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This book is your most complete source for in-depth information about Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007!
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Unleashed is a comprehensive guide to System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) 2007. ConfigMgr 2007 helps you manage servers and desktops, integrates SMS 2003 “feature pack” functionality, and adds new capabilities. It enables you to assess, deploy, and update servers, clients, and devices across physical, virtual, distributed, and mobile environments, including clients that connect only over the Internet. This book guides you through designing, deploying, and configuring ConfigMgr 2007 with detailed information on topics such as capacity planning, security, site design and hierarchy planning, server placement, discovery, native mode, and using Windows Server 2008. You will learn how to tackle challenges such as setting up DCM and OSD, customizing inventory, creating queries and using query results, and configuring asset intelligence.
Detailed information on how to…
• Understand how ConfigMgr works
• Plan your ConfigMgr deployment
• Manage Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
• Architect for performance
• Install or migrate to ConfigMgr 2007 with Windows 2003 or Windows 2008
• Discover and manage clients
• Create and distribute packages
• Understand patch and compliance management
• Create queries
• Use reports
• Deploy operating systems
• Secure ConfigMgr 2007
• Perform site maintenance
• Back up ConfigMgr components
Foreword xxi
Introduction 1
Part I: Configuration Management Overview and Concepts 2
Part II: Planning, Design, and Installation 2
Part III: Configuration Manager Operations 2
Part IV: Administering Configuration Manager 2007 3
Part V: Appendixes 3
Part I: Configuration Management Overview and Concepts
Chapter 1 Configuration Management Basics 7
Ten Reasons to Use Configuration Manager 8
The Evolution of Systems Management 9
Hurdles in the Distributed Enterprise 10
The Automation Challenge 10
Configuration “Shift and Drift” 11
Lack of Security and Control 11
Timeliness of Asset Data 12
Lack of Automation and Enforcement 12
Proliferation of Virtualization 13
Lack of Process Consistency 13
The Bottom Line 14
Systems Management Defined 14
Microsoft’s Strategy for Service Management 15
Microsoft’s Dynamic Systems Initiative 16
IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) 19
Service Management Mastery: ISO 20000 24
Optimizing Your Infrastructure 25
Bridging the Systems Management Gap 29
Central Control in the Distributed Enterprise 30
Automation and Control 32
Securing Systems 34
Visibility 35
Overview of Microsoft System Center 39
Reporting in System Center 39
Operations Management 40
System Center Essentials 41
Service Manager: A Complete Service Desk Solution 41
Protecting Data 43
Capacity Planning 44
Virtual Machine Management 44
The Value Proposition of Configuration Manager 2007 45
Summary 46
Chapter 2 Configuration Manager 2007 Overview 47
The History of Configuration Manager 47
The Earliest Versions 47
Systems Management Server 1.2 48
Systems Management Server 2.0 48
SMS 2003 50
SMS 2003 Service Packs and R2 52
Configuration Manager 2007 53
Configuration Manager Technology and Terminology 56
Site Servers 56
Site Systems 58
Site Hierarchy 60
Configuration Manager Client 60
Inventory 61
Configuration Manager Console 64
Collections 66
Discovery 67
Software Metering 67
Packages 68
Advertisements 68
Distribution Points 69
Senders 69
Addresses 69
BITS 70
Task Sequences 70
Status System 71
Desired Configuration Management 71
Network Access Protection 72
Reporting 73
Security 74
Key Concepts 75
Standardization. 75
Remote Management 76
Software Distribution 76
Minimizing Impact on the Network Infrastructure 77
What’s New in ConfigMgr 2007 80
Branch Distribution Points 80
Software Update Point 80
Fallback Status Point 82
PXE Service Point 82
Other Site Systems 82
Operating System Deployment 83
Asset Intelligence 83
Device Management 83
Internet-Based Client Management 85
DCM and NAP 85
SQL Support 85
Client Support 86
Feature Dependencies 86
Summary 88
Chapter 3 Looking Inside Configuration Manager 89
Design Concepts 90
Active Directory Integration 91
Schema Extensions 93
Benefits of Extending Active Directory 102
Configuration Manager and WMI 104
WMI Feature Set and Architecture 104
Managing WMI 108
Inside the WMI Object Model 113
Looking Inside the CIMV2 Namespace 116
The Root\CCM Namespace 125
Hardware Inventory Through WMI 126
The Configuration Manager Client WMI Namespace 129
WMI on Configuration Manager Servers 134
Components and Communications 139
Inside the ConfigMgr Database 149
SQL Access to the Database 150
Using SQL Server Management Studio 150
Status Messages and Logs 156
Example: Joining a Site to a New Parent 159
Viewing Intersite Replication 168
Summary 172
Part II: Planning, Design, and Installation
Chapter 4 Configuration Manager Solution Design 175
MSF Process Phases for Configuration Manager 175
Envisioning the Solution. 176
Assessing the Current Environment 177
Envisioning the Network Infrastructure 177
Envisioning the Solution Architecture 178
Envisioning Server Architecture 179
Envisioning Client Architecture 179
Licensing Requirements 179
Training Requirements 182
Planning for Implementation 183
Planning the Proof of Concept 184
Planning the Pilot 185
Planning for Implementation 186
Developing the Solution Architecture 186
Developing the Network Infrastructure 189
Extending the Schema 191
Secondary Site Considerations 192
Site Modes 193
Configuration Manager 2007 Roles 193
Developing the Server Architecture 201
Capacity Planning. 207
Site Boundaries 210
Roaming. 211
Site Design 213
Client Architecture 216
Multilanguage Scenarios 218
Testing 221
Stabilizing During the Pilot 223
Deploying 225
Summary 226
Chapter 5 Network Design 227
Configuration Manager Network Communications 228
Intrasite Server Communications 228
Client-to-Server Communications 234
Site-to-Site Communications 251
Fast Networks and Slow Networks 262
Use of BITS 263
BITS Versions for Configuration Manager Clients 265
Modifying BITS Functionality Through Group Policy 266
Modifying BITS Functionality Within Configuration Manager 267
Comparative Advantages of Group Policy and ConfigMgr Settings for BITS. 267
Other BITS Features 269
Enabling a Distribution Point for BITS 269
Server Placement 269
Disconnected Users and Sometimes-Connected Users 271
Network Discovery 272
Discovering Network Topology 274
Topology and Client Discovery 275
Discovering Topology, Client, and Client Operating Systems 276
Using Subnets in Configuration Manager 277
Troubleshooting Configuration Manager Network Issues 277
Network Configuration Issues 278
Basic Connectivity Problems 279
Name Resolution Issues 279
Blocked or Unresponsive Ports 280
Timeout Issues 282
Identifying Network Issues Affecting Configuration Manager 282
Summary 290
Chapter 6 Architecture Design Planning 291
Hierarchy Planning 293
About Sites 293
Primary Sites Versus Secondary Sites 295
Planning Your Hierarchy Structure 296
Site Planning 299
Site Servers and Site Systems Planning 299
Planning Site Boundaries 306
Planning for Site Security Modes 306
Software Update Planning 307
Software Updates Solution Planning 307
Software Updates Architecture 309
Device Management Planning 312
Windows CE Operating Systems 313
Communicating with Site Systems 314
Installing Client Software 315
Configuring Client Agent Settings 317
Planning for Internet-Based Clients 318
Choosing a Solution for Internet-Based Clients 318
IBCM Features and Requirements 319
Deploying Servers to Support Internet-Based Clients 320
Certificate Requirements Planning 323
About PKI 324
Planning to Use PKI with Configuration Manager 324
Windows Server 2008 Planning 326
Operating System Deployment Planning 328
Planning for Wake On LAN 330
Out of Band (OOB) Management Planning 331
Summary 333
Chapter 7 Testing and Stabilizing 335
Proving the Concepts 337
Building the Proof of Concept Environment 338
Testing in the POC Phase 347
POC Exit Criteria and Deliverables 350
Pilot Phase 355
Results and Adjustments 357
Customizing the Solution 357
Summary 358
Chapter 8 Installing Configuration Manager 2007 359
Pre-Installation 360
Windows Components 361
SQL Server 362
Windows Server Update Services 363
The Prerequisite Checker 363
Site Installation 363
Installing ConfigMgr 364
Installing a ConfigMgr Service Pack 374
Installing ConfigMgr 2007 R2 378
Configuring Site Properties 380
Installing Site Systems 390
New Site System Server Wizard 401
New Site System Server Share Wizard 401
Using Replicas and Offloading Site Roles 403
Configuring Site Boundaries 415
Multisite Configuration 417
Configuring Addresses 417
Configuring Senders 420
Attaching to Parent 421
Installing Child Primary Sites 422
Installing Secondary Sites 422
Troubleshooting Secondary Site Installation 424
Transfer Site Settings Wizard 426
Copy Packages Wizard 428
Preload Package Tool 429
Troubleshooting Site Installation 429
ConfigMgr Service Manager 429
Summary 431
Chapter 9 Migrating to Configuration Manager 2007 433
Planning Your Migration from SMS 2003 433
Planning Hierarchy Changes During Migration 435
Conducting an In-place Upgrade 435
Feature Packs 436
Upgrade Prerequisites 436
Running the Prerequisite Checker 437
Upgrading SQL Server 442
Database Upgrade Tips and Tricks 445
Upgrading a Primary Site 447
Upgrading Secondary Sites 453
Upgrading SMS 2003 Clients 455
Post-Upgrade Considerations 457
Migrating WSUS to Configuration Manager 458
Side-by-Side Migrations 459
Migrating Site Boundaries 460
Migrating Clients 460
Migrating SMS Database Objects 462
Migrating Hardware Inventory Customizations 462
Interoperability Considerations 463
Troubleshooting Upgrade Issues 463
Summary 464
Part III: Configuration Manager Operations
Chapter 10 The Configuration Manager Console 467
Using Microsoft Management Console 3.0 467
Touring the Console 468
New Console Features 469
Console Nodes 473
Console Keystrokes 477
Launching Reports 478
Console Deployment 482
Supported Platforms 482
Prerequisites 483
Installation Using the Configuration Manager Setup Wizard 483
Unattended Console Installation 490
Customizing the Console 491
Security Considerations 497
Configuring Required DCOM Permissions for the ConfigMgr Console 497
Verifying and Configuring WMI Permissions 498
Configuration Manager Service Manager 500
Starting the Configuration Manager Service Manager 500
Using the Configuration Manager Service Manager 500
Troubleshooting Console Issues 501
Enable Verbose Logging 501
Common Issues 502
Summary 505
Chapter 11 Related Technologies and References 507
PKI Management References 508
Cryptography Basics 508
How SSL Works 511
Establishing a PKI 512
Certificate Templates 516
Certificate Validation 517
Deploying Certificates 517
Certificate and PKI References 519
Network Access Protection in Windows Server 2008 519
NPS Overview in Windows Server 2008 520
ConfigMgr NAP Policies 521
ConfigMgr NAP Evaluation 522
NAP Health State 523
Windows Imaging and Image Management 524
New PC Scenario 525
Refresh PC Scenario 525
Replace PC Scenario 526
ImageX 527
File Versus Sector Imaging 528
Boot Images 529
Driver Injection 530
Image Capture 531
Windows Deployment Integration 533
AMT and vPro 534
Summary 537
Chapter 12 Client Management 539
Configuring the Management Point 540
Configuring Client Agents 541
Hardware Inventory 542
Modifying the SMS_Def.mof File 545
Software Inventory 546
Advertised Programs 549
Computer Client 550
Desired Configuration Management 553
Mobile Devices 553
Remote Tools 554
Network Access Protection 556
Software Metering 557
Software Updates 559
Client Discovery 560
Active Directory System Group Discovery 561
Active Directory Security Group Discovery 562
Active Directory System Discovery 562
Active Directory User Discovery 562
Heartbeat Discovery 564
Network Discovery 564
Client Deployment 567
Command-Line Properties 567
Manual Installation 569
Client Push Installation 570
Client Push Installation Wizard 572
Client Installation in Image Deployment 574
Software Update Point Client Installation 574
Client Uninstall 575
Client Upgrade 575
Client Patches 576
Client Troubleshooting 576
General Scenarios 576
Online Assistance 577
Conflicting Hardware IDs 579
ConfigMgr Toolkit 579
General Troubleshooting Information 581
The ConfigMgr Client Agent 582
Out of Band Management 584
Fallback Status Point 584
Client Approval 585
Summary 585
Chapter 13 Creating Packages 587
The Case for ConfigMgr Software Packaging 588
Automated Deployment 589
Consistency 589
Targeted Deployment 589
Software Removal 590
Software Package Reuse 590
Comparing GPO-based Software Distribution
to ConfigMgr Software Distribution 590
About Packages, Programs, Collections,
Distribution Points, and Advertisements 592
Packages 593
Programs 593
Collections 594
Distribution Points 594
Advertisements 595
How These Combine 595
Creating a Package 596
OpsMgr Client 597
Forefront Client 620
Custom Packages 626
Integrating Virtual Applications 627
What Is SoftGrid? 627
Activating Application Virtualization in ConfigMgr 2007 R2 629
Creating Adobe Reader as a Virtual Application in ConfigMgr R2 631
Avoiding Common ConfigMgr Software Packaging Issues 636
Program and Package Properties 637
Testing, Testing, Testing 637
Summary 638
Chapter 14 Distributing Packages 639
About Queries 639
Creating Collections 641
Static Collections 642
Dynamic Collections 649
Subcollections 657
Using Distribution Points 666
Standard Distribution Points 667
Protected Distribution Points 672
Branch Distribution Points 674
Advertised Programs Client Agent 677
Creating Advertisements 678
Forefront Advertisement 679
OpsMgr Advertisement 686
Distributing Adobe Reader as a Virtual Application in ConfigMgr R2 692
Troubleshooting ConfigMgr Software Distribution Issues 702
Start Simple 702
Checking Status 702
Summary 703
Chapter 15 Patch Management 705
Planning Your Software Updates Strategy 706
Software Update Options in Microsoft Products 708
The Windows Update Agent 708
The SMS Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates 708
Standalone WSUS 709
Configuration Manager 2007 709
Preparing for Software Updates 710
Software Updates Prerequisites 710
Creating Software Update Points 712
Synchronization Process 718
Agent Configuration 719
Group Policy Settings 721
Software Updates Process 722
Putting It All Together–A Quick-Start Example 727
Update Repository 728
Update Lists 731
Deployment Templates 733
Update Deployments 736
Deployment Packages 738
Creating and Managing Deployments 740
A Recommended Approach 740
A Few Best Practices 743
Maintenance Windows 744
SMS 2003 Clients 747
Native Mode and Software Updates 749
Using Wake On LAN Capability 751
WOL Prerequisites 751
Two Types of WOL 752
Configuring WOL 753
Using WOL 754
Using NAP to Protect Your Network 754
NAP Prerequisites 755
Agent Settings 755
System Health 756
Client Compliance 758
Remediation 760
Troubleshooting Software Updates 760
Monitoring Software Updates 761
WSUS and SUP 762
Downloading Updates 762
Client Update Scanning and Deployment 763
Summary 764
Chapter 16 Desired Configuration Management 765
Configuring Desired Configuration Management 767
Configurations 769
Configuration Items 769
Configuration Baselines 772
Creating and Modifying Configurations 777
Console Authoring 777
External Authoring 797
Authoring with CP Studio 798
DCM Strategies 800
Reporting 801
On-demand Results 802
Alerting 802
Remediation 803
Troubleshooting 805
Summary 808
Chapter 17 Configuration Manager Queries 809
Viewing Queries and Query Results 809
Creating Queries 811
The Query Language 811
Objects, Classes, and Attributes 812
ConfigMgr Query Builder 814
Criterion Type, Operators, and Values 819
Advanced Queries 821
Example: Querying for Systems with a Hardware
Scan in the Last 30 Days 823
Example: Querying for Systems Discovered Since Midnight 823
Relationships, Operations, and Joins 824
Querying Discovery Data 824
Querying Inventory Data 825
Using Query Results 826
Exporting Query Results to a Text File 826
Importing and Exporting Queries Between Sites 827
Creating a Collection Based on Query Results 827
Status Message Queries 828
Summary 830
Chapter 18 Reporting 831
ConfigMgr Classic Reports Versus SQL Reporting Services 832
Reporting Configuration 834
Configuring the Reporting Point for Classic Reporting 835
Configuring the Reporting Services Point for SRS Reporting 837
Copying ConfigMgr Classic Reports to SQL Reporting Services 839
Report Categories 842
Console Reporting Links 844
Relational Database Concepts 844
Available Reports and Use Cases 847
Reporting on Inventory and Discovery Data 848
Reporting on Sites 856
Reporting on Configuration Manager Operations 857
Client Status Reporting 865
Asset Intelligence 868
Reporting on Application Compatibility 873
Dashboards 875
Customizing Configuration Manager Reports 876
Customizing Report Layout and Display 878
Customizing Report Data Selection 879
Reporting on Custom Data 884
Creating New Reports 894
Creating Classic Reports 894
Creating SQL Reporting Services Reports 896
Creating SQL Reporting Services Subscriptions 898
Troubleshooting 900
Summary 902
Chapter 19 Operating System Deployment 903
Tools Overview 904
Sysprep 904
User State Migration Tool 905
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 905
Windows Automated Installation Kit 906
ImageX 906
System Image Manager 907
Windows PE 907
What Works Best for You 908
OSD Scenarios 908
Imaging Goals 909
Hardware Considerations 913
Site Systems 915
Distribution Points 916
PXE Service Point 918
State Migration Point 921
Boot Images 922
PXE Booting 922
Removable Media 922
Using a Distribution Point 924
Incorporating Windows PE 925
Computer Associations 925
Recovery 926
Unknown Computer Support 928
Operating System Install Packages and Image Packages 930
Automated Image Creation and Capture 931
Manual Image Creation 935
Image Deployment 937
User State Migration 940
Task Sequences 942
Variables 943
Task Conditions and Grouping 944
Tasks 947
Custom Commands 960
Task Sequence Targeting 960
Change Control and Portability 962
Customizing Task Sequences 963
Tips and Techniques 963
Confirm Packages Are Available 964
Control PXE Network Boots 964
Don’t Add Unnecessary Windows XP Drivers 964
Conflicting Hardware IDs 965
Test Task Sequences 965
Beware the Überbug 965
Test Thoroughly 966
Drivers 966
Drivers in the Image 969
Drivers After the Image 970
Post Deployment Tasks 971
ConfigMgr Software Deployment 971
Group Policy 971
Troubleshooting 972
Operating System Deployment Home Page 972
Check Advertisement Status 972
The Smsts.log File 972
Status Reports 973
Command Line Support 974
Native Mode 974
Upgrading from SMS 2003 976
Summary 977
Part IV: Administering Configuration Manager 2007
Chapter 20 Security and Delegation in Configuration Manager 2007 981
Basic Security Concepts 983
Securing Administrative Access to Configuration Manager 987
Administrative Access at the Operating System Level 989
Administrative Access Within Configuration Manager 996
Security for Remote Administration 1003
Auditing Configuration Manager Administration 1003
SQL Server Administrative Security 1003
Securing the Configuration Manager Infrastructure 1004
Building Security into Your Hierarchy 1004
Securing Site Systems 1007
Securing Configuration Manager Communications 1015
Securing Configuration Manager Accounts 1019
Securing Service Dependencies for Configuration Manager 1026
Securing Configuration Manager Reporting 1027
Securing Configuration Manager Operations 1029
Best Practices for Configuration Manager Administration 1029
Operational Security for Software Distribution 1030
Operational Security for Operating System Deployment 1032
Operational Security for Remote Tools Administration 1032
Operational Security for Configuration Manager Inventory 1033
Operational Security for Mobile Device Management 1034
Summary 1035
Chapter 21 Backup, Recovery, and Maintenance 1037
Site and SQL Server Backups 1037
Backing Up ConfigMgr 1037
Restoring ConfigMgr Backups 1041
Using Back Up and Restore to Migrate
to New Environments 1048
Site Maintenance 1049
Site Maintenance Tasks 1049
Data Discovery Record (DDR) Retention 1055
Obsolete Records 1060
Database Maintenance 1062
Making the Status Message System Work for You 1065
Maintaining Status Data 1070
Status Filter Rules 1070
Monitoring Configuration Manager with Operations Manager 1073
Services and Descriptions 1073
Summary 1075
Part V: Appendixes
Appendix A Configuration Manager Log Files 1079
Related Documentation 1079
Enabling Logging 1080
Debug and Verbose Logging 1080
Using ConfigMgr Service Manager 1080
SQL Logging 1081
NAL Logging 1081
Reporting Point Logging 1081
ConfigMgr Setup Logs 1082
Client Log Files 1082
Site Server Log Files 1084
Backup Log Files 1086
Management Point Log Files 1086
Admin User Interface Log Files 1087
Mobile Device Log Files 1087
Mobile Device Management Log Files 1087
Mobile Device Management Client Logs 1088
OSD Log Files 1089
Multicast for OSD Log Files 1091
Network Access Protection Log Files 1092
Desired Configuration Management Log Files 1093
Wake On LAN Log Files 1094
Software Updates Log Files 1094
Software Updates Site Server Log Files 1094
Software Updates Client Computer Log Files 1095
WSUS Server Log Files 1096
Windows Update Agent Log File 1097
Out of Band Management Log Files 1097
Out of Band Service Point Log Files 1097
Out of Band Management Console Log File 1098
Out of Band Management Computer Log File 1098
Appendix B Reference URLs 1099
General Resources 1099
More Specific Information 1103
Blogs 1107
The System Center Family 1109
Public Forums 1110
Free Utilities 1111
Other Utilities 1113
Index 1115
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Overview
This book is your most complete source for in-depth information about Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007!
System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Unleashed is a comprehensive guide to System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) 2007. ConfigMgr 2007 helps you manage servers and desktops, integrates SMS 2003 “feature pack” functionality, and adds new capabilities. It enables you to assess, deploy, and update servers, clients, and devices across physical, ...