System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Useful Resources

This page contains links to various resources that should you get up-to-speed and get the most out of System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) 2007. If you wish to see anything added to this page please feel free to email me the details.

Audiocasts [26/03/08]
Case Studies [26/03/08]
Community [26/03/08]
ConfigMgr Home Page [26/03/08]
Configuration Pack Catalog [17/03/08]
Deployment Web service [27/10/09]
Documentation Library [07/06/07]
Downloads [26/03/08]
Exam 70-401: ConfigMgr 2007 Preparation Guide [28/03/08]
Forums [26/03/08]
Help File Update Wizard [updated 12/11/09]
Manageability TechCenter [26/03/08]
MBSA 2.1.1 [26/10/09]
MDT Web Frontend [27/10/09]
MDT Wizard Editor [updated 28/10/09]
Microsoft Application Virtualization [26/03/08]
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008 [26/03/08]
MOC: Planning, Deploying & Managing ConfigMgr 2007 [28/03/08]
Partners [26/03/08]
Podcasts [26/03/08]
Pricing and Licensing [26/03/08]
Product Evaluation [26/03/08]
Product Information [26/03/08]
Software Development Kit [26/03/08]
SP1 and R2 Betas [29/02/08]
SuperFlows [19/03/08]
System Center Home Page [07/06/07]
TechCenter [26/03/08]
TechNet Chats [26/03/08]
TechNet Virtual Labs [25/03/08]
TechNet Webcasts [25/03/08]
Trial Software [26/03/08]
Troubleshooting and Support [26/03/08]
User Groups [07/05/08]

Audiocasts

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Listen to various audiocasts covering Configuration Manager 2007 features (NOTE: These sessions are audio only in WMA format):

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/configmgr/bb727202.aspx

Case Studies

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Leading companies in all sectors, from the service industry to government to health care, are choosing Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 to manage their IT systems. This systems management solution delivers comprehensive deployment and updating, enhanced insight and control, and improved system availability, extensibility, and security.

To see Case Studies from various companies goto:

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/configmgr/casestudies/default.mspx

Community

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The Microsoft website isn't the "be all and end all" when it comes to ConfigMgr-related information. There is a wealth or individuals and communities "out there" only too willing to help you and share their experiences as you'll see if you visit the System Center Configuration Manager Community page:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/configmgr/bb625749.aspx

ConfigMgr Home Page

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The Home Page for ConfigMgr can be found at:

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/configmgr/default.mspx

Configuration Pack Catalog

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Desired Configuration Management (DCM) is a feature in System Center Configuration Manager. With DCM, utilize Microsoft and third party best practice configuration knowledge to improve configuration definition and maintenance. Find the software you need to define configurations for your Microsoft and third party applications with Configuration Manager 2007.

To see the current list of available Configuration Packs available from Microsoft and Partners goto:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/scp/configmgr07.aspx

Deployment Web service

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr]
The Deployment Webservice has been created to extend the Deployment possibilities of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). Database queries or manipulation during the pre-execution phase, dynamic lists, pre-staging computers in MDT and/or SCCM on-the-fly during the Deployment, moving Computers in Active Directory, etc. All this and much more can be achieved using this webservice. The webservice is still under development but has reached a stable state. The most current version (Version 5) can be downloaded from the Downloads section of this Codeplex site.

For more information goto:

http://mdtcustomizations.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Deployment%20Webservice&referringTitle=Home

Documentation Library

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Although the System Center Configuration Manager documentation is available on the System Center Configuration Manager 2007 CD, the online version will always be more up-to-date:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/bb680651.aspx

Downloads

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Various downloads are available for ConfigMgr such as the SDK, Toolkit, Configuration Packs and many more. To see a list of available downloads for ConfigMgr goto:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/configmgr/bb625747.aspx

Exam 70-401: ConfigMgr 2007 Preparation Guide

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
To help you prepare for the "70-401 TS: Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007, Configuring" exam Microsoft has created the following Preparation Guide:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-401.mspx

Forums

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Microsoft has several ConfigMgr-related forums for you to post your questions:

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=488&SiteID=17

Help File Update Wizard

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Updated for the October release of the ConfigMgr documentation covering SP2, the ConfigMgr 2007 Help File Update Wizard can be used to update the locally installed help file used by the Configuration Manager console or to install a stand-alone version of the latest available Configuration Manager 2007 Documentation Library. After installing the documentation help update, the latest available help file can also be accessed through the Windows Start menu. If a Configuration Manager console is installed on the computer that the wizard is started on, the existing help documentation will be updated to the latest available version of the Configuration Manager 2007 Documentation Library. If a Configuration Manager 2007 console is not installed on the computer that the wizard is started on, the latest version of the Configuration Manager 2007 Documentation Library help file can be copied locally. In addition, options are available to run the help file update wizard from the command line. See the product read-me document for more details.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=71816b0f-de06-40e0-bce7-ad4b1e4377bb&displaylang=en

Manageability TechCenter

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Download an updated version of the Configuration Manager 2007 Documentation Library which contains new material and fixes to documentation problems reported by customers since the last update was published. Refer to the “What’s New in the Documentation Library” topic in each release for a list of topics with significant updates:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/manageability/default.aspx

MBSA 2.1.1

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA), provides a streamlined method to identify missing security updates and common security misconfigurations. MBSA 2.1.1 is a minor upgrade to add support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b1e76bbe-71df-41e8-8b52-c871d012ba78&displaylang=en

MDT Web Frontend

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The MDT Database is one of the most versatile utilities of MDT. No matter of using it in small or really large deployments, it can help you to reduce the time you need to have all settings configured. But one of the biggest Show stoppers for the MDT Database (and so probably the quite low usage of it) is the Deployment Console itself. Sometimes quite laggy, does not cover all actions possible. And if we start thinking about extending the capabilities of the database or customize the usage of the console you reach a poin where you need to download the source code and code this parts by yourself.

To find out more goto:

http://mdtcustomizations.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=MDT%20Web%20Frontend&referringTitle=Home

MDT Wizard Editor

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Written by Michael Niehaus - The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MTD) Wizard Editor is a simple .NET 2.0 application designed to assist with the process of editing the wizard XML manifest files used by the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit. While it does not presently help much with the authoring of each wizard pane's content, it does simplify the more tedious parts of editing the XML manifest and the HTML embedded within each wizard pane.

To find out more goto:

http://mdtwizardeditor.codeplex.com/

Microsoft Application Virtualization

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Formerly known as SoftGrid, Microsoft Application Virtualization is the first Microsoft-branded release of this product. To find out more goto:

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/softgrid/default.mspx

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2008

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2008 is the next version of Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) 2007. It is the recommended process and toolset to automate desktop and server deployment. This release includes updates to support Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 in addition to previously supported platforms.

To download it goto:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=3BD8561F-77AC-4400-A0C1-FE871C461A89&displaylang=en

MOC: Planning, Deploying & Managing ConfigMgr 2007

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Microsoft offers various methods for you to gain knowledge relating to ConfigMgr including the 5 day instructor led "Planning, Deploying and Managing Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager 2007" course (Course Code 6451A), the syllabus for which you can access at:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/syllabi/en-us/6451afinal.mspx

Partners

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Microsoft Partner solutions are built on a foundation of Microsoft collaboration, business intelligence, and integration technology. Partner solutions integrate with companies’ existing IT infrastructures and enhance the value of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007. To see the list of ConfigMgr Partners goto:

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/configmgr/partners/default.mspx

Podcasts

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Listen to Microsoft webcast and media content whenever and wherever you want. You can stream or download these audio podcasts on your favorite podcast software or mobile device, and quickly and easily access content with RSS feeds. Microsoft podcasts are free and do not require registration—just click and listen. To see the list of available Podcasts goto:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/podcasts/default.mspx

Pricing and Licensing

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Information relating to ConfigMgr Pricing and Licensing is available at:

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/configmgr/howtobuy/default.mspx

Product Evaluation

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
If you want to evaluate ConfigMgr here's the information to get you started:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/configmgr/bb629404.aspx

Product Information

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Product Information for ConfigMgr is available at:

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/configmgr/evaluation/default.mspx

Software Development Kit

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The ConfigMgr Software Development Kit is available for download from:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=064A995F-EF13-4200-81AD-E3AF6218EDCC&displaylang=en

SP1 and R2 Betas

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 (SP1) supports the upcoming releases of Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008. Additionally, SP1 integrates support for Intel’s vPro hardware while providing an online connection for live asset intelligence updates. The Configuration Manager 2007 R2 release integrates Microsoft Application Virtualization distribution and streaming technology. R2 also provides SQL Reporting Services, a deeper integration with Forefront, as well as extra product enhancements. To download the betas goto:

https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=16

SuperFlows

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
SuperFlows for ConfigMgr are either process workflows or technical flowcharts that are:

Interactive - Allowing you to see and drilldown into technical information which includes a wealth of troubleshooting information e.g. sample log file entries, Status Messages and much much more.
Animated - Demonstrating the steps in a process along with a detailed description for each step.
Integrated - Providing links to both internal information (such as detailed dataflows for each process and checklists), and external information (such as web resources providing more information on ConfigMgr and the SuperFlow in question).

At the moment only the System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Software Updates Synchronization SuperFlow is available but over time Microsoft plans to release others which will no doubt be grouped onto a SuperFlow page, a link to which will be provided here.

System Center Home Page

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
This is the home page for Microsoft's System Center Suite:

http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/

TechCenter

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The ConfigMgr TechCenter is the hub of all ConfigMgr technical information:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/configmgr/default.aspx

TechNet Chats

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
This page contains transcripts of TechNet technical chats between Microsoft customers and product development team members, product support staff, and other Microsoft technology experts:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/chats/trans/default.mspx#ENQAE

TechNet Virtual Labs

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The following link will display a list of available ConfigMgr TechNet Virtual Labs (NOTE: Initially no results will be displayed but after a few seconds the results window will be populated):

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/default.aspx?culture=en-US#eventType=4;culture=en-US;sortKey=;sortOrder=;pageEvent=false;hdnInitialCount=;kwdAny=%22Configuration%20Manager%22;searchcontrol=yes

TechNet Webcasts

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The following link will display a list of available ConfigMgr TechNet Webcasts (NOTE: Initially no results will be displayed but after a few seconds the results window will be populated):

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/default.aspx?culture=en-US#eventType=3,2;culture=en-US;sortKey=;sortOrder=;pageEvent=false;hdnInitialCount=;kwdAny=%22Configuration%20Manager%22;searchcontrol=yes

Trial Software

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
To download an evaluation version of ConfigMgr goto:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/configmgr/bb736730.aspx

Troubleshooting and Support

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
Got a ConfigMgr-related problem or question? Using the link below you can search TechNet, the Microsoft Knowledge Base, and TechNet Blogs to locate resources to assist you with troubleshooting:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/configmgr/bb625748.aspx

User Groups

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
User Groups are a great way for you to meet users of the products, share your experiences and learn from each other. Click here to see a list of ConfigMgr-related User Groups.