Extending OSD progress UI Info in SCCM

While running a task sequence, info on what is happening is shown in the progress UI, well the name of the Task Sequence, and the step that is running anyway!! But what if we could extend that info to let us know other things as well! Turns out that is as easy as typing a little extra text in the Task Sequence editor. Example 1: Let say you are administrating a large environment, doing several OSD tests against a number of MPs, and DPs. Now wouldn’t it be nice if we could actually see where data is picked up, right [...]

Global conditions in ConfigMgr 2012

One of the very need features in the new Application model is Global conditions. A Global condition is a requirement rule that is evaluated in real time by the client. The client will only start downloading the application if the global condition is true. ConfigMgr. 2012 ships with several global conditions like memory, operating system, primary user etc. Those conditions are pretty useful and can be used right out of the box. Besides the canned conditions, creating custom conditions can be very powerful and all you need is a few steps to get your started. In this post, I’ll explain [...]

By |2012-02-26T13:24:29+01:00februar 26th, 2012|Configuration Manager (SCCM)|7 Comments

Creating the Reporting User role in ConfigMgr. 2012

Role based Security in ConfigMgr. 2012 is much different from ConfigMgr. 2007. The new version ships with predefined security roles like Administrator, Infrastructure Administrator etc. One role is missing though - the Reporting User role. Create the Reporting User role Open the ConfigMgr. Console, navigate to the Administration workspace and select Security, Security Roles Select the Read-Only Analyst role and click Copy on the ribbon. This role comes very close to our reporting only role. Name the Role Reporting User. Go thru all the security settings and remove all settings except Run Report. Click OK and save the custom role. [...]

By |2012-02-24T00:11:38+01:00februar 24th, 2012|Configuration Manager (SCCM), Security|13 Comments

Changing the regional related (small) stuff! Dot vs. Comma

During OS deployment you normally set the regional settings to match the nationality of the user who are to receive the computer! This can be anything from the OS UI and keyboard,  to Date and time formats, and is normally done using sysprep values like SystemLocale, UserLocale, UIlanguage etc. One problem though, is the UserLocale value, which sets all the Date and time formats. These settings are all pre defined in the system based on the regional setting, which means all machines running English UserLocale will get the settings defined for en-US by Microsoft. But every now and then, you [...]

By |2012-02-23T15:48:12+01:00februar 23rd, 2012|General info, OS Deployment|3 Comments

Coretech shutdown utility 0.81

Updated version of the shutdown utility is ready for download. Thanks to Tom for reporting a bug in the previous version. Bug Fixes: Fixed Memory Leak, which let the program consume up to 160MB. Fixed /eb switch generating a file instead, changed argument syntax to /ebM:xxx and /ebL:xxx   ShutdownTool.exe [/t] [/d] [/m] [/r | /l] [/f] [/c] [/eb] [/es] [/er] No args                 Shutdown procedure with default settings. /?                             Display help. /t:xxx                     Sets countdown time to xxx seconds. (Default 60) /m:xxx                  Sets max allowed extension to xxx minutes. (Default 1440) /d:"xxx"               Sets description to xxx.                                  This can also be [...]

By |2012-02-19T18:31:20+01:00februar 19th, 2012|Configuration Manager (SCCM), General info, Tools|14 Comments

Updated version of the Coretech Shutdown Utility v. 0.8

A new and updated version of our popular shutdown utility is available for download. Read this post for a detailed description of the utility. Changelog: Additions: Added Exit Error Codes. Added Minimize Button. Added Notification Form when Minimized. Added the support for an external description text file. Added the argument support for LastBootTime more or less. Added the argument support for RegistryKey equals or not equals. Added the support for using Capital Letters as argument type. Changes: Changed Main form as well as the Notification form to be Desktop Modal. Changed the design to "Splash Form" style, with background and [...]

By |2012-02-16T16:13:31+01:00februar 16th, 2012|Configuration Manager (SCCM), Tools|3 Comments