We are pleased to announce the release of our first update to Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008  (MDT 2008).  We have added two major features:  OEM preload scenarios for Lite Touch Installation and Zero Touch Installation with System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and a new management pack for System Center Operations Manager 2007 SP1.  Minor updates include bug fixes and design changes to override driver platforms as well as the ability to inject all drivers into Windows PE. 

Get MDT 2008 Update 1 and the new Quick Start Guides from the Download Center. All of the latest documentation can be found within  updated and  searchable help files.  However, if you would like a full collection of the Word documents, download it here.

Add these great deployment blogs to your list of resources: these experts are always sharing their latest knowledge around deployment.  MS Deployment, Deployment Guys, Michael Niehaus

We recently had the honor of sitting down with Technet Radio and recording a series of FAQ's about MDT 2008 and a brief discussion on the next version of MDT.

You can download the podcast directly from here:

WMA

MP3 High Bandwidth

MP3 Low Bandwidth

Enjoy!

Deploy Windows 7 and Office 2010 quickly and reliably—while boosting user satisfaction.

If you’re making the move to Windows 7 and Office 2010, you need tools and guidance to help deploy Windows and Office quickly—and do it right the first time.  Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Update 1 Beta includes new features like Office 2010 support, the ability for users to initiate and customize their own deployments using Configuration Manager, key enhancements in driver support, and much more.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Update 1 Beta – Benefits

The MDT 2010 Update 1 Beta provides organizations with the following benefits:

·         Save time and money deploying Office 2010: Customers can now use MDT 2010’s comprehensive tools and guidance to efficiently manage large-scale deployments of Microsoft Office 2010.

·         Respond more effectively to user needs: MDT 2010 Update 1 includes a “User-Driven Installation” (UDI) deployment method that leverages Configuration Manager. An easy-to-use UDI Wizard allows users to initiate and customize an OS deployment on their PC that’s tailored to their individual needs.

·         More reliable driver installation: MDT 2010 Update 1 boosts the reliability of the driver installation process by detecting each driver’s true supported platforms.

These features, combined with many bug fixes and other improvements, make MDT 2010 Update 1 more reliable and flexible than ever.

Next Steps

·         Join the MDT Update 1 Beta. (Live ID required.)

·         Learn more about MDT 2010 by visiting the MDT site on TechNet.

·         Ask questions, post answers, and share your insights in the MDT Forum.

Reliable and Flexible OS Deployment—now with support for System Center Configuration Manager 2012

The Solution Accelerators team is pleased to announce Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012 Beta 2 is available for download on Connect now.

• New Connect members join the MDT 2012 Beta 2 program now. (Windows Live ID required)
• Existing Connect members bookmark this link to get the latest project details.

New features and enhancements make large-scale desktop and server deployments smoother than ever! For System Center Configuration Manager customers, MDT 2012 Beta 2 provides an improved, extensible wizard and designer for customizing deployment questions. MDT 2012 makes full use of the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment. MDT 2012 integrates with configuration templates from the Security Compliance Manager (SCM) tool to ensure a secure Windows installation from the beginning of the deployment. Download the latest version of MDT and improve your deployment experience. Existing MDT users will find more reliability and flexibility with the many small enhancements and bug fixes and a smooth and simple upgrade process.

The latest version of MDT offers new User-Driven Installation components and extensibility for Configuration Manager 2007 and Configuration Manager 2012. MDT 2012 offers integration with the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT) for Lite Touch Installation remote control and diagnostics. Beta users now also have the ability to migrate MDT 2012 task sequences from Configuration Manager 2007 to Configuration Manager 2012. MDT 2012 offers improved support for Configuration Manager 2012 while still supporting Configuration Manager 2007. New monitoring capabilities for currently running deployments ease Lite Touch Installation through an improved deployment wizard user experience, and enhanced partitioning support ensures that deployments work regardless of the current structure.

Key Benefits:

• Full use of the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment.
• Improved Lite Touch user experience and functionality.
• A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users.

New Features:

For System Center Configuration Manager customers:

• Support for Configuration Manager 2012 (while still supporting Configuration Manager 2007)
• New User-Driven Installation components for Configuration Manager 2007 and Configuration Manager 2012
• Extensible wizard and designer, additional integration with Configuration Manager to deliver a more customized OS experience, support for more imaging scenarios, and an enhanced end-user deployment experience
• Ability to migrate MDT 2012 task sequences from Configuration Manager 2007 to Configuration Manager 2012

For Lite Touch Installation:

• Integration with the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT) for remote control and diagnostics
• New monitoring capabilities to see the progress of currently running deployments
• Support for deploying Windows to computers using UEFI
• Ability to deploy Windows 7 so that the computer will start from a new VHD file, “Deploy to VHD”
• Improved deployment wizard user experience

For all customers:

• Integration with configuration templates from the Security Compliance Manager Solution Accelerator, ensuring Windows is secure from the start
• A simple mechanism for running Windows PowerShell scripts during a deployment, with task sequence environment and logging integration
• Better partitioning support, creating the recommended partitioning structures on new computers and ensuring deployments work regardless of the current structure
• A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users
• Many small enhancements and bug fixes

Join the MDT 2012 Beta 2.

Tell us what you think! Test drive our beta release and send us your constructive feedback. We value your input; this is the perfect opportunity to be heard. The MDT 2012 Beta 2 will be available for beta download through January 2012.  

Tell your peers and customers about Solution Accelerators! Please forward this to anyone who wants to learn more about OS deployment with MDT, and Microsoft Solution Accelerators.

Already using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit? We’d like to hear about your experiences. Please send comments and suggestions to satfdbk@microsoft.com.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Team Blog

Deployment TechCenter

Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Archive

Microsoft System Center

Microsoft Solution Accelerators

A bug has been discovered in Microsoft Deployment where the Application List is not populating correctly if the Applications are pre-defined in the customsettings.ini or in the admin database. 

To work around this bug a small change is needed in the wizard.hta.  Line 731 in the script currently reads like this:

ElseIf oEnvironment.Item(strName & "1") <> "" then

However to fix it, modify it to read like the following:

ElseIf oEnvironment.Item(strName & "001") <> ""  then

Thanks to all of you who have brought this to our attention!

Yesterday we released Microsoft Deployment RC1 on the Microsoft Connect Site (http://connect.microsoft.com/).  Many of you have already started testing and providing feedback (thank you!).  There are two issues that have been uncovered this morning with the RC1 release.  An error will occur when running Configure ConfigMgr Integraion or Configure WDS PXE Filter.  The error occurs because two files were not properly signed in the release.  We will be releasing an updated build and updated files within the next 24 hours.

 If you would like to work around the issue.  You can follow the following steps:

1. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt, and then select  Run as administrator
2. You may see the screen grey and a 'User Account Control' dialog box appear. If this happens, click Continue so that the command prompt starts.

Obtain a copy of sn.exe. Sn.exe installed with Visual Studio 2005, and the .NET Framework 2.0 SDK, and therefore it may already be on the computer. If it is not on the computer, then download .NET Framework 2.0 SDK to obtain it. The x86 version of the Software development kit can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=FE6F2099-B7B4-4F47-A244-C96D69C35DEC. The x64 version of the SDK can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=1AEF6FCE-6E06-4B66-AFE4-9AAD3C835D3D<

A new update for the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is currently under development.  This new version will provide new capabilities such as:

• Support for System Center Configuration Manager R3’s OEM pre-staged media feature.
• Support for Microsoft Office 2010.
• A new “User-Driven Installation” (UDI) deployment method (formerly known as ‘Modena’) for System Center Configuration Manager, enabling end users to initiate an OS deployment through an easy-to-use wizard.
• Improvements to the Deployment Workbench driver import process, detecting each driver’s true supported platforms.
• Many bug fixes and other small improvements.

Want to know more about these new capabilities?  You can find out more at next week’s MMS 2010 conference sessions:

BG01:  MDT 2010 Update 1 + ConfigMgr 2007 OSD:  Even More “Better Together”
Thursday, April 22 – 2:30 PM-3:45 PM
Veronese 2501A

OE01: Ask the Experts: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010
Tuesday, April 20 – 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Marco Polo 702

Want to be notified when the beta version of MDT 2010 Update 1 is available?  Sign up today at the Connect website using the following instructions and you’ll receive an e-mail as soon as it is available:

1. Access http://connect.microsoft.com.

2. Sign on using any valid Live ID.

3. From the Connection Directory, find the “Solution Accelerators” connection.

4. Apply for the “Microsoft Deployment Toolkit” program.  Approval is automatic.

Register here!

Join consultants from Microsoft’s Consulting Services for the 6th session in the MCS Talks Infrastructure Architecture series.  In this session we’ll discuss our approach to deploying a new desktop to an enterprise environment. We’ll discuss desktop deployment strategies and technologies including the importance of understanding your existing infrastructure and some of the options for auditing your current environment. We’ll also cover some important considerations for preparing your infrastructure for a desktop deployment, what technologies are available and how to best to implement them to support an enterprise deployment. Finally we’ll wrap up the session by having a brief look at the multitude of virtualization technologies and how they can be used to simplify and accelerate a deployment project.

In addition to the breakout sessions mentioned previously, there are some interactive sessions involving MDT 2010 that might interest TechEd attendees:

WCL03-INT | Windows 7 Deployments: What's in the Toolbox? (Weapons of Mass Deployment)
Monday, June 7  |  2:45 PM - 4:00 PM  |  Rm 352
Speakers: Jeremy Chapman, Michael Niehaus, Steve Campbell

WCL01-INT | How to Launch and Prepare Information Workers for Windows 7
Tuesday, June 8  |  3:15 PM - 4:30 PM  |  Rm 352
Speakers: Anthony Smith, Steve Campbell

WCL07-INT | Meet the Deployment Guys
Wednesday, June 9  |  9:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Rm 353
Speakers: Jeremy Chapman, Michael Niehaus, Steve Campbell

These interactive sessions are smaller and more intimate, allowing you to bring your own questions and drive the discussion however you see fit.  The first session is designed to explore all the various Windows 7 deployment tools that are available, the second will focus on preparing users for the new Windows 7 features, while the last session should be open to any Windows and Office deployment topic.

In addition to these interactive sessions and the previous list of breakout sessions, also check out this session:

WCL205 | Windows 7 Deployment Tips from Early Adopters
Tuesday, June 8  |  1:30 PM - 2:45 PM  |  Auditorium A
Speakers: Baldwin Ng, Bruce Jones, Eric Craig, Jeremy Chapman, Juan Gaviria, Stephen Rose

That session will focus on the experiences of customers that are already deploying Windows 7 in their enterprises.

Because application compatibility is always a big concern for enterprises, you may also want to attend these:

WCL204 | What Everyone Should Know about Application Compatibility
Monday, June 7  |  2:45 PM - 4:00 PM  |  Auditorium C
Speakers: Aaron Margosis, Chris Jackson

WCL319 | What You Need to Know about Migrating from Internet Explorer 6 to Internet Explorer 8
Tuesday, June 8  |  3:15 PM - 4:30 PM  |  Rm 387
Speakers: Chris Jackson, Matt Heller

WCL401 | Inside the Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.6: Finding, Testing, and Fixing Applications on Windows 7
Wednesday, June 9  |  9:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Rm 287
Speaker: Chris Jackson

WCL301 | Case of the App Compat Bug
Wednesday, June 9  |  11:45 AM - 1:00 PM  |  Rm 295
Speaker: Aaron Margosis

See you in New Orleans.

If you are looking for a quick overview of how to set up the Microsoft Deployment environment, the Quick Start Guide is now available for download directly.  Based on feedback from the community, this guide offeres the walkthrough step by step instructions on how to set up Microsoft Deployment in a Lite Touch environment.

 The document can be downloaded directly from here

For those of you who have already joined the Microsoft Deployment connection and tested the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Update 1 beta release, thank you so much for your participation. 

Please take a moment to share your thoughts and suggestions on your experiences with the features in the software and how to improve them. Download the MDT 2010 Update 1 Beta, and then complete this brief survey before June 22, 2010. You will be automatically entered into the MDT Beta Feedback Survey Sweepstakes and have a chance to win one of four Amazon Gift Cards, each valued at $25 USD. We will also randomly select one winner to receive a $200 USD Amazon Gift Card.

To participate in the MDT 2010 Update 1 Beta survey, please click the following URL:

https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/Survey/Survey.aspx?SurveyID=11098

For those of you who have not yet joined the Microsoft Deployment connection, there is still time to join, download the beta, provide your feedback, and complete the survey.  See the details at http://blogs.technet.com/b/msdeployment/archive/2010/05/11/microsoft-deployment-toolkit-2010-update-1-now-in-beta-release.aspx.

Thanks,

Solution Accelerators Team

Sponsor
This survey is sponsored by the Microsoft Solution Accelerators Team. You can contact us at satfdbk@microsoft.com.

* For complete sweepstakes rules, please see https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/content/content.aspx?ContentID=17485

We have received a number of emails and questions on how to receive support from Premier Support for Microsoft Deployment.  There have been several of you who have been routed to the incorrect support person while trying to receive support for Microsoft Deployment.  We apologize for your frustration and inconvenience.

To get routed to the correct support person, follow these instructions.  Please note that support for Microsoft Deployment is done on via callback with response times generally ranging between 1 and 4 hours depending on the severity of your issue and the other issues in the queue.

To receive support:

a) Call the support number (1-800-936-3500)  http://www.microsoft.com/services/microsoftservices/srv_premier.mspx) or

b) Submit a web incident http://support.microsoft.com/select/default.aspx?target=assistance&c1=508&

c) Clearly state that you have a BDD/MDT issue. (If you talk about deployment they will be routed to a different queue. ). 

Thank you and please let us know if you have any problems receiving support in the future.

That is a really long title to a recent KB article that has been posted about an issue with MDT 2008.  You can get the full details here: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=952573

Note the Applies To section should state Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008.

We've received several questions over the past few days regarding the Help, About Microsoft Deployment Workbench showing 4.1 even after the upgrade to MDT 2008 Update 1:

The reason why the Help, About Microsoft Deployment Workbench shows Version 4.1 is due to caching that can occur with certain DLL's.  In this case the value of the previous installation of that screen can be found here:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache\@C:\Program Files\Microsoft Deployment Toolkit\Bin\Microsoft.BDD.WorkbenchResources.dll,-105

If you previously had MDT 2008 installed the value was cached in this location and unfortunately does not update properly after the installation of MDT 2008 Update 1.

So how do you determine if you have the correct version installed?  The correct version of MDT 2008 Update 1 is 4.2.523.40.  This can be found by going into Add/Remove Programs.  You should see an entry like the following:

If the About window really bothers you, you can delete the registry entry mentioned above and it will then update with the correct version number. :)

Source Code for Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 has been released

We have released Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 (build number 4.1.523.0) source code for customers and partners who want to make modifications, enhancements, or bug fixes to MDT’s components. Source Code is current as of the March 2008 release of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Source code for MDT 2008 can be downloaded from Microsoft download center: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=117775

Deployment 4 is the code name for the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007 and unifies the tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment into a common deployment console and collection of guidance. For the thousands of IT professionals already trained on BDD 2007, Deployment 4 requires minimal extra training to perform large-scale Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 deployments, while offering a further enhanced desktop deployment experience. Deployment 4 adds integration with recently released Microsoft deployment technologies to create a single path for image creation and deployment, including:

System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Operating System Deployment Windows Automated Installation Kit Windows Deployment Services with new multicast technology Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.0 User State Migration Tool 3.0.1 Windows Server 2008 Server Manager for automated server role definition (coming soon) Enhanced Beta Program on Microsoft Connect

This Beta release also offers an enhanced Microsoft Connect portal including technical frequently asked questions, deployment tips and tricks, a recommended 10-step program for new users to quickly get acquainted with deployment accelerators, customer-ready Solution Accelerator informational materials, and deployment-related conference presentations.

Accelerator Description

Deployment 4 Beta 3 combines the guidance and toolset from previous releases of Business Desktop Deployment and Beta releases of Windows Server Deployment. This release continues to support Zero Touch Installation (ZTI) of desktop operating systems using Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 with the Operating System Deployment Feature Pack and adds new deployment and task sequencing capabilities for desktops and servers using System Center Configuration Manager 2007. Deployment 4 also continues to provide Lite Touch Installation (LTI) support without infrastructure requirements and adds capabilities for Windows Server 2003 and pre-release versions of Windows Server 2008.

New features in Deployment 4 Beta 3

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 support, with the following features:

Full support for Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 deployments with Deployment 4 and Configuration Manager 2007.

Complete integration into the Configuration Manager 2007 admin console and task sequencing capabilities.

Quick start Configuration Manager 2007 operating system deployments using one wizard to create needed task sequences and packages.

Extends the Configuration Manager 2007 task sequencing capabilities with new actions.

Feature parity with BDD 2007 and SMS 2003, including dynamic package installation, automatic determination of state store location, computer backup, database settings.

Lite Touch Installation (LTI) support for Windows Server 2008:

Support for deploying Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 and potentially RC0 (to be verified after RC0 release), including support for Server Core installation options. (Windows Server 2008 TAP customers only.) Lite Touch Installation (LTI) enhancements:

Enhanced disk and network interface cards (NICs) configuration options, including support for static TCP/IP configuration.

Design changes to ease the migration from LTI to Configuration Manager 2007.

Support for multiple task sequence templates. New sample templates include:

Client template: Windows Vista, Windows XP Server template: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 Replace scenario template Ability to invoke web service calls Support for web service calls from rules

Web services can be invoked as part of the rules processing performed by Deployment 4, using new rules that can be defined in CustomSettings.ini.

Support for side-by-side installation with Deployment 4 and BDD 2007 installed on the same machine.

Lite Touch Installation (LTI) multicast support:

Deployment Workbench supports multicast transmission of operating system images when performing LTI deployments from Windows Server 2008 servers that are running Windows Deployment Services.

Where to Find Deployment 4 Beta 3

Deployment 4 Beta 3 is part of the Windows Server 2008 Beta and TAP Programs. It is also available as an open beta download.

To join Deployment 4 beta 3 program, follow these steps:

Visit the Microsoft Connect Web site (http://connect.microsoft.com).

Click Invitations on the Connect menu.

You will need to sign in using a valid Windows Live ID before you can continue to the Invitations page.

Enter your Invitation ID in the box. Your invitation ID is: BDDP-QMYH-VWTH Click Go.

If you have not previously registered with Microsoft Connect, you might be required to register before you continue with the invitation process.

To download Deployment 4, click Download Now.

(If this link does not work for you, copy the full link and paste it into the Web browser address bar.)

Thanks for your participation.

Deployment 4 Team

Microsoft

Due to changes in System Center Configuration Manager 2012 RC2, we do not support using MDT 2012 Beta 2 with the RC2 release.  A subsequent MDT 2012 RC1 release will be made available later this quarter that will fully support System Center Configuration Manager 2012 RC2.

If you have been using MDT 2012 Beta 2 and haven’t yet provided your feedback, there is still a short amount of time to get that feedback to us.  Log into http://connect.microsoft.com today!

In addition to all the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit-related sessions being conducted by the MDT team listed in a previous posting, there are several additional ones that you will want to check out during the week:

BF33 WDS Internals - Mastering the Windows Deployment Service
Monday, April 19 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, Titian 2301A 
Speaker: Johan Arwidmark

Johan will show how to use, configure, and troubleshoot Windows Deployment Services.  He will also show how MDT 2010 uses WDS.

BC06 Deploying Windows 7 with MDT 2010: A Demo Extravaganza
Monday, April 19 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM, Veronese 2501A 
Speaker: Richard Smith

Richard will guide you through the whole Windows deployment lifecycle, using MDT for image creation and image deployment – nine hours of demos squeezed into one 75 minute session.

IF06 Deploying Windows Server 2008 R2 with MDT 2010
Tuesday, April 20 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, Ballroom A 
Thursday, April 22 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, Ballroom A 
Speaker: Joey Snow

In this instructor-led lab, Joey Snow will walk you through the process of deploying Windows Server 2008 R2 using MDT 2010.

BE21 Notes from the Field: MDT 2010 Deployment Scenarios
Thursday, April 22 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, Titian 2301A 
Speakers: Doug Klokow, Joseph Paradi

Doug and Joseph will show how MDT is being used and customized in real-world Windows 7 deployment projects.

BC33 Building the perfect Master Image using MDT 2010
Friday, April 23 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM, Bellini 2101A 
Speaker: Johan Arwidmark

Johan will provide tips and tricks to help you create the perfect master image of Windows 7.

BE32 Branch Office hydration using MDT 2010
Friday, April 23 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, Titian 2303 
Speaker: Mikael Nystrom

Mikael will show how to use MDT 2010 to “hydrate” a set of branch office virtual machines using MDT 2010.

The Microsoft Management Summit 2010 conference kicks off Monday, April 19th in Las Vegas, and the MDT team will be well represented with team members attending and presenting throughout the week.  Be sure to check out these break-out sessions, instructor-led labs, and birds-of-a-feather sessions:

IE01 Getting Started with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 (ILL)
Monday, April 19 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, Ballroom A 
Tuesday, April 20 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM, Ballroom A 
Speaker: Mary Anne Blake, Senior Program Manager

A great lab for those just getting started with MDT 2010, walking through many of the common scenarios that IT administrators need to perform.

IE02 Advanced Deployment Scenarios Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010
Monday, April 19 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, Ballroom A
Wednesday, April 21 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM, Ballroom A 
Speaker(s): Rajat Kumar, Senior Program Manager

An in-depth lab for those that know MDT 2010 and want to take it further by leveraging databases, web services, and customized wizards.

OE01 Ask the Experts: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010
Tuesday, April 20 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Marco Polo 702
Moderator: Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

This is your chance to ask questions to the team that is working on MDT 2010 Update 1 and its new features.  Come early to ensure you get a seat.

BC32 A Drivers Saga - The Control Freak meets The Dynamic Developer
Wednesday, April 21 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, Veronese 2405 
Speakers: Johan Arwidmark, Consultant; Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

This is the first time Johan (the “Control Freak”) and Michael (the “Dynamic Developer”) have presented together, speaking about techniques for managing drivers for OS deployment.

BC07 Troubleshooting Windows 7 Deployments
Thursday, April 22 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM, Bellini 2101A 
Speakers: Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

Examine some of the common problems encountered when deploying Windows 7, and learn how to troubleshoot these using all the available logs and tools.

BG01 MDT 2010 Update 1 + ConfigMgr 2007 OSD: Even More "Better Together"
Thursday, April 22 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, Veronese 2501A 
Speakers: Chris Adams, Senior Program Manager Lead; Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

Learn about the new features in MDT 2010 Update 1, including an in-depth overview of the new “User-Driven Installation” deployment scenario for ConfigMgr 2007.

BE04 Enabling Dynamic Windows 7 Deployments with Configuration Manager 2007 and MDT 2010
Thursday, April 22 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM, Veronese 2501A 
Speaker: Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

Explore how ConfigMgr 2007 and MDT 2010 work together to enhance the Windows 7 deployment process, providing more capabilities without more images or task sequences.

Q. What log files can be evaluated to troubleshoot deployment issues with Windows Vista?

A. The primary log files for Windows Vista setup are detailed in this Knowledge Base article and are:

setupact.log - Contains information about setup actions during the installation.

setuperr.log - Contains information about setup errors during the installation.

Q. Are there BDD specific log files and where are they located?

A. BDD scripts automatically create log files. Each script creates a log file that matches the name of the script, for example ZTIGather.wsf creates a log file named ZTIGather.log. Each script also updates a common log file (BDD.log) that aggregates the contents of logs created by the BDD scripts. BDD logs are located in the C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS folder during the deployment process. They are then moved at the completion of a deployment, their destination is dependent on the deployment type:

Lite Touch - C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\BDDLogs unless the /debug:true option has been specified.

Zero Touch - C:\TEMP\SMSOSD or C:\SMSOSD unless the C:\MININT\Archive_OSD.SMS file is found.

Q. Are there any additional details on troubleshooting using the BDD logs?

A. Ben Hunter has posted an excellent article about BDD logs here:

http://blogs.technet.com/benhunter/archive/2007/06/16/bdd-2007-understanding-bdd-logs.aspx

For those attending TechEd North America from June 6th (for pre-conference session) through the 10th, there will be a variety of sessions that feature the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit:

WCL317 | Troubleshooting Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Lite Touch
Wednesday, June 9  |  8:00 AM - 9:15 AM  |  Rm 276
Speaker: Johan Arwidmark

WCL311 | Migrate Your Windows XP Machines to Windows 7 Using Free Microsoft Deployment Tools
Wednesday, June 9  |  1:30 PM - 2:45 PM  |  Rm 261
Speaker: Rhonda Layfield

WCL403 | Unleash the Power of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010
Wednesday, June 9  |  3:15 PM - 4:30 PM  |  Rm 356
Speaker: Michael Niehaus

MGT316 | Windows 7 Deployment en Masse
Thursday, June 10  |  8:00 AM - 9:15 AM  |  Auditorium A
Speakers: Jason Sandys, Johan Arwidmark

WSV332 | Windows Server 2008 R2 Deployment with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
Thursday, June 10  |  9:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Rm 391
Speaker: Mikael Nystrom

If you haven’t yet registered for the conference or for the all-day pre-conferences (including one on Windows 7 deployment, above), there is still time!  Access the registration page at http://northamerica.msteched.com/registration for all the details.

We've added a new FAQ item with information on how to change the "IT Organization" text for SMS 2003 OSD Deployments.  See our FAQ for more information:

http://blogs.technet.com/msdeployment/archive/2008/01/25/microsoft-deployment-technical-faq.aspx

Q. Is there one document that details the basic installation of BDD 2007?

A. Yes, the previously mentioned “Quick Start Guide” document and the “Getting Started Guide” document in the documentation folder under the base BDD 2007 installation folder are the principal documents that outline basic installation considerations.

Q. To what operating systems can I install the BDD 2007.

A. BDD 2007 can be installed on Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions, and Windows Server 2003 SP1 (minimum supported server version)

Q. What are the minimum pre-requisites for BDD 2007 installation?

A. Before using BDD 2007 for the first time, the host machine for the BDD installation should have the following software installed:

· Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1. Download Windows Installer 3.1 from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=889482fc-5f56-4a38-b838-de776fd4138c&DisplayLang=en.

· Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0. The Windows AIK distribution media includes the .NET Framework 2.0 installation file. Alternatively, download the .NET Framework 2.0 from the following addresses:

· x86. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=0856eacb-4362-4b0d-8edd-aab15c5e04f5&DisplayLang=en

· x64. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b44a0000-acf8-4fa1-affb-40e78d788b00&DisplayLang=en

· Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0. Download MMC 3.0 from the following addresses (MMC 3.0 is already native to Windows Vista):

· Windows Server 2003 x86. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=1&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3fFamilyID%3d4c84f80b-908d-4b5d-8aa8-27b962566d9f%26DisplayLang%3den

· Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=3&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3fFamilyID%3db65b9b17-5c6d-427c-90aa-7f814e48373b%26DisplayLang%3den

· Windows XP Professional x86. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=2&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3fFamilyID%3d61fc1c66-06f2-463c-82a2-cf20902ffae0%26DisplayLang%3den

· Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=4&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3fFamilyID%3d1391d79c-9699-487a-bbc5-f5471fae7169%26DisplayLang%3den

· Windows Script Host (WSH) 5.6. Download WSH 5.6 from the following addresses:

· Windows XP and Windows 2000 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c717d943-7e4b-4622-86eb-95a22b832caa&DisplayLang=en.

· Windows Sever 2003 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=887fce82-e3f5-4289-a5e3-6cbb818623aa&DisplayLang=en

Q. Is there certain software that may not be native to a Windows Client operating system that needs to be installed on Destination computers?

A. Yes, the BDD scripts and processes expect the following minimum client software beyond the base OS supported by BDD 2007:

· Windows Internet Explorer® 5.0 or later

· WSH 5.6 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c717d943-7e4b-4622-86eb-95a22b832caa&DisplayLang=en)

· Microsoft Core Extensible Markup Language (MSXML) Services 3.0 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=28494391-052b-42ff-9674-f752bdca9582&DisplayLang=en)

· Before running the Windows Deployment Wizard on destination computers that are running Microsoft Windows 2000, ensure that the file msvcp60.dll is installed. To install this file, download Vcredist.exe from http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;259403; then, extract the file on a computer running Windows XP Professional. (This program will not run in Windows 2000.) Copy the extracted contents to the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32 folder of the computer running Windows 2000.

The development team has isolated issues in the initial Microsoft Deployment RC1 build. Toolkit was throwing errors when Configure ConfigMgr Integration, Configure Management Pack or Configure WDS PXE Filter features were invoked.  The errors occur because two files were not properly signed in the Microsoft Deployment RC1 release.  We have released an updated build which contains these signed files. Please download the latest installers from Connect web site.

If you would like to work around the issue without reinstalling Microsoft Deployment , you can refer to steps given at Microsoft Deployment team blog site.

Thank you for your patience and your diligence in testing Microsoft Deployment. Please make sure to submit bug reports on Connect Feedback site.