Brian S. Tucker

SCCM 2007 & SQL 2008

2008-10-04T16:07:00Z

While I recently stated that using SQL 2008 with SCCM was a 'no-no", I did some testing and came up with some interesting information. I will share this info in greater detail as I redo what I did to verify the steps. However, I built a pure Server 2008 domain (every server is 2008) and added a SCCM box. I installed SQL 2005 WITH SP1 and then ran R2. Since R2 requires Reporting Services and RS being configured, I made the required configurations to RS and everything was running great. Now, WebDAV on 2008 is a whole ball of wax an I will be making a video to walk you through all the configurations as they are not straight forward.

Once I had every thing installed, I added the proper KB hotfix (there are 2. One for RTM and one if you are running SP1) and it installed without issue. I then upgraded to SQL 2008 and it's been running nonstop for 3 days without any issues. I wanted to simply point out that since MSFT had released the hotfixes, I was skeptical about the upgrade, but had to test it to see for myself. If I see any issues with SQL 2008, I will be sure to let you know, but for now, it seems to be fully functional, Even with WSUS 3.0 SP1 on the servers DB and reporting services.

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SCCM 2007 Using SQL 2008

2008-09-28T15:13:00Z

In various places, recently I have been suggesting that you do not use SQL 2008 with SCCM 2007. The reasons that I say this is because a very knowledgeable resource at Microsoft stated that the code for SCCM 2007 was not written to work with SQL 2008. SQL 2008 has been completely redone and (from what I was told in person) is that "don't do it". Now, I have full respect for my friend Cliff Hobbs, but his post to his site suggests the following.

While though I was told that this was unsupported, I wonder if anyone has attempted to see if this will work (outside Microsoft). I think the way to do it is to try it out in a lab if you feel the need to go to SQL 2008. SCCM 2009 is almost ready to be available for TAP and unless you plan on being a TAP program organization, I would suggest sticking with SQL 2005. I was told that SCCM 2009 is designed to run under SQL 2008, so in my opinion, I would stick to what the code was written for. Updates are great and a workaround can be good, but unless you FULLY understand WHY you want to run SQL 2008, then why bother for now? On a side note, any organization running SQL 2005 should be testing SQL 2008. Remember, SQL is not only used by SCCM, but also for WSUS 3.0 SP1 for Software Updates. If you have the WSUS DB on the same SQL server if running 2008, then will WSUS work and what fixes will you need for that.

Simply put, think about what you need and don't jump the gun to a new version of SQL unless you fully understand all the issues that surround it. I don't think Cliff is suggesting you junp the gun either, he is giving updated information as we all do and I simply want to make you think about it before you find yourself in hot water.

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Configuring SCCM R2 SQL Reporting Services Role

2008-09-19T20:00:00Z

Another great new feature of R2 is the addition of SQL Reporting Services. This rich new tool will allow you to have greater speed and flexibility with your reports. Not only can you convert your reports that come with the standard version of SCCM SP1, but you can also make new reports much easier than previous methods. Since Reporting Services also has a IIS website associated to it, users can subscribe to specific reports and have the report emailed to them rather than going to the website. This is a great advantage with Reporting Services. The video demonstrates how to setup Reporting Services in SQL 2005, add the role in the SCCM admin Console, copy the current reports into Reporting Services and takes a look at the new web page. While I do not demonstrate in this video how to make a new report, simply right click the server name and choose “New Report” and you will see how easy it is to create dynamic reports which were much more cumbersome previously. I also strongly suggest you refer to Microsoft’s SCCM Library for SQL Reporting Services in R2. NOTE: Do not ever use SQL 2008 with SCCM 2007. The next version of SCCM is designed to function with SQL 2008.

Click the image below to watch the video. Enjoy!

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Deploying Office 2007 with SCCM 2007

2008-09-18T10:55:00Z

Deploying Office 2007 with a custom transform (.MSP) is a complex task due to all the possible configurations. To create the transform, you need to install the AdminTemplates.exe and then copy the admin folder to the Office 2007 CD source folder to open the custom configuration tool which is what saves the configurations to the .MSP file. The video shows how to make the configurations and setup the package and deploy it to a workstation.While the video shows the install visible, there are also ways to deploy the application silently so the end user is unaware of the package being installed. Despite the method you choose, the .MSP will hold all the configurations you will need to standardize your deployment as well as removal of previous versions of office. The video is about 30 minutes and covers all the tasks you need to deploy Office in your organization.Here is a link to the command line options and you can download the AdminTemplates.exe here.

The video can be viewed here and runs about 30 minutes.

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Level 5 SCCM R2 Introduction

2008-09-17T02:59:00Z

Now that SCCM R2 is available, we should discuss the features associated with the upgrade. R2 has a few key features that were once available in SMS 2003 as a Feature Pack (such as Client Health Monitoring) and also some new functionality that was not available in SMS 2003 SP3. The Level 5 video is an introduction to R2 and the features included with the update. In order to obtain and install R2, you have to purchase a license and if you don’t, you will lose out on some great features. The key features of R2 are integration with Application Virtuilization (App-V), Forefront Client Security Integration, SQL Reporting Services (a new role in SCCM), Client Status Reporting which is a much improved version of the SMS 2003 Client Health Reporting Tool (which I show you how to configure and import the reporting MOF file for canned reports) and finally OSD enhancements.

The ability to utilize these new (or updated) features makes the value of SCCM R2 very valuable to your organization. The video shows the installation procedures along with the new features you see immediately once it’s installed. I will make a video for each section in the near future with a strong attention to App-V as this is a HUGE investment to SCCM. You should be aware that App-V can now be inventoried by basic hardware inventory even though the application runs in the sandbox (or “bubble”) as some refer to.

Here is a link to the eval version of R2 which can ONLY be used with an eval version of SCCM. The evaluation version of R2 will last 180 days, but can be upgraded with a license key once purchased. There is a lot more to come in the near future in the Level 5 SCCM Guide.

The video is 33 minutes, so enjoy as always! Click the image below to view the video.

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How to Deploy & Configure a SCCM Secondary Site

2008-09-16T11:54:00Z

Secondary sites are used for many reasons and can only report to a primary server in the hierarchy. A secondary site can be used at smaller sites that don't require the power of a primary or have a smaller number of systems to manage. Also, one of the great things about a secondary is when you have a very saturated WAN link between sites, you can configure an address which will allow you to determine the package priority times and how much of the bandwidth will be (or can be) used during specific hours and or days of the week. Secondary sites have less roles available to you and in the video I demonstrate how to setup initial configurations to prep for the secondary site, deploy the secondary site, how to monitor the Bootstrap service and where the logs are located. After the install, we configure the site and validate that the site is "Active" on the primary above. If you find your primary showing that the secondary is pending after a long while, there may be something configured incorrectly. Here is a great link to Microsoft's technical library for more information on secondary sites. As always, my videos are not short as this one runs about 58 minutes. Post comments and or questions below. Enjoy!

Watch the video here!

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Jerry Seinfeld & Bill Gates TV Commercial

2008-09-05T12:13:00Z

I beleive this was just released yesterday. I was watching the republican national convention and they showed this video of Bill & Jerry several times. It goes to show that Bill is still the poster boy for Microsoft. Despite what many thought, I think Bill was great with Microsoft and I don't think he should have stepped down when he did. He has a lot of market support and the ones like us who have been with him since the beginning know that it's great to see him back even if it's another video.... If you don't already know, the TV ad is a plug for the next version of Windows (codename: Windows 7) which will come into beta VERY soon. Not only is Windows 7 gearing up, but watch out for Windows Server 2009 and SCCM 2009 to be available for beta just around the corner. Can you keep up with this pace?

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Do Not Open Ecard Emails!

2008-08-26T16:21:00Z

I just received this information:

Please DO NOT open any greeting card messages which look like the screen clip below: From IT: This is a known issue, and Microsoft is aware of it. This came through the MS Campus about two weeks ago. It isn’t a virus, but it does contain your typical host of mal/spy/adware, and opens your machine up to bot usage. There is no cure for it through official channels at this time. You must do a wipe and load if you are affected. Data is not compromised.

As this is not a virus, eTrust will not detect it. Like with any suspicious email, simply don’t open it and delete it unread.

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Help Us Become Better Trainers: Customer Satisfaction Surveys (CSAT)

2008-08-19T06:06:00Z

For those of you who have subscribed to any of the Level 5 guides, we would very much appreciate you taking a 5 minute survey to rate out training. Our commitment to your success can only be measured by your answers to the independent survey Microsoft uses to rate our Partner performance. So, if you have 5 minutes to help us out on this very important step, please email me at btucker @ smrllc.net and I will send you the information we need to send the survey to you.

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Own a Handgun? Want to Conceal in More than your own State? Love Florida!

2008-08-19T05:09:00Z

Illinois is about the WORST state in the Union for gun owners. Since I travel all the time, I have always wanted to take my gun with me, but would have had some problems.... not anymore in 32 states! Florida has an agreement with 32 states where even if you don't live in Florida, you can use this anyway. Below are the details.....

I filled out the form on this link and got the paperwork in 2 days. http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/license/forms.html

Add in your personal info and then select the Concealed Weapon of Firearm Application, Quantity 1

Fill out the form PER THE INSTRUCTION BOOKLET! Go to your local police department and have them fingerprint you, get a passport photo from the Post office for $15. Get a money order and send to Florida in the amount of $117 and in 90 days you have a permit to carry in 32 new states.

Here are the states where you can use your concealed license. http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/news/concealed_carry.html

Also, a guy said that Utah has a similar program which adds a few states to the list. I have not looked into it yet.

I bought a holster for my Glock 32 and light / laser and am going to buy a Springfield Armory 1911 Sub-Compact .45 to replace the .45 Glock I don’t like. I should have t by the end of the month. I can’t wait. Awesome for small power and conceal carry. It felt perfect in my hands today.

Above: Loaded PC9802LP Loaded Micro-Compact LTWT Bi-Tone Operator w/Light Rail, with XML Frame: Forged Aluminum Alloy with Integral Accessory Rail, Black Hardcoat Anodiz Caliber: .45ACP Sights: Fixed Low Profile Combat Rear, Dovetail Front, Tritium 3 - Dot Trigger: Long Aluminum Match Grade, 5 - 6 lbs.Magazines: 2 - 6 Round, Stainless Steel Grips: Thinline Cocobolo HardwoodBarrel: 3" Stainless Steel Match Grade, Fully Supported Ramp, BullSlide: Forged Stainless Steel, Satin FinishRecoil System: Dual Spring with Full Length Guide rodHeight: 5"Length: 6.5"Weight: 26 ozs. Without X-treme Mini Light (XML) Here's my Glock 32 below:

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So Long Windows Mobile... Hello iPhone G3

2008-08-19T04:28:00Z

I have been a customer of Sprint for 8 years with the same number. I pay $125 a month for the PDA plan with all the bells and whistles. While I loved the Mogul HTC 6800 (all the way at the bottom of the list) phone I got 3 months ago, it's a great improvement from my 6700 I used to have. However, Sprint service area are terrible and I'm tired of it. Over the weekend I made the switch to the iPhone G3 and WOW, what a difference in service and bells and whistles. While I am having some problems with Office documents and Adobe files, it's ok because I can view them on my laptop which is never very far away. I bought the G3 with 16 GB of storage for $299 ($199 for the 8 GB model, but you need the extra space for the extra $100) and I have 150 songs and the movie Armageddon loaded (the picture and sound is superior in every way) and still have 11 GB left. It has a built-in GPS and I can get driving directions and so much more than what I had before.

I can connect to my Exchange server, VPN built-in and can have multiple POP3 accounts. SO, 3 email accounts and it rocks. Another sweet function that I did not have on the Mogul was an easy way for 3 way calling. It's so darn easy now that I don't know what to do with it. AND, the Mogul phone keypad was SLOW AS DIRT and the keypad on the iPhone is lightning fast. Everything is lightning fast....

If you are in the market for a new phone and your a Microsoft junkie like me, how can anyone give you crap when you bought a perfect phone. Also get the high end ear phones that you can talk on. It's $100 more, but WELL worth it. I have the same type for my Nano. Anyone want to buy it? I have no need for it anymore.LOL..

Looking at it in the store is nothing until you get to bring it home and go crazy with it. GET IT! Don't worry Microsoft, I still run Vista and will never buy a MAC.... but the phone rocks to high hell!

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Level 5 Open House a Great Success: Next Open House in less than 2 Hours!

2008-08-14T00:58:00Z

It's been a long day in several respects. We found out at 10:00 AM that our server bandwidth was too small for the amount of traffic we had with app the people watching the Level 5 Guides. First we moved the cable to a 100MB switch and that was ok, but the firewall was unable to handle to the resources. So, we ordered a higher end firewall and we are running faster than before. All of you who found the videos choppy (like when you are in a hotel with crappy Internet), I am sorry for the inconvenience. We extended the open house for an extra hour because of the disruption.

So, now comes the next wave from the other side of the globe. All of you who live east of England should be able to access the Level 5 site for free tonight at 10:00 pm - 12:00 AM (-6 GMT). You have to be a registered user to view the videos and your company must have port 88 open to view the videos on the site. We are working on changing that in the near future. It would be a great benefit to hear what people have to say about the Level 5 Guides so we can learn from your opinions and make them better. I have opened a new post in the forums and hope that anyone who watched will give feedback (both positive and negative) so we can work on fine tuning our offerings.

2 hours until the next Open House event. Thank God I bought a hardcore server to run all this.....

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Deploying OSD Task Sequence to Existing Clients Using the USMT

2008-08-13T02:34:00Z

Having a Task Sequence that does all your work for you is a tough job at times and depending on how many hardware platforms you have will determine how long it takes to make and test your Task Sequence. In this video I demonstrate how to advertise an existing Task Sequence to a live SCCM client in the domain. The process will take you through the end users perspective of what he or she will potentially expect to see during the entire process. After the system is rebuilt, we look at the SCCM report and also view the graph to validate that the process completed successfully. Although the link to Microsoft's Library on "Task Sequence Variables" is in the other video, I have added it here as well. Also, if you have not seen the other video where I create and show the various steps in my Task Sequence, you can download the exported .XML from this location.

Watch the Video!

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DCM Energy Star Configuration Pack Now Available

2008-08-10T15:07:00Z

I was very surprised to see that Microsoft has released a new DCM Baseline for Energy Efficiency based on a post at the SMS & MOM blog. Per the post, you can download the DCM Baseline here. It seems that Microsoft is taking bits and pieces of third party products and making them incorporated into SCCM. While I figure Microsoft has a checklist of items they want to make, they only go so far and still leave room for the third party companies to keep their products alive such as 1E and my favorite SMS / SCCM Expert's SCCM Companion tool. WOL and now this Power Management baseline only seem to keep the Microsoft folks at a level of "content" as they add these new features. While these freely included additions are a "nice to have" feature and I will probably use in some fashion this new Energy Efficiency pack for baselines, I will still stick to SCCM Companion as it's a far superior product. Below is the excerpt from the download and also the link to all the DCM packs.

"Overview

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. The ENERGY STAR guidelines for computers cover both the hardware devices and the power management features expected of the operating system and applications.

The ENERGY STAR program specifies criteria for hardware manufacturers to achieve defined efficiency levels with recommendations for computer power management settings.

Although the ENERGY STAR requirements are primarily targeted at hardware manufacturers to specify minimum efficiency ratings, there are also guidelines for computer software.

For additional detail refer to the Energy Star_Configuration Pack_reference_guide.doc included with this configuration pack.

Feature Summary
This Configuration Pack uses these ENERGY STAR defined efficiency levels and recommendations as follows:

Have computers enter system standby or hibernate after 30 to 60 minutes of inactivity.
Have monitors enter sleep mode after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.
Create a warning notification if screen savers are not disabled. If one is enabled, the wait timeout period should be less than the monitor sleep setting.

This Configuration Pack applies only to desktop and notebook computers that are running Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems.

Release History

8/5/2008 - Original English release, version 1.0"

You can view and download all the DCM packs here on demand.

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All Level 5 Guides Open for "Limited Event" - Wendsday August 13, 2008

2008-08-09T02:30:00Z

After speaking to the other Level 5 Guide owners, they have all agreed to open their guides during the times I specified in my post yesterday. Our "Open House" day is to let you experience some of the content that we have available. I don't know of any other site that charges any fee and opens the doors to all the videos for even 5 minutes. I encourage as many people as possible to join our Open House and experience a portion of each of the guides. Search out the videos you are interested in now so you know which ones to focus on during the hours the Level 5 section will be open to all registered users. If you are not a registered user, please register clicking on this link to join. Please use your real email address as we sometimes send out important messages related to the site.

You will have the ability to view as many of the 82 Level 5 videos as you can during the Open House. Below are the following topics that you can choose from:

System Center Configuration Manager

System Center Operations Manager (MVP)

Windows Server 2008

WSUS 3.0 SP1

SQL 2008 (MVP)

Word 2007 - Office Professional 2007

Note: We are always looking to hire independent contractors to make Level 5 videos! If you have a specialty we have not covered, please email me and we can discuss the requirements. By default, each guide owner gets 50% of each subscription.....

We are also pleased to announce that we have achieved another Microsoft Partner competency today for Security Solutions! We are moving at the speed of light and making our mark! Join the ride with us.....if only for a day on August 13th, 2008.

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Level 5 Limited Event - Wednesday August 13th, 2008

2008-08-07T17:44:00Z

We have had a tremendous success rate for our new Level 5 section since it opened in late April. The guide subscriptions are moving at a very good pace, but we want everyone to have a chance to experience the "higher level" of videos training we are producing on several Microsoft technologies. I have received so many emails about the SCCM guide and appreciating the content and how it has helped them in learning and deploying SCCM in their environment. So, I decided that I will open my Guide on SCCM to all registered users from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm next Wednesday August 13th for the people in the USA and eastern Europe time zones. The guide will also be open from 10:00 pm - 12:00 AM the same day to accommodate the users on the other side of the world.

Many times people are hesitant to subscribe because they cannot see what they are missing. So, this is your chance to take a look at my guide on SCCM and watch as many as possible so that you can determine if you want to subscribe. If you choose not to, at least you will have hopefully learned something useful.

Edwin Sarmiento who runs the SQL 2008 guide will also open his guide during this time based on the official RTM release on SQL 2008.

I will post if other guides will be open during this time. Remember, you MUST be a registered user of the site to view any of the videos. Check back to see if other guides will be made available.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Remember: these open times are based on USA CST -6 GMT.

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Using your Task Sequence for PXE Boot - Step by Step

2008-08-07T16:48:00Z

As I stated in my other post, building a TS which will to just about everything in one TS is the key. Rather than having a few or dozens of Task Sequences, we want to have one or two that will work on all your hardware platforms. The following Level 5 video will show you how to deploy the Bare Metal machine usinf a TS with SCCM 2007 SP1 in mixed mode. Click on the image below to view the video! We look at all the needed components from DHCP to SCCM configurations and the steps in the TS to make sure your advertisement runs as smooth as possible. We customize the Boot Image and make a custom background and use the command prompt to copy the SMSTS.log to the server so we can read it in SMS Trace as well as monitor the deployment in the reports, and let you watch the process of the whole PXE sequence. Let me know if you have questions on the video by leaving comments in the video page.

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