Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Team Blog : General Information

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 Update 1 is now Available

msdeployment — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 02:21:00 GMT

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

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 Source Code Released

msdeployment — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:05:00 GMT

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

How to Receive Support for Microsoft Deployment

msdeployment — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Announcing the Release of Deployment 4 Beta

msdeployment — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:52:00 GMT

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

Welcome to the Microsoft Deployment Team Blog

msdeployment — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:10:00 GMT

Welcome to our new blog! In case you are wondering who the Microsoft Deployment Team is we are also known as the Business Desktop Deployment Team (BDD) or Windows Server Deployment (WSD) team. We plan on using this blog as a place to easily update FAQ and troubleshooting items relating to BDD and BDD.Next which for right now is named "Deployment 4." We also wanted to provide a more consolidated view to the many other great sources of information out there such as Ben Hunter's blog, Michael Niehaus ' blog, Richard Smith's blog, DeployVista.com, and the myITforum BDD/OSD wiki so you will often see us linking to these other great blog posts and articles as we find them.

Thanks for joining us and we look forward to serving you better through this blog!

-Tim