Using MDT 2012 for imaging is a great solution on your System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMan) 2012 journey. How can the free tool called Microsoft Deployment Toolkit help me to implement ConfigMan 2012? Read more and let's get to work.
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
MDT 2012 has a nice feature that allows you to create an Image Deployment Share and then port the artifacts into ConfigMan 2012 and Operating System Deployment (OSD) will use the items you created in MDT to deliver images. Thus saving you from wasting time and effort learning a new tool, deploying images then having to redo all of that effort when OSD is right around the corner.
MDT 2012 Installation
Download here
You can also find Print Ready Documentation, What’s New Document and Release Notes.
Here is a link http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/solutionaccelerators/dd407791.aspx
Installing MDT 2012
Installing MDT 2012 is not difficult, the big problem comes when you begin to use the tool and it says you must install some prerequisite applications. MDT gives you an interface to aid (somewhat) in installing these helper tools and applications. I think that MDT is a great product for imaging and deployment of images – this installation applet, however, is a bit difficult to work with. Here is what I have found to do to make it a bit easier: The applications and tools that MDT needs to function are Microsoft XML 6.0, Windows Automated Installation Kit (x86 and x64), Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 6.5, USMT 3.0.1 (x86 and x64), Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.6, Office Environment Assessment Tool 2010 U1, Office Migration Planning Manager, and Microsoft Security Compliance Manager. Go to Information Center – Components. In the top pane you will see the tools available for download listed, when you highlight the tool in the lower pane you will see a download button. Clicking the download button starts the download. Once the download is complete, you will see the tool listed in the middle pane (Downloaded).
Highlight in the center pane and in the lower pane you will see either an install button or a browse button. Clicking browse will take you to the download folder and you can double click on the installation or manipulate the tool from there. The install button will install it on the MDT Server. You will notice that the application may appear in all three panes (available for download, downloaded, and installed), and sometimes they won’t move down the panes. This is okay as you will know that all is well if it lets you create a deployment share. Every so often (the console will alert you) go to Information Center – Components and in the far right pane you will see a check for updates. This will go to the internet and pull down any updates to the tools or MDT from Microsoft. The console will tell you – you haven’t checked for updates lately do you want to do this now?
About Oakwood
Since 1981, Oakwood has been helping companies of all sizes, across all industries, solve their business problems. We bring world-class consultants to architect, design and deploy technology solutions to move your company forward. Our proven approach guarantees better business outcomes. With flexible engagement options, your project is delivered on-time and on budget. 11,000 satisfied clients can’t be wrong.
