Mass Storage Device Drivers.....................................................
Additional Considerations..........................................................................................................
Replacing an Existing Computer with a New Computer Using Configuration
Manager 2007 R3............................................................................................................................
Creating a Computer Association..............................................................................................
Creating a Task Sequence to Save User State Information from the Existing
Computer...................................................................................................................................
Modifying CustomSettings.ini Properties for the Existing Computer Task Sequence................
Creating a Task Sequence Advertisement for the Existing Computer.......................................
Creating a Task Sequence to Deploy the Operating System to the New Computer.................
Modifying CustomSettings.ini Properties for the New Computer Task Sequence.....................
Creating a Task Sequence Advertisement for the New Computer............................................
Deploying an Operating System to a New Computer Not in the Configuration
Manager Database..........................................................................................................................
Configuring Conditional Task Sequence Steps...........................................................................
Configuring a Conditional Task Sequence Step........................................................................
IF Statements in Conditions......................................................................................................
Task Sequence Variables in Conditions.....................................................................................
Operating System Version in Conditions...................................................................................
File Properties in Conditions......................................................................................................
Folder Properties in Conditions.................................................................................................
Registry Settings in Conditions..................................................................................................
WMI Queries in Conditions........................................................................................................
Installed Software in Conditions................................................................................................
Complex Conditions..................................................................................................................
Creating a Highly Scalable LTI Deployment Infrastructure.........................................................
Ensuring That the Appropriate Infrastructure Exists..................................................................
Adding Content to MDT.............................................................................................................
Preparing Windows Deployment Services................................................................................
Configuring Distributed File System Replication.......................................................................
Preparing for SQL Server Replication.......................................................................................
Configuring SQL Server Replication..........................................................................................
Configure a SQL Server Publisher.....................................................................................
Enable the MDT DB for Replication...................................................................................
Create a Publication of the MDT DB..................................................................................
Subscribe Child Deployment Servers to the Published MDT DB.......................................
Configure CustomSettings.ini.............................................................................................
Selecting a Local MDT Server When Multiple Servers Exist......................................................
Understanding LocationServer.xml............................................................................................
Understand When to Use LocationServer.xml...................................................................
Creating the LocationServer.xml File.........................................................................................
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Create a LocationServer.xml File to Support Multiple Locations........................................

Create a LocationServer.xml File to Load Balance Multiple Servers at Different
Locations............................................................................................................................
Adding the LocationServer.xml File to the Extra Files Directory................................................
Updating the BootStrap.ini File..................................................................................................
Updating the Deployment Share...............................................................................................
Replacing an Existing Computer with a New Computer Using Lite Touch Installation
86
Step 1: Create a Task Sequence to Capture the User State.....................................................
Step 2: Create a Task Sequence to Deploy Operating System and Restore the User
State..........................................................................................................................................
Step 3: Customize the MDT Configuration Files........................................................................
Step 4: Configure the Windows PE Options for the Deployment Share....................................
Step 5: Update the Deployment Share......................................................................................
Step 6: Create the LTI Bootable Media......................................................................................
Step 7: Start the Existing Computer with the LTI Bootable Media.............................................
Step 8: Start the New Computer with the LTI Bootable Media..................................................
Integrating Custom Deployment Code into MDT.........................................................................
Choosing the Appropriate Scripting Language..........................................................................
Understanding How to Leverage ZTIUtility................................................................................
Use the ZTIUtility Logging Class........................................................................................
Use the ZTIUtility Environment Class.................................................................................
Use the ZTIUtility Utility Class............................................................................................
Integrating Custom Deployment Code....................................................................................
Deploy Custom Code as an MDT Application..................................................................
Add the Custom Code as a Task Sequence Step............................................................
Run Custom Code as a User Exit Script..........................................................................
Installing Device Drivers Using Various Installation Methods.................................................
Determining Which Method to Use to Install a Device Driver..................................................
Installing Device Drivers Using the Out-of-Box Drivers Method..............................................
Installing Device Drivers as Applications.................................................................................
Add the Device Driver Application to the Deployment Workbench...................................
Specify the Device Driver Application as Part of a Task Sequence..................................
Specify the Device Driver Application in CustomSettings.ini............................................
Specify the Device Driver Application in the MDT DB......................................................
Initiating MDT Using Windows Deployment Services...............................................................
Option 1: Boot Computers in PXE to Initiate the LTI Process..................................................
Create and Import the Deployment Workbench Windows PE Image into Windows
Deployment Services........................................................................................................
Use Windows Deployment Services to Automatically Detect the Deployment
Server...............................................................................................................................
Option 2: Deploy an Operating System Image from the Windows Deployment
Services Store..........................................................................................................................
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Option 3: Use Multicasting with MDT and the Windows Server 2008 Windows
Deployment Services Role.......................................................................................................
Performing Staged Deployments Using MDT (OEM Preload)..................................................
Overview of the OEM Preload Process in MDT......................................................................
Overview of MDT Configuration Files in the OEM Preload Process................................
Overview of MDT Log Files in the OEM Preload Process................................................
Staged Deployments Using LTI...............................................................................................
LTI OEM Preload ProcessPhase 1: Create a Media-Based Image..............................
LTI OEM Preload ProcessPhase 2: Apply the Image to the Target Computer
.........................................................................................................................................
LTI OEM Preload ProcessPhase 3: Complete Target Computer Deployment
.........................................................................................................................................
Configuring Configuration Manager 2007 R3 Programs to Allow Package Installation
via Task Sequences......................................................................................................................
Using Windows PowerShell to Perform Common Tasks..........................................................
Creating a New Deployment Share.........................................................................................
Creating a Folder.....................................................................................................................
Deleting a Folder.....................................................................................................................
Importing a Device Driver........................................................................................................
Deleting a Device Driver..........................................................................................................
Importing an Operating System Package................................................................................
Deleting an Operating System Package..................................................................................
Importing an Operating System...............................................................................................
Deleting an Operating System.................................................................................................
Creating an Application............................................................................................................
Deleting an Application............................................................................................................
Creating a Task Sequence.......................................................................................................
Deleting a Task Sequence.......................................................................................................
Creating an MDT DB...............................................................................................................
Creating a Selection Profile.....................................................................................................
Updating a Deployment Share................................................................................................
Creating a Linked Deployment Share......................................................................................
Updating a Linked Deployment Share.....................................................................................
Deleting a Linked Deployment Share......................................................................................
Creating Media........................................................................................................................
Generating Media....................................................................................................................
Deleting Media.........................................................................................................................
Delaying Domain Join to Avoid Application of Group Policy Objects.....................................

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Introduction to the Microsoft Deployment

Toolkit Samples Guide
This guide is part of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012 Update 1
and guides a specialist team through deploying Windows operating
systems, Microsoft Office 2012, and the 2007 Microsoft Office system.
Specifically, this guide is designed to provide sample configuration
settings for specific deployment scenarios.
Note In this document, Windows applies to the Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista,
Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Windows Server 2012, Windows
Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003 operating systems unless
otherwise noted. MDT does not support ARM processorbased versions of Windows. Similarly,
MDT refers to MDT 2012 Update 1 unless otherwise stated.

To use this guide

Review the list of scenario topics in the Table of Contents.
1. Select the scenario that most closely represents your organizations
deployment goals.
2. Review the sample configuration settings for the selected scenario.
3. Use the sample configuration settings as the foundation for the configuration
settings in your environment.
4. Customize the sample configuration settings for your environment.

In many instances, more than one scenario might be necessary to

complete the configuration settings for the environment.
Because this guide contains only sample configuration settings, reviewing
the guides listed in Table 1 can further assist in customizing the
configuration settings for the environment.
Table 1. Deployment Guidance in MDT
Guide

This guide offers assistance to help

Quick Start Guide for

Microsoft System Center
Configuration
Manager 2007 R3

Use Configuration Manager 2007 R3 to

install the Windows 7 operating system in a
New Computer deployment scenario.

Quick Start Guide for

Microsoft System

Use Configuration Manager 2012 to install

the Windows 7 operating system in a New

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide

This guide offers assistance to help

Center 2012
Configuration Manager

Computer deployment scenario.

Quick Start Guide for Lite

Touch Installation

Install the Windows 7 operating system

through Lite Touch Installation (LTI) using
bootable media in a New Computer
deployment scenario.

Quick Start Guide for

User-Driven Installation

Install the Windows 7 operating system

with User-Driven Installation and
Configuration Manager 2012 in a New
Computer deployment scenario.

Using the Microsoft

Deployment Toolkit

Further customize the configuration files

used in Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) and
LTI deployments. This guide also provides
generic configuration guidance and a
technical reference for configuration
settings.

Feedback
Microsoft Connect is a place for you to submit bugs and suggestions for
Microsoft productsincluding Microsoft Solution Acceleratorsthat
Microsoft will consider for future releases. When you join the site, you will
be able to:

Find Microsoft products that are currently accepting feedback from the
community

Participate in feedback programs that Microsoft product teams manage

Download and test beta products

Submit bugs and suggestions for future releases of Microsoft products

Vote, comment on, and validate other people's feedback

To leave feedback on Microsoft Connect, perform the following steps:

1. Go to http://connect.microsoft.com.
2. Sign in using any valid Windows Live ID.
3. At the top of the page, click Directory.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

4. In the list, scroll down to Solution Accelerators Microsoft Deployment

Connection Program, and then click Join.

Approval is automatic.
5. In the navigation pane, click Feedback.

Please provide feedback on the usefulness of this guide by filling out the
survey at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=132579.

Deploying Windows 8 Applications Using

MDT
MDT can deploy Windows 8 application packages, which have an .appx
file extension. These application packages are new to Windows 8. For
more information on these applications, see Develop great Metro style
apps for Windows 8.
Deploy Windows 8 applications using MDT by performing the following
steps:

Deploy Windows 8 applications using LTI as described in Deploying Windows

8 Applications Using LTI.

Deploy Windows 8 applications using User-Driven Installation (UDI) as

described in Deploying Windows 8 Applications Using UDI.

Note At this time, deployment of Windows 8 application packages using ZTI is not available.

Deploying Windows 8 Applications Using LTI

You can deploy Windows 8 applications using LTI like any other
application that initiates the installation process from a command line. You
can add Windows 8 applications to LTI deployments in the Applications
node in the Deployment Workbench.
To deploy a Windows 8 application using LTI
1. Create a network shared folder in which to store the application.
2. Copy the Windows 8 application into the network shared folder that you
created in the previous step.

Ensure that you copy the Windows 8 application .appx file and any
other required files, such as a .cer file that contains the application
certificate.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

3. Create an LTI application item for the Windows 8 application in the

Applications node in the Deployment Workbench using the New Application
Wizard.

While completing the New Application Wizard, on the Command

Details wizard page, in Command line, type app_file_name (where
app_file_name is the name of the Windows 8 application).
For more information about how to complete the New Application
Wizard in the Deployment Workbench, see the following sections in
the MDT document, Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit:

"Create a New Application That Is Deployed from the Deployment Share"

"Create a New Application That Is Deployed from Another Network

Shared Folder"

4. Select the LTI application item created in the previous step in an LTI task
sequence.

Deploying Windows 8 Applications Using UDI

You can deploy Windows 8 applications using UDI like any other
application that initiates the installation process from a command line. You
can add Windows 8 applications to UDI deployments on the
ApplicationPage wizard page in the UDI Wizard Designer.
Note Deployment of Windows 8 and Windows 8 applications using UDI requires System
Center 2012 Configuration Manager with Service Pack 1 (SP1).

To deploy a Windows 8 application using UDI

1. Create a network shared folder in which to store the application.

This folder will be the source folder for the Configuration

Manager 2012 application that you will create later in the process.
2. Copy the Windows 8 application into the network shared folder that you
created in the previous step.

Ensure that you copy the Windows 8 application .appx file and any
other required files, such as a .cer file that contains the application
certificate.
3. Add the Windows 8 application as a Configuration Manager 2012 application

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

4. Create a Configuration Manager 2012 application item for the Windows 8

application using the Create Application Wizard in the Configuration Manager
console.

While completing the Create Application Wizard, create a deployment

type to deploy the Windows 8 application using the Create Deployment
Type Wizard. In the Create Deployment Type Wizard, on the Content
page, in Installation program, type app_file_name (where
app_file_name is the name of the Windows 8 application).
For more information about how to complete the Create Application
Wizard in the Configuration Manager console, see the following
sections in the Documentation Library for System Center 2012
Configuration Manager, which is included with Configuration
Manager 2012:

How to Create Applications in Configuration Manager

How to Create Deployment Types in Configuration Manager

How to Manage Applications and Deployment Types in Configuration

Manager

5. Ensure that the user device affinity (UDA) feature in Configuration

Manager 2012 is configured properly to support affinity between users and
devices for Configuration Manager 2012 application deployment.

For more information about how to configure UDA to support

Configuration Manager 2012 application deployment, see How to
Manage User Device Affinity in Configuration Manager.
6. Deploy the application created in step 4 to the targeted users.

For more information about how to deploy an application to user, see

How to Deploy Applications in Configuration Manager.
7. Configure the ApplicationPage wizard page to include the Configuration
Manager 2012 application created in step 4 using the UDI Wizard Designer.

For more information about how to configure the ApplicationPage

wizard page using the UDI Wizard Designer, see the section, "Step 511: Customize the UDI Wizard Configuration File for the Target
Computer", in the MDT document Quick start Guide for User-Driven
Installation.
8. Select the UDI application item created in the previous step n a UDI task
sequence.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Note The Windows 8 application is not installed by the task sequence but rather will be
installed the first time the user logs on to the targeted computer (as defined by the UDA setting
configured in step 5) using the User-Centric App Installer feature (AppInstall.exe) in UDI.

For more information on the User-Centric App Installer feature in UDI,

see the section, "User-Centric App Installer Reference", in the MDT
document Toolkit Reference.

Managing MDT Using Windows

PowerShell
You can manage MDT deployment shares using the Deployment
Workbench and Windows PowerShell. MDT includes a Windows
PowerShell snap-inMicrosoft.BDD.SnapInthat must be loaded prior
to using the MDT-specific features in Windows PowerShell. The MDT
Windows PowerShell snap-in includes:

A Windows PowerShell providerMDTProviderthat provides access to the

contents of a deployment share

Cmdlets that provide the ability to administer MDT deployment shares

Manage MDT deployment shares using Windows PowerShell by

performing the following steps:

Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the

MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.

Create a deployment share using Windows PowerShell as described in

Creating a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell.

View deployment share properties using Windows PowerShell as described

in Viewing Deployment Share Properties Using Windows PowerShell.

View the list of deployment shares using Windows PowerShell as described

in Viewing the List of Deployment Shares Using Windows PowerShell.

Update a deployment share, which generates new Windows Preinstallation

Environment (Windows PE) boot images, as described in Updating a
Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell.

Update a linked deployment share, which replicates content from a

deployment share to the linked deployment share, as described in Updating a
Linked Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Update deployment media, which replicates content from a deployment share

to the deployment media, and then generates new bootable images as
described in Updating Deployment Media Using Windows PowerShell.

Manage items in a deployment share (such as operating systems, operating

system packages, applications, and device drivers) as described in Managing
Items in a Deployment Share Using Windows PowerShell.

Automate the population of items in a deployment share (such as operating

systems, operating system packages, applications, and device drivers) as
described in Automating Population of a Deployment Share.

Manage the folders in a deployment share using Windows PowerShell as

described in Managing Deployment Share Folders Using Windows
PowerShell.

Loading the MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In

The MDT cmdlets are provided in a Windows PowerShell snap-in
Microsoft.BDD.SnapInthat must be loaded prior to using the MDT
cmdlets. You can load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in using any
one of the following methods:

Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in using the Window PowerShell
Modules console as described in Load the MDT Windows PowerShell SnapIn Using the Import System Modules Task.

Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in using the Add-PSSnapIn cmdlet
as described in Load the MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In Using the AddPSSnapIn Cmdlet.

Load the MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In Using the Import

System Modules Task
The Import System Modules task automatically includes all the Windows
PowerShell modules and snap-ins that are in the modules in the %Windir
%\System32\WindowsPowerShell\1.0\Modules directory. MDT
automatically installs the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in
Microsoft.BDD.SnapInin that folder during the MDT installation process.
Note The Import System Modules task is available only in Windows 7 and Windows
Server 2008 R2 when Windows PowerShell 3.0 is not installed on the computer. Beginning with
Windows PowerShell 3.0, modules are imported automatically the first time that you use a cmdlet
in the module.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

You can start a Windows PowerShell console with the Import System
Modules task by performing one of the following procedures:

In the taskbar, right-click the Windows PowerShell icon, and then click
Import System Modules.

Click Start, point to Administrative Tools and then click Windows

PowerShell Modules.

For more information on staring a Windows PowerShell console with

Import System Modules, see Starting Windows PowerShell with Import
System Modules.

Load the MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In Using the AddPSSnapIn Cmdlet
You can load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in
Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapInfrom any Windows PowerShell environment
using the Add-PSSnapIn cmdlet, as show in the following example:
Add-PSSnapin -Name Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

Creating a Deployment Share Using Windows

PowerShell
You can create deployment shares using the MDT Windows PowerShell
cmdlets. The root folder for the deployment share is created and shared
using standard Windows PowerShell cmdlets and calls to Windows
Management Instrumentation (WMI) class commands. The deployment
share is populated using the MDTProvider Windows PowerShell provider
and the New- PSDrive cmdlet. The MDTProvider Windows PowerShell
drive is persisted using the Add-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet.
To prepare a deployment share using the MDT Windows PowerShell
cmdlets
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Create the folder that will be the root of the new deployment share using the
New-Item cmdlet, as shown in the following example and described in Using
the New-Item Cmdlet:
New-Item "C:\MDTDeploymentShare$" -Type directory

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

The cmdlet displays the successful creation of the folder.

3. Share the folder created in the previous step using the WMI win32_share
class as sown in the following example:
([wmiclass]"win32_share").Create("C:\MDTDeploymentShare$",
"MDTDeploymentShare$",0)

The call to the win32_share class returns the results of the call. If the
value of ReturnValue is zero (0), then the call was successful.
4. Specify the new shared folder as a deployment share using the New-PSDrive
cmdlet, as shown in the following example:
New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider "MDTProvider" -Root
"C:\MDTDeploymentShare$" -Description "MDT Deployment Share Created
with Cmdlets" -NetworkPath "\\WDG-MDT-01\MDTDeploymentShare$"
-Verbose

The cmdlet automatically starts creating the deployment share and

copying the template information into the new deployment share. Upon
completion of the copy process, the cmdlet displays the information for
the new deployment share.
Note The value provided in the Name parameter (DS002) must be unique and cannot be the
same as an existing deployment share Windows PowerShell drive.

5. Verify that the appropriate deployment share folders have been created using
the dir command, as show in the following example:
dir ds002:

The list of default folders in the root of the deployment share is

displayed.
6. Add the new deployment share to the list of persisted MDT deployment
shares using the Add-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the following
example:
$NewDS=Get-PSDrive "DS002"
Add-MDTPersistentDrive -Name "DS002" -InputObject $NewDS -Verbose

In this example, the $NewDS variable is used to pass the Windows

PowerShell drive object for the new deployment share to the cmdlet.
Alternatively, you could have combined the New- PSDrive and AddMDTPersistentDrive cmdlets, as shown in the following example:
New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider "MDTProvider" -Root
"C:\MDTDeploymentShare$" -Description "MDT Deployment Share Created

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

with Cmdlets" -NetworkPath "\\WDG-MDT-01\MDTDeploymentShare$"

-Verbose | Add-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose

In the previous example, the Windows PowerShell pipeline provides

both the Name and InputObject parameters.

Viewing Deployment Share Properties Using

Windows PowerShell
You can view the properties of MDT deployment shares using the GetItemProperty cmdlet and the MDTProvider Windows PowerShell provider.
These same properties can also be seen in the Deployment Workbench.
To view deployment share properties using the MDT Windows
PowerShell cmdlets
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure the MDT deployments share Windows PowerShell drives are restored
using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the following
example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. Verify that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored properly using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as follows:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives that are provided using the
MDTProvider are listed.
4. View the properties of the deployment share using the Get-ItemProperty
cmdlet, as shown in the following example:
Get-ItemProperty "DS002:"

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3. The cmdlet returns the properties for the
deployment share.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Viewing the List of Deployment Shares Using

Windows PowerShell
You can view the list of MDT deployment shares using the Get-PSDrive
cmdlet and the MDTProvider Windows PowerShell provider. The same list
of deployment shares can also be viewed in the Deployment Workbench.
To view a list of deployment shares using the MDT Windows
PowerShell cmdlets
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. View the list of MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives, one
for each deployment share, using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as follows:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed, one for each deployment share.

Updating a Deployment Share Using Windows

PowerShell
You can update deployment shares using the UpdateMDTDeploymentShare cmdlet and the MDTProvider Windows
PowerShell provider. Updating a deployment share creates the
Windows PE boot images (WIM and International Organization for
Standardization [ISO] files) necessary to start LTI deployment. You can
perform the same process using the Deployment Workbench, as
described in "Update a Deployment Share in the Deployment
Workbench".
To update a deployment share using Windows PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

2. Ensure that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. Verify that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored properly using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as follows:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed.
4. Update the deployment share using the Update-MDTDeploymentShare
cmdlet, as shown in the following example:
Update-MDTDeploymentShare -Path "DS002:" -Force

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3.
Note Updating the deployment share can take a long time. The progress of the cmdlet is
shown at the top of the Windows PowerShell console.

The cmdlet returns with no output if the update is successful.

Updating a Linked Deployment Share Using

Windows PowerShell
You can update (replicate) linked deployment shares using the UpdateMDTLinkedDS cmdlet and the MDTProvider Windows PowerShell
provider. Updating a linked deployment share replicates the content from
the original deployment share to the linked deployment share. You can
perform the same process using the Deployment Workbench, as
described in "Replicate Linked Deployment Shares in the Deployment
Workbench".
To update a linked deployment share using Windows PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. Verify that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored properly using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as follows:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed.
4. Update the deployment share using the Update-MDTDeploymentShare
cmdlet, as shown in the following example:
Update-MDTLinkedDS -Path "DS002:\Linked Deployment
Shares\LINKED002"

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3.
Note Updating the linked deployment share can take a long time. The progress of the cmdlet
is shown at the top of the Windows PowerShell console.

The cmdlet returns with no output if the update is successful.

Updating Deployment Media Using Windows

PowerShell
You can update (generate) deployment media using the UpdateMDTMedia cmdlet and the MDTProvider Windows PowerShell provider.
Updating deployment media replicates the content from the original
deployment share to the linked deployment share, and then generates .iso
and .wim files. You can perform the same process using the Deployment
Workbench, as described in "Generate Media Images in the Deployment
Workbench".
When the Update-MDTMedia cmdlet finishes, the following files are
created:

An .iso file in the media_folder folder (where media_folder is the name of the
folder that you specified for the media)

Generating the .iso file is an option that you configure by:

Selecting the Generate a Lite Touch bootable ISO image check box on
the General tab of the media Properties dialog box (Clear this check box

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

to reduce the time needed to generate the media unless you need to
create bootable DVDs or start virtual machines [VMs] from the .iso file.)

Setting the same property using the Set-ItemProperty cmdlet

WIM files in the media_folder\Content\Deploy\Boot folder (where

media_folder is the name of the folder that you specified for the media)

To update a linked deployment share using Windows PowerShell

1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. Verify that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored properly using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as follows:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3.
Note Updating the linked deployment share can take a long time. The progress of the cmdlet
is shown at the top of the Windows PowerShell console.

The cmdlet returns with no output if the update is successful.

Managing Items in a Deployment Share Using

Windows PowerShell
A deployment share contains items that are used to perform deployments,
such as operating systems, applications, device drivers, operating system

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

packages, and task sequences. These items can managed using cmdlets
from Windows PowerShell and those provided with MDT.
For more information about manipulating items directly using Windows
PowerShell cmdlets, see Manipulating Items Directly. The folder structure
for a deployment share can also be managed using Windows PowerShell.
For more information, see Managing Deployment Share Folders Using
Windows PowerShell.

Import an Item into a Deployment Share

You can import each type of item, such as operating systems,
applications, or device drivers, using MDT cmdlets. For each type of item,
there is a specific MDT cmdlet. If you want to import multiple item into a
deployment share using Windows PowerShell, see Automating Population
of a Deployment Share.
Table 2 lists the MDT Windows PowerShell cmdlets used to import items
into a deployment share and provides a brief description of each cmdlet.
Examples of how to use each cmdlet is provided in the section that
corresponds to each cmdlet.
Table 2. MDT Windows PowerShell Cmdlets for Importing
Deployment Share Items
Cmdlet

Description

Import-MDTApplication

Imports an application into a

deployment share

Import-MDTDriver

Imports one or more device drivers

into a deployment share

Import-MDTOperatingSystem

Imports one or more operating

systems into a deployment share

Import-MDTPackage

Imports one or more operating

system packages into a
deployment share

Import-MDTTaskSequence

Imports a task sequence into a

deployment share

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

View the Properties of an Item in a Deployment Share

Each item in a deployment share has different set of properties. You can
view the properties of an item in a deployment share using the GetItemProperty cmdlet. The Get-ItemProperty cmdlet uses the MDTProvider
to display the properties for a specific item, just as you can see the
properties in the Deployment Workbench.
If want wish to view the properties of multiple items in a deployment share
using Windows PowerShell, see Automating Population of a Deployment
Share.
To view the properties of an item in a deployment share using
Windows PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. Verify that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored properly using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as shown in the following
example:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed.
4. Return a list of the items for the type of item for which you are wanting to view
the properties using the Get-Item cmdlet, as shown in the following example:
Get-Item "DS001:\Operating Systems\*" | Format-List

In the previous example, a list of all the operating systems in the

deployment share is displayed. The output is piped to the Format-List
cmdlet so that the long names of the operating systems can be seen.
For more information on how to use the Format-List cmdlet, see
Using the Format-List Cmdlet. The same process could be used to
return the list of other types of items, such as device drivers or
applications.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Tip You could have also used the dir command to view the list of operating systems instead
of the Get-Item cmdlet.

5. View the properties of one of the items listed in the previous step using the
Get-ItemProperty cmdlet, as shown in the following example:
Get-ItemProperty -Path "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows 8 in Windows
8 x64 install.wim"

Remove an Item from a Deployment Share

You can remove an item from a deployment share using the Remove-Item
cmdlet. The Remove-Item cmdlet uses the MDTProvider to remove a
specific item, just as you can remove an item in the Deployment
Workbench. If you want to remove multiple items in a deployment share
using Windows PowerShell, see Automating Population of a Deployment
Share.
Note Removing an item that a task sequence uses causes the task sequence to fail. Ensure that
an item is not referenced by other items in the deployment share prior to removing the item. Once
an item is removed, it cannot be recovered.

To remove an item from a deployment share using Windows

PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

In the previous example, a list of all the operating systems in the

deployment share is displayed. The output is piped to the Format-List
cmdlet so that the long names of the operating systems can be seen.
For more information on how to use the Format-List cmdlet, see
Using the Format-List Cmdlet. You could use the same process to
return the list of other types of items, such as device drivers or
applications.
Tip You could have also used the dir command to view the list of operating systems instead
of the Get-Item cmdlet.

5. Remove one of the items listed in the previous step using the Remove-Item
cmdlet, as shown in the following example:
Remove-Item -Path "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows 8 in Windows 8
x64 install.wim"

In this example, the value of the Path parameter is the fully qualified
Windows PowerShell path to the item, including the file name that was
returned in the previous step.
You could use the same process to remove other types of items, such
as device drivers or applications.
Note Removing an item that a task sequence uses causes the task sequence to fail. Ensure
that an item is not referenced by other items in the deployment share prior to removing the
item.

Automating Population of a Deployment Share

The MDT Windows PowerShell cmdlets allow you to manage individual
items. However, by using some of the scripting features in Windows
PowerShell, the cmdlets can be used to automate the population of a
deployment share.
For example, an organization may need to deploy multiple deployment
shares for different business units, or an organization may provide
operating system deployment services for other organizations. In both of

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

these examples, the organizations need the ability to create and populate
deployment shares that are configured consistently.
One method for managing multiple items would be to use a commaseparated values (CSV) file that contains a list of all the items you want to
manage in a deployment share using the Import-CSV cmdlet.
The following is an excerpt of a Windows PowerShell script to import a list
of applications based on information in a .csv file using the Import-CSV,
ForEach-Object, and Import-MDTApplication cmdlets:
$List=Import-CSV "C:\MDT\Import-MDT-Apps.csv"
ForEach-Object ($App in $List) {
Import-MDTApplication path $App.ApplicationFolder -enable "True" Name
$App.DescriptiveName ShortName $App.Shortname Version
$App.Version Publisher $App.Publisher Language $App.Language
CommandLine $App.CommandLine WorkingDirectory
$App.WorkingDirectory ApplicationSourcePath $App.SourceFolder
DestinationFolder $App.DestinationFolder Verbose
}

In this example, the C:\MDT\Import-MDT-Apps.csv file contains a field for

each variable necessary to import an application. For more information
about how to create a .csv file for use with the Import-CSV cmdlet, see
Using the Import-Csv Cmdlet.
You can use this same method to import operating systems, device
drivers, and other items in a deployment share by performing the following
steps:
1. Create a .csv file for each type of deployment share item that you want to
populate.

For more information about how to create a .csv file for use with the
Import-CSV cmdlet, see Using the Import-Csv Cmdlet.
2. Create a Windows PowerShell script file that will be used to automate the
population of the deployment share.

For more information about how to create a Windows PowerShell

script, see Scripting with Windows PowerShell.
3. Create any prerequisite folder structure required in the deployment share
prior to importing the deployment share items.

For more information, see Managing Deployment Share Folders Using

Windows PowerShell.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

4. Add the Import-CSV cmdlet line for one of the .csv files created in step 1.

For more information on the Import-CSV cmdlet, see Using the ImportCsv Cmdlet.
5. Create a ForEach-Object cmdlet loop that processes each item from the .csv
file referenced in the Import-CSV cmdlet in the previous step.

For more information on the ForEach-Object cmdlet, see Using the

ForEach-Object Cmdlet.
6. Add the corresponding MDT cmdlet for importing the deployment share items
inside the ForEach-Object cmdlet loop created in the previous step.

For more information on the MDT cmdlets used for importing items into
a deployment share, see Import an Item into a Deployment Share.

Managing Deployment Share Folders Using

Windows PowerShell
You can manage folders in a deployment share using command-line tools,
such as the mkdir command, or using Windows PowerShell cmdlets,
such as the New-Item cmdlet and the MDTProvider Windows PowerShell
provider. The same folder structure of deployment shares can also be
seen and managed in the Deployment Workbench. For more information
about manipulating items directly using Windows PowerShell cmdlets, see
Manipulating Items Directly.

Create a Folder in a Deployment Share Using Windows

PowerShell
To create a folder in a deployment share using Windows PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. View the list of MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives, one
for each deployment share, using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet as follows:
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed, one for each deployment share.
4. Create a folder named Windows_8 in the Operating Systems folder in a
deployment share using the mkdir command, as shown in the following
example:
mkdir "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows_8"

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3.
5. Verify that the folder is created correctly by typing the following command:
dir "DS002:\Operating Systems"

The Windows_8 folder and any other existing folders in the Operating
Systems folder is displayed.
6. Create a folder named Windows_7 folder in the Operating Systems folder in a
deployment share using the New-Item cmdlet, as shown in the following
example and described in Using the New-Item Cmdlet:
New-Item "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows_7" -Type directory

The cmdlet displays the successful creation of the folder.

7. Verify that the folder is created correctly by typing the following command:
dir "DS002:\Operating Systems"

The Windows_7 folder and any other existing folders in the Operating
Systems folder is displayed.

Delete a Folder in a Deployment Share Using Windows

PowerShell
To delete a folder in a deployment share using Windows PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

3. View the list of MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives, one
for each deployment share, using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet as follows:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed, one for each deployment share.
4. Delete (remove) a folder named Windows_8 in the Operating Systems folder
in a deployment share using the mkdir command, as shown in the following
example:
rmdir "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows_8"

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3.
5. Verify that the folder is removed correctly by typing the following command:
dir "DS002:\Operating Systems"

The Windows_8 folder is no longer displayed in the list of folders in the

Operating Systems folder.
6. Delete (remove) a folder named Windows_7 folder in the Operating Systems
folder in a deployment share using the Remove-Item cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Remove-Item "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows_7"

The cmdlet displays the successful removal of the folder.

7. Verify that the folder is created correctly by typing the following command:
dir "DS002:\Operating Systems"

The Windows_7 folder is no longer displayed in the list of folders in the

Operating Systems folder.

Rename a Folder in a Deployment Share Using Windows

PowerShell
To rename a folder in a deployment share using Windows
PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

3. View the list of MDT deployments share Windows PowerShell drives, one for
each deployment share, using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet as follows:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed, one for each deployment share.
4. Rename a folder named Windows_8 to Win_8 in the Operating Systems
folder in a deployment share using the ren command, as shown in the
following example:
ren "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows_8" "Win_8"

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3.
5. Verify that the folder is removed correctly by typing the following command:
dir "DS002:\Operating Systems"

The Windows_8 folder is renamed to Win_8.

6. Rename a folder named Windows_7 to Win-7 in the Operating Systems
folder in a deployment share using the Rename-Item cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Rename-Item "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows_7" "Win_7"

The cmdlet displays the successful rename of the folder.

7. Verify that the folder is created correctly by typing the following command:
dir "DS002:\Operating Systems"

The Windows_7 folder is renamed to Win_7.

Automating the Application of Operating

System Service Packs in Deployment
Shares
Operating system service packs are a normal part of the software life
cycle. The existing operating systems in deployment shares need to be
updated with these service packs to help ensure that newly deployed or

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

refreshed computers are current with the latest security recommendations

and configuration settings.
In instances where an organization has many deployment shares with
multiple operating systems in each deployment share, the process for
manually updating the operating systems in each deployment share with
the service packs can be time consuming. The methods for automating
the application of operating system service packs in deployment shares
include:

Copying updated source content that already contains the service pack (for
example, Windows 7 with SP1 media) to the folder in the deployment share in
which the existing operating system resides, as described in Automating the
Application of Operating System Service Packs from Updated Source Media

Applying the service pack to a reference computer, and then capturing an

updated image from a reference computer, as described in Automating the
Application of Operating System Service Packs Using a Reference Computer
and Windows PowerShell

Automating the Application of Operating System

Service Packs from Updated Source Media
You can automate the process of updating operating system service
packs using Windows PowerShell when you have source media that
include the service pack, such as having a DVD that has Windows 7 with
SP1 already integrated.
For this method, the operating system source media with the service pack
is copied over the existing operating system files without the service pack
in the deployment share using Windows PowerShell.
To automate the application of operating system service packs from
updates source media using Windows PowerShell
1. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
2. Ensure that the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

3. View the list of MDT deployments share Windows PowerShell drives, one for
each deployment share, using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed, one for each deployment share.
4. Remove the folder for the existing operating system from the deployment
share using the Get-ChildItem and Remove-Item cmdlets, as shown in the
following example:
Get-ChildItem DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows 7 recurse | RemoveItem recurse force

In this example, DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive

returned in step 3.
5. Copy the contents of the operating system source files that have the service
pack integrated using the Copy-Item cmdlet, as shown in the following
example:
Copy-Item "E:\*" -Destination "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows 7"Recurse -Force

In this example, the operating system source files are on drive E, and
DS002: is the name of a Windows PowerShell drive returned in step 3.
6. Update any MDT deployment media based on deployment share using
Update-MDTMedia cmdlet.

For more information about how to update MDT deployment media based
on deployment share using Update-MDTMedia cmdlet, see Updating
Deployment Media Using Windows PowerShell.

Automating the Application of Operating System

Service Packs Using a Reference Computer and
Windows PowerShell
You can automate the process of updating operating system service
packs using Windows PowerShell when you have only the service pack
that is not yet integrated with the operating system, such as having SP1
for Windows 7 not yet integrated with a Windows 7 image.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

For this method, deploy the operating system without the service pack to
a reference computer. Then, apply the service pack to the reference
computer. Next, capture an operating system image of the reference
computer. Finally, copy the captured .wim file over the Install.wim file in
the operating system in the deployment share using Windows PowerShell.
To automate the application of operating system service packs from
updates source media using Windows PowerShell
1. Deploy the target operating system to a reference computer.

For more information on how to deploy a reference computer, see the

following resources in the MDT document, Using the Microsoft
Deployment Toolkit:

"Preparing for LTI Deployment to the Reference Computer"

"Deploying To and Capturing an Image of the Reference Computer in LTI"

2. Install the desired service pack to the reference computer.

For more information on how to install the service pack, see the
documentation accompanying the service pack.
3. Capture an image of the reference computer by creating and deploying a task
sequence based on the Sysprep and Capture task sequence template.

For more information about creating a task sequence based on the

Sysprep and Capture task sequence template, see "Create a New
Task Sequence in the Deployment Workbench".
4. Load the MDT Windows PowerShell snap-in as described in Loading the
MDT Windows PowerShell Snap-In.
5. Ensure the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are
restored using the Restore-MDTPersistentDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Restore-MDTPersistentDrive -Verbose
Note If the MDT deployments that share Windows PowerShell drives are already restored,
you will receive a warning message indicating that the cmdlet is unable to restore the drive.

6. View the list of MDT deployments share Windows PowerShell drives, one for
each deployment share, using the Get-PSDrive cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn\MDTProvider

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

The list of Windows PowerShell drives provided using the

MDTProvider are listed, one for each deployment share.
7. Copy the .wim file captured in step 3 over the Install.wim file in the operating
system in the deployment share using the Copy-Item cmdlet, as shown in the
following example:
Copy-Item "DS002:\Captures\Win7SP1.wim" -Destination
"DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows 7\sources\Install.wim" -Force

In this example, the captured operating system image file

(Win7SP1.wim) in the Captures folder in the share DS002: is the name
of a Windows PowerShell drive returned in step 6, and the existing
Windows 7 operating system is stored in folder named Windows 7.
8. Update any MDT deployment media based on deployment share using
Update-MDTMedia cmdlet.

For more information about how to update MDT deployment media

based on deployment share using Update-MDTMedia cmdlet, see
Updating Deployment Media Using Windows PowerShell.

Customizing Deployment Based on

Chassis Type
You can customize the deployment based on the chassis type of the
computer. The scripts create local variables that can be processed in the
CustomSettings.ini file. The local variables IsLaptop, IsDesktop, and
IsServer indicate whether the computer is a portable computer, desktop
computer, or server, respectively.
Note In earlier versions of the Deployment Workbench, the IsServer flag indicated that the
existing operating system is a server operating system (such as Windows Server 2003 Enterprise
Edition). This flag has been renamed to IsServerOS.

To implement local variables in the CustomSettings.ini file

1. In the [Settings] section, on the Priority line, add a custom section to
customize deployment based on the chassis type (ByChassisType in the
example in Listing 1, where Chassis represents the type of computer).
2. Create the custom section that corresponds to the custom section defined in
step 1 (ByChassisType in the example in Listing 1, where Chassis represents
the type of computer).

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

3. Define a subsection for each chassis type to detect (Subsection=Laptop%IsLaptop%, Subsection=Desktop-%IsDesktop%, Subsection=Server%IsServer% in the example in Listing 1).
4. Create a subsection for each True and False state of each subsection defined
in step 3 (such as [Laptop-True], [Laptop-False], [Desktop-True], [DesktopFalse] in the example in Listing 1.
5. Under each True and False subsection, add the appropriate settings based on
the chassis type.

Listing 1. Example of Customizing Deployment Based on Chassis

Type in the CustomSettings.ini File
[Settings]
Priority=...,ByLaptopType,ByDesktopType,ByServerType
[ByLaptopType]
Subsection=Laptop-%IsLaptop%
[ByDesktopType]
Subsection=Desktop-%IsDesktop%
[ByServerType]
Subsection=Server-%IsServer%
.
.
.
[Laptop-True]
.
.
.
[Laptop-False]
.
.
.
[Desktop-True]
.
.
.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

[Desktop-False]
.
.
.
[Server-True]
.
.
.
[Server-False]
.
.
.

Deploying Applications Based on Earlier

Application Versions
Often, when installing an operating system on an existing computer, you
will install the same applications you previously installed on the computer.
Do this using MDT scripts (in particular, ZTIGather.wsf) to query two
separate sources of information:

Configuration Manager software inventory feature. Contains one record

for each application packagein this case, listings in Program and Features
in Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2012, Windows
Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008 or Add or Remove Programs in
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003installed the last time Configuration
Manager inventoried the computer.

A mapping table. Describes which package and program need to be

installed for each record (because the Program and Features or Add or
Remove Programs records do not specify exactly which package installed the
application, making it impossible to automatically select the package based
on inventory alone).

To perform a dynamic computer-specific application installation

1. Use the table in the MDT DB to connect specific packages with applications
listed in the target operating system.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

2. Populate the table with data that associates the appropriate package with the
application listed in Program and Features or Add or Remove Programs (as
illustrated in Listing 2).
Listing 2. SQL Query to Populate the Table
use [MDTDB]
go
INSERT INTO [PackageMapping] (ARPName, Packages) VALUES('Office12.0',
'XXX0000F:Install Office 2010 Professional Plus')
go

In Listing 2, the inserted row connects any computer that has the entry
Office12.0 with the Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus package.
This means that Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus will be
installed on any computer currently running the 2007 Microsoft Office
system (Office 12.0). Add similar entries for any other packages. Any
item for which there is no entry is ignored (no package will be
installed).
3. Create a stored procedure to simplify joining the information in the new table
with the inventory data (as illustrated in Listing 3).
Listing 3. SQL Query to Create a Stored Procedure to Simplify Joining the
Information with Inventory Data
use [MDTDB]
go
if exists (select * from dbo.sysobjects where id = object_id(N'[dbo].
[RetrievePackages]') and OBJECTPROPERTY(id, N'IsProcedure') = 1)
drop procedure [dbo].[RetrievePackages]
go
CREATE PROCEDURE [dbo].[RetrievePackages]
@MacAddress CHAR(17)
AS
SET NOCOUNT ON
/* Select and return all the appropriate records based on current inventory
*/
SELECT * FROM PackageMapping
WHERE ARPName IN
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

(
SELECT ProdID0 FROM CM_DB.dbo.v_GS_ADD_REMOVE_PROGRAMS a,
CM_DB.dbo.v_GS_NETWORK_ADAPTER n
WHERE a.ResourceID = n.ResourceID AND
MACAddress0 = @MacAddress
)
go

The stored procedure in Listing 3 assumes that the Configuration

Manager central primary site database resides on the computer on
which SQL Server is running as the MDT DB. If the central primary site
database resides on a different computer, the appropriate
modifications need to be made to the stored procedure. In addition, the
name of the database (CM_DB in Listing 3) must be updated. Also
consider granting additional accounts Read access to the
v_GS_ADD_REMOVE_PROGRAMS view in the Configuration
Manager database.
4. Configure the CustomSettings.ini file to query this database table by
specifying the name of a section ([DynamicPackages] in the Priority list) that
points to the database information (as illustrated in Listing 4).
Listing 4. Excerpt from CustomSettings.ini That Illustrates the
DynamicPackages Section in the Priority List
[Settings]

Priority=MacAddress, DefaultGateway, DynamicPackages, Default

5. Create a [DynamicPackages] section to specify the name of a database

section (as illustrated in Listing 5).
Listing 5. Excerpt from CustomSettings.ini That Illustrates the
DynamicPackages Section with the Name of a Database Section
[DynamicPackages]
SQLDefault=DB_DynamicPackages

6. Create a database section to specify the database information and query

details (as illustrated in Listing 6).
Listing 6. Excerpt from CustomSettings.ini That Illustrates the Database
Section
[DB_DynamicPackages]
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

SQLServer=SERVER1
Database=MDTDB
StoredProcedure=RetrievePackages
Parameters=MacAddress
SQLShare=Logs
Instance=SQLEnterprise2005
Port=1433
Netlib=DBNMPNTW

In the example in Listing 6, the MDT DB named MDTDB on the

computer running the SQL Server instanced named SERVER1 will be
queried. The database contains a stored procedure named
RetrievePackages (created in step 3).
When ZTIGather.wsf runs, a Structured Query Language (SQL) SELECT
statement is automatically generated, and the value of the
MakeModelQuery custom key is passed as a parameter to the query
(shown in Listing 7).
Listing 7. Sample SQL Query Created Automatically Based on the
Database Section
EXECUTE RetrievePackages ?

The actual value of the MACAddress custom key will be substituted for
the corresponding ? in Listing 7. This query returns a record set with the
rows entered in step 2.
A variable number of arguments cannot be passed to a stored procedure.
As a result, when a computer has more than one MAC address, not all
MAC addresses can be passed to the stored procedure. As an alternative,
replace the stored procedure with a view that allows querying the view
with a SELECT statement with an IN clause to pass all the MAC address
values.
Based on the scenario presented here, if the current computer has the
value Office12.0 inserted into the table (step 2), the one row is returned
(XXX0000F:Install Office 2010 Professional Plus). This indicates that package
XXX0000F:Install Office 2001 Professional Plus will be installed by the
ZTI process during the State Restore Phase.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Deploying Operating Systems Using

Configuration Manager 2007 R3
Configuration Manager 2007 R3 provide the tools needed to create
operating system images for deploying to computers that Configuration
Manager manages and to unmanaged computers using bootable media
such as CD or DVD. The deployment image, a Windows Imaging Format
(WIM) file, contains the version of the Windows operating system to be
deployed and can include any applications that you need to install on the
computer. Configuration Manager is designed to be the primary means of
deploying operating systems for both server and client platforms.
Another important deployment feature of Configuration Manager 2007 R3
is the integrated Task Sequencer. Using Configuration Manager 2007 R3,
you no longer need to write scripts for deploying or capturing operating
system images. In addition, by taking advantage of the Task Sequencer,
the operating system deployment process becomes completely hands-off.
For more information about operating system deployment and the Task
Sequencer, see Overview of Operating System Deployment.

Deploying Operating System Images to a Computer

Use this procedure to deploy an operating system image to a target
computer. When deploying an operating system, the target computer
should have the same architecture as the boot image that is contained in
the operating system image. To complete the operating system
deployment successfully, also create a System Preparation Tool (Sysprep)
directory on the reference computer hard disk. For specific guidance, see
How to Deploy Operating System Images to a Computer.

Deploying an Operating System Image to a New

Computer Using Boot Media
Use Configuration Manager 2007 R3 to deploy an operating system
image to a new computer or a computer that is new to the Configuration
Manager site. For specific guidance, see How to Deploy an Operating
System Image to a New Computer Using Boot Media.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Deploying an Operating System Image to an Offline

Computer
An operating system may have to be deployed to a computer that is not
connected to the network or to a computer that is connected by a lowbandwidth connection. Use Configuration Manager 2007 R3 to create
offline installation media that perform the installation. For specific
guidance, see How to Deploy an Operating System Image to an Offline
Computer.

Creating Stand-alone Media

You can create stand-alone media from which to run an operating system
image deployment. The stand-alone media will contain all necessary data
to run the specified operating system deployment task sequences without
requiring a connection to a Configuration Manager site. Stand-alone
media will operate regardless of whether a Configuration Manager client is
installed on the target computer, and they will operate without
communicating with a Configuration Manager server infrastructure, such
as a management point or distribution point. For specific guidance, see
How to Create Stand-alone Media.

Creating a Computer Association for a Side-by-Side

Migration
A computer association creates a relationship between a source and
destination computer for the side-by-side migration of user state data. The
source computer is an existing computer that Configuration
Manager 2007 R3 manages that contains the user state data and settings
to be migrated to a specified destination computer. Also, you can create a
computer association when importing new computers into the
Configuration Manager database using the Import Computer Information
Wizard. For specific guidance, see How to Create a Computer Association
for a Side-by-Side Migration.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Initiating Operating System Image Deployments

Using PXE
Use the Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) protocol to initiate
operating system deployments to Configuration Manager 2007 R3
computers and servers. Use the following tasks to perform PXE-initiated
operating system deployments:

How to Configure the PXE Service Point

How to Deploy an Operating System Image using PXE

Administrator Workflow: PXE Deployment

Fully Automated LTI Deployment

Scenario
The main purpose of LTI is to automate the deployment process as much
as possible. Although ZTI provides full deployment automation using the
MDT scripts and Windows Deployment Services, LTI is designed to work
with fewer infrastructure requirements.
You can automate the Windows Deployment Wizard used in the LTI
deployment process to reduce (or eliminate) the wizard pages displayed.
You can skip the entire Windows Deployment Wizard by specifying the
SkipWizard property in CustomSettings.ini. To skip individual wizard
pages, use the following properties:

SkipAdminPassword

SkipApplications

SkipBDDWelcome

SkipBitLocker

SkipBitLockerDetails

SkipTaskSequence

SkipCapture

SkipComputerBackup

SkipComputerName

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

SkipDomainMembership

SkipFinalSummary

SkipLocaleSelection

SkipPackageDisplay

SkipProductKey

SkipSummary

SkipTimeZone

SkipUserData

For more information about these individual properties, see the

corresponding property in the MDT document Toolkit Reference.
For each wizard page skipped, provide the values for the corresponding
properties that are typically collected through the wizard page in the
CustomSettings.ini and BootStrap.ini files. For more information about the
properties that must be configured in these files, see the section,
"Providing Properties for Skipped Deployment Wizard Pages", in the MDT
document Toolkit Reference.

Fully Automated LTI Deployment for a

Refresh Computer Scenario
Listing 8 illustrates a CustomSettings.ini file used for a Refresh Computer
scenario to skip all Windows Deployment Wizard pages. In this sample,
the properties to provide when skipping the wizard page are immediately
beneath the property that skips the wizard page.
Note The properties used to skip wizard pages are in bold type in the listing.

Listing 8. CustomSettings.ini File for a Refresh Computer Scenario

[Settings]
Priority=Default
Properties=MyCustomProperty
[Default]
OSInstall=Y
ScanStateArgs=/v:5 /o /c
LoadStateArgs=/v:5 /c /lac /lae
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

SkipCapture=YES
SkipAdminPassword=YES
SkipProductKey=YES
DeploymentType=REFRESH
SkipDomainMembership=YES
JoinDomain=DomainName
DomainAdmin=Administrator
DomainAdminDomain=DomainName
DomainAdminPassword=a_secure_password
SkipUserData=yes
UserDataLocation=AUTO
UDShare=\\Servername\Sharename\Directory
UDDir=%ComputerName%
SkipComputerBackup=YES
ComputerBackuplocation=AUTO
BackupShare=\\Servername\Backupsharename
BackupDir=%ComputerName%
SkipTaskSequence=YES
TaskSequenceID=Enterprise
SkipComputerName=YES
OSDComputerName=%ComputerName%
SkipPackageDisplay=YES
LanguagePacks001={3af4e3ce-8122-41a2-9cf9-892145521660}
LanguagePacks002={84fc70d4-db4b-40dc-a660-d546a50bf226}
SkipLocaleSelection=YES
UILanguage=en-US
UserLocale=en-CA
KeyboardLocale=0409:00000409
SkipTimeZone=YES
TimeZoneName=China Standard Time
SkipApplications=YES
Applications001={a26c6358-8db9-4615-90ff-d4511dc2feff}
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Applications002={7e9d10a0-42ef-4a0a-9ee2-90eb2f4e4b98}
UserID=Administrator
UserDomain=DomainName
UserPassword=P@ssw0rd
SkipBitLocker=YES
SkipSummary=YES
Powerusers001=DomainName\Username

Fully Automated LTI Deployment for a

New Computer Scenario
Listing 9 illustrates a CustomSettings.ini file used for a New Computer
scenario to skip all Windows Deployment Wizard pages. In this sample,
the properties to provide when skipping the wizard page are immediately
beneath the property that skips the wizard page.
Note The properties that are used to skip wizard pages are in bold type in the listing.

Listing 9. CustomSettings.ini File for a New Computer Scenario

[Settings]
Priority=Default
Properties=MyCustomProperty
[Default]
OSInstall=Y
ScanStateArgs=/v:5 /o /c
LoadStateArgs=/v:5 /c /lac /lae

SkipCapture=YES
ComputerBackupLocation=\\WDG-MDT-01\Backup$\
BackupFile=MyCustomImage.wim
SkipAdminPassword=YES
SkipProductKey=YES
SkipDomainMembership=YES
JoinDomain=WOODGROVEBANK
DomainAdmin=Administrator
DomainAdminDomain=WOODGROVEBANK
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

DomainAdminPassword=P@ssw0rd
SkipUserData=Yes
UserDataLocation=\\WDG-MDT-01\UserData$\Directory\usmtdata
SkipTaskSequence=YES
TaskSequenceID=Enterprise
SkipComputerName=YES
OSDComputerName=%SerialNumber%
SkipPackageDisplay=YES
LanguagePacks001={3af4e3ce-8122-41a2-9cf9-892145521660}
LanguagePacks002={84fc70d4-db4b-40dc-a660-d546a50bf226}
SkipLocaleSelection=YES
UILanguage=en-US
UserLocale=en-CA
KeyboardLocale=0409:00000409
SkipTimeZone=YES
TimeZoneName=China Standard Time
SkipApplications=YES
Applications001={a26c6358-8db9-4615-90ff-d4511dc2feff}
Applications002={7e9d10a0-42ef-4a0a-9ee2-90eb2f4e4b98}
SkipBitLocker=YES
SkipSummary=YES
Powerusers001=WOODGROVEBANK\PilarA
CaptureGroups=YES
SLShare=\\WDG-MDT-01\UserData$\Logs
Home_page=http://www.microsoft.com/NewComputer

Calling Web Services in MDT

In earlier versions of MDT, rules processing was supported through
CustomSettings.ini and databases, from which you could retrieve values
from the local computertypically using WMIto make decisions on what
needed to be done on each computer during deployment. In addition, you
could make SQL queries and stored procedure calls to retrieve additional
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

information from external databases. There were challenges with that

approach, thoughespecially with making secure SQL connections.
To help with this problem, MDT has the ability to make web service calls
based on simple rules defined in CustomSettings.ini. These web service
requests do not require any special security context and can use whatever
TCP/IP port is needed to simplify firewall configurations.
Listing 10 shows how to configure CustomSettings.ini to call a particular
web service. In this scenario, the web service is chosen at random from
an Internet search. It takes a postal code as input and returns the city,
state, area code, and time zone (as a letter) for the specified postal code.
Listing 10. CustomSettings.ini File to Call a Particular Web Service
Scenario
[Settings]
Priority=Default, USZipService
Properties=USZip, City, State, Zip, Area_Code, Time_Zones
[Default]
USZip=98052
[USZipService]
WebService=http://www.webservicex.net/uszip.asmx/GetInfoByZIP
Parameters=USZip

Executing this code produces output similar to Listing 11.

Listing 11. CustomSettings.ini File to Call a Particular Web Service
Output
Added new custom property USZIP
Added new custom property CITY
Added new custom property STATE
Added new custom property ZIP
Added new custom property AREA_CODE
Added new custom property TIME_ZONES
Using from [Settings]: Rule Priority = DEFAULT, USZIPSERVICE
------ Processing the [DEFAULT] section -----Property USZIP is now = 98052
Using from [DEFAULT]: USZIP = 98052
------ Processing the [USZIPSERVICE] section -----Using COMMAND LINE ARG: Ini file = CustomSettings.ini
CHECKING the [USZIPSERVICE] section

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

About to execute web service call to

http://www.webservicex.net/uszip.asmx/GetInfoByZIP: USZip=98052
Response from web service: 200 OK
Successfully executed the web service.
Property CITY is now = Redmond
Obtained CITY value from web service: CITY = Redmond
Property STATE is now = WA
Obtained STATE value from web service: STATE = WA
Property ZIP is now = 98052
Obtained ZIP value from web service: ZIP = 98052
Property AREA_CODE is now = 425
Obtained AREA_CODE value from web service: AREA_CODE = 425
------ Done processing CustomSettings.ini ------

There are a few minor complications to watch for when running a web
service:

Do not do anything special with proxy servers. If there is an anonymous proxy

present, use it, but authenticating proxies could cause problems. In most
cases, a web service will not be called.

CustomSettings.ini or ZTIGather.xml searches for properties defined in the

XML markup returned as a result of the web service call (just as with a
database query or other rule). However, the XML search is case sensitive.
Fortunately, the web service described here returns all uppercase property
names, which is what ZTIGather.xml expects. It is possible to remap
lowercase or mixed-case entries to get around this.

A POST request to the web service is recommended, so the web service call
must be able to support a POST.

Connecting to Network Resources

During LTI and ZTI deployment processes, you might require access to a
network resource on a server different from the server hosting the
deployment share. You must be authenticated on the other server so that
you can access shared folders or services there. For example, you can
install an application from a shared folder on a server other than the
server hosting the deployment share that the MDT scripts use.
Note To query SQL Server databases hosted on a server other than the server hosting the
deployment share, see the Database, DBID, DBPwd, Instance, NetLib, Order, Parameters,
ParameterCondition, SQLServer, SQLShare, and Table properties in the MDT document Toolkit
Reference.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Using the ZTIConnect.wsf script, you can connect to other servers and
access resources on them. The syntax for the ZTIConnect.wsf script is as
follows (where unc_path is a Universal Naming Convention [UNC] path to
connect to the server):
Cscript.exe %SCRIPTROOT%\ZTIConnect.wsf /uncpath:unc_path

In most instances, you run the ZTIConnect.wsf script as a Task

Sequencer task. Run the ZTIConnect.wsf script prior to tasks requiring
access to a server other than the server hosting the deployment share.
To add the ZTIConnect.wsf script as a task to the task sequence of a
build
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Task Sequences (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the details pane, click task_sequence (where task_sequence is the task
sequence to modify).
4. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
5. Click the Task Sequence tab, browse to group (where group is the group in
which to run the ZTIConnec.wsf script), and click Add. Click General, and
then click Run Command Line.
Note Add the task before adding any tasks that require access to resources on the target
server.

6. Complete the Properties tab of the new task using the information listed in
Table 3 (accept default values if none are specified), and then click Apply.
Table 3. Completing the Properties Tab of the New Task

In this box

Do this

Name

Type Connect to server (where server is the

name of the server to which to connect).

Description

Type text that explains why the connection

needs to be made.

Command

Type Cscript.exe %SCRIPTROOT

%\ZTIConnect.wsf /uncpath:unc_path
(where unc_path is the UNC path to a shared

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

In this box

Do this
folder on the server).

7. Complete the Options tab of the new task using the information listed in
Table 4 (accept default values if none are specified), and then click OK.
Table 4. Completing the Options Tab of the New Task

In this box

Do this

Success codes

Type 0 3010. (The ZTIConnect.wsf script

returns these codes upon successful
completion.)

Conditions list box

Add any conditions that might be necessary.

(In most instances this task requires no
conditions.)

After adding the task that will run the ZTIConnect.wsf script, subsequent
tasks can access network resources on the server specified in the
/uncpath option of the ZTIConnect.wsf script.

Deploying the Correct Device Drivers to

Computers with the Same Hardware
Devices but Different Make and Model
Variations on model numbers and names can exist with virtually no
difference in the driver set. These variations in model numbers and names
can unnecessarily increase time spent making multiple database entries
for a given model. The following procedure shows how to define a new
property using a user exit function call that returns a substring of the
model number.
To create model aliases
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

4. In the Properties dialog box, click the Rules tab.

5. Create aliases for hardware types in the Make and Model sections of the
MDT DB. Truncate the model type at the open parentheses ( in the model
name. For example, HP DL360 (G112) becomes HP DL360.
6. Add the custom variable ModelAlias to each section.
7. Create a new [SetModel] section.
8. Add the [SetModel] section to the Priority settings in the [Settings] section.
9. Add a line to the ModelAlias section to refer to a user exit script that will
truncate the model name at the (.
10. Create an MMApplications database lookup where ModelAlias is equal to
Model.
11. Create a user exit script and place it in the same directory as the
CustomSettings.ini file to truncate the model name.

Listing 12 and Listing 13 show CustomSettings.ini and the user exit

script, respectively.
Listing 12. CustomSettings.ini
[Settings]
Priority=SetModel, MMApplications, Default
Properties= ModelAlias
[SetModel]
ModelAlias=#SetModelAlias()#
Userexit=Userexit.vbs
[MMApplications]
SQLServer=Server1
Database=MDTDB
Netlib=DBNMPNTW
SQLShare=logs
Table= MakeModelSettings
Parameters=Make, ModelAlias
ModelAlias=Model
Order=Sequence

Listing 13. User Exit Script

Function UserExit(sType, sWhen, sDetail, bSkip)
UserExit = Success
End Function

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Function SetModelAlias()
If Instr(oEnvironment.Item("Model"), "(") <> 0 Then
SetModelAlias = Left(oEnvironment.Item("Model"), _
Instr(oEnvironment.Item("Model"), _
"(") - 1)
oLogging.CreateEntry "USEREXIT " & _
"ModelAlias has been set to " & SetModelAlias, _
LogTypeInfo
Else
SetModelAlias = oEnvironment.Item("Model")
oLogging.CreateEntry " USEREXIT - " & _
"ModelAlias has not been changed.", LogTypeInfo
End if
End Function

Deploying Windows Server 2003 R2

During operating system deployment, MDT requires that all operating
system installation sources be contained in one operating system in the
Deployment Workbench. Most Windows operating systems are stored on
one disc, so there is a one-to-one correlation between the operating
system source disc and the MDT operating system source. However,
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes two discs. MDT requires that the
contents of both these discs be included in one operating system source
to work properly with MDT.
Create an operating system source that contains both discs by:

Modifying the R2comp.inf file. Use this method, described in Deploying

Windows Server 2003 R2 by Modifying the R2comp.inf File, to select the
components to be automatically installed during the operating system
installation.

Running R2 component installation when the operating system starts

for the first time. Use this method, described in Deploying Windows
Server 2003 R2 by Running R2 Component Installation at Logon, to
automate the components to be installed or to manually select the
components the first time the operating system starts.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Deploying Windows Server 2003 R2 by Modifying

the R2comp.inf File
Perform the following tasks to create one operating system source that
includes both discs and a modified R2comp.inf file as well as deploys
Windows Server 2003 R2:

Create an operating system source of Windows Server 2003 (Disc 1).

Create the R2comp.inf file, and add it the Windows Server 2003 R2
installation files (Windows Server 2003 R2 Disc 2) to the operating system
source.

To create an operating system source of Windows Server 2003

(Disc 1)
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Operating Systems
(where deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Import Operating System.

The Import Operating System Wizard starts.

4. On the OS Type page, click Full set of source files, and then click Next.
5. Insert Windows Server 2003 R2 Disc 1 in the CD-ROM drive.
6. On the Source page, click Browse, go to the CD-ROM drive that contains
Windows Server 2003 R2 Disc 1, and then click OK.
7. Click Next.
Note Microsoft supports only the use of Microsoft media when creating a client operating
system image. The use of non-Microsoft media is not supported.

8. On the Destination page, type a Destination Directory Namethe name of

the folder that will contain the files after they are added to the deployment
share; for example, Windows-Server-2003 Standard Editionand then click
Next.
9. On the Summary page, verify that the details are correct, and then click
Next.
10. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

To create the R2comp.inf file and add the Windows Server 2003 R2
installation files (Disc 2) to the operating system source
1. In Windows Explorer, go to the operating system source files that you
imported in the previous section. The image will be located in
drive:\deployment_share\Operating Systems\operating_system_name (where
deployment_share is the name of the folder that contains the deployment
share to configure and operating_system_name is the name of the folder
created in step 8 of the previous section); for example, D:\Production
Deployment Share\Operating Systems\Windows-Server-2003 Standard
Edition.
2. In the operating system source folder, create the folder $OEM$. For example,
the following folders should exist:

D:\Production Deployment Share\Operating Systems\Windows-Server2003 Standard Edition\i386

D:\Production Deployment Share\Operating Systems\Windows-Server2003 Standard Edition\$OEM$

3. In the $OEM$ folder, create the subfolders $OEM$\$1\R2 and $OEM$\

$1\R2\Cmpnents.
4. In the $OEM$\$1\R2 folder, create a file named R2comp.inf.
5. In R2comp.inf, create a [Version] section, and then create a [Components]
section that lists the components to install.

For example, the code in Listing 14 installs Active Directory

Application Mode (ADAM) and Common Log File System (CLFS).
Listing 14. R2comp.inf Script Sample
[Version]
Signature = "$Windows NT$"
[Components]
ADAM=on
CLFS=on
Note For a complete list of the components that can be installed, see Deploy.chm, located in
the \Docs folder of Windows Server 2003 R2 Disc 2.

6. Copy the contents of the Cmpnents folder from Disc 2 to the folder created in
step 3for example, D:\Production Deployment Share\Operating
Systems\Windows-Server-2003 Standard Edition\$OEM$\$1\R2\Cmpnents.
7. Create a task sequence that includes this operating system source.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Deploying Windows Server 2003 R2 by Running R2

Component Installation at Logon
Perform the following tasks to create one operating system source that
includes both discs and allows Windows Server 2003 R2 to be deployed
by running R2 component installation the first time a user logs into the
operating system:

Create an operating system source of Windows Server 2003 (Disc 1).

Add the Windows Server 2003 R2 installation files (Windows Server 2003 R2
Disc 2) to the operating system source.

Create a batch file that runs the R2 component installation the first time a
user logs into the operating system.

To create an operating system source of Windows Server 2003

The Import Operating System Wizard starts.

8. On the Destination page, type a Destination Directory Namethe name of

the folder that will contain the files after they are added to the deployment
share; for example, Windows-Server-2003 Standard Editionand then click
Next.
9. On the Summary page, verify the details are correct, and then click Next.
10. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

To add the Windows Server 2003 R2 installation files (Disc 2) to the

operating system source
1. In Windows Explorer, go to the operating system source files which were
imported in the previous section. The image will be located in
drive:\deployment_share\Operating Systems\operating_system_name (where
deployment_share is the name of the folder that contains the deployment
share to configure and operating_system_name is the name of the folder
created in step 8 of the previous section); for example, D:\Production
Deployment Share\Operating Systems\Windows-Server-2003 Standard
Edition.
2. In the operating system source folder, create the folder $OEM$. For example,
the following folders should exist:

D:\Production Deployment Share\Operating Systems\Windows-Server2003 Standard Edition\i386

D:\Production Deployment Share\Operating Systems\Windows-Server2003 Standard Edition\$OEM$

3. In the $OEM$ folder, create the subfolders $OEM$\$1\R2 and $OEM$\

$1\R2\Cmpnents.
4. Copy the contents of the Cmpnents folder from Disc 2 to the Cmpnents folder
created in step 2for example, D:\Production Deployment Share\Operating
Systems\Windows-Server-2003 Standard Edition\$OEM$\$1\R2\Cmpnents.

To create a batch file that runs the R2 component installation the

first time a user logs into the operating system
1. In the $OEM$\$1\R2 folder, create a file named InstallR2.cmd that includes
the following text:
reg add HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup /v
SourcePath /t REG_SZ /d C:\Windows\Source\i386 /f
reg add HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup /v
ServicePackSourcePath /t REG_SZ /d C:\R2\CMPNENTS\R2 /f
C:\R2\CMPNENTS\R2\setup2.exe /q /a /sr

When completed, the InstallR2.cmd file should contain three lines. The
first two lines begin with reg, and the last line begins with C:\R2.
2. Create a task sequence to deploy the operating system, and modify the
[GUIRunOnce] section in the Unattend.txt file for the task sequence as
follows:
[GUIRunOnce]
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

"C:\R2\InstallR2.cmd"
"cscript.exe C:\MININT\Scripts\LiteTouch.wsf /start"
"cscript.exe D:\MININT\Scripts\LiteTouch.wsf /start"
"cscript.exe E:\MININT\Scripts\LiteTouch.wsf /start"
"cscript.exe F:\MININT\Scripts\LiteTouch.wsf /start"

The R2 Component Installation Wizard starts after the MDT deployment

process finishes and a user logs in to the operating system for the first
time.

Deploying Additional Mass Storage

Drivers for Windows XP and Windows
Server 2003
When an operating system is released, a large percentage of the existing
hardware does not require additional mass storage drivers. However, after
release, any new hardware released might require new drivers. Because
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 were released some time ago,
you must consider the need for additional mass storage drivers.
To accommodate the installation or deployment of Windows XP or
Windows Server 2003 on a wider variety of hardware platforms, MDT
supports unattended installation of mass storage devices. In the past, you
had to perform additional manual steps during this process. This manual
process was time-consuming and prone to error.
Note Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 and later operating systems do not require any
special processing for mass storage drivers, because the drivers can be easily injected. For these
operating systems, this process is accomplished using MDT at the time the image is deployed.

To provide customers with the ability to increase the lifespan for both
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, the following deployment
scenarios are provided.

Unattended Installation of Mass Storage Device

Drivers
Complete the following steps to perform an unattended installation of
Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 on a computer that requires a mass
storage driver that is not available out of the box:
1. Download the driver from the manufacturers site.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

2. Ensure that the TxtSetup.oem file exists in the same directory as the rest of
the driver package.
Note All mass storage drivers must have valid TxtSetup.oem files in the same directory as
the .inf file (manual edits to fix path issues in the TxtSetup.oem file are supported).

3. Import the driver into MDT using the existing Deployment Workbench.
Note Many drivers cannot be accurately inventoried by existing MDT routines. If importing a
32-bit (x86) driver, remove references to 64 bit (x64) in the
deployment_share\control\drivers.xml file (where deployment_share is the path to the folder
that contains the deployment share to configure); if importing an x64 driver, remove references
to x86 in this file.

When installing Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 on a computer with

this driver package, MDT performs all the necessary steps to prepare the
operating system to load the appropriate driver during text-mode Setup.
These steps are:
1. Enumerate through all devices on the local computer, searching for a match
with available drivers in the driver store.
2. Copy any drivers that match the storage devices to the local computer.
3. Copy the TxtSetup.oem file associated with the drivers to the correct location
on the local disk, merging them if there is more than one.
4. Prepare the local Unattend.txt file to load the storage drivers during textmode Setup.

Additional Considerations

Only Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet Edition, and Windows

Server 2003 are supported for this process.

For a full explanation of the steps that MDT performs, see the Microsoft
Support article, HOW TO: Create an Unattended Installation of Third-Party
Mass Storage Drivers in Windows Server 2003.

Files referenced in the TxtSetup.oem file that do not have the extensions
.sys, .cat, or .inf are automatically copied to \$OEM$\$$\OEMDIR before
calling Windows Setup (Winnt.exe), and then they are placed in the %WinDir
%\System32 directory when the process is complete.

By default, MDT skips installation of any integrated development environment

storage drivers (devices with a PCI\CC_0101 Plug and Play ID), because
these devices are covered by in-box drivers.

MDT only injects drivers that have been imported into the Deployment
Workbench.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

MDT injects only drivers that have matching devices on the local computer.

If there is more than one matching driver for a computer, MDT injects both
drivers on the local system. Unless identical, the *.sys, *.inf, and *.cat files
must have globally unique file names (no other file with the same name can
exist in any other package installed on the computer). The display name
listed in the [scsi] section of TxtSetup.oem must be globally unique across
each TxtSetup.oem file. A warning dialog box is displayed if duplicates are
found.

If driver packages conflict with other driver packages, typically the best thing
to do is to identify the primary driver package, add it to a driver group, and
add the group name to the StorageDriverGroup list item. Other storage
drivers, not represented by groups defined in StorageDriverGroup, will not
be installed.

If the property list StorageDriverGroup is defined, only drivers associated

with groups explicitly listed in this property are installedfor example:

StorageDriverGroup001 = AccountingStorageDriverGroup

StorageDriverGroup002 = SalesStorageDriverGroup

Manually Enabling the Installation of Mass Storage

Device Drivers
As part of the image creation process, Windows XP and Windows
Server 2003 require that all mass storage drivers for all hardware the
image is intended to support be present in the image and in the operating
systems critical device database. This is done by adding entries to the
Sysprep.inf configuration file, which is processed during the execution of
Sysprep before the image is captured.
Note To add mass storage driver support, rebuild the image using a Sysprep.inf file that contains
the new, larger mass storage driver list, prepared using Sysprep, and captured again.

The basic steps for enabling image deployment to hardware requiring

additional mass storage drivers are:
1. Copy all the required mass storage drivers to the reference computer so that
they are included in the image.
2. Update Sysprep.inf to contain entries for each Plug and Play ID listed in the
.inf file for each driver to be added.
Note The Sysprep.inf file should include a BuildMassStorageSection=Yes entry so
that all in-box drivers are also supported.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

3. Run Sysprep to process all the drivers, which places them in the critical
device database.
4. Capture the image.

Automating the Installation of Mass Storage Device

Drivers
Consider using MDT to automate the process of building standardized
images for Sysprep to capture later in the process. You can deploy these
images, which you prepared using Sysprep, to computers using imagedistribution technologies other than MDT.
In this scenario, you might need to pre-deploy a predefined list of nonMicrosoft mass storage drivers into the image in preparation for capture
and deployment to systems with these mass storage controllers. This
method allows the injection of a set of device drivers into a system when
running Sysprep. The steps for automating the deployment to other
hardware are:
1. Import storage drivers into the Deployment Workbench using known tools
and procedures.

Each driver package must have a TxtSetup.oem file that contains a

valid list of Plug and Play IDs representing devices to be deployed.
2. Populate CustomSettings.ini (or some other method) with the
StorageDriverSysPrepGroup list item.

This list item contains a list all driver storage groups to be included in
Sysprep:
StorageDriverSysPrepGroup001 = AccountingStorageGroup
StorageDriverSysPrepGroup002 = SalesStorageGroup
Note Only storage drivers contained in these groups will be deployed to the Sysprep image.

3. Perform a deployment and capture to a reference computer with the defined

storage groups.

The captured image should contain the storage drivers specified in the
StorageDriverSysPrepGroup list item.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Additional Considerations

A driver package could have more Plug and Play IDs enumerated by the
system than are actually needed by Sysprep for driver preparation. This
process uses only the subset of Plug and Play IDs present in the
TxtSetup.oem file to populate the necessary Sysprep.inf sections, ensuring
that only the Sysprep.inf file for devices that are actually supported by their
respective manufacturers is populated.

Any MDT task sequence that deploys an operating system includes the Inject
Drivers task sequence step.

Replacing an Existing Computer with a

New Computer Using Configuration
Manager 2007 R3
Use Configuration Manager 2007 R3 to deploy an image to a new
computer that will substitute an existing computer in the enterprise
architecture. This situation might occur when upgrading from one
operating system to another (a new operating system might require new
hardware) or because the organization needs newer, faster equipment for
existing applications.
When replacing an existing computer with a new computer, take into
account all settings that will be migrated from one computer to another,
such as user accounts and user state data, in addition to the need for a
recovery solution in case the migration fails. In the following sample
deployment, the scenario is replacing an existing computer by moving
local accounts from the existing computer to the new computer. Move
user state data, back up the existing computer before the migration, and
finally deploy an existing image to the new computer.
For this sample, the original computer is named COMPUTER1 and the
new computer is named COMPUTER2.

Creating a Computer Association

Before creating a task sequence to replace an existing computer, create a
computer association between the existing computer and its replacement
so that Configuration Manager 2007 R3 can migrate user accounts and
state data.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Before a computer association can be established, both the existing

computer and the new computer must be in the Configuration Manager
database. If the new computer already has an operating system installed,
you can add it to the network that Configuration Manager 2007 R3
discovers. If it is does not have an operating system installed, import the
computer information into Configuration Manager 2007 R3 as described at
How to Add a New Computer to the Configuration Manager Database.
When the computer information for the new and existing computers is
available in the Configuration Manager database, create a computer
association.
To create the computer association in Configuration
Manager 2007 R3
1. In the Configuration Manager console, go to System Center Configuration
Manager/Site Database/Computer Management/Operating System
Deployment/Computer Associations.
2. In the Actions pane, click New, and then click Computer Association.
3. In the New Computer Association dialog box, on the Computer
Association tab, in the Source Computer box, type COMPUTER1 as the
name of the source computer that contains the user state data to be migrated
to the new computer. Or, click Search to open the Search Computer dialog
box, and then search for the source computer.
4. In the Destination Computer box, type COMPUTER2 as the name of the
destination computer that will receive the user state data. Or, click Search to
open the Search Computer dialog box, and then search for the destination
computer.
5. Click the User Accounts tab.
6. To specify the user accounts that should be migrated from the source
computer to the destination computer, click the yellow star icon to open the
Add User Account dialog box, and then type the account name, or click
Browse to search for accounts. For this sample, leave this box empty.
Note If no user accounts are specified, all user accounts on the source computer will be
migrated.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Creating a Task Sequence to Save User State

Information from the Existing Computer
When the computer association between the existing and new computers
is in place, create two task sequences to perform a full backup of the
existing computer, copy user state data, start the new computer, apply an
image to the new computer, and restore the user state data.
To perform this process, create the following task sequences:

A task sequence to collect the user state migration information from the
existing computer; create the task sequence by importing a Client Replace
Task Sequence task sequence template.

A task sequence to deploy the operating system and restore the collected
user state migration information; create the task sequence by importing a
Client Task Sequence task sequence template.

For the task sequences to be created, the following must be true:

A boot image is already available in Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In this

sample, this package will be called BOOTIMAGE.

An MDT Files package is already available in Configuration

Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will be called MDT2010.

An MDT Custom Settings package for the existing computer is already

available in Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will
be called CUSTOMSETTINGS_EXISTING.

A computer image is already available in or Configuration Manager 2007 R3.

In this sample, this package will be called VISTAIMAGE.

A package that has the Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) is already
available in Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will
be called USMT.

A package with the Configuration Manager client is already available in

Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will be called
CMCLIENT.

To create a task sequence that collects the user state information

from the existing computer in Configuration Manager 2007 R3
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft System
Center, point to Configuration Manager 2007, and then click ConfigMgr
Console.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

2. In the Configuration Manager console, go to System Center Configuration

Manager/Site Database/Computer Management/Operating System
Deployment/Task Sequences.
3. In the Actions pane, click Create Microsoft Deployment Task Sequence.

The Create Microsoft Deployment Task Sequence Wizard starts.

4. Complete the Create Microsoft Deployment Task Sequence Wizard using the
information listed in Table 5; accept default values unless otherwise specified.
Table 5. Information for Completing the Create Microsoft Deployment Task
Sequence Wizard

On this wizard
page

Do this

Choose Template

Click Client Replace Task Sequence, and

then click Next.

General

1. In the Task sequence name box, type

task_sequence (where task_sequence is
the name of the task sequence).
2. In the Task sequence comments box,
type Task sequence for replacing the
target computer, and then click Next.

Boot Image

1. In the Specify an existing boot image

package box, click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
BOOTIMAGE, and then click OK.
3. Click Next.

MDT Package

1. In the Specify an existing Microsoft

Deployment Toolkit Files package box,
click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
MDT2010, and then click OK.
3. Click Next.

USMT Package

1. In the Specify an existing USMT

package box, click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
USMT, and then click OK.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

On this wizard
page

Do this
3. Click Next.

Settings Package

1. In the Specify an existing settings

package box, click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
CUSTOMSETTINGS_EXISTING, and
then click OK.
3. Click Next.

Modifying CustomSettings.ini Properties for the

Existing Computer Task Sequence
After creating a task sequence for the existing computer, modify the MDT
properties in CustomSettings.ini to specify where to perform the backup.
Specifically, configure the BackupDir, BackupDrive, BackupShare, and
ComputerBackupLocation properties.
To modify CustomSettings.ini to perform a full computer backup in
Configuration Manager 2007 R3
1. In Windows Explorer, go to the folder that contains the source for the
CUSTOMSETTINGS_EXISTING package, and then double-click
CustomSettings.ini.
2. In CustomSettings.ini, add the following lines (where share_name is the
name of the share to which to back up the computer, and server_name is the
name of the server where share_name exists):
ComputerBackupLocation=Network
BackupShare=\\server_name\share_name
BackupDir=%OSDComputerName%
BackupDrive=ALL

3. Save the file in the same folder.

4. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft System
Center, point to Configuration Manager 2007, and then click ConfigMgr
Console.
5. In the Configuration Manager console, go to Site Database/Computer
Management/Software Distribution/Packages.
6. In the preview pane, click CUSTOMSETTINGS_EXISTING.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

7. In the Actions pane, click Update Distribution Points.

8. In the Confirm Update Distribution Points dialog box, click Yes.

The CUSTOMSETTINGS_EXISTING package is updated to all the

distribution points. This ensures the modified version of
CustomSettings.ini is used in the task sequence.

Creating a Task Sequence Advertisement for the

Existing Computer
After the task sequence for the existing computer is created, advertise the
task sequence to the existing computer. Do so by creating a collection to
which the new computer belongs. Advertising the task sequence to the
collection initiates the deployment process. To advertise a task sequence,
follow the steps described in How to Advertise Task Sequences.
After this task sequence is complete, the user state migration information
is saved and a complete backup of the existing computer is made.

Creating a Task Sequence to Deploy the Operating

System to the New Computer
Now, create a task sequence to deploy the operating system to the new
computer. This task sequence will restore the user state migration
information saved by the first task sequence.
For the task sequence to be created, the following must be true:

A boot image is already available in Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In this

sample, this package will be called BOOTIMAGE.

An MDT Files package is already available in Configuration

Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will be called MDT2010.

An MDT Custom Settings package for the new computer is already available
in Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will be called
CUSTOMSETTINGS_NEW.

A computer image is already available in Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In

this sample, this package will be called VISTAIMAGE.

A package that has USMT is already available in Configuration

Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will be called USMT.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

A package with the Configuration Manager client is already available in

Configuration Manager 2007 R3. In this sample, this package will be called
CMCLIENT.

To create a task sequence that deploys the operating system to the

new computer in Configuration Manager 2007 R3
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft System
Center, point to Configuration Manager 2007, and then click ConfigMgr
Console.
2. In the Configuration Manager console, go to System Center Configuration
Manager/Site Database/Computer Management/Operating System
Deployment/Task Sequences.
3. In the Actions pane, click Create Microsoft Deployment Task Sequence.

The Create Microsoft Deployment Task Sequence Wizard starts.

4. Complete the Create Microsoft Deployment Task Sequence Wizard using the
information listed in Table 6; accept default values unless otherwise specified.
Table 6. Information for Completing Create Microsoft Deployment Task
Sequence Wizard

On this wizard
page

Do this

Choose Template

Click Client Task Sequence, and then click

Next.

General

1. In the Task sequence name box, type

task_sequence (where task_sequence is
the name of the task sequence).
2. In the Task sequence comments box,
type Task sequence for deploying the
target computer, and then click Next.

Boot Image

1. In the Specify an existing boot image

package box, click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
BOOTIMAGE, and then click OK.
3. Click Next.

MDT Package

Solution Accelerators

1. In the Specify an existing Microsoft

Deployment Toolkit Files package box,
microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

On this wizard
page

Do this
click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
MDT2010, and then click OK.
3. Click Next.

USMT Package

1. In the Specify an existing USMT

package box, click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
USMT, and then click OK.
3. Click Next.

Settings Package

1. In the Specify an existing settings

package box, click Browse.
2. In the Select a Package dialog box, click
CUSTOMSETTINGS_NEW, and then
click OK.
3. Click Next.

Modifying CustomSettings.ini Properties for the

New Computer Task Sequence
After creating a task sequence for the new computer, modify the MDT
properties in CustomSettings.ini to specify where to perform the backup.
Configure any properties that must be specified for the new computer. For
example, a different set of device drivers may have to be specified in a
package group.
To modify CustomSettings.ini to perform a full computer backup in
Configuration Manager 2007 R3
1. In Windows Explorer, go to the folder that contains the source for the
CUSTOMSETTINGS_NEW package, and then double-click
CustomSettings.ini.
2. Modify the CustomSettings.ini file as necessary.
3. Save the file in the same folder.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

The CUSTOMSETTINGS_NEW package is updated to all the distribution

points. This ensures the modified version of CustomSettings.ini is used in
the task sequence.

Creating a Task Sequence Advertisement for the

New Computer
After the task sequence for the new computer is created, advertise the
task sequence to the existing computer. Do so by creating a collection to
which the new computer belongs. Advertising the task sequence to the
collection initiates the deployment process. To advertise a task sequence,
follow the steps described in How to Advertise Task Sequences.
After this task sequence is complete, the new operating system is
installed on the new computer and the user state migration information is
restored.

Deploying an Operating System to a New

Computer Not in the Configuration
Manager Database
One of the main challenges of using Configuration Manager 2007 R3 to
deploy an operating system to a brand-new computer that does not have
an operating system is that the target computer must exist in the
Configuration Manager database before deployment can occur.
In Configuration Manager 2007 R3, you can import computer information
into the database by following the steps described in How to Add a New
Computer to the Configuration Manager Database.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Configuring Conditional Task Sequence

Steps
In some scenarios, consider running a task sequence step conditionally
based on defined criteria. Any combinations of these conditions can be
added to determine whether the task sequence step should run. For
example, use the value of a task sequence variable and the value of a
registry setting to determine whether a task sequence step should run.
Using MDT, run a task sequence conditionally based on:

One or more IF statements

A task sequence variable

The version of the target operating system

The Boolean results of a WMI query

A registry setting

The software installed on the target computer

The properties of a folder

The properties of a file

Configuring a Conditional Task Sequence Step

Conditional task sequence steps are configured in the Deployment
Workbench, on the Options tab of a task sequence step. You can add
one or more conditions to the task sequence step to create the
appropriate condition for running or not running the step.
Note Every conditional task sequence step needs at least one IF statement.

To view the Options tab of a task sequence step

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

4. In the Actions pane, click Properties.

5. In the task_sequence Properties dialog box, on the Task Sequence tab,
click step (where step is the name of the task sequence step to configure),
and then click the Options tab.

On the Options tab of the task sequence step, perform the following
actions:

Add. Click this button to add a condition to the task sequence step.

Remove. Click this button to remove an existing condition in a task sequence

step.

Edit. Click this button to modify an existing condition in a task sequence step.

IF Statements in Conditions
All task sequence conditions include one or more IF statements. IF
statements are the foundation for creating conditional task sequence
steps. A task sequence step condition can include only one IF statement,
but multiple IF statements can be nested beneath the top-level IF
statement to create more complex conditions.
An IF statement can be based on the conditions listed in Table 7, which
are configured in the IF Statement Properties dialog box.
Table 7. Conditions Available in IF Statements
Condition

Select this option to run the task sequence if

All conditions

All the conditions beneath this IF statement must

be true.

Any conditions

Any the conditions beneath this IF statement are

true.

None

None the conditions beneath this IF statement

are true.

Complete the condition for running the task sequence step by adding
other criteria to the conditions (for example, task sequence variables or
values in a registry setting).
To add an IF statement condition to a task sequence step

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

1. On the step Option tab (where step is the name of the task sequence step to
configure), click Add, and then click If statement.
2. In the If Statement Properties dialog box, click condition (where condition
is one of the conditions listed in Table 7), and then click OK.

Task Sequence Variables in Conditions

Use the Task Sequence Variable condition to evaluate any task
sequence variable created by a Set Task Sequence Variable task or by
any task in the task sequence. For example, consider a network that
contains Windows XP client computers that are part of a domain and
some that are in a workgroup. Knowing that the current domain policy
forces all user settings to be saved on the network, user settings may
need to be saved only for computers that are not part of the domainthat
is, computers that are in the workgroup. In such case, add a condition to
the Capture User Files and Settings task that targets the computers in
the workgroup.
To add a condition based on a task sequence variable
1. On the step Options tab (where step is the name of the task sequence step
to configure), click Add Condition, and then click Task Sequence Variable.
2. In the Task Sequence Variable Condition dialog box, in the Variable box,
type OSDJoinType.
Note This variable is set to 0 for computers that are joined to a domain and to 1 for those in a
workgroup.

3. In the Condition box, click equal.

4. In the Value box, type 1, and then click OK.

Operating System Version in Conditions

Use the Operating System Version condition to verify the existing
operating system version of a target computer or the existing client (when
capturing an image). For instance, consider a network that contains
several servers that will be upgraded from Windows Server 2003 to
Windows Server 2008. Network settings should be copied and applied
only to servers that are running Windows Server 2003. All other servers
will have the default network settings that Windows Server 2008 uses.
To add a condition based on operating system version
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

1. In the Task Sequence Editor, click the Capture Network Settings task.
2. Click Add Condition, and then click Operating System Version.
3. In the Architecture box, click the relevant server. For this example, click x86.
4. In the Operating system box, click the operating system and version for
which to set a condition. For this example, click x86 Windows 2003.
5. In the Condition box, click the relevant condition, and then click OK.

File Properties in Conditions

Use the File Properties condition to verify the version and/or times tamp
of a given file to determine whether or not to run a task or a group of
tasks. In this example, the production environment contains a Windows
Server 2003 image that is constantly updated and used for every new
server that is added to the network. All server computers in the
environment run a custom application that requires the Digital Access
Object (DAO) application programming interface (API) version 3.60.6815.
All existing servers are working properly. However, each new server
added to the network with the image is unable to run the application.
Because it is the responsibility of a different group to maintain and update
images, you decide that the deployment task sequence be changed to
install the relevant version of DAO if the existing version of DAO deployed
with the image is incorrect.
To add a File Properties condition to a task sequence step in
Configuration Manager 2007 R3
1. In Configuration Manager 2007 R3, create a package to install DAO
3.60.6815. Call this package DAO, with a program called InstallDAO. To learn
more about creating packages, see How to Create a Package.
2. Create an Install Software step to deploy the DAO package.
3. Click the Install Software task sequence step created in step 2, and then
click the Options tab.
4. Click Add Condition, and then click File Properties.
5. In the Path box, type C:\Program Files\Microsoft Shared\DAO\dao360.dll.
6. Select the Check the version check box, and then click not equals for the
condition.
7. In the Version box, type 3.60.6815.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

8. In this case, clear the Check the timestamp check box, and then click OK.

Folder Properties in Conditions

Use the Folder Properties condition to verify the time stamp of a given
folder to determine whether to run a task or a group of tasks. For instance,
consider a situation in which an internally developed application has been
updated to work with Windows 8. However, not all of the computers in the
network have the most recent version of the application installed, and you
must perform a data-conversion process before you can upgrade the
application.
If the time stamp of the folder in which the application is installed is
12/31/2007 or earlier, then the target computer is running the incompatible
version of the application, and you should run the data-conversion
process on the target computer. Conditionally, run a task sequence step to
run the data-conversion process on computers that have an earlier
version of the application.
To add a Folder Properties condition to a task sequence step
1. In the Configuration Manager console or in the Deployment Workbench, in
the task sequence editor, edit task_sequence (where task sequence is the
task sequence you want to edit).
2. Create a Command Line task to perform the data-conversion process.
3. Click the task created in step 1.
4. Click Add Condition, and then click Folder Properties.
5. In the Path box, type the path of the folder that contains the application.
6. Select the Check the timestamp check box.
7. Click Less than or equals for the condition.
8. In the Date box, click 12/31/2007.
9. In the Time box, click 12:00:00 AM, and then click OK.

Registry Settings in Conditions

Use the Registry Setting condition to verify the existence of keys and
values in the registry and the corresponding data stored in registry values.
For instance, consider a case in which an application currently used on a
small set of computers cannot run on Windows 8, and a Windows 8
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

deployment is in place to upgrade computers that currently are running

Windows XP. Create a condition on the very first task in a sequence to
check the registry for an entry for the incompatible application and to
interrupt the deployment process for that computer if it is found.
To add a Registry Setting condition to a task sequence step
1. In the Configuration Manager console or in the Deployment Workbench, in
the task sequence editor, edit task_sequence (where task sequence is the
task sequence that deploys Windows 8).
2. Click the first task in the sequence, and then click the Options tab.
3. Click Add Condition, and then click Registry Setting.
4. In the Root key list, click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
5. In the Key box, type SOFTWARE\WOODGROVE.
6. Click not exists for the condition. In this case, the task will run, and the
sequence continue only if the key does not exist.
7. Optionally, the condition could check for the nonexistence of a value if the
value name is typed in the Value name box.
8. If a condition other than exists/not exists was used, specify a value and
value type.
9. Click OK.

WMI Queries in Conditions

Use the WMI Query condition to run any WMI query. The condition is
evaluated as True if the query returns at least one result. For example,
consider that a deployment team needs to upgrade the operating system
of all servers of a given modelDell 1950, for instance. You can use a
WMI query to check each computers model and proceed with the
deployment only if the right model is found.
To add a WMI Query condition to a task sequence step
1. In the Configuration Manager console or in the Deployment Workbench, in
the task sequence editor, edit task_sequence (where task sequence is the
task sequence that will upgrade the servers).
2. Click the first task in the sequence, and then click the Options tab.
3. Click Add Condition, and then click Query WMI.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

4. In the WMI Namespace box, type root\cimv2.

5. In the WQL Query box, type Select * From Win32_ComputerSystem
WHERE Model LIKE "%Dell%%1950%". Click OK.

Installed Software in Conditions

Use an Installed Software condition to check if a particular piece of
software is currently installed on a target computer. Only software
installed using Microsoft Installer (MSI) files can be evaluated using this
condition. As an example, imagine that you want to upgrade the operating
system of all servers except those running Microsoft SQL Server 2012.
To add an Installed Software condition to a task sequence step
1. In the Configuration Manager console or in the Deployment Workbench, in
the task sequence editor, edit task_sequence (where task sequence is the
task sequence that will upgrade the servers).
2. Click the first task in the sequence, and then click the Options tab.
3. Click Add Condition, and then click Installed Software.
4. Click Browse, and then click the MSI file for SQL Server 2012.
5. Select the Match this specific product check box to specify that only
computers with SQL Server 2012 and not any other versions are the target
computers this query should detect.
6. Click OK.

Complex Conditions
Multiple conditions can be grouped using IF statements to create complex
conditions. For instance, imagine that a particular step should only be
executed for Contoso 1950 computers running Windows Server 2003 or
Windows Server 2008. Written as a programmatic IF statement, it would
look similar to the following:
IF ((Computer Model IS Contoso 1950) AND (operating system=2003 OR
operating system=2008))

To add a complex condition

1. In the Configuration Manager console or in the Deployment Workbench, in
the task sequence editor, edit task_sequence (where task sequence is the
task sequence that will upgrade the servers).
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

2. Click the task sequence step to which to add the condition, and then click the
Options tab.
3. Click Add condition, click If Statement, and then click All conditions. Click
OK.
4. Click the condition statement, click Add condition, and then click WMI
Query.
5. Ensure root\cimv2 is specified as the WMI namespace, and then, in the
WQL Query box, type SELECT * FROM Win32_ComputerSystem WHERE
ComputerModel LIKE %Contoso%1950%. Click OK.
6. Click the IF statement, and then click Add condition. Click If statement, and
then click Any condition. Click OK.
7. Click the second IF statement. Click Add condition, and then click
Operating System Version.
8. In the Architecture box, click the architecture for the servers. For this
example, click x86.
9. In the Operating system box, click the operating system and version. For
this example, click x86 Windows 2003 original release. Click OK.
10. Click the second IF statement. Click Add condition, and then click
Operating System Version.
11. In the Architecture box, click the architecture for the servers. For this
example, click x86.
12. In the Operating system box, click the operating system and version. For
this example, click x86 Windows 2008 original release. Click OK.

Creating a Highly Scalable LTI

Deployment Infrastructure
In this scenario, no electronic software distribution is available for the
deployment infrastructure to leverage, so you use MDT to build a fully
automated LTI deployment infrastructure. The scalable LTI infrastructure
uses SQL Server, Windows Deployment Services, and Windows
Server 2003 Distributed File System Replication (DFS-R) technologies.
Scale the LTI infrastructure by:

Ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure exists as described in Ensuring

That the Appropriate Infrastructure Exists

Adding content to MDT as described in Adding Content to MDT

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Preparing Windows Deployment Services as described in Preparing Windows

Deployment Services

Configuring DFS-R as described in Configuring Distributed File System

Replication

Preparing for SQL Server replication as described in Preparing for

SQL Server Replication

Configuring SQL Server replication as described in Configuring SQL Server

Replication

This scenario presumes that MDT is configured on a master deployment

server and that the configuration of the MDT DB has already been
completed as discussed at the beginning of this document.

Ensuring That the Appropriate Infrastructure Exists

The highly scalable LTI deployment infrastructure uses a hub-and-spoke
topology for replication of content; therefore, first nominate a deployment
server in the production environment that will perform the role of the
master deployment server. Table 8 lists the required components for the
master deployment server.
Table 8. Master Deployment Server
Required component

Purpose/comment

Windows Server 2003 R2

Required to support DFS-R

MDT

Contains the master copy of the

deployment share

SQL Server 2005

Must be a full version to allow replication

of the MDT DB

DFS-R components

Required components for replication of the

deployment share

Windows Deployment
Services

Required to allow network PXE-based

installations to be initiated

When you have selected the master deployment server, provision

additional servers at each site to support LTI deployments. Table 9 lists
the required components for the child deployment server.
Table 9. Child Deployment Servers
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Required component

Purpose/comment

Windows Server 2003 R2

Required to support DFS-R

Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Express Edition

Receives replicated copies of the MDT DB

DFS-R components

Required components for replication of

deployment share

Windows Deployment
Services

Required to allow network PXE-based

installations to be initiated

Note Windows Deployment Services must be set up and configured on each child server, but it is
not necessary to add boot or installation images.

Adding Content to MDT

Populate the master deployment server with content using the
Deployment Workbench, and create and populate the MDT DB as
described in the following sections. For information on populating the
database with:

Applications, see the section, "Configuring Applications in the Deployment

Workbench", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit

Operating systems, see the section, "Configuring Operating Systems in the

Deployment Workbench", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft
Deployment Toolkit

Operating system packages, see the section, "Configuring Packages in the

Deployment Workbench", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft
Deployment Toolkit

Device drivers, see the section, "Configuring Device Drivers in the

Deployment Workbench", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft
Deployment Toolkit

Task sequences, see the section, "Configuring Task Sequences in the

Deployment Workbench", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft
Deployment Toolkit

Note Ensure that the LiteTouchPE_x86.wim file created when the deployment share is updated
has been added to Windows Deployment Services.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Preparing Windows Deployment Services

Because the LiteTouchPE_x86.wim file will be replicated on a periodic
basis through the DFS-R replication group, the boot configuration data
store must be updated periodically to reflect the newly replicated
Windows PE environment. Perform the following steps on each of the
deployment servers.
To prepare Windows Deployment Services
1. Open a Command Prompt window.
2. Type WDSUtil/setserver/BCDRefreshPolicy/Enabled:yes/RefreshPeriod:60, and then press
ENTER.
Note In the example presented here, the refresh period is set to 60 minutes; however, you could
configure this value to replicate during a period equal to that of the DFS-R.

Configuring Distributed File System Replication

When scaling the LTI deployment architecture, you use DFS-R as the
basis for replicating the content from both the MDT deployment share and
the Windows PE Lite Touch boot environment and from the master
deployment server to the child deployment servers.
Note Ensure that the DFS-R components are installed before performing the following steps.

To configure DFS-R to replicate the deployment content

1. Open DFS Management console.
2. In the DFS Management console, expand DFS Management.
3. Right-click Replication, and then click New Replication Group.
4. In the New Replication Group Wizard, on the Replication Group Type page,
click New Multipurpose Replication Group.
5. Click Next.
6. On the Name and Domain page, type the following information:

In the Name for replication group box, type a name for the replication
groupfor example, MDT 2010 Replication Group.

In the Optional description of replication group box, type a description

of the replication groupfor example, Group for replication of
MDT 2010 data.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Ensure that the Domain box contains the correct domain name.

7. Click Next.
8. On the Replication Group Members page, perform these steps:
a. Click Add.
b. Type the names of all servers that are to be members of this replication
groupfor example, all child deployment servers and the master
deployment server.
c. Click OK.
9. Click Next.
10. On the Topology Selection page, click Hub and Spoke, and then click
Next.
11. On the Hub Members page, click the master deployment server, and then
click Add.
12. Click Next.
13. On the Hub and Spoke Connections page, ensure that for each child
deployment server the master deployment server listed is the Required Hub
Member.
14. Click Next.
15. On the Replication Group Schedule and Bandwidth page, specify a
schedule for replicating the content between servers.
16. Click Next.
17. On the Primary Member page, in the Primary Member box, click the master
deployment server.
18. Click Next.
19. On the Folders to Replicate page, click Add, and then perform these steps:
a. In the Local Path of the folder to replicate box, click Browse to go to
the X:\Deployment folder (where X is the drive letter on the deployment
server).
b. Click Use name based on path.
c. Click OK.
d. Click Add.
e. In the Add Folder to Replicate dialog box, click Browse to go to the
X:\RemoteInstall\Boot folder.
f.

Click Use name based on path.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

20. Click Next.

21. On the Local Path of Distribution on Other Members page, perform these
steps:
a. Select all the members in the distribution group, and then click Edit.
b. In the Edit Local Path dialog box, click Enabled.
c. Type the path where the Deployment Share folder should be stored on
the child deployment serverfor example, X:\Deployment (where X is
the drive letter on the deployment server).
d. Click OK.
22. Click Next.
23. On the Local Path of Boot on Other Members page, perform these steps:
a. Select all the members in the distribution group, and then click Edit.
b. In the Edit Local Path dialog box, click Enabled.
c. Type the path where the Boot folder should be stored on the child
deployment serverfor example, X:\RemoteInstall\Boot (where X is the
drive letter on the deployment server).
d. Click OK.
24. Click Next.
25. On the Remote Settings and Create Replication Group page, click Create
to complete the New Replication Group Wizard.
26. On the Confirmation page, click Close to close the wizard.
Note Ensure that the new replication group is now listed beneath the Replication node.

Preparing for SQL Server Replication

Before SQL Server replication can be configured, complete several preconfiguration steps to ensure that the deployment servers are correctly
configured.
To prepare for SQL Server replication on the master deployment
server
1. Create a folder to store the database snapshots, and then configure the
folder as a share.
Note For more information about securing the snapshot folder, see Securing the Snapshot
Folder.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

2. Ensure that the SQL Server Browser service is enabled and set to Automatic.
3. In the SQL Server Surface Area Configuration box, click Local and
Remote connections.

To prepare for SQL Server replication on the child deployment server

1. In the SQL Server Surface Area Configuration box, click Local and
Remote connections.
2. Optionally, create an empty database to host the replicated MDT DB.
Note This database must be given the same name as the MDT DB on the master deployment
server. For example, if the MDT DB on the master deployment server is called MDTDB, create an
empty database called MDTDB on the child deployment server.

Configuring SQL Server Replication

After configuring the replication of files and folders required to build the
deployment infrastructure, configure SQL Server to replicate the MDT DB.
Note It is also possible to maintain only a single central MDT DB; however, by maintaining a
replicated version of the MDT DB, greater control can be maintained over data transferring across
the wide area network (WAN).

SQL Server 2005 uses a replication model that is similar to a magazine

distribution model:
1. A magazine is made available (published) by a publisher.
2. Distributors are used to distribute the publication.
3. Readers can subscribe to a publication so that that publication is delivered to
the subscriber periodically (a push subscription).

This terminology is used through the SQL Server replication setup and
configuration wizards.

Configure a SQL Server Publisher

To configure the master deployment server as a SQL Server publisher,
perform these steps:
1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Right-click the Replication node, and then click Configure Distribution.
3. In the Configure Distribution Wizard, click Next.
4. On the Distributor page, click will act as its own Distributor; SQL Server
will create a distribution database and log, and then click Next.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

5. On the Snapshot Folder page, in the Preparing for SQL Server

Replication section, type the UNC path to the snapshot folder created.
6. On the Distribution Database page, click Next.
7. On the Publishers page, click the master deployment server to set it as the
distributor, and then click Next.
8. On the Wizard Actions page, click Configure Distribution, and then click
Next.
9. Click Finish, and then click Close when the wizard is finished.

Enable the MDT DB for Replication

To enable the MDT DB for replication on the master deployment server,
perform these steps:
1. In SQL Server Management Studio, right-click the Replication node, and
then click Publisher Properties.
2. On the Publisher Properties page, perform these steps:
a. Click Publisher Databases.
b. Click the MDT DB, and then click Transactional.
c. Click OK.

The MDT DB is now configured for transactional and snapshot replication.

Create a Publication of the MDT DB

To create a publication of the MDT DB to which the child deployment
servers can subscribe, perform these steps:
1. In SQL Server Management Studio, expand Replication, right-click Local
Publications, and then click New Publication.
2. In the New Publication Wizard, click Next.
3. On the Publication Database page, click the MDT DB, and then click Next.
4. On the Publication Type page, click Snapshot publication, and then click
Next.
5. On the Articles page, select all Tables, Stored Procedures, and Views, and
then click Next.
6. On the Articles Issues page, click Next.
7. On the Filter Table Rows page, click Next.
8. On the Snapshot Agent page, perform these steps:
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

a. Select Create a snapshot immediately and keep the snapshot

available to initialize subscriptions.
b. Click Schedule the Snapshot Agent to run at the following times.
c. Click Change.
Note Specify a schedule that will occur one hour before the database replicates.

9. Click Next.
10. On the Agent Security page, click the account under which the snapshot
agent will run, and then click Next.
11. On the Wizard Actions page, click Create the publication, and then click
Next.
12. On the Complete the Wizard page, in the publication name box, type a
descriptive publication name.
13. Click Finish to complete the wizard, and then click Close when the wizard
has created the publication.
Note The publication will now be visible beneath the Local Publications node in SQL Server
Management Studio.

Subscribe Child Deployment Servers to the Published MDT DB

Now that the MDT DB has been published, you can add the child
deployment servers as subscribers to this publication; that is, that they will
receive a copy of the database on a schedule so that during a deployment
the client computers can query a database that is local to the network
instead of going across the WAN.
To subscribe the child deployment servers to the MDT DB
publication
1. In SQL Server Management Studio, go to Replication/Local Publications.
2. Right-click the publication created in the previous section, and then click New
Subscriptions.
3. In the New Subscriptions Wizard, click Next.
4. On the Publication page, click the publication created in the previous
section.
5. On the Distribution Agent Location page, click Run all agents at the
Distributor SERVERNAME (push subscriptions), and then click Next.
6. On the Subscribers page, add each of the child deployment servers by
performing the following steps:
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

a. Click Add Subscriber, and then click Add SQL Server Subscriber.
b. Add each child deployment server.
c. For each child deployment server added, in the Subscription Database
box, click the empty MDT DB on that child deployment server.
Note If the empty MDT DB has not yet been created, in the Subscription Database box,
select the option to create a new database.
Note This database must be given the same name as the MDT DB on the master
deployment server. For example, if the MDT DB on the master deployment server is called
MDTDB, create an empty database called MDTDB on the child deployment server.

7. Click Next.
8. On the Distribution Agent Security page, click to open the Distribution
Agent Security dialog box.
9. Type the details of the account to use for the distribution agent, and then click
Next.
10. On the Synchronization Schedule page, perform these steps:
a. In the Agent Schedule box, click <Define schedule>.
b. Specify the schedule that should be used to replicate the database
between master and child deployment servers, and then click Next.
11. On the Initialize Subscription page, click Next.
12. On the Wizard Actions page, click Create the subscription(s), and then
click Next.
13. Click Finish, and then click Close when the wizard has successfully finished.

SQL Server replication is now configured, and the MDT DB will be

replicated from the master deployment server to all child deployment
servers that have been subscribed to it on a periodic basis.

Configure CustomSettings.ini
The LTI deployment infrastructure has now been successfully created,
and each location will contain an LTI deployment server, with a replicated
copy of:

The deployment share

The MDT DB

The LiteTouchPE_x86 Windows PE environment that has been added to

Windows Deployment Services

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Now, you can configure the CustomSettings.ini file for the deployment
share to use the deployment content (deployment share and database)
from its local deployment server, the server that delivers the
LiteTouchPE_x86.wim environment through Windows Deployment
Services.
When the LiteTouchPE_x86.wim file is delivered from Windows
Deployment Services, a registry key is configured with the name of the
Windows Deployment Services server you are using. MDT captures this
server name in a variable (%WDSServer%) that you can use to configure
CustomSettings.ini.
To always use the local LTI deployment server
Note The following procedure assumes that the deployment share has been created and set as
the Deployment$ share.

For each SQL Server section added, configure SQLServer to use the
server name %WDSServer%for example, SQLServer=%WDSServer
%.

If configuring DeployRoot, configure DeployRoot to use the

%WDSServer% variablefor example, DeployRoot=\\%WDSServer
%\Deployment$.

5. Click Edit Bootstrap.ini.

6. Configure BootStrap.ini to use the %WDSServer% property by adding or
changing the DeployRoot value to DeployRoot=\\%WDSServer
%\Deployment$.
7. Click File, and then click Save to save the changes to the BootStrap.ini file.
8. Click OK.

The deployment share and LiteTouchPE_x86.wim Windows PE

environment need to be updated.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

9. In the Actions pane, click Update Deployment Share.

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

10. On the Options page, select the desired options for updating the deployment
share, and then click Next.
11. On the Summary page, verify the details are correct, and then click Next.
12. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

Listing 15 illustrates CustomSettings.ini after performing the steps outlined

in this section.
Listing 15. Sample CustomSettings.ini Configured for Scalable LTI
Deployment Infrastructure
[Settings]
Priority=CSettings,CPackages, CApps, CAdmins, CRoles, Default
Properties=MyCustomProperty
[Default]
OSInstall=Y
ScanStateArgs=/v:5 /o /c
LoadStateArgs=/v:5 /c /lac
[CSettings]
SQLServer=%WDSServer%
Instance=
Database=MDTDB
Netlib=DBNMPNTW
SQLShare=
Table=ComputerSettings
Parameters=UUID, AssetTag, SerialNumber, MacAddress
ParameterCondition=OR
[CPackages]
SQLServer=%WDSServer%
Database=MDTDB
Netlib=DBNMPNTW
SQLShare=
Table=ComputerPackages
Parameters=UUID, AssetTag, SerialNumber, MacAddress
ParameterCondition=OR
Order=Sequence
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

[CApps]
SQLServer=%WDSServer%
Database=MDTDB
Netlib=DBNMPNTW
SQLShare=
Table=ComputerApplications
Parameters=UUID, AssetTag, SerialNumber, MacAddress
ParameterCondition=OR
Order=Sequence
[CAdmins]
SQLServer=%WDSServer%
Database=MDTDB
Netlib=DBNMPNTW
SQLShare=
Table=ComputerAdministrators
Parameters=UUID, AssetTag, SerialNumber, MacAddress
ParameterCondition=OR
[CRoles]
SQLServer=%WDSServer%
Database=MDTDB
Netlib=DBNMPNTW
SQLShare=
Table=ComputerRoles
Parameters=UUID, AssetTag, SerialNumber, MacAddress
ParameterCondition=OR

Selecting a Local MDT Server When

Multiple Servers Exist
In this scenario, multiple MDT servers are being used to support a high
volume of simultaneous deployments and deployments across multiple
sites. When an LTI deployment is initialized, the default behavior is to
request a path to the MDT server to connect to and access the required
files to begin the deployment process.
The Windows Deployment Wizard can use the LocalServer.xml file to
present a choice of known deployment servers for each location.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Use the LocationServer.xml file by:

Understanding the purpose and use of LocationServer.xml as described in

Understanding LocationServer.xml

Creating the LocationServer.xml file as described in Creating the

LocationServer.xml File

Adding the LocationServer.xml file to the Extra Files directory as described in

Adding the LocationServer.xml File to the Extra Files Directory

Updating the BootStrap.ini file as described in Updating the BootStrap.ini File

Updating the deployment share as described in Updating the Deployment

This scenario assumes that MDT is configured on a deployment server.

Understanding LocationServer.xml
First, you must understand How MDT uses LocationServer.xml. During
LTI, MDT scripts read and process the BootStrap.ini file to gather initial
information about the deployment. This happens before a connection has
been made to the deployment server. Therefore, the DeployRoot
property is commonly used to specify in the BootStrap.ini file the
deployment server to which it should make a connection.
If the BootStrap.ini file does not contain a DeployRoot property, MDT
scripts load a wizard page to prompt the user for a path to the deployment
server. While initializing the HTML Application (HTA) wizard page, MDT
scripts check for the existence of the LocationServer.xml file and, if it
exists, use LocationServer.xml to display available deployment servers.

Understand When to Use LocationServer.xml

MDT offers multiple ways to determine which server to connect to during
an LTI deployment. Different methods for locating the deployment server
are best suited for different scenarios; therefore, it is important to
understand when to use LocationServer.xml.
MDT provides several methods for automatically discovering and using
the most appropriate deployment server. These methods are listed in
Table 10.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Table 10. Methods for Automatically Determining the Deployment

Server
Method

Details

%WDSServer%

This method is used when the MDT server is cohosted on the Windows Deployment Services
server.
When an LTI deployment is initiated from
Windows Deployment Services, an environmental
variable%WDSServer%is created and
populated with the name of the Windows
Deployment Services server.
The DeployRoot variable can use this variable to
automatically connect to a deployment share on
the Windows Deployment Services serverfor
example:
DeployRoot=\\%WDSServer%\Deployment$

Location-based
automation

MDT can use location-based automation in the

BootStrap.ini file to determine the server to which
it should deploy.
Use the Default Gateway property to distinguish
between different locations; for each Default
Gateway, a different MDT server is specified.
For more information about using location-based
automation, refer to "Selecting the Methods for
Applying Configuration Settings".

Each approach listed in Table 10 offers one way to automate the selection
of the deployment server at a given location for certain scenarios. These
approaches are targeted to specific scenariosfor example, when the
MDT server is co-hosted with Windows Deployment Services.
There are other scenarios in which these approaches are not suitablefor
example, if there are multiple deployment servers at a given location or
automation logic is not possible (for example, the network is not
segmented enough to allow location determination or the MDT server is
separated from Windows Deployment Services).

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

In these scenarios, the LocationServer.xml file provides a flexible way to

present this information at deployment time without requiring knowledge
of server names and deployment share names.

Creating the LocationServer.xml File

To present a list of available deployment servers during an LTI
deployment, create a LocationServer.xml file that contains details about
each server. There is no default LocationServer.xml file in MDT, so create
one using the following guidance.

Create a LocationServer.xml File to Support Multiple Locations

The simplest method for creating and using LocationServer.xml is to
create a LocationServer.xml file and add entries for each deployment
server in the environment (this can be either at the same location or at
different locations).
Construct the LocationServer.xml file by creating a new section for each
server, and then adding the following information:

A unique identifier

A location name, used to present an easily identifiable name for that location

A UNC path to the MDT server for that location

Listing 16 illustrates how the LocationServer.xml file is created using each

of these properties using a sample LocationServer.xml file configured for
multiple locations.
Listing 16. Example LocationServer.xml File to Support Multiple
Locations
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<servers>
<QueryDefault></QueryDefault>
<server>
<serverid>1</serverid>
<friendlyname>
Contoso HQ, Seattle, USA
</friendlyname>
<UNCPath>\\STLDS01\Deployment$</UNCPath>
</server>
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

<server>
<serverid>2</serverid>
<friendlyname>
Contoso NYC, New York, USA
</friendlyname>
<UNCPath>\\NYCDS01\Deployment$</UNCPath>
</server>
</servers>

Using this format, specify different server entries for each location (as
shown in Listing 16) or for situations in which there are multiple servers
within a single location by specifying a different server entry for each
server at that location, as shown in Listing 17.
Listing 17. Example LocationServer.xml File to Support Multiple
Servers at Multiple Locations
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<servers>
<QueryDefault></QueryDefault>
<server>
<serverid>1</serverid>
<friendlyname>
Contoso HQ DS1, Seattle, USA
</friendlyname>
<UNCPath>\\STLDS01\Deployment$</UNCPath>
</server>
<server>
<serverid>2</serverid>
<friendlyname>
Contoso HQ DS2, Seattle, USA
</friendlyname>
<UNCPath>\\STLDS02\Deployment$</UNCPath>
</server>
</servers>

Create a LocationServer.xml File to Load Balance Multiple

Servers at Different Locations
Using LocationServer.xml, specify multiple servers per location entry, and
then perform basic load balancing so that when a location is chosen, MDT
automatically selects a deployment server from the list of available

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

servers. To provide this functionality, the LocationServer.xml file supports

specifying a weighting metric.
Listing 18 illustrates a sample LocationServer.xml file configured for
multiple servers at different locations.
Listing 18. Example LocationServer.xml File for Different Locations
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<servers>
<QueryDefault></QueryDefault>
<server>
<serverid>1</serverid>
<friendlyname>
Contoso HQ, Seattle, USA
</friendlyname>
<Server1>\\STLDS01\Deployment$</Server1>
<Server2>\\STLDS02\Deployment$</Server2>
<Server3>\\STLDS03\Deployment$</Server3>
<Server weight=1>\\STLDS01\Deployment$</Server>
<Server weight=2>\\STLDS02\Deployment$</Server>
<Server weight=4>\\STLDS03\Deployment$</Server>
</server>
<server>
<serverid>2</serverid>
<friendlyname>
Contoso NYC, New York, USA
</friendlyname>
<UNCPath>\\NYCDS01\Deployment$</UNCPath>
</server>
</servers>

Specify the weighting metric by using the <server weight> tag, which MDT
uses in the server-selection process. The likelihood of a server being
selected is calculated by:
Server weight/sum of all server weights
In Listing 18, the three servers at Contoso HQ are listed as 1, 2, and 4.
The likelihood of a server with a weighting of 2 being selected becomes 2
in 7. Therefore, to use the weighting system, determine the capacity of the
servers available at a location, and weight each server by the servers
capacity in relation to each of the other servers.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Adding the LocationServer.xml File to the Extra

Files Directory
After you have created the LocationServer.xml file, add it to the
LiteTouch_x86 and LiteTouch_x64 Windows PE boot images in the
X:\Deploy\Control folder. Using the Deployment Workbench, add other
files and folders to these Windows PE images by specifying an additional
directory to add in the deployment share properties.
To add LocationServer.xml to the deployment share
1. Create a folder called Extra Files in the root deployment share folder (for
example, D:\Production Deployment Share\Extra Files).
2. Create a folder structure in the Extra Files folder that mirrors the Windows PE
location where the additional file should reside.

For example, the LocationServer.xml file must reside in the

\Deploy\Control folder in Windows PE; therefore, create the same
folder structure under Extra Files (for example, D:\Production
Deployment Share\Extra Files\Deploy\Control).
3. Copy LocationServer.xml to the deployment_share\Extra Files\Deploy\Control
folder (where deployment_share is the fully qualified path to the root folder of
the deployment share).
4. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
5. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
6. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
7. In the deployment_share Properties dialog box (where deployment_share
is the name of the deployment share), perform these steps:
a. Click the Windows PE platform Settings tab (where platform is the
architecture of the Windows PE image to be configured).
b. In the Windows PE Customizations section, in the Extra directory to
add box, type path (where path is the fully qualified path to the Extra
Files folderfor example, D:\Production Deployment Share\Extra Files),
and then click OK.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

Updating the BootStrap.ini File

When you create a deployment share using the Deployment Workbench,
a DeployRoot property is automatically created and populated in the
BootStrap.ini file. Because the LocationServer.xml file is used to populate
the DeployRoot property, you must remove this value from the
BootStrap.ini file.
To remove the DeployRoot property from BootStrap.ini
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
4. In the deployment_share Properties dialog box (where deployment_share
is the name of the deployment share), click the Rules tab, and then click Edit
BootStrap.ini.
5. Remove the DeployRoot value (for example,
DeployRoot=\\Server\Deployment$).
6. Click File, and then click Save to save the changes to the BootStrap.ini file.
7. Click OK to submit the changes.

Updating the Deployment Share

The deployment share must next be updated to generate a new
LiteTouch_x86 and LiteTouch_x64 boot environment that contains the
LocationServer.xml file and the updated BootStrap.ini file.
To update the deployment share
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Update Deployment Share.

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

4. On the Options page, select the desired options for updating the deployment
share, and then click Next.
5. On the Summary page, verify the details are correct, and then click Next.
6. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.
Note When the update process has finished, add the new LiteTouch_x86 and LiteTouch_x64
Windows PE environments back into Windows Deployment Services, or burn them to boot media
to use during deployment.

Replacing an Existing Computer with a

New Computer Using Lite Touch
Installation
You can use MDT to deploy an image to a new computer that will
substitute an existing computer in the enterprise architecture. This
situation could arise when upgrading from one operating system to
another (a new operating system could require new hardware) or if the
organization needs newer, faster computers for existing applications.
When replacing an existing computer with a new computer, Microsoft
recommends taking into account all settings that will be migrated from one
computer to another, such as user accounts and user state data. In
addition, it is important to create a recovery solution in case the migration
fails.
In this sample deployment, replace the existing computer (WDG-EXIST01) with a new computer (WDG-NEW-02) in the CORP domain by
capturing user state data from WDG-EXIST-01 and saving it to a network
share. Then, deploy an existing image to WDG-NEW-02, and finally
restore the captured user state data to WDG-NEW-02. The deployment
will be performed from a deployment server (WDG-MDT-01).
In MDT, use the Standard Client Replace Task Sequence template to
create a task sequence that will perform all the necessary deployment
tasks.
This demonstration assumes that:

MDT has been installed on the deployment server (WDG MDT 01)

The deployment share has already been created and populated, including
operating system images, applications, and device drivers

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

An image of a reference computer has already been captured and will be

deployed to the new computer (WDG NEW 02)

A network shared folder (UserStateCapture$) has been created and shared

on the deployment server (WDG MDT 01) with the appropriate share
permissions

A deployment share should exist prior to beginning this sample. For more
information about creating a deployment share, see the section,
"Managing Deployment Shares in the Deployment Workbench", in the
MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Step 1: Create a Task Sequence to Capture the

User State
Create MDT task sequences in the Task Sequences node in the
Deployment Workbench using the New Task Sequence Wizard. To
perform the first part of the Replace Computer deployment scenario
(capturing the user state on the existing computer), select the Standard
Client Replace Task Sequence template in the New Task Sequence
Wizard.
To create a task sequence to capture the user state in the Replace
Computer deployment scenario
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/ deployment_share/Task Sequences (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click New Task Sequence.

The New Task Sequence Wizard starts.

4. Complete the New Task Sequence Wizard by using the information in Table
11. Accept the default values unless otherwise specified.
Table 11. Information for Completing the New Task Sequence Wizard

On this wizard
page

Do this

General Settings

1. In Task sequence ID, type VISTA_EXIST.

2. In Task sequence name, type Perform

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

On this wizard
page

Do this
Replace Computer Scenario on
Existing Computer.
3. Click Next.

Select Template

In The following task sequence templates

are available. Select the one you would
like to use as a starting point, select
Standard Client Replace Task Sequence,
and then click Next.

Summary

Verify that the configuration details are

correct, and then click Next.

Confirmation

Click Finish.

The New Task Sequence Wizard finishes, and the VISTA_EXIST task
sequence is added to the list of task sequences.

Step 2: Create a Task Sequence to Deploy

Operating System and Restore the User State
Create MDT task sequences in the Task Sequences node in the
Deployment Workbench by using the New Task Sequence Wizard. To
perform the second part of the Replace Computer deployment scenario
(deploying the operating system, and then restoring the user state on the
existing computer), select the Standard Client Task Sequence template in
the New Task Sequence Wizard.
To create a task sequence to deploy the user state in the Replace
Computer deployment scenario
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Task Sequences (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click New Task Sequence.

The New Task Sequence Wizard starts.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

4. Complete the New Task Sequence Wizard by using the information in Table
12. Accept the default values unless otherwise specified.
Table 12. Information for Completing the New Task Sequence Wizard

On this wizard
page

Do this

General Settings

1. In Task sequence ID, type VISTA_NEW.

2. In Task sequence name, type Perform
Replace Computer Scenario on New
Computer.
3. Click Next.

Select Template

In The following task sequence templates

are available. Select the one you would
like to use as a starting point, select
Standard Client Task Sequence, and then
click Next.

Select OS

In The following operating system images

are available to be deployed with this task
sequence. Select one to use, select
captured_vista_image (where
captured_vista_image is the captured image
the reference computer added to the
Operating Systems node in the Deployment
Workbench), and then click Next.

Specify Product
Key

Select Do not specify a product key at this

time, and then click Next.

OS Settings

1. In Full Name, type Woodgrove

Employee.
2. In Organization, type Woodgrove Bank.
3. In Internet Explorer Home Page, type
http://www.woodgrovebank.com.
4. Click Next.

Admin Password

In Administrator Password and Please

confirm Administrator Password, type
P@ssw0rd, and then click Finish.

Confirmation

Click Finish.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

The New Task Sequence Wizard finishes, and the VISTA_NEW task
sequence is added to the list of task sequences.

Step 3: Customize the MDT Configuration Files

When the MDT task sequence has been created, customize the MDT
configuration files that provide the configuration settings for capturing user
state information. Specifically, customize the CustomSettings.ini file by
modifying the file in the properties of the deployment share created earlier
in the deployment process. In a later step, the deployment share will be
updated to ensure that the configuration file is updated in the deployment
share.
To customize the MDT configuration files for capturing user state
information
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.

The Properties dialog box appears.

4. In the Properties dialog box, click the Rules tab.
5. On the Rules tab, modify the CustomSettings.ini file to reflect the necessary
changes as shown in Listing 19. Make any additional modifications the
environment requires.
Listing 19. Customized CustomSettings.ini File
[Settings]
Priority=Default
Properties=MyCustomProperty
[Default]
OSInstall=Y
UDShare=\\WDG-MDT-01\UserStateCapture$
UDDir=%OSDCOMPUTERNAME%
UserDataLocation=NETWORK
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

101

SkipCapture=NO
SkipAdminPassword=YES
SkipProductKey=YES

6. In the Properties dialog box, click OK.

7. Close all open windows and dialog boxes.

Step 4: Configure the Windows PE Options for the

Deployment Share
Configure the Windows PE options for the deployment share in the
Deployment Shares node in the Deployment Workbench.
Note If the device drivers for the existing computer (WDG-EXIST-01) and the new computer
(WDG-NEW-01) are included with Windows Vista, skip this step and proceed with the following
step.

To configure the Windows PE options for the deployment share

The Properties dialog box appears.

4. In the Properties dialog box, on the Windows PE platform Components
tab (where platform is the architecture of the Windows PE image to be
configured), in Selection profile, select device_drivers (where
device_drivers is the name of the device driver selection profile), and then
click OK.

Step 5: Update the Deployment Share

After configuring the Windows PE options for the deployment share,
update the deployment share. Updating the deployment share updates all
the MDT configuration files and generates a customized version of
Windows PE. The customized version of Windows PE is used to start the
reference computer and initiate the LTI deployment process.
To update the deployment share in the Deployment Workbench
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

The Deployment Workbench starts updating the deployment share. The

Deployment Workbench creates the LiteTouchPE_x86.iso and
LiteTouchPE_x86.wim files (for 32-bit target computers) or
LiteTouchPE_x64.iso and LiteTouchPE_x64.wim files (for 64-bit target
computers) in the deployment_share\Boot folder (where
deployment_share is the shared folder used as the deployment share).

Step 6: Create the LTI Bootable Media

Provide a method for starting the computer with the customized version of
Windows PE created when the deployment share was updated. The
Deployment Workbench creates the LiteTouchPE_x86.iso and
LiteTouchPE_x86.wim files (for 32-bit target computers) or
LiteTouchPE_x64.iso and LiteTouchPE_x64.wim files (for 64-bit target
computers) in the deployment_share\Boot folder (where
deployment_share is the shared folder used as the deployment share).
Create the appropriate LTI bootable media from one of these images.
To create the LTI bootable media
1. In Windows Explorer, navigate to deployment_share\Boot folder (where
deployment_share is the shared folder used as the deployment share).
2. Based on the type of computer used for the existing computer (WDG-EXIST01) and new computer (WDG-NEW-02), perform one of the following tasks:

If the reference computer is a physical computer, create a CD or DVD of

the ISO file.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

103

If the reference computer is a VM, start the VM directly from the ISO file
or from a CD or DVD of the ISO file.

Step 7: Start the Existing Computer with the LTI

Bootable Media
Start the existing computer (WDG-EXIST-01) with the LTI bootable media
created earlier in the process. This CD starts Windows PE on the existing
computer and initiates the MDT deployment process. At the end of the
MDT deployment process, the user state migration information is stored in
the UserStateCapture$ shared folder.
Note You can also initiate the MDT process by starting the target computer from Windows
Deployment Services. For more information, see the section, "Preparing Windows Deployment
Services", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

To start the existing computer with the LTI bootable media

1. Start WDG-EXIST-01 with the LTI bootable media created earlier in the
process.

Windows PE starts, and then the Windows Deployment Wizard starts.

2. Complete the Windows Deployment Wizard using the information in Table 13.
Accept the default values unless otherwise specified.
Table 13. Information for Completing the Windows Deployment Wizard

On this wizard
page

Do this

Welcome to
Deployment

Click Run the Deployment Wizard to install

a new operating system, and then click Next.

Specify
Credentials for
connecting to
network shares.

1. In User Name, type Administrator.

Select a task
sequence to
execute on this
computer.

Click Perform Replace Computer Scenario

on Existing Computer, and then click Next.

Specify where to

Click Next.

Solution Accelerators

2. In Password, type P@ssw0rd.

3. In Domain, type CORP.
4. Click OK.

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

On this wizard
page

Do this

save your data and

settings
Specify where to
save a complete
computer backup

Click Do not back up the existing

computer, and then click Next.

Ready to begin

Click Begin.

If any errors or warnings occur, consult the MDT document

Troubleshooting Reference.
3. In the Deployment Summary dialog box, click Details.

If any errors or warnings occurred, review the errors or warnings and

record any diagnostic information.
4. In the Deployment Summary dialog box, click Finish.

The user state migration information is captured and is stored in the

network shared folder (UserStateCapture$) created earlier in the process.

Step 8: Start the New Computer with the LTI

Bootable Media
Start the new computer (WDG-NEW-02) with the LTI bootable media
created earlier in the process. This CD starts Windows PE on the
reference computer and initiates the MDT deployment process. At the end
of the MDT deployment process, Windows Vista is deployed on the new
computer and the captured user state migration information is restored to
the new computer.
Note You can also initiate the MDT process by starting the target computer from Windows
Deployment Services. For more information, see the section, "Preparing Windows Deployment
Services", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

To start the new computer with the LTI bootable media

1. Start WDG-NEW-02 with the LTI bootable media created earlier in the
process.

Windows PE starts, and then the Windows Deployment Wizard starts.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

105

2. Complete the Windows Deployment Wizard by using the information in Table

14. Accept the default values unless otherwise specified.
Table 14. Information for Completing the Windows Deployment Wizard

On this wizard
page

Do this

Welcome to
Deployment

Click Run the Deployment Wizard to install

a new operating system, and then click
Next.

Specify
Credentials for
connecting to
network shares.

1. In User Name, type Administrator.

Select a task
sequence to
execute on this
computer.

Click Perform Replace Computer Scenario

on New Computer, and then click Next.

Configure the
computer name

In Computer name, type WDG-NEW-02, and

then click Next.

Join the computer

to a domain or
workgroup

Click Next.

Specify whether to
restore user data

1. Click Specify a location.

2. In Password, type P@ssw0rd.

3. In Domain, type CORP.
4. Click OK.

2. In Location, type \\WDG-MDT01\UserStateCapture$\WDG-EXIST-01.

3. Click Next.

Locale Selection

Click Next.

Set the Time Zone

Click Next.

Specify whether to
capture an image

Click Do not capture an image of this

computer, and then click Next.

Specify the
BitLocker
configuration

Click Do not enable BitLocker for this

computer, and then click Next.

Ready to begin

Click Begin.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

If any errors or warnings should occur, consult the MDT document

Troubleshooting Reference.
3. In the Deployment Summary dialog box, click Details.

If any errors or warnings occurred, review the errors or warnings and

record any diagnostic information.
4. In the Deployment Summary dialog box, click Finish.

Windows Vista is now installed on the new computer and the captured
user state migration information is also restored.

Integrating Custom Deployment Code

into MDT
It is common for a deployment team to have complex requirements,
specific to their target environment, that are not met by the Deployment
Workbench predefined task sequence actions or by default MDT
configuration files. In this situation, implement custom code to meet their
requirements.
Integrate custom deployment code into MDT by:

Choosing a scripting language as described in Choosing the Appropriate

Scripting Language

Leveraging ZTIUtility.vbs as described in Understanding How to Leverage

ZTIUtility

Integrating custom deployment code as described in Integrating Custom

Deployment Code

The following sections assume that MDT is configured on a deployment

server.

Choosing the Appropriate Scripting Language

Although any code that can be run on Windows or Windows PE can be
called as an application installation or through an MDT task sequence
step, Microsoft recommends using scripts in the form of .vbs or .wsf files.
The advantage of using .wsf files is built-in logging in addition to some
other predefined functions already used by the ZTI and LTI processes.
These functions are available in the ZTIUtility script distributed with MDT.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

107

When referenced from a custom script, the ZTIUtility script initializes the
MDT environment and setup classes. These classes are available:

Logging. This class provides the logging functionality that all MDT scripts
use. It also creates a single log file for each script run during deployment and
a consolidated log file of all scripts. These log files are created in a format
designed to be read by TRACE32; this tool is available in the System Center
Configuration Manager 2007 Toolkit V2.

Environment. This class configures environment variables gathered through

WMI and MDT rule processing and allows them to be referenced directly from
the script. This allows deployment properties to be read, giving access to all
the configuration information used by the ZTI and LTI processes.

Utility. This class provides general utilities that are used throughout ZTI and
LTI scripts. Microsoft recommends that any time custom code is developed
this class should be examined to see if any code can simply be reused.
Additional information about some of the functionality provided in this class is
included later in this section.

Database. This class performs functions like connecting to databases and

reading information from databases. In general, accessing the database class
directly is not recommended; instead, rule processing should be used to
perform database lookups.

Strings. This class performs common string processing routines like creating
a delimited list of items, displaying a hex value, trimming white space from a
string, right aligning a string, left aligning a string, forcing a value to string
format, forcing a value to array format, generating a random globally unique
identifier (GUID), and Base64 conversions.

FileHandling. This class performs functions like normalizing paths and

copying, moving, and deleting files and folders.

clsRegEx. This class performs regular expression functions.

In MDT, a couple of changes have been implemented to the script

architecture to make client Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition
(VBScript) more robust and reliable. These changes include:

Extensive changes to ZTIUtility.vbs (the main script library), including new

APIs and better error handling

A new look to the overall structure of the ZTI_xxx.wsf scripts

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

The overall structure of the MDT scripts has also changed. Most MDT
scripts are now encapsulated within VBScript Class objects. The class is
initialized and called with the RunNewInstance function.
Note Most existing MDT 2008 Update 1 scripts will work as-is in MDT, even with the extensive
changes to ZTIUtility.vbs, as most MDT scripts will include ZTIUtility.vbs.

Understanding How to Leverage ZTIUtility

The ZTIUtility.vbs file contains object classes that can be leveraged in
your custom code. Integrate custom code with MDT by using the:

Logging class defined in ZTIUtility.vbs as described in Use the ZTIUtility

Logging Class

Environment class defined in ZTIUtility.vbs as described in Use the ZTIUtility

Environment Class

Utility class defined in ZTIUtility.vbs as described in Use the ZTIUtility Utility

Class

Use the ZTIUtility Logging Class

The logging class in ZTIUtiliy.vbs provides a simple mechanism for
custom code to log status information, warnings, and errors in the same
manner as other scripts during a ZTI or LTI deployment. This
standardization also ensures that the LTI Deployment Summary dialog
box correctly reports the status of any custom code that is run.
Listing 20 illustrates an example custom code script that uses the
oLogging.CreateEntry and TestAndFail functions to log different types
of messages, depending on the results of the various script actions.
Listing 20. Example Script Using ZTIUtility Logging:
ZTI_Example.wsf
<job id="ZTI_Example">
<script language="VBScript" src="ZTIUtility.vbs"/>
<script language="VBScript">
'
'
'
'
'

//*******************************************************
//
// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
// Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Solution Accelerator
// File: ZTI_Example.wsf

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

'
'
'
'
'
'
'

109

//
// Purpose: Example of scripting with the
//
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
//
// Usage: cscript ZTI_Example.wsf [/debug:true]
//
//*******************************************************

Option Explicit
RunNewInstance
'//-------------------------------------------------------'// Main Class
'//-------------------------------------------------------Class ZTI_Example
'//-------------------------------------------------------'// Main routine
'//-------------------------------------------------------Function Main()
Dim iRetVal
Dim sScriptPath
iRetVal = SUCCESS
oLogging.CreateEntry "Begin example script", _
LogTypeInfo
' %ServerA% is a generic variable available within
' every CustomSettings.ini file.
sScriptPath = "\\" & oEnvironment.Item("ServerA") & _
"\public\products\Applications\User\Technet\USEnglish"
' Validate a connection to server, net connect with
' credentials if necessary.
iRetVal = oUtility.ValidateConnection( sScriptPath )
TestAndFail iRetVal, 9991, "Validate Connection to [" & _
sScriptPath & "]"

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

'Run Setup Program

iRetVal = oUtility.RunWithHeartbeat( """" & _
sScriptPath & "\setup.exe"" /?" )
TestAndFail iRetVal, 9991, "RunWithHeartbeat [" & _
sScriptPath & "]"
'Perform any cleanup from installation process
oShell.RegWrite "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\SomeValue", _
"Done with Execution of XXX.", "REG_SZ"
Main = iRetVal
End Function
End Class
</script>
</job>
Note If you want to continue using scripts that call ZTIProcess() with ProcessResults(), you can
continue to do so. However, certain enhanced error-handling features will not be enabled.

Use the ZTIUtility Environment Class

The environment class in ZTIUtiliy.vbs provides access to, and the ability
to update, MDT properties. In Listing 20, oEnvironment.Item("Memory")
is used to retrieve the amount of available RAM; this can also be used to
retrieve the value of any of the properties described in the MDT document
Toolkit Reference.

Use the ZTIUtility Utility Class

The ZTIUtility.vbs script contains a number of commonly used utilities that
any custom deployment script can use. You can add these utilities to any
script the same way as the oLogging and oEnvironment classes.
Table 15 details some useful functions available, and their output. For a
full list of available functions, refer to the ZTIUtility.vbs file.
Table 15. Useful ZTI Utility Functions

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

111

Function

Output

oUtility.LocalRootPath

Returns the path of the root folder being used

by the deployment process on the target
computerfor example, C:\MININT

oUtility.BootDevice

Returns the system boot devicefor

example,
MULTI(0)DISK(0)RDISK(0)PARTITION(1)

oUtility.LogPath

Returns the path to the logs folder being used

during the deploymentfor example,
C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS

oUtility.StatePath

Returns the path of the currently configured

state storefor example,
C:\MININT\StateStore

oUtility.ScriptName

Returns the name of the script calling the

functionfor example, Z-RAMTest

oUtility.ScriptDir

Returns the path to the script that is calling

the functionfor
example, \\server_name\Deployment$\Scripts

oUtility.ComputerNam
e

Determines the computer name that will be

used during the build processfor example,
computer_name

oUtility.ReadIni(file,
section, item)

Allows the specified item to be read from an

.ini file

oUtility.WriteIni(file,
section, item, value)

Allows the specified item to be written to an

.ini file

oUtility.Sections(file)

Reads the sections of an .ini file and stores

them in an object for reference

oUtility.SectionConten
ts(file, section)

Reads the contents of the specified .ini file

and stores them in an object

oUtility.RunWithHeartb
eat(sCmd)

When the command is run, write heartbeat

information to the logs every 0.5 seconds

oUtility.FindFile

Searches for the specified file in the

DeployRoot folder and standard subfolders,
including Servicing, Tools, USMT, Templates,
Scripts, and Control

(sFilename,sFoundPat
h)

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Function

Output

oUtility.findMappedDri
ve(sServerUNC)

Checks to see whether a drive is mapped to

the specified UNC path and returns the drive
letter

oUtility.ValidateConne
ction(sServerUNC)

Checks to see whether there is an existing

connection to the server specified and, if
there is not, attempts to create one

MapNetworkDrive

Maps a drive letter to the UNC path specified

as the share and returns the drive letter used;
returns an error if unsuccessful

(sShare, SDomID,
sDomPwd)
VerifyPathExists(strPa
th)

Verifies that the specified path exists

oEnvironment.Substit
ute(sVal)

Given a string, expands any variables or

functions within that string

oEnvironment.Item
(sName)

Reads or writes a variable to a persistent

store

oEnvironment.Exists

Tests to see whether the variable exists

(sName)
oEnvironment.ListItem
(sName)

Reads or writes a variable of type array to a

persistent store

oLogging.ReportFailur
e

Used to perform a structured exit if an

unrecoverable error is detected

(sMessage, iError)
oLogging.CreateEvent
(iEventID, iType,
sMessage, arrParms)
oLogging.CreateEntry

Writes a message to the log file and posts the

event to a defined server
Writes a message to the log file

(sLogMsg, iType)
TestAndFail(iRc,
iError, sMessage)

Exits the script with iError if iRc is false or fail

TestAndLog(iRc ,
sMessage)

Logs a warning only if iRc is false or fail

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

113

Integrating Custom Deployment Code

Custom deployment code can be integrated into the MDT process in
several ways; however, regardless of the method used, the following two
rules should be met:

The custom deployment code script name should always begin with the letter
Z.

The custom deployment code should be placed in the Scripts folder on the
deployment sharefor example, D:\Production Deployment Share\Scripts.

The most frequently used methods for integrating custom code that also
ensure consistent logging are:

Deploy the code as an MDT application

Launch the code as an MDT task sequence command

Launch the code as a user exit script

Deploy Custom Code as an MDT Application

Custom deployment code can be imported into the Deployment
Workbench and managed the same way as any other application.
To create a new application to run custom deployment code
1. Copy the custom deployment code to the deployment_share\Scripts folder
(where deployment_share is the fully qualified path to the deployment share).
2. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
3. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Shares/deployment_share/Applications (where deployment_share is the
name of the deployment share to configure).
4. In the Actions pane, click New Application.

The New Application Wizard starts.

5. Complete the New Application Wizard using the information in Table 16;
accept defaults unless otherwise specified.
Table 16. Information for Completing the New Application Wizard

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

On this wizard
page

Do this

Application Type

Click Application without source files or

elsewhere on the network, and then click
Next.

Details

Complete this page based on the information

from the application, and then click Next.

Command Details

1. In the Command line box, type

cscript.exe %SCRIPTROOT
%\custom_code (where custom_code is
the name of the custom code that has
been developed).
2. In the Working directory box, type
working_directory (where
working_directory is the name of the
working directory of the custom code; this
is typically the same folder specified in the
Command line box).
3. Click Next.

Summary

Verify that the configuration settings are

correct, and then click Next.

Confirmation

Click Finish.

The application appears in the Applications node in the Deployment

Workbench.

Add the Custom Code as a Task Sequence Step

Custom deployment code can be called directly from any point within a
task sequence; this gives access to the usual task sequence rules and
options.
To add the custom deployment code to an existing task sequence
1. Copy the custom deployment code to the deployment_share\Scripts folder
(where deployment_share is the fully qualified path to the deployment share).
2. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

115

3. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment

Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Task Sequences (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
4. In the details pane, click task_sequence (where task_sequence is the name
of the task sequence that runs the custom code).
5. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
6. In the task_sequence Properties dialog box, click the Task Sequence tab.
7. In the console tree, go to group (where group is the group to add the task
sequence step).
8. Click Add, click General, and then click Run Command Line.
9. In the console tree, click Run Command Line, and then click the Properties
tab.
10. In the Name box, type name (where name is a descriptive name of the
custom code).
11. On the Properties tab, in the Command line box, type command_line
(where command_line is the command to run the custom codefor example,
cscript.exe %SCRIPTROOT%\CustomCode.vbs).
12. In the Start in box, type path (where path is the fully qualified path to the
working folder of the custom code; typically, this is the same path specified in
the Command line box), and then click OK.

The newly created task sequence step appears in the list of task
sequence steps.

Run Custom Code as a User Exit Script

It also is possible to run the custom code as a user exit script from
CustomSettings.ini using the UserExit directive. This provides a
mechanism for information to be passed into the CustomSettings.ini rule
validation process and provides a dynamic update of MDT properties
For more information on user exit scripts and the UserExit directive, see
the section, "User Exit Scripts in the CustomSettings.ini File", in the MDT
document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Installing Device Drivers Using Various

Installation Methods
In this scenario, you use MDT to deploy an operating system to different
types of hardware. As part of the deployment process, identify and install
device drivers so that each hardware type will function correctly. There are
two main types of device drivers; each must be handled differently during
the deployment process:

Device drivers that contain an .inf file that can be used to import the device
driver into the Deployment Workbench

Device drivers that are packaged as an application, and that must be installed
as an application

Using MDT, you can handle both types of drivers as part of an operating
system deployment.
Install device drivers by:

Determining methods for installing each device driver as described in

Determining Which Method to Use to Install a Device Driver

Using the out-of-box drivers method as described in Installing Device Drivers

Using the Out-of-Box Drivers Method

Installing them as applications as described in Installing Device Drivers as

Applications

This scenario assumes that MDT is running on a deployment server.

Determining Which Method to Use to Install a

Device Driver
Hardware manufacturers release device drivers in one of two forms:

As a package that you can extract and that contains .inf files used to import
the driver into the Deployment Workbench

As an application that you must install using traditional application installation

processes

Device driver packages that can be extracted to access .inf files can use
the MDT automatic driver detection and installation process by first

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

117

importing the driver into the Out-of-Box Drivers node in the Deployment
Workbench.
Device driver packages that cannot be extracted to isolate .inf files or
those that do not work correctly without first being installed using an
application installer such as an MSI or Setup.exe file can use the MDT
Install Application feature and install the device driver during the
deployment process just as for any normal application.

Installing Device Drivers Using the Out-of-Box

Drivers Method
You can import device driver packages that include an .inf file to the
Deployment Workbench and install them automatically as part of the
deployment process. To implement this type of device driver deployment,
first add the device driver to the Deployment Workbench.
To add the device driver to the Deployment Workbench
1. Download the device drivers required for the hardware types to be deployed,
and extract the device driver package to a temporary location.
2. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
3. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Out-of-Box Drivers
(where deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
4. In the Actions pane, click Import Drivers.

The Import Device Driver Wizard starts.

5. On the Specify Directory page, in the Drive source directory section, click
Browse to go to the folder that contains the new device drivers, and then
click Next.
Note The New Device Driver Wizard will search all subdirectories of the driver source
directory; therefore, if there are multiple drivers to install, extract them into folders within the
same root directory, and then set the driver source directory as the root directory that holds all
of the driver source folders.

6. On the Summary page, verify that the settings are correct, and then click
Next to import the drivers into the Deployment Workbench.
7.

On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

If the device drivers contain boot-critical drivers such as mass storage or

network class drivers, the deployment share must next be updated to
generate a new LiteTouch_x86 and LiteTouch_x64 boot environment that
contains the new drivers.
To add device drivers to the Lite Touch Windows PE images
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Update Deployment Share.

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

4. On the Options page, select the desired options for updating the deployment
share, and then click Next.
5. On the Summary page, verify that the details are correct, and then click
Next.
6. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

Installing Device Drivers as Applications

Device drivers that are packaged as applications and that you cannot
extract to a folder containing an .inf file, in addition to driver files, should
be added to the Deployment Workbench as an application for installation
during the deployment process.
Applications can be specified as a task sequence step or specified in
CustomSettings.ini; however, device driver applications should be
installed only when the task sequence is run on a computer with the
devices. To ensure this, run the task sequence step for deploying the
relevant device driver applications as a conditional task sequence step.
The conditional criteria can be specified for running the task sequence
step using WMI queries for the device on the target computer.

Add the Device Driver Application to the Deployment

Workbench
Each device driver application must first be imported into the Deployment
Workbench.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

119

Note Configure whether the application should is visible during deployment on the Properties
dialog box of any application by selecting or clearing the Hide this application in the Deployment
Wizard check box. Repeat this process for each device driver application used during deployment.

To add the device driver application to the Deployment Workbench

1. Download the device driver application, and save it to a temporary location.
2. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
3. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Applications (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
4. In the Actions pane, click New Application.

The New Application Wizard starts.

5. On the Application Type page, click Application with source files, and
then click Next.
6. On the Details page, type relevant details about the application, and then
click Next.
7. On the Source page, in the Source directory section, click Browse to go to,
and then click the directory that contains the device driver application source
files. Click OK.
8. Click Next.
9. On the Destination page, type a name for the destination directory, and then
click Next.
10. On the Command Details page, in the Command line section, type the
command that allows silent installation of the device driver application.
11. On the Summary page, verify the settings are correct, and then click Next to
import the device driver application into the Deployment Workbench.
12. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

After the applications are imported into the Deployment Workbench, add
them to the deployment process using the appropriate logic to ensure that
the application installs only when running on the correct hardware. There
are different methods for achieving this:

Specify the device driver application as part of a deployment task sequence.

Specify the device driver application in CustomSettings.ini.

Specify the device driver application in the MDT DB.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Each approach is discussed in more detail in the following sections.

Specify the Device Driver Application as Part of a Task

Sequence
The first method for adding a device driver application to the deployment
process is to use a task sequence to add steps for each device driver
application.
There are two main approaches for managing device driver applications in
the task sequence:

Create a new task sequence group for each hardware model, and then add a
query to run that group of actions if the computer matches a specific
hardware type.

Create a task sequence group for hardware-specific applications, and then

add queries for each task sequence action so that each task sequence step
is evaluated against the hardware type and will run only if a match is found.

To create a new task sequence group for each type of hardware

1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Task Sequences (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the details pane, click task_sequence (where task_sequence is the
deployment task sequence that will be required to install the device driver
application).
4. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
5. In the task_sequence Properties dialog box, on the Task Sequence tab, in
the details pane, go to State Restore/Windows Update (Pre-Application
Installation).
6. On the Task Sequence tab, click Add, and then click New Group.

This creates a new task sequence group in the task sequence. Use
this new task sequence group to create the steps for installing the
hardware-specific device driver applications.
7. In the details pane, click New Group.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

121

8. On the Properties tab, in the Name box, type group_name (where

group_name is the name of the group; for example, Hardware Specific
Applications Dell Computer Corporation).
9. On the Options tab, click Add, and then click Query WMI.
10. In the Task Sequence WMI Condition dialog box, type the following details:

In the WMI namespace box, type root\cimv2.

In the WQL query box, type a WMI Query Language (WQL) query using
the Win32_ComputerSystem class to ensure that the application is
installed only for a specific application typefor example:

Select * FROM Win32_ComputerSystem WHERE Model LIKE

%hardware_model% AND Manufacturer LIKE
%hardware_manufacturer%
In this example, hardware_model is the name of the computer
model (such as Latitude D620) and hardware_manufacturer is the
name of the computer make (such as Dell Corporation).
The % symbol is a wildcard character that is included in the names
to allow administrators to return any computer models or
manufactures that contains the value specified for
hardware_model or hardware_manufacturer.
For more information about WMI and WQL queries, see the section,
"Add WMI Queries to Task Sequence Step Conditions", in the MDT
document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, and see Querying
with WQL.
11. Click OK to submit the query, and then click OK to submit changes to the
task sequence.
Note This process must be repeated for each hardware type of each device driver application to
be installed.

After the hardware-specific task sequence groups have been created,

device driver applications can be added to each group.
To add device driver applications to hardware-specific task
sequence groups
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment

Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Task Sequences (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the details pane, click task_sequence (where task_sequence is the
deployment task sequence that will be required to install the device driver
application).
4. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
5. In the task_sequence Properties dialog box, click the Task Sequence tab.
6. In the details pane, go to State Restore/hardware_specific_group (where
hardware_specific_group is the name of the hardware-specific group where
the task sequence step will be added to install the device driver application).
7. On the Task Sequence tab, click Add, click General, and then click Install
Application.

The Install Application task sequence step appears in the details

pane.
8. In the details pane, click Install Application.
9. On the Properties tab, click Install a single application, and in the
Application to install list, select hardware_application (where
hardware_application is the application for installing the hardware-specific
application).
Note This process must be repeated for each device driver application that needs to be used
during a deployment.

Specify the Device Driver Application in CustomSettings.ini

When an LTI or ZTI deployment begins, one of the first actions to be
completed is the processing of the BootStrap.ini and CustomSettings.ini
control files. Both of these files contain rules that can be used to
dynamically customize the deployment.
Because of the way MDT processes the CustomSettings.ini file, you can
use it to add applications based on specific conditions. This logic will be
used to add device driverspecific applications during deployment based
on specific hardware types. Applications are referenced in
CustomSettings.ini by the applications GUID, located in the
Applications.xml file in the deployment share.
To locate an imported applications GUID

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

123

1. In the deployment share of the deployment server, open the Control folder
for example, D:\Production Deployment Share\Control.
2. Locate and open the Applications.xml file.
3. Locate the required application.
4. Locate the application GUID by locating the line enclosed in the application
<guid> tags; for example, <application guid={c303fa6e-3a4d-425e-810277db9310e4d0}>.

As part of the initialization process, both the LTI and ZTI process gather
information about the computer on which it is running. As part of this
process, WMI queries are performed and the values from the
Win32_ComputerSystem class for make and manufacturer are
populated as variables %Make% and %Model%, respectively.
These values can be used during processing the CustomSettings.ini file to
dynamically read sections of the file depending on the make and model
detected. Listing 21 shows an example of the CustomSettings.ini file.
Listing 21. Sample CustomSettings.ini Configured for a HardwareSpecific Application Installation
[Settings]
Priority=Make, Default
Properties=MyCustomProperty
[Default]
OSInstall=Y
[Dell Computer Corporation]
Subsection=Dell-%Model%
[Dell-Latitude D620]
MandatoryApplications001={1D7DF331-47B7-472C-87B3-442597EC2F7D}
[Dell-Latitude D610]
MandatoryApplications001={c303fa6e-3a4d-425e-8102-77db9310e4d0}

Use the following properties to specify applications in CustomSettings.ini:

Applications. This property can be used when deployment administrators do

not want to present an application wizard as part of the deployment process
by specifying SkipApplications=YES in CustomSettings.ini.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

MandatoryApplications. This property can be used if deployment

administrators want to present the application wizard during the deployment
to allow deployment engineers to select additional applications to be installed
during the deployment.

If the application wizard is used without the MandatoryApplications

property (for example, SkipApplications=NO), it will overwrite
applications specified by the Applications property.
Listing 21 shows how to use the %Make% and %Model% variable
values to dynamically manipulate how the applications list is built. The
values for the make and model of each type of hardware can be
located using one of the following methods:

The System Information tool. Use the System Summary node in this tool to
identify the System Manufacturer (make) and System Model (model).

Windows PowerShell. Use the Get-WMIObject class

Win32_ComputerSystem cmdlet to determine the make and model of the
computer.

Windows Management Instrumentation Command Line. Use CSProduct

Get Name, Vendor to return the name (model) and vendor (make) of the
computer.

To modify CustomSettings.ini to add hardware-specific logic

1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
4. Click the Rules tab.
5. Information typed on this tab is stored in the CustomSettings.ini file. Modify
the CustomSettings.ini file entries to add logic for each hardware model that
has a device driverspecific application, as described in Specify the Device
Driver Application as Part of a Task Sequence.
6. Click OK to submit the changes.
7. In the details pane, click deployment_share (where deployment_share is the
name of the deployment share to configure).
8. In the Actions pane, click Update Deployment Share.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

125

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

9. On the Options page, select the desired options for updating the deployment
share, and then click Next.
10. On the Summary page, verify the details are correct, and then click Next.
11. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

By default, all available applications are displayed in the Windows

Deployment Wizard during an LTI deployment. Because device driver
specific applications are applicable only to specific hardware types, you
might not want them displayed all the time. By specifying the device
driverspecific application package in CustomSettings.ini, the application
can be hidden using the Hide the application in the Deployment Wizard
option in the application configuration.
To hide an application in the Deployment Wizard
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Applications (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the details pane, click device_driver_application (where
device_driver_application is the application to be hidden from the Deployment
Wizard).
4. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
5. On the General tab, select the Hide the application in the Deployment
Wizard check box.
6. Click Apply, and then close the Properties dialog box.

Specify the Device Driver Application in the MDT DB

The MDT DB is a database version of the CustomSettings.ini file and can
be queried at deployment time for information to be used during the
deployment. For more information about using the MDT DB, see
"Selecting the Methods for Applying Configuration Settings".
When querying the MDT DB at deployment time, three methods are
available for identifying the target computer:

Search for the individual computer (using the MAC address, asset tag, or
similar).

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Search for the location of the computer (using the default gateway).

Search for the make and model of the computer (using WMI manufacturer or
make and model queries).

For each database entry you create, you can specify deployment
properties, applications, whether to use Configuration Manager packages,
and administrators. By creating make and model entries in the database,
you can add the required hardware-specific device driver applications.
To create entries in the MDT DB to allow installation of device driver
applications
Note Repeat this process for each hardware make and model that requires a device driver
application.

1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2.

In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment

Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Advanced
Configuration/Database/Make and Model (where deployment_share is the
name of the deployment share to configure).

3. In the Actions pane, click New.

4. In the Properties dialog box, on the Identity tab, in the Make box, type
make_name (where make_name is an easily identified name to associate
with the manufacturer of the target computer).
5. In the Model box, type model_name (where model_name is an easily
identified name to associate with the model of the target computer).
6. On the Applications tab, add each of the device driver applications required
for that model of hardware.

Initiating MDT Using Windows

Deployment Services
Windows Server 2008 uses Windows Deployment Services as an updated
and redesigned version of Remote Installation Services, the default
deployment tool in Windows Server 2003 with SP2. Using Windows
Deployment Services, you can deploy Windows operating systems
particularly Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 or later operating
systemsacross a network using either a computers PXE-enabled
network adapter or boot media.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

127

Although this section focuses on the Windows Deployment Services role

in Windows Server 2008 or later server operating systems, all the samples
in this section, with the exception of deployments using multicasting, also
apply to Windows Deployment Services installed on Windows
Server 2003.
Before deploying Windows Deployment Services, determine which of the
following integration options best suits your environment:

Option 1. Boot computers in PXE to initiate the LTI process.

Option 2. Deploy an operating system image from the Windows Deployment

Services image store.

Option 3. Use multicasting with MDT and the Windows Server 2008 Windows
Deployment Services server role.

Option 1: Boot Computers in PXE to Initiate the LTI

Process
Help minimize the cost of managing operating system deployments by
starting the MDT deployment process using Windows Deployment
Services in conjunction with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This
removes the requirement of creating and delivering bootable media to
each target computer.

Create and Import the Deployment Workbench Windows PE

Image into Windows Deployment Services
When creating a new MDT deployment share or modifying an existing
MDT deployment share, you can create a customized Windows PE boot
image. When the deployment share is updated, the Windows PE boot
image is automatically generated and updated with information about the
deployment share, and it will inject any additional drivers or components
specified during the deployment share configuration.
The Windows PE boot image is generated as both an ISO image file,
which you can write to a CD or DVD, and a bootable WIM file. You can
import the WIM file to Windows Deployment Services so that computers
that can boot in PXE can download and run the LTI Windows PE boot
image across a network used to initialize an installation.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

To create a bootable Windows PE image in the Deployment

Workbench
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
4. In the deployment_share Properties dialog box, click the Windows PE
platform Settings tab (where platform is the architecture of the Windows PE
image to be configured).
5. In the Lite Touch Boot Image Settings area, select the Generate a Lite
Touch bootable RAM disk ISO image check box.
6. Click the Windows PE platform Components tab (where platform is the
architecture of the Windows PE image to be configured).
7. In the Driver Injection section, click the appropriate driver types to include.
Note This step is not necessary if Windows PE already includes the necessary device
drivers.

8. In the Driver Injection section, in the Selection profile list, select the
appropriate driver selection profile.
9. In the Properties dialog box, click OK.
Note This step is not necessary if Windows PE already includes the necessary device
drivers.

10. In the details pane, click deployment_share (where deployment_share is the

name of the deployment share to configure).
11. In the Actions pane, click Update Deployment Share.

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

12. On the Options page, select the desired options for updating the deployment
share, and then click Next.
13. On the Summary page, verify the details are correct, and then click Next.
14. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

When this process is complete, the Boot folder in the deployment

share will contain a number of boot imagesfor example:
D:\Production Deployment Share\Boot\LiteTouchPE_x64.iso
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

129

D:\Production Deployment Share\Boot\LiteTouchPE_x64.wim

D:\Production Deployment Share\Boot\LiteTouchPE_x86.iso
D:\Production Deployment Share\Boot\LiteTouchPE_x86.wim
You can write the ISO files that have been generated directly to CD or
DVD or use them to initialize the LTI process on new hardware. You can
import the boot WIM files into Windows Deployment Services, as well, so
that new computers can initialize the LTI deployment process without
requiring any physical media.
To import the Windows PE image into Windows Deployment
Services
1. Start the Windows Deployment Services console, and then connect to
Windows Deployment Services.
2. In the console tree, right-click Boot Images, and then click Add Boot Image.
3. Browse to the WIM image to be importedfor example, D:\Production
Deployment Share\Boot\LiteTouchPE_x86.wim.
4. The import process automatically reads the metadata from the boot image,
but the Image Name and Image Description values can also be edited; the
Image Name affects the boot option information displayed by Windows Boot
Manager when the client boots in PXE.
5. When the boot image has been imported, any computer that boots in PXE
and receives a reply from Windows Deployment Services will be able to
download the LTI boot image and initiate an LTI installation.

Installing and configuring Windows Deployment Services is not covered in

this guide. For additional information about Windows Deployment
Services, see the Windows Deployment Services Guide.

Use Windows Deployment Services to Automatically Detect the

Deployment Server
An additional option is available when using Windows Deployment
Services to host MDT boot images when the MDT deployment share is
hosted on the same server as Windows Deployment Services.
When a PXE client loads the MDT boot image, the name of the Windows
Deployment Services server hosting the boot image is captured and
placed in the MDTProperty WDSServer. You can then reference this
property in the boot images BootStrap.ini file and in the deployment
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

shares CustomSettings.ini file by the DeployRoot property. Doing so

results in a client that boots from Windows Deployment Services
automatically using the deployment share hosted on the Windows
Deployment Services server. This eliminates the need to specify a server
name in any configuration file.
To set the local Windows Deployment Services server as the
deployment server
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Advanced
Configuration/Database (where deployment_share is the name of the
deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
4. Click the Rules tab.

Information typed on this tab is stored in the CustomSettings.ini file.

5. Configure the DeployRoot property to use the %WDSServer% variablefor
example, DeployRoot=\\%WDSServer%\Deployment$.
6. Click Edit Bootstrap.ini.
7. Configure BootStrap.ini to use the %WDSServer% property by adding or
changing the DeployRoot value to DeployRoot=\\%WDSServer
%\Deployment$.
8. On the File menu, click Save to save the changes to the BootStrap.ini file.
9. Click OK.

The deployment share needs to be updated.

10. In the details pane, click deployment_share (where deployment_share is the
name of the deployment share to configure).
11. In the Actions pane, click Update Deployment Share.

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

131

15. Import the updated boot WIM into Windows Deployment Services.

Option 2: Deploy an Operating System Image from

the Windows Deployment Services Store
If you are already using Windows Deployment Services for operating
system deployment, extend the functionality of MDT by configuring it to
reference the Windows Deployment Services operating system images
already in use rather than using its own store and to supplement Windows
Deployment Services deployments with driver management, application
deployment, update installation, rule processing, and other MDT
functionality. After MDT has reference a Windows Deployment Services
operating system image, you can treat it like any operating system that
has been staged to an MDT deployment share.
To reference a Windows Deployment Services operating system
image
Note The following steps require that at least one operating system image has previously been
imported into the Windows Deployment Services server.

1. Update MDT to be able to access Windows Deployment Services images by

copying the following files from the Sources folder of the Windows media to
the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Deployment Toolkit\bin folder on the Windows
Deployment Services server:

Wdsclientapi.dll

Wdscsl.dll

Wdsimage.dll

Wdstptc.dll (this is only applicable if copying from the Windows

Server 2008 or Windows Vista with SP1 source directories)

Note The Windows source directory being used must match the platform of the operating
system running on the computer where MDT is installed.

2. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
3. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Operating Systems
(where deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
4. In the Actions pane, click Import Operating System.

The New OS Wizard starts.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

5. On the OS Type page, click Windows Deployment Services images, and

then click Next.
6. On the WDS Server page, type the name of the Windows Deployment
Services server to be referencedfor example, WDSSvr001and then click
Next.
7. On the Summary page, verify the settings are correct, and then click Next.
8. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

All of the images available on the Windows Deployment Services

server will now be available to MDT task sequences.
Note Importing images from Windows Deployment Services does not copy the source files from
the Windows Deployment Services server to the deployment share. MDT continues to use the
source files from their original location.

Option 3: Use Multicasting with MDT and the

Windows Server 2008 Windows Deployment
Services Role
With the release of Windows Server 2008, Windows Deployment Services
was enhanced to support the deployment of images using multicast
transmissions. MDT also includes updates to integrate MDT with Windows
Deployment Services multicasting.
In addition, an updated Windows Automated Installation Kit
(Windows AIK), version 1.1, includes Wdsmcast.exe. This allows multicast
sessions to be joined manually and allows the client launching
Wdsmcast.exe to copy files from an active multicast session.
The LTIApply.wsf script uses Wdsmcast.exe when it accesses operating
system source files from the deployment share. LTIApply.wsf looks for
Wdsmcast.exe on the deployment share either in the
deployment_share\Tools\x86 or the deployment_share\Tools\x64 folder
(where deployment_share is the name of the file system folder that
contains the deployment share), depending on the version of Windows PE
that is running.
When LTIApply.wsf runs it will always attempt to access and download
WIM images from an existing multicast stream, but it will fall back to a
standard file copy if a multicast stream does not exist.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

133

Note This process applies only to WIM image files and is not used when performing unattended
installations of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

The deployment server prerequisites for preparing for MDT multicasting

are:

The deployment server must be running Windows Server 2008 or later

The Windows Deployment Services role must be installed from the Server
Management console

Windows AIK 1.1 for Windows Server 2008 must be installed

MDT must be installed

As with any deployment using MDT, at least one operating system WIM
image must have been imported, either as a full set of source files or as a
custom image with setup files

Note It is important to use the latest version of Windows AIK for multicasting; the copy of
Windows PE included in earlier versions of Windows AIKfor example, Windows AIK 1.0does
not support downloading from a multicast server.

To configure MDT for multicasting from an existing deployment

share
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share (where
deployment_share is the name of the deployment share to configure).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
4. On the General tab, select the Enable multicast for this deployment share
(requires Windows Server 2008 Windows Deployment Services) check
box.
5. Click OK.
6. In the Actions pane, click Update Deployment Share.

The Update Deployment Share Wizard starts.

7. On the Options page, select the desired options for updating the deployment
share, and then click Next.
8. On the Summary page, verify the details are correct, and then click Next.
9. On the Confirmation page, click Finish.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

The deployment share is now configured for Windows Deployment

Services multicast transmission.
This process creates an Auto-Cast Windows Deployment Services
multicast transmission that directly uses the existing MDT deployment
share. MDT does not create Scheduled-Cast transmissions. Also note that
no additional images are imported into Windows Deployment Services
and that it is not possible to use multicast for boot images, because the
multicast client cannot be loaded until after Windows PE is running.
To verify that the multicast transmission has been generated in
Windows Deployment Services
1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Windows
Deployment Services.
2. In the Windows Deployment Services console tree, right-click Servers, and
then click Add Server.
3. In the Add Servers(s) dialog box, click Local computer, and then click OK.
4. In the Windows Deployment Services console tree, click Servers, then click
server_name (where server_name is the name of the computer running
Windows Deployment Services). Click Multicast Transmissions.
5. In the details pane, a new Auto-Cast transmission for the deployment share
will be listedfor example, BDD Share Deployment$.
6. Verify that the status of the BDD Share Deployment$ Auto-Cast
transmission is set to Active.

After a computer has been deployed, verify that the operating system was
downloaded from a multicast transmission by examining the BDD.log file
in the \Windows\Temp\DeploymentLogs folder.
There will be two entries in the logs folder, both beginning with Multicast
transfer; check them to verify that the transfer was successful. For more
information on multicast transmissions with MDT and Windows
Deployment Services, see the section, "Enable Windows Deployment
Services Multicast Deployment for LTI Deployments", in the MDT
document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

135

Performing Staged Deployments Using

MDT (OEM Preload)
In many organizations, computers are loaded with the operating system
image before deployment to the production network. In some instances,
loading the operating system image is performed by a team within the
organization that is responsible for building the computers in a staging
environment. In other instances, loading the operating system image is
performed by the computer hardware vendor, also known as an original
equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Note The OEM preload process is supported in MDT only for deployments performed using LTI.
For Configuration Manager 2012 and Configuration Manager 2007 R3, use the prestaged media
feature.

Overview of the OEM Preload Process in MDT

The OEM preload process is divided into three phases:

Phase 1. Create a media-based image of the reference computer to be

applied in the staging environment.

Phase 2. Apply the reference computer image to the target computer in a

staging environment.

Phase 3. Complete deployment of the target computer in the production

environment.

Phase 1 and Phase 3 are typically performed by the deployment

organization. Depending on the use of the OEM preload process in the
organization, Phase 2 may be performed by the organization or by the
computer hardware vendor that supplies the computers. If the
organization performs Phase 2, then the staging environment is within the
organization. If an OEM performs Phase 2, then the staging environment
is in the OEMs environment.

Overview of MDT Configuration Files in the OEM Preload

Process
Separate MDT configuration files (CustomSettings.ini and Bootstrap.ini)
are used by the task sequences run during Phase 1 and Phase 3 of the
OEM preload process. However, both configuration files exist
simultaneously in different folder structures.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

In the first phase, the configuration files are used during the creation of
the reference computer and are stored in the folder specific to the task
sequence used in that phase. The configuration files used in the third and
last phase of the OEM preload process are stored in the folder that is
specific to the task sequence used in that phase.
When making modifications to the configuration files, ensure that changes
to the configuration file are made that corresponds to the appropriate task
sequence in each OEM preload process phase.

Overview of MDT Log Files in the OEM Preload Process

Separate MDT log files are generated during Phase 1 and Phase 3 of the
OEM preload process:

The MDT log files for Phase 1 are stored in the C:\MININT and C:\SMSTSLog
folders.

The MDT log files for Phase 3 are stored in the %WINDIR
%\System32\CCM\Logs folder for x86-based deployments or in the
%WINDIR%\SysWow64\CCM\Logs folder for x64-based deployments.

Use the appropriate folder when diagnosing or troubleshooting MDTrelated deployment problems.

Staged Deployments Using LTI

For LTI deployments, perform the OEM preload process using a
Removable media (Media) deployment share type. Other deployment
share types are not supported for the OEM preload process.
To perform the OEM preload process, create a task sequence based on
the Litetouch OEM Task Sequence task sequence template, in addition to
any task sequences that will be used to deploy the target operating
system. Then, create a Removable media (Media) deployment share that
will ultimately create an ISO file of the deployment share contents,
specifically the LiteTouchPE_x86.iso file or LiteTouchPE_x64.iso file
(based on the target computers processor platform). The deployment
share update process also creates a folder structure that can be used to
create Universal Disk Format media.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

137

LTI OEM Preload ProcessPhase 1: Create a Media-Based

Image
The deployment organization performs the first phase in the OEM preload
process. The final deliverable of this phase is a bootable image (such as
an ISO file) or media (such as a DVD) that is sent to the OEM or to the
staging environment within the deployment organization. Most of these
steps are performed in the Deployment Workbench.
To create a media-based image for delivery to the OEM or to the
staging environment within the deployment organization
1. Populate the following nodes for the deployment share in the Deployment
Workbench:

Operating Systems

Applications

Packages

Out-of-Box Drivers

For more information about performing this step, see the section,
"Managing Deployment Shares in the Deployment Workbench", in the
MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
2. Create a new task sequence based on the Litetouch OEM Task Sequence
task sequence template in the Deployment Workbench.

For more information about performing this step, see the section,
"Configuring Task Sequences in the Deployment Workbench", in the
MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
3. Create one or more task sequences that will be used to deploy the target
operating system on the target computer after deployment in the production
environment.

For more information about performing this step, see the section,
"Configuring Task Sequences in the Deployment Workbench", in the
MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
4. Create a selection profile that includes the applications, operating systems,
drivers, packages, and task sequences required for the OEM deployment.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

For more information about performing this step, see the section,
"Manage Selection Profiles", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft
Deployment Toolkit.
5. Create deployment media.

For more information on performing this step, see the section,

"Manage LTI Deployment Media", in the MDT document Using the
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
6. Update the deployment media created in the Deployment Workbench in the
previous step.

When you update the deployment media, the Deployment Workbench

creates the LiteTouchMedia.iso file. For more information about
performing this step, see the section, "Manage LTI Deployment
Media", in the MDT document Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
7. Burn a DVD of the LiteTouchMedia.iso file created in the previous step.
Note If delivering the ISO file to the OEM or to the organizations staging environment, this
step is not necessary.

8. Deliver the ISO file or the DVD to the OEM or to the organizations staging
environment.

LTI OEM Preload ProcessPhase 2: Apply the Image to the

Target Computer
The second phase of the OEM preload process is performed by the OEM
or by the deployment team in the staging environment of the deployment
organization. During this phase of the process, the .iso file or DVD created
in Phase 1 is applied to the target computers. The deliverable of this
phase is the image deployed on the target computers so that they are
ready for deployment in the production environment.
To apply the image to the target computers
1. Start a target computer with the media created in the Phase 1.

Windows PE starts, and then the Windows Deployment Wizard starts.

2. In the Windows Deployment Wizard, click the OEM Preinstallation Task
Sequence for Staging Environment task sequence.

The task sequence will start and the contents of the bootable media
will be copied to the local hard disk of the target computer.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

139

3. When the Windows Deployment Wizard is complete for the OEM

Preinstallation Task Sequence for Staging Environment task sequence,
the hard disk will be ready to initiate the remainder of the deployment process
by running the Windows Deployment Wizard for the other task sequences
that are used to deploy the operating system.

The OEM Preinstallation Task Sequence for Staging Environment

task sequence is responsible for deploying the image to the target
computer and initiating the LTI process. The Windows Deployment
Wizard will start a second time to run the task sequences used to
deploy the operating system on the target computer.
4. Clone the contents of the first hard disk to as many target computers in the
staging environment as required.
5. The target computers are delivered to the production environment for
deployment.

LTI OEM Preload ProcessPhase 3: Complete Target Computer

Deployment
The third and final phase of the OEM preload process is performed in the
deployment organizations production environment. During this phase of
the process, the target computer is started and the bootable media image,
placed on the hard disk in the staging environment during the previous
phase, starts.
To complete deployment of the target computers in the production
environment
1. Start the target computer.

Windows PE starts, and then the Windows Deployment Wizard starts.

2. Complete the Windows Deployment Wizard using the specific configuration
information for each target computer.

For more information about completing this step, see the section,
"Running the Deployment Wizard", in the MDT document Using the
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
When this phase is complete, the target computer will be ready to use in
the production environment.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Configuring Configuration
Manager 2007 R3 Programs to Allow
Package Installation via Task Sequences
Using the CustomSettings.ini file, MDT DB, Configuration
Manager 2007 R3 collection variables, or Configuration Manager 2007 R3
computer variables, you can specify a list of Configuration Manager
packages for installation on the target computer.
Adding the Install Software task sequence step to a Configuration
Manager 2007 R3 task sequence initiates the installation of Configuration
Manager packages. However, as a security precaution, Configuration
Manager 2007 R3 does not default to allow programs to run via task
sequences. The task sequence will fail unless you select the programs
Allow this program to be installed from the Install Software task
sequence without being advertised check box.
The sample script in Listing 22 enumerates each Configuration
Manager 2007 R3 program, checking to see if the first bit
(AUTHORIZED_DYNAMIC_INSTALL, described briefly in the
Configuration Manager 2007 R3 software development kit) of the
ProgramFlags field is enabled. If not, the script enables it. In most cases,
run this script (using credentials with sufficient rights) on any
Configuration Manager 2007 R3 site server on which packages are
configured and need to be available for installation via task sequences.
The script contains basic logic to detect failures that might be caused by
the users not having the required rights to perform the configuration
change or failures where the package being modified isnt owned by the
specified site (for example, the script is running on a lower-level primary
site that received packages/programs from its parent site).
Prior to running this script, customize it to match the Configuration
Manager 2007 R3 environment. For example, set the sSiteCode variable
to the correct Configuration Manager 2007 R3 site code. Also, if running
this script against a remote Configuration Manager site server, set the
sProviderServer variable to specify the correct Configuration Manager
site server name and, optionally, the sUsername and sPassword
variables to specify alternate user credentials for the remote connection.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

141

Note Do not configure sUserName or sPassword variables when running the script while logged
on to the Configuration Manager site server.
Note You can modify the script to enable only specific programs or to exclude specific programs
from being enabled.

This script should be run from a Command Prompt window using the
command line cscript.exe EnableProgramForTS.vbs.
Listing 22. Example script to enable the Allow this program to be
installed from the Install Software task sequence without being
advertised check box for all Configuration Manager 2007 R3
programs
' //*******************************************************
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'
'

// * Script Header *

//
// Solution: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
// File:
EnableProgramsForTS.vbs
//
// Purpose: Enable the "Allow this program to be
//
installed from the Install Software
//
task sequence without being advertised"
//
check box for all ConfigMgr programs.
//
// Usage:
cscript.exe EnableProgramsForTS.vbs
//
// Microsoft Solution Version: 4.2.662
// Microsoft Script Version: 4.2.662
// Customer Build Version:
1.0.0
// Customer Script Version:
1.0.0
//
// Microsoft History:
// 4.2.662 MTN 05/09/2008 Created initial version.
//
// Customer History:
//
// ***** End Header *****
//*********************************************************

'//-------------------------------------------------------'//
'// Set global variables, used by the ZTIProcess
'// function below.
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

'//
'// If ConfigMgr is running on the same server, the
'// sProviderServer value can be left blank and
'// the sUsername and sPassword values must be
'// blank.
'//-------------------------------------------------------Option Explicit
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim

sProviderServer
sSiteCode
sNamespace
sUsername
sPassword

sProviderServer = ""
sSiteCode = "CEN"
sNamespace = "root\sms\site_" & sSiteCode
sUsername = ""
sPassword = ""
'//-------------------------------------------------------'// Main routine
'//-------------------------------------------------------ZTIProcess
Function ZTIProcess
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim
Dim

oLocator
oSMS
sQuery
oPrograms
oProgram
iCount
sErr

' Connect to the SMS provider

Set oLocator = CreateObject("WbemScripting.SWbemLocator")
Set oSMS = oLocator.ConnectServer(sProviderServer, _
sNamespace, _
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

143

sUsername, _
sPassword)
' Build the query
sQuery = "SELECT * FROM SMS_Program"
' Process the query
iCount = 0
Set oPrograms = oSMS.ExecQuery(sQuery)
For Each oProgram in oPrograms
If (oProgram.ProgramFlags And 1) = 0 Then
oProgram.ProgramFlags = oProgram.ProgramFlags Or 1
WScript.Echo "Enabling: " & oProgram.PackageID & _
":" & oProgram.ProgramName
On Error Resume Next
oProgram.Put_
If Err Then
sErr = "ERROR enabling " & oProgram.PackageID & _
":" & oProgram.ProgramName & " " & _
"possibly because of insufficient " & _
"rights or because the package is not " & _
"owned by this site. " & Err.Description
WScript.Echo sErr
Else
iCount = iCount + 1
End If
End If
Next
WScript.Echo "Total programs enabled: " & iCount
End Function

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Using Windows PowerShell to Perform

Common Tasks
The MDT administration tasks in the Deployment Workbench are
performed by underlying Windows PowerShell cmdlets, which you can
use to automate administrative tasks such as those in the following
sections.
You can automate MDT administration by performing the following steps:

Create a new deployment share as described in Creating a New Deployment

Share.

Create a folder in a deployment share as described in Creating a Folder.

Delete a folder from a deployment share as described in Deleting a Folder.

Import a device driver into a deployment share as described in Importing a

Device Driver.

Deleting a device driver from a deployment share as described in Deleting a

Device Driver.

Import an operating system package into a deployment share as described in

Importing an Operating System Package.

Deleting an operating system package from a deployment share as described

in Deleting an Operating System Package.

Import an operating system into a deployment share as described in

Importing an Operating System.

Deleting an operating system from a deployment share as described in

Deleting an Operating System.

Create an application in a deployment share as described in Creating an

Application.

Delete an application from a deployment share as described in Deleting an

Application.

Create a task sequence in a deployment share as described in Creating a

Task Sequence.

Delete a task sequence from a deployment share as described in Deleting a

Task Sequence.

Create an MDT DB as described in Creating an MDT DB.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

145

Create a selection profile as described in Creating a Selection Profile.

Update a deployment share as described in Updating a Deployment Share.

Create a linked deployment share as described in Creating a Linked

Deployment Share.

Update a linked deployment share as described in Updating a Linked

Deployment Share.

Delete a linked deployment share as described in Deleting a Linked

Deployment Share.

Create deployment media as described in Creating Media.

Generate deployment media as described in Generating Media.

Delete deployment media as described in Deleting Media.

Creating a New Deployment Share

The following Windows PowerShell commands create a new deployment
share at D:\Production Deployment Share named Production$. The new
deployment share will be displayed in the Deployment Workbench as
Production.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider "MDTProvider" -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share" -Description "Production" -NetworkPath
"\\Deployment_Server\Production$" -Verbose | add-MDTPersistentDrive
-Verbose

Creating a Folder
The following Windows PowerShell commands create an Adobe folder in
the Deployment Workbench console tree at Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/Production/Applications.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

New-item -path "DS002:\Applications" -enable "True" -Name "Adobe"

-Comments "This folder contains Adobe software" -ItemType "folder"
-Verbose remove-psdrive DS001 -Verbose

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Note Adding "remove-psdrive" to the script ensures that the background process
finishes before proceeding.

Deleting a Folder
The following Windows PowerShell commands delete the Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/Production/Applications/Adobe folder.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Remove-item -path "DS002:\Applications\Adobe" -Verbose

Note The script will fail if the folder is not empty.

Importing a Device Driver

The following Windows PowerShell commands will import the Dell 2407
WFP monitor device driver into the Production deployment share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Import-mdtdriver -path "DS002:\Out-of-Box Drivers\Monitor" -SourcePath

"D:\Drivers\Dell\2407 WFP" -Verbose

Deleting a Device Driver

The following Windows PowerShell command deletes the Dell 2407 WFP
monitor driver from the Production deployment share.
Remove-item -path "DS002:\Out-of-Box Drivers\Dell Inc. Monitor 2407WFP.INF
1.0" -Verbose

Importing an Operating System Package

The following Windows PowerShell commands import all operating
system packages located under D:\Updates\Microsoft\Vista. These
operating system packages will be stored in the Production deployment
share, which is in D:\Production Deployment Share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

147

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Import-mdtpackage -path "DS002:\Packages" -SourcePath

"D:\Updates\Microsoft\Vista" -Verbose

Deleting an Operating System Package

The following Windows PowerShell command deletes the specified
operating system package from the Production deployment share.
Remove-item -path "DS002:\Packages\Package_1_for_KB940105 neutral x86
6.0.1.0 KB940105" -Verbose

Importing an Operating System

The following Windows PowerShell commands import the Windows Vista
operating system located in D:\Operating Systems\Windows Vista x86.
The operating system will be stored in the Production deployment share,
which is in D:\Production Deployment Share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Import-mdtoperatingsystem -path "DS002:\Operating Systems"

-SourcePath "D:\Operating Systems\Windows Vista x86" -DestinationFolder
"Windows Vista x86" -Verbose

Deleting an Operating System

The following Windows PowerShell command deletes the Windows Vista
HOMEBASIC operating system from the Production deployment share.
Remove-item -path "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows Vista HOMEBASIC in
Windows Vista x86 install.wim" -Verbose

Creating an Application
The following Windows PowerShell commands create the Adobe
Reader 9 application using source files from D:\Software\Adobe\Reader 9.
The application will be stored in the Production deployment share, which
is in D:\Production Deployment Share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Import-MDTApplication -path "DS002:\Applications" -enable "True" -Name

"Adobe Reader 9" -ShortName "Reader" -Version "9" -Publisher "Adobe"
-Language "" -CommandLine "setup.exe" -WorkingDirectory
".\Applications\Adobe Reader 9" -ApplicationSourcePath
"D:\Software\Adobe\Reader 9" -DestinationFolder "Adobe Reader 9"
-Source ".\Applications\Adobe Reader 9" -Verbose

Deleting an Application
The following Windows PowerShell command deletes the Adobe
Reader 9 application from the Production deployment share.
Remove-item -path "DS002:\Applications\Adobe Reader 9" -Verbose

Creating a Task Sequence

The following Windows PowerShell commands create the Windows Vista
Production Build task sequence in the Production deployment share,
which is located in D:\Production Deployment Share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Import-mdttasksequence -path "DS002:\Task Sequences" -Name "Windows

Vista Business Production Build" -Template "Client.xml" -Comments
"Approved for use in the production environment. This task sequence uses
the Standard Client task sequence template" -ID "Vista_Ref" -Version "1.0"
-OperatingSystemPath "DS002:\Operating Systems\Windows Vista
BUSINESS in Windows Vista x86 install.wim" -FullName "Fabrikam User"
-OrgName "Fabrikam" -HomePage "http://www.Fabrikam.com"
-AdminPassword "secure_password" -Verbose

Deleting a Task Sequence

The following Windows PowerShell command deletes the Windows Vista
Production Build task sequence from the Production deployment share.
Remove-item -path "DS002:\Task Sequences\Windows Vista Business
Production Build" -force -Verbose

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

149

Creating an MDT DB
The following Windows PowerShell commands create a new MDT DB on
the deployment_server server for the Production deployment share. The
database connection will be via TCP/IP.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

New-MDTDatabase -path "DS002:" -SQLServer "DeploymentServer" -Netlib

"DBMSSOCN" -Database "MDT2010" -SQLShare "DB_Connect" -Force
-Verbose

Creating a Selection Profile

The following Windows PowerShell commands create a new Applications
selection profile.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

New-item -path "DS002:\Selection Profiles" -enable "True" -Name

"Applications" -Comments "" -Definition "<SelectionProfile><Include
path="Applications" /></SelectionProfile>" -ReadOnly "False" -Verbose

Updating a Deployment Share

The following Windows PowerShell commands update the Production
deployment share, which is in D:\Production Deployment Share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Update-MDTDeploymentShare -path "DS002:" -Verbose

Creating a Linked Deployment Share

The following Windows PowerShell commands create a deployment share
that is linked to the Production deployment share and resides under
the \\remote_server_name\Deployment$ share. The Everything selection
profile is used to determine which content is replicated to the linked
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

deployment share. Content from the Production deployment share will be

merged with content that already exists in
the \\remote_server_name\Deployment$ share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

New-item -path "DS002:\Linked Deployment Shares" -enable "True" -Name

"LINKED001" -Comments "" -Root "\\RemoteServerName\Deployment$"
-SelectionProfile "Everything" -Replace "False" -Verbose

Updating a Linked Deployment Share

The following Windows PowerShell commands update the LINKED001
deployment share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Replicate-MDTContent -path "DS002:\Linked Deployment

Shares\LINKED001" -Verbose

Deleting a Linked Deployment Share

The following Windows PowerShell commands delete the LINKED001
deployment share.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

Remove-item -path "DS002:\Linked Deployment Shares\LINKED001"

-Verbose

Creating Media
The following Windows PowerShell commands create a source folder that
contains content used to create bootable media. The Production
deployment share will be used as the source. The Everything selection
profile determines what content is placed in the media content folder. The
LiteTouchMedia.iso file will be created when the media is generated. The
media will support both x86 and x64 platforms.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

151

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

New-item -path "DS002:\Media" -enable "True" -Name "MEDIA001"

-Comments "some comment here" -Root "D:\Media" -SelectionProfile
"Everything" -SupportX86 "True" -SupportX64 "True" -GenerateISO "True"
-ISOName "LiteTouchMedia.iso" -Verbose

New-PSDrive -Name "MEDIA001" -PSProvider "MDTProvider" -Root

"D:\Media\Content" -Description "Embedded media deployment share"
-Force -Verbose

Generating Media
The following Windows PowerShell commands create the
LiteTouchMedia.iso file in D:\Media, which will use content from the
MEDIA001 media source folder.

Add-PSSnapIn Microsoft.BDD.PSSnapIn

New-PSDrive -Name "DS002" -PSProvider MDTProvider -Root

"D:\Production Deployment Share"

Generate-MDTMedia -path "DS002:\Media\MEDIA001" -Verbose

Deleting Media
The following Windows PowerShell command deletes the MEDIA001
media from the Production deployment share.
Remove-item -path "DS002:\Media\MEDIA001" -Verbose

Delaying Domain Join to Avoid

Application of Group Policy Objects
Group Policy is a rich and flexible technology providing the capability to
efficiently manage a large number of Active Directory Domain Services
(AD DS) computer and user objects through a centralized, one-to-many
model. Group Policy settings are contained in a Group Policy object
(GPO) and linked to one or more AD DS service containerssites,
domains, and organizational units (OUs).
Some organizations have Group Policy settings that are restrictive and
could cause problems during operating system deployments. For
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

example, the following Group Policy settings can interrupt an automated

logon process:

Autologon restrictions

Administrator account renaming

Legal banners and captions

Restrictive security policies (for example, the Specialized Security Limited

Functionality [SSLF] policy)

One option to overcome the issues that a GPO might cause during
deployment is to join the computer to the domain as late as possible in the
deployment process. This join can be done using a custom task sequence
step that runs the ZTIDomainJoin.wsf script.
To join the target computer to the domain, the ZTIDomainJoin.wsf script
uses the DomainAdmin, DomainAdminDomain,
DomainAdminPassword, JoinDomain, and MachineObjectOU
properties. You can declare these properties using the Windows
Deployment Wizard, deployment share rules, the MDT DB, and
Configuration Manager 2007 R3 computer and collection rules. The
account used must have the rights required to create and delete computer
objects in the domain.
Typically, the ZTIConfigure.wsf script updates the Unattend.xml or
Unattend.txt file with the values that these properties specify. These
settings are then parsed by the Windows Setup program, and the system
attempts to join to the domain early in the deployment process. Doing so
subjects the target computer to settings specified in domain GPOs and
can possibly cause the deployment process to fail.
To intentionally delay joining the target computer to the domain during the
deployment process, you can remove certain elements from the
Unattend.xml file. The ZTIConfigure.wsf script will skip over writing
properties to the Unattend.xml file if the associated property element is
missing from the file.
Note This sample work-around is only valid when deploying the Windows Vista, Windows 7,
Windows Server 2008, or Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems.

Prepare the unattend.xml file so the target computer does not

attempt to join the domain during Windows Setup
Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

Guide Title

153

The Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) starts.

5. In the Answer File pane, go to 4 specialize/Identification/Credentials.
Right-click Credentials, and then click Delete.
6. Click Yes.
7. Save the answer file, and then exit Windows SIM.
8. Click OK on the task sequence Properties dialog box.

With the Credentials elements missing from the unattend.xml file, the
ZTIConfigure.wsf script is not able to populate the domain join information
in the Unattend.xml file, which will prevent Windows Setup from
attempting to join the domain.
To add a task sequence step that joins the target computer to the
domain
1. Click Start, and then point to All Programs. Point to Microsoft Deployment
Toolkit, and then click Deployment Workbench.
2. In the Deployment Workbench console tree, go to Deployment
Workbench/Deployment Shares/deployment_share/Task
Sequences/task_sequence (where deployment_share is the name of the
deployment share and task_sequence is the name of the task sequence to be
configured).
3. In the Actions pane, click Properties.
4. On the Task Sequence tab, go to and expand the State Restore node.
5. Verify that the Recover From Domain task sequence step is present. If yes,
proceed to step 9.
6. In the task sequence Properties dialog box, click Add, go to Settings, and
click Recover From Domain.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

7. Add the Recover From Domain task sequence step to the task sequence
editor. Verify that the step is in the desired location in the task sequence.
8. Verify that the settings for the Recover From Domain task sequence step
are configured to meet your needs.
9. Click OK on the task sequence Properties dialog box to save the task
sequence.

Solution Accelerators

microsoft.com/technet/SolutionAccelerators

MidTerm MGT782 JULY 2023
No ratings yet
MidTerm MGT782 JULY 2023
6 pages
Nexthink V6.29 GlossaryAndReferences
No ratings yet
Nexthink V6.29 GlossaryAndReferences
273 pages
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide
No ratings yet
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide
128 pages
Using The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
No ratings yet
Using The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
545 pages
Using The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
No ratings yet
Using The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
574 pages
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide
No ratings yet
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Samples Guide
128 pages
Top 10 Best Practices For Windows 10 OSD With ConfigMgr
No ratings yet
Top 10 Best Practices For Windows 10 OSD With ConfigMgr
22 pages
SharePoint 2013 - 2016 - 2019 - How To Replace Expired WorkFlow Manager Certificates - Microsoft Community Hub
No ratings yet
SharePoint 2013 - 2016 - 2019 - How To Replace Expired WorkFlow Manager Certificates - Microsoft Community Hub
13 pages
Remote Desktop Services Deployment Guide
No ratings yet
Remote Desktop Services Deployment Guide
94 pages
How To Sign Up - Admin Help
No ratings yet
How To Sign Up - Admin Help
579 pages
SharePoint 2013 Developer's Installation Guide by Credera
100% (1)
SharePoint 2013 Developer's Installation Guide by Credera
43 pages
SCCM Admin Guide
No ratings yet
SCCM Admin Guide
102 pages
Azure Active Directory Saas Apps
No ratings yet
Azure Active Directory Saas Apps
12,391 pages
MD 100T00A ENU TrainerPrepGuide
No ratings yet
MD 100T00A ENU TrainerPrepGuide
7 pages
System Center Service Manager Implementation Guide
No ratings yet
System Center Service Manager Implementation Guide
62 pages
Managing Microsoft Teams Exam: July 2020
No ratings yet
Managing Microsoft Teams Exam: July 2020
11 pages
Group Policy
No ratings yet
Group Policy
7 pages
20347A Enabling and Managing Office 365
No ratings yet
20347A Enabling and Managing Office 365
89 pages
Creating A Steady State by Using Microsoft Technologies
No ratings yet
Creating A Steady State by Using Microsoft Technologies
26 pages
Windows 10 Migration Guide
No ratings yet
Windows 10 Migration Guide
25 pages
MDT 2010 Setup Step by Step
No ratings yet
MDT 2010 Setup Step by Step
35 pages
Windows ADK
No ratings yet
Windows ADK
1,152 pages
LAB 02 Implementing Identity Services and Group Policy
No ratings yet
LAB 02 Implementing Identity Services and Group Policy
6 pages
Microsoft - Examcollectionpremium.70 416.v2015!10!15.by - Rabz.90q
No ratings yet
Microsoft - Examcollectionpremium.70 416.v2015!10!15.by - Rabz.90q
85 pages
Microsoft System Center Orchestrator 2012 R2 Essentials - Sample Chapter
No ratings yet
Microsoft System Center Orchestrator 2012 R2 Essentials - Sample Chapter
33 pages
Moac 20743a
No ratings yet
Moac 20743a
604 pages
MS100 PDF
No ratings yet
MS100 PDF
19 pages
How To Install SCCM Distribution Point - ConfigMgr DP
No ratings yet
How To Install SCCM Distribution Point - ConfigMgr DP
25 pages
MD 100t00 Enu Powerpoint m10
No ratings yet
MD 100t00 Enu Powerpoint m10
42 pages
Microsoft 365 Education Comparison Chart EN
No ratings yet
Microsoft 365 Education Comparison Chart EN
8 pages
OS Deployment
100% (1)
OS Deployment
328 pages
Microsoft Official Course: Evaluating The Environment For Virtualization
No ratings yet
Microsoft Official Course: Evaluating The Environment For Virtualization
39 pages
Step by Step Guide Installing SCCM 2007
No ratings yet
Step by Step Guide Installing SCCM 2007
164 pages
Application Packaging Guide
100% (3)
Application Packaging Guide
1,138 pages
Explain Three Main Features of Active Directory
No ratings yet
Explain Three Main Features of Active Directory
14 pages
Vmware Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 On Vsphere Best Practices Guide
No ratings yet
Vmware Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 On Vsphere Best Practices Guide
58 pages
Exchange Server 2016 Quick Start Guide v1.0
No ratings yet
Exchange Server 2016 Quick Start Guide v1.0
153 pages
20695C ENU TrainerHandbook
No ratings yet
20695C ENU TrainerHandbook
560 pages
Microsoft Course Catalogue 2019-20
No ratings yet
Microsoft Course Catalogue 2019-20
5 pages
ADFS Step by Step Guide
No ratings yet
ADFS Step by Step Guide
95 pages
Exchange Content Updates
No ratings yet
Exchange Content Updates
2,163 pages
Continuous Deployment Using Microsoft Azure Web Sites PDF
No ratings yet
Continuous Deployment Using Microsoft Azure Web Sites PDF
35 pages
20740a 00
No ratings yet
20740a 00
19 pages
Office 365 FastTrack Deployment Planning Services Consultant Guide
100% (1)
Office 365 FastTrack Deployment Planning Services Consultant Guide
14 pages
Rapid Migrating Guide From Exchange 2010 To Exchange 2016
No ratings yet
Rapid Migrating Guide From Exchange 2010 To Exchange 2016
43 pages
Cloud Edition Install Guide
No ratings yet
Cloud Edition Install Guide
44 pages
6428 Configuring and Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services
No ratings yet
6428 Configuring and Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Terminal Services
280 pages
Toolkit Reference For The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit PDF
No ratings yet
Toolkit Reference For The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit PDF
1,191 pages
Microsoft Power BI Webinar
No ratings yet
Microsoft Power BI Webinar
18 pages
Windows Active Directory Interview Questions
No ratings yet
Windows Active Directory Interview Questions
10 pages
Se Gskit PDF
No ratings yet
Se Gskit PDF
15 pages
01 Implementing Active Directory Domain Services 141119123917 Conversion Gate01 PDF
No ratings yet
01 Implementing Active Directory Domain Services 141119123917 Conversion Gate01 PDF
15 pages
AZURE AD Connect Sync Scheduler
No ratings yet
AZURE AD Connect Sync Scheduler
12 pages
Course 10267A Introduction To Web Development With Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Trainer Handbook
No ratings yet
Course 10267A Introduction To Web Development With Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Trainer Handbook
618 pages
Microsoft Application Virtualization 5.1 Geekboy - Ir
No ratings yet
Microsoft Application Virtualization 5.1 Geekboy - Ir
228 pages
Windows Client
No ratings yet
Windows Client
1,208 pages
VMware Horizon View Essentials
From Everand
VMware Horizon View Essentials
Peter von Oven
No ratings yet
Enterprise Mobile Device Management Complete Self-Assessment Guide
From Everand
Enterprise Mobile Device Management Complete Self-Assessment Guide
Gerardus Blokdyk
No ratings yet
Active Directory Rights Management Services A Clear and Concise Reference
From Everand
Active Directory Rights Management Services A Clear and Concise Reference
Gerardus Blokdyk
No ratings yet
Microsoft Exchange 2013 Cookbook
From Everand
Microsoft Exchange 2013 Cookbook
Michael Van Horenbeeck
No ratings yet
Oracle VM Manager 2.1.2
From Everand
Oracle VM Manager 2.1.2
Tarry Singh
No ratings yet
70 411 R2 Lab05
67% (3)
70 411 R2 Lab05
13 pages
70 411 R2 Lab04
100% (1)
70 411 R2 Lab04
12 pages
Poweredge-1950 Setup Guide3 En-Us
No ratings yet
Poweredge-1950 Setup Guide3 En-Us
2 pages
SLI22 UserGuide DSET
No ratings yet
SLI22 UserGuide DSET
28 pages
SunFire V20z Manual PDF
No ratings yet
SunFire V20z Manual PDF
276 pages
MDN 1605DG
No ratings yet
MDN 1605DG
88 pages
Magnetorheological Uid-Controlled Boring Bar For Chatter Suppression
No ratings yet
Magnetorheological Uid-Controlled Boring Bar For Chatter Suppression
10 pages
Indonesias One Map Policy - A Critical Look at The Social Implica
No ratings yet
Indonesias One Map Policy - A Critical Look at The Social Implica
46 pages
Seismic Lateral Response of Pile in Liquifaying Soil
No ratings yet
Seismic Lateral Response of Pile in Liquifaying Soil
8 pages
Historical Foundation of Ejersa Goro Town (18 - 230611 - 231346
No ratings yet
Historical Foundation of Ejersa Goro Town (18 - 230611 - 231346
47 pages
Medieval Homework
100% (1)
Medieval Homework
5 pages
Toyota Way Kaizen Volume 6
No ratings yet
Toyota Way Kaizen Volume 6
7 pages
Maestro ASi IFM
No ratings yet
Maestro ASi IFM
280 pages
Six Sigma Report Out Template
100% (1)
Six Sigma Report Out Template
55 pages
Assignment Ads410
No ratings yet
Assignment Ads410
6 pages
Final Exam Review Ayearof7 Grade Science
No ratings yet
Final Exam Review Ayearof7 Grade Science
5 pages
Public Library As A Social Interactive Space
No ratings yet
Public Library As A Social Interactive Space
7 pages
Jurusan Akuntansi Fakultas Ekonomika Dan Bisnis Universitas Diponegoro Jl. Prof. Soedharto SH Tembalang, Semarang 50239, Phone: +622476486851
No ratings yet
Jurusan Akuntansi Fakultas Ekonomika Dan Bisnis Universitas Diponegoro Jl. Prof. Soedharto SH Tembalang, Semarang 50239, Phone: +622476486851
13 pages
Android Seminar Presentation
No ratings yet
Android Seminar Presentation
24 pages
CV Atiur Dec. 07
No ratings yet
CV Atiur Dec. 07
13 pages
WISC I Case Reports Verbal
No ratings yet
WISC I Case Reports Verbal
6 pages
Blue Screen of Death Codes For XP
No ratings yet
Blue Screen of Death Codes For XP
4 pages
.archADM - Math 3 - Module 66B
No ratings yet
.archADM - Math 3 - Module 66B
19 pages
1.1.4 Blood Typing Lab and CER
No ratings yet
1.1.4 Blood Typing Lab and CER
3 pages
Andre Krause Crime Threat Analysis Process Dissertation
No ratings yet
Andre Krause Crime Threat Analysis Process Dissertation
146 pages
Jan Marcuz Mendoza Oarga: Career Objectives
No ratings yet
Jan Marcuz Mendoza Oarga: Career Objectives
2 pages
AutoLISP For Absolute Beginners
100% (2)
AutoLISP For Absolute Beginners
62 pages
Testing Strategy With Multiple Performance Measures Evidence From A Balanced Scorecard at Store24
No ratings yet
Testing Strategy With Multiple Performance Measures Evidence From A Balanced Scorecard at Store24
29 pages
Howat - Language Teaching Traditions 1884
No ratings yet
Howat - Language Teaching Traditions 1884
4 pages
Using MATLAB To Compute Heat Transfer in Free Form Extrusion
No ratings yet
Using MATLAB To Compute Heat Transfer in Free Form Extrusion
23 pages
ANALISIS PENGGUNAAN MAKNA DENOTATIF DAN MAKNA KONOTATIF PADA SYAIR IMAM SYAFI - Edir (UAS) - 1
No ratings yet
ANALISIS PENGGUNAAN MAKNA DENOTATIF DAN MAKNA KONOTATIF PADA SYAIR IMAM SYAFI - Edir (UAS) - 1
14 pages
Test 1 - MS Thao 0905917335
No ratings yet
Test 1 - MS Thao 0905917335
6 pages
How Does Writing Restructure Thought Roy Harris
No ratings yet
How Does Writing Restructure Thought Roy Harris
8 pages
2015 Civil 3D Learning Guide Week 3
No ratings yet
2015 Civil 3D Learning Guide Week 3
4 pages
Kertas 1 F4
No ratings yet
Kertas 1 F4
22 pages