Dell Server Deployment Pack Version 2.0 for Microsoft ...topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/dell-srvr-dplymnt-pck-v2.0-for-systm-center... · Dell Server Deployment Pack Version 2.0 for Microsoft

Dell Server Deployment Pack Version 2.0 for Microsoft System Center Configuration ManagerUser's Guide

Notes, Cautions, and WarningsNOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Information in this publication is subject to change without notice.© 2012 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell™, the Dell logo, Dell Precision™ , OptiPlex™, Latitude™, PowerEdge™, PowerVault™, PowerConnect™, OpenManage™, EqualLogic™, Compellent™, KACE™, FlexAddress™, Force10™ and Vostro™ are trademarks of Dell Inc. Intel®, Pentium®, Xeon®, Core® and Celeron® are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. AMD®

is a registered trademark and AMD Opteron™, AMD Phenom™ and AMD Sempron™ are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows Server®, Internet Explorer®, MS-DOS®, Windows Vista® and Active Directory® are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Red Hat® and Red Hat®Enterprise Linux® are registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Novell® and SUSE® are registered trademarks of Novell Inc. in the United States and other countries. Oracle® is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Citrix®, Xen®, XenServer® and XenMotion® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. VMware®, Virtual SMP®, vMotion®, vCenter® and vSphere® are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States or other countries. IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

2012 - 04

Rev. A00

Contents

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings...................................................................................................2

1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................5What's New in Version 2.0........................................................................................................................................5Dell Server Deployment Pack Features Overview....................................................................................................5Other Dell Documents You Might Need....................................................................................................................5

2 Before you Begin Using Configuration Manager...................................................................7Recommended DTK version for Configuration Manager..........................................................................................7

3 Using The Dell Server Deployment Pack on Systems Running Configuration Manager 2012.................................................................................................................................9

Importing a DTK Package.........................................................................................................................................9Upgrading a DTK Package........................................................................................................................................9Creating a Boot Image for Deploying Dell PowerEdge Servers.............................................................................10Distributing Content and Updating Distribution Points...........................................................................................11Importing Dell Server Driver Packages..................................................................................................................11Enabling Command Prompt for Debugging Boot Images.......................................................................................12Configuring your Servers Hardware Components..................................................................................................12

Creating a Task Sequence...............................................................................................................................12Creating a Dell specific Task Sequence..........................................................................................................12Creating a Custom Task Sequence..................................................................................................................13Editing a Task Sequence..................................................................................................................................13

Configuring Task Sequence Actions......................................................................................................................13Configuring your System BIOS.........................................................................................................................14Configuring Set Boot Order..............................................................................................................................15Configuring RAID Using RAID Config (wizard).................................................................................................15

Using the Array Builder..........................................................................................................................................16How Array Builder Works................................................................................................................................16Controllers........................................................................................................................................................16Variable Conditions..........................................................................................................................................17Arrays...............................................................................................................................................................18Logical Drives (also known as Virtual Disks)...................................................................................................18Disks (also known as Array Disks)...................................................................................................................19Exporting to XML..............................................................................................................................................20Importing XML..................................................................................................................................................20Saving to Package............................................................................................................................................20

Creating Task Sequences for RAID, DRAC, and iDRAC..........................................................................................20Variable Replacement......................................................................................................................................21Configuring Variable Replacement Tab...........................................................................................................22Log / Return Files .............................................................................................................................................22

Configuring the Task Sequence Steps to Apply Operating System Image And Driver Package...........................22Applying Operating System Image...................................................................................................................23Adding Dell Driver Packages...........................................................................................................................23

Advertising a Task Sequence.................................................................................................................................23Best Practices for Advertising a Task Sequence............................................................................................23

Deploying a Task Sequence...................................................................................................................................24

4 Using The Dell Server Deployment Pack on Systems Running Configuration Manager 2007...............................................................................................................................25

Importing a DTK Package.......................................................................................................................................25Upgrading a DTK Package......................................................................................................................................25Creating a Boot Image for Deploying Dell PowerEdge Servers.............................................................................26Hardware Configuration and Operating System Deployment on Unknown Computers.........................................27

Configuring the BIOS Action Settings..............................................................................................................27Updating and Managing Distribution Points...........................................................................................................28Importing Dell Server Driver Packages..................................................................................................................28Enabling Command Prompt for Debugging Boot Images.......................................................................................29Configuring your Servers Hardware Components..................................................................................................29

Creating a Task Sequence...............................................................................................................................29Creating a Dell specific Task Sequence..........................................................................................................29Creating a Custom Task Sequence..................................................................................................................30Editing a Task Sequence..................................................................................................................................30Rebooting to PXE USB Custom Action on Systems Running Configuration Manager 2007 SP1......................31

Advertising a Task Sequence.................................................................................................................................31Best Practices for Advertising a Task Sequence............................................................................................32

Deploying a Task Sequence...................................................................................................................................32

5 Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................33Task sequences fail or act incorrectly after an upgrade on Configuration Manager 2007 SP1.............................33Task sequences fail or act incorrectly after an upgrade on Configuration Manager 2007 SP2.............................33Operating System Deployment Fails in Microsoft Windows Server 2003..............................................................33DTK Configuration wizard completes with errors...................................................................................................34

1IntroductionThis document describes the activities that you can perform with Dell Server Deployment Pack Version 2.0 for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (Configuration Manager.)

What's New in Version 2.0• Support for Microsoft System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.• Support for 12th generation of PowerEdge servers.• Support for Dell Deployment ToolKit (DTK) v3.5 to v4.0.• Task sequence optimized in Configuration Manager 2007 SP2 and later.• Support to extract Dell driver packages directly from ISO images stored locally or on the network.

Dell Server Deployment Pack Features OverviewYou can perform the following tasks using the Dell Server Deployment Pack:

• Configure the server's Dell Remote Access Controller (DRAC), integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC), RAID, and BIOS using INI files and Command Line Interface (CLI) options. You can also configure RAID using the Array Builder Wizard.

• Create a Dell specific boot image that is used in the operating system deployment.• Import and apply driver installation packages for specific Dell servers.• Consolidated launch points to various wizards, to perform a typical server deployment on site server installation.• Enhanced support for up to sixteen global and dedicated RAID hot spares.• Support for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007 SP1, R2, SP2, R3, and Microsoft System

Center 2012 Configuration Manager releases.• Support for importing of Dell Deployment ToolKit (DTK) using the Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard.• Support for importing Dell driver packages from the Configuration Manager Admin Console.• Support for deployment using x64 boot images (DTK with 64-bit support is required.)

Other Dell Documents You Might NeedIn addition to this guide and the online help, you might need to refer the following documents to get details on specific Dell OpenManage products. These documents are available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com/manuals.

• The Dell Server Deployment Pack Version 2.0 for Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager Install Guide provides information about installing DSDP 2.0 on your system.

• The Dell Remote Access Controller 5 Firmware User's Guide provides comprehensive information about using the RACADM command line utility to configure a DRAC 5.

• The Dell Chassis Management Controller User's Guide provides comprehensive information about using the controller that manages all modules in the chassis containing your Dell server.

• The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide provides information about installation, configuration, and maintenance of the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) on management and managed systems.

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• The Dell Remote Access Controller/Modular Chassis User's Guide provides information about installation, configuration, and maintenance of the Dell Remote Access Controller/Modular Chassis (DRAC/MC).

• The Command Line Reference Guide for iDRAC6 and CMC provides comprehensive information about using the RACADM command line utility.

• The Dell OpenManage Deployment ToolKit User's Guide provides general, best practices procedures that focus on the basic tasks for a successful deployment using Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) or embedded Linux.

• The Dell OpenManage Deployment ToolKit Command Line Interface Reference Guide provides information on the command line utilities to configure system features.

• The Server Update Utility User's Guide provides information on how to identify and apply updates to your system.

• The Dell Repository Manager User’s Guide provides information on how to create customized bundles and repositories for servers running on Microsoft Windows operating systems.

• The Glossary for information on terms used in this document.

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2Before you Begin Using Configuration ManagerAfter a fresh install or upgrade using the option Remove Dell Deployment ToolKit (DTK) utilities and Windows PE drivers, make sure that you import a DTK package before going ahead. For more information, see the Importing a DTK Package section for systems running Configuration Manager 2007 and Importing a DTK Package section for system running Configuration Manager 2012.

Also, make sure that you have created distribution points and/or updated the appropriate packages to Configuration Manager distribution points. The Update Distribution Points operation ensures that all packages of the Dell Server Deployment Pack that you installed are updated on the distribution points. The Distribution operation ensures that the packages are available on the distribution points for the client systems to access them. To add a distribution point, see the Configuration Manager Online Help.

Dell Server Deployment Pack provides consolidated launch points to various wizards to perform a typical server deployment. To access the wizards sequentially, right-click Operating System Deployment node and select Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment. You can use DSDP for Configuration Manager to perform the following tasks:

• Import a Dell Deployment ToolKit (DTK)

• Create Dell boot images for server deployment

• Import Dell driver packages from Dell Systems Management DVD

• Create an operating system deployment task sequence

Recommended DTK version for Configuration ManagerConfiguration Manager 2007 SP1 — DTK version 2.6 or later

Configuration Manager 2007 SP2 — DTK version 3.2.1 or later

Configuration Manager 2012 — DTK version 4.0

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3Using The Dell Server Deployment Pack on Systems Running Configuration Manager 2012This chapter will help you to use Dell Server Deployment Pack on systems running Configuration Manager 2012

Importing a DTK PackageNOTE: By default, Dell Server Deployment Pack self extractable provides one DTK self extractable zip that is available in the extracted location. You may download another one from the Dell Support site at support.dell.com.

To import a DTK Package:

1. Launch Configuration Manager by clicking Start → All Programs → Microsoft System Center 2012 → Configuration Manager → Configuration Manager Console .The Configuration Manager Console screen is displayed.

2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Application Management → Packages.

3. Right-click Packages and select Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment → Launch Deployment Toolkit Configuration Wizard .The Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard screen is displayed. If there is an existing DTK package on the server, then the DTK version, Windows PE version, and architecture is displayed on the DTK present on system field.

4. Click Browse and select the DTK self extractable zip file that you downloaded.The selected DTK version, Windows PE version, and architecture is displayed under DTK selected for import field.

5. If there is no existing DTK package present on the server, or if the version selected is newer than the existing version, click Next. The Boot Image Property screen is displayed.

NOTE: Dell Server Deployment Pack 2.0 does not support downgrading or reimporting the same version of DTK.

6. Refer step 3 to step 8 under the Creating a Boot Image for Deploying Dell PowerEdge Servers section for creating a boot image.

Upgrading a DTK PackageTo upgrade a DTK package:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Application Management → Packages.

3. Right-click Packages and select Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment → Launch Deployment Toolkit Configuration Wizard .

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The Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard screen is displayed. If there is an existing DTK package on the server, then the DTK version, Windows PE version, and architecture is displayed on the DTK present on system field.

4. Click Browse and select the updated DTK self extractable zip file that you downloaded.The selected DTK version, Windows PE version, and architecture is displayed under DTK selected for import field.

5. Click Next. The Boot Image Property screen is displayed.


Creating a Boot Image for Deploying Dell PowerEdge ServersTo create a Boot Images fro Deploying Dell PowerEdge Server:

1. Launch Configuration Manager by clicking Start → All Programs → Microsoft System Center 2012 → Configuration Manager → Configuration Manager Console . The Configuration Manager Console screen is displayed.

2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Operating Systems → Boot Images.

3. Right-click Boot Images and select Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment → Create Dell Server Boot Image.

4. The following options are displayed in the Boot Image Selection screen:

NOTE: Make sure that you import a 64-bit version of DTK before selecting x64 boot images in any of the following options.

Use Boot Image from WAIK tools

Select this option to create both x64 and x86 Dell boot images. The source for the boot image creation is obtained from Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) and all the Windows PE custom install packages are added to the boot image.

Use Existing Boot Image from Configuration Manager

This option allows you to select an existing boot image in Configuration Manager. Select the existing boot image from the drop-down list and use it to create a Dell boot image.

Use a Custom Boot Image Select this option to import a custom boot image from any other location. Specify the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path of the Windows Imaging (WIM) file and select the boot image from the drop-down list.

NOTE: Only finalized images are supported if you select the Use a Custom Boot Image option for Windows PE version 2.x.

NOTE: The Windows PE custom boot image should have XML, Scripting, and WMI packages installed on it. For more information on how to install these packages, see the Microsoft Windows AIK documentation available on your system.


6. Enter a name for the Dell boot image. The Version and Comments fields are optional.

7. Click Create. The boot image creation process begins. A progress bar shows the status of the boot image creation. Once the boot image is created, the boot image details is displayed on the Summary screen, DTK details, and success state.

8. Right-click each of the newly created boot images and perform the update and manage distribution points operations.

NOTE: You can view the DTK configuration details only by using the Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard.

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Distributing Content and Updating Distribution PointsTo update and manage distribution points:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Application Management → Packages → Dell PowerEdge Deployment .

3. Right-click PowerEdge Deployment Toolkit Integration and click Update Distribution Points.

4. Click OK to update the distribution points.

5. Right-click PowerEdge Deployment Toolkit Integration. Click Distribute Content.

6. The Distribute Content Wizard is displayed. Click Next and proceed through the wizard to manage the distribution points. (See the Configuration Manager Online Help or the Configuration Manager documentation for details.)

7. Go to Overview → Boot Images → Operating Systems . Right-click on the boot image that you created, and click Distribute Content.

8. The Distribute Content Wizard screen is displayed. Proceed through the wizard to manage the distribution points.

9. Repeat step 7 for all the other boot images that you created.Similarly, use the Distribute Content and Update Distribution Points wizard to update and manage the operating system images to distribution points.

Importing Dell Server Driver PackagesDell Server Deployment Pack provides a wizard to create driver packages in Configuration Manager based on the server-operating system combination, out of the drivers available in the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD. These packages are used in the task sequences that are used for operating system deployment.

1. Insert the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD version 6.2 (or later) in your system drive. You can download the latest ISO image of the DVD from www.support.dell.com.


3. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Operating Systems → Driver Packages.

4. Right-click Driver Packages, select Dell Server Driver Package → Import Dell PowerEdge Server Driver Packages . The Dell PowerEdge Server Driver Package Import Wizard lists the DVD drives available on your server. Select the drive in which you inserted the DVD. Click Next.

NOTE: If you have downloaded an ISO image, then create a physical disk or mount it on a virtual drive.

5. A list of the driver packages for a combination of the servers and operating systems is displayed. Select the required packages and click Finish.A progress bar displays the status of the import. After the import is complete, the import summary is displayed.

NOTE: Sections involving importing of drivers may take more time without updating the progress bar.

6. Click Close.

7. To update and manage distribution points for the driver packages you imported, go to Driver Packages → Dell PowerEdge Driver Packages <Dell OpenManage Version> . The driver packages window is displayed.

8. Right-click each of the newly imported driver packages and perform the distribute content and update distribution points operations.

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Enabling Command Prompt for Debugging Boot ImagesNOTE: To display the debug console during deployment, press F8.

To enable command prompt to debug boot images:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Operating Systems → Boot Images.

3. Right-click on the boot image and select Properties.

4. In the Properties window, select Customization tab and select Enable Command Prompt (testing only) check box.

5. Click Apply, and proceed with distribute content and updating distribution points. For more information, see Distributing Content and Updating Distribution Points.

Configuring your Servers Hardware ComponentsConfigure the various components of your server’s hardware.

Creating a Task Sequence

You can create a task sequence to configure your server in two ways:

• Create a Dell-specific task sequence using PowerEdge Server Deployment template.

• Create a custom task sequence.

Creating a Dell specific Task Sequence

To create a Dell-specific task sequence using PowerEdge Server Deployment template:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Operating Systems → Task Sequences.

3. Right-click Task Sequences, then click Bare Metal Server Deployment → Create Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment Template .The Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment Task Sequence Wizard is displayed.

4. Enter the name of the task sequence in Task Sequence Name field.

5. Select the boot image to use from the drop-down list.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the Dell Custom boot image that you created.

6. Under Server Hardware Configuration select the hardware items that you want to configure in this task sequence.

7. Under Operating System Installation, select the operating system installation type. The options are:

– Use an OS WIM image

– Scripted OS install

8. Select an operating system package from the Operating system package to use drop-down menu.

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9. If you have a package with unattend.xml, then select it from the Package with unattend.xml info menu. Else, select <do not select now>.

10. If Dell Lifecycle Controller Integration for Configuration Manager is installed on the server, then select the check box Apply Drivers from Dell Lifecycle Controller. For more information, see the Dell Lifecycle Controller Integration for Configuration Manager User’s Guide.

11. Click Create. A confirmation message is displayed, click Close.

Creating a Custom Task Sequence

To create a custom task sequence:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Operating Systems → Task Sequences.

3. Right click Task Sequences, then Create Task Sequence. The Create Task Sequence Wizard is displayed.

4. Select Create a new custom task sequence and click Next.

5. Enter name, version number, and comments for the task sequence.

6. Browse for the Dell boot image that you had created, and click Next.

7. The Confirm the Settings is displayed, review your settings and click Next.

8. A confirmation message is displayed, click Close.

Editing a Task Sequence

To edit a new task sequence or an existing task sequence:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Software Library → Overview → Operating Systems → Task Sequence.

3. Right-click the task sequence and click Edit. The Task Sequence Editor window is displayed.

4. Click Add → Dell Deployment → PowerEdge Server Configuration .This loads the custom action for your Dell server deployment.

NOTE: When editing a task sequence for the first time, an error message Setup Windows and ConfigMgr is displayed, create and select the Configurations Manager Client Upgrade package to resolve the error. For more information creating packages, see the Configuration Manager 2012 documentation at technet.microsoft.com.

You can now make changes to the task sequence accordingly. For more information on configuring task sequence actions like system BIOS, RAID, DRAC, and iDRAC, see Configuring Task Sequence Actions.

Configuring Task Sequence ActionsWhen you select PowerEdge Server Configuration from the Task Sequence Editor, the following tabs are displayed:

• Action Settings

• Variable Replacement

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• Logs/Return Files

This section explains about the Action Settings tab. For information on Variable Replacement tab see, Variable Replacement. For information on Logs/Return Files tab, see Log/Return Files .

Configuring your System BIOS

To configure your system BIOS,

1. Right-click the task sequence and click Edit.

2. From the left hand side of the Task Sequence Editor, under Configure Hardware → Step 1, click Set BIOS Config (ini file) → Action Settings tab.

3. Select BIOS Config (ini file) from the Configuration action type: drop-down menu.

NOTE: You can also select BIOS Config (command line) if you want configure system using the CLI option. This usage is beyond the scope of this document. See the Dell OpenManage Deployment ToolKit Command Line Interface Reference Guide on the Dell support site at www.dell.com for details.

4. Select Set from the Action: drop-down menu.The Configuration file/Command line parameters field is enabled. For more information see, Configuration file/Command line Parameter Options.

Configuration file/Command line Parameter OptionsThere are three options you can choose from:

• <Create configuration file>

• <Import configuration file>

• Edit <syscfg.ini>

CAUTION: When you update or save a new file in the package, it is not automatically updated on all of its distribution points. To make sure the new file is available to systems that need it, you must update the distribution points from the Software Distribution→ Packages→ Dell PowerEdge Deployment→ Dell PowerEdge Deployment ToolKit Integration <version> node.

<Create configuration file>

The Create button is displayed.

1. Click Create.

2. The Configuration File Editor is displayed with the following options:

– Import File: Click this button if you want to import an existing .ini file from a directory.

– You can also create an online .ini file in the Configuration File Editor field and click OK. This prompts you to save the .ini file you created to a local drive or network share of your choice.

3. If you select the Save these changes to the existing file in the toolkit package when I click OK option, your configuration is exported to a file when you click OK.

<Import configuration file>

The Import button is displayed. Click Import to import an existing .ini file.Edit <syscfg.ini>

This is a sample BIOS.ini file.

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1. Click View to see the existing syscfg.ini file.

2. In the Configuration File Editor window, you can edit the syscfg.ini file, select the Save these changes to the existing file in the toolkit package when I click OK option and click OK.

After creating the .ini file using any of the preceding options listed, click Apply in the Task Sequence Editor window. The task sequence for Set BIOS Config (ini file) is created.

Configuring Set Boot Order

To add a new set boot order step to a task sequence:

1. Right-click the task sequence and click Edit. The Task Sequence Editor window is displayed.

2. Click Add → Dell Deployment → PowerEdge Server Configuration . This loads the custom action for your Dell server deployment.

3. Select the Configuration action type as Boot Order and Action as Set.

4. Under Configuration file/Command line parameters, select --nextboot=virtualcd.slot.1. This sets the boot order to boot from a virtual CD.

NOTE: See the Dell Deployment Toolkit CLI Guide for information on parameters for --nextboot option.

Configuring RAID Using RAID Config (wizard)

The RAID Config (wizard) allows you to either create a new configuration file or import an existing configuration to configure RAID on your systems.

Now, let us say you want to configure RAID by creating a new configuration file using the RAID Config (wizard). From the left hand side of the Task Sequence Editor, under Configure Hardware → Step 1 , click Set RAID Config (wizard).

Under Configuration file/Command line parameters there are three options you can choose from:

• <Create configuration file>

• <Import configuration file>

• <sample.xml>

<Create configuration file>

1. Select <Create configuration file> from the Configuration file / Command line parameters drop-down menu.

2. Click Create. The Array Builder wizard is displayed. For more information on the Array Builder see, Using the Array Builder.

3. Enter the configuration rule name in the Configuration Rule Name field.

4. Select the error handling rule from the drop-down menu. You can choose from:

– Fail the task if any controller does not match a configuration rule ‑ reports a failure if a rule cannot configure any of the detected controllers.

– Fail the task only if the first controller does not match a configuration rule - reports a failure if a rule cannot configure the first detected controller (usually the embedded controller).

– Fail the task if none of the array controllers match a configuration rule - reports a failure only if all of the controllers in the system fail to match a rule; in other words, none of the controllers are configured.

<Import configuration file>

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1. Select <Import configuration file> from the Configuration file/Command line parameters drop-down menu. Click Import.

2. Specify the location of the configuration file you want to import and click Open.

<sample.xml>

1. Select <sample.xml> from the Configuration file / Command line parameters drop-down menu.

2. Click View. The Array Builder wizard for the sample.xml is displayed.

3. To edit the sample.xml, see <Create configuration file>.

Using the Array BuilderUsing Array Builder, you can define arrays/disk sets with all available RAID settings, logical drives/virtual disks of varying sizes or use all available space, and assign hot spares to individual arrays or assign global hot spares to the controller.

How Array Builder Works

When you run the task sequence on a target server, the array configuration utility detects the existing controller(s) on the server as well as the disks attached to each controller. The custom action then tries to match the physical configuration(s) the utility detected to the logical configurations you defined in the configuration rules. These array configuration rules are defined using a graphical, logical layout that allows you to visualize how your array controllers are configured. Rules are processed in the order displayed in the Array Builder tree, so you know exactly which rules have priority.

You can define rules to match configurations based on detected slot number that the controller is in (or just the embedded controller, if any), how many disks are attached to the controller, or simply apply a blanket configuration to any controller the Array Builder finds. You can also apply configuration rules based on task sequence variables detected on the server. This allows you to define different configurations to different servers even if the detected hardware is identical.

Controllers

Controller elements contain variable condition elements. Controllers are one of several configuration types:

• The embedded controller

• A controller in slot "X"

• Any controller with "X" disks

• Any controller with "X" disks or more

• All remaining controllers

When launching Array Builder from a <Create configuration file> selection in the deployment action, a default embedded controller is created.

When a controller is created, a default variable condition, array and disk(s) are created to ensure a valid configuration. You can choose to leave the controller unconfigured - with disks set to non-RAID, or you can add arrays or do other actions.

Adding a Controller

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1. To add a new controller, select a controller from the list, or select an embedded controller. The Controllers drop-down menu to your left is enabled.

2. Click Controllers → New Controller. The Controller Configuration window is displayed.

3. Under Controller Selection Criteria, select from the following options:

Select the controller located in slot Enter the slot number of the controller.

Select any controller with <exactly, atleast> <number of> disks attached

Set a rule to select any controller which matches exactly, or at least the number of disks you have selected.

Select all remaining controllers in the system regardless of configuration

Set a rule to select all remaining controllers in the system regardless of configuration

4. Under Variable Matching Criteria, you can set a rule to apply this configuration only if it matches certain criteria that you select. Select Apply this configuration only when variable to enable the rule setting options.

5. Click OK.

Editing a Controller

To edit a controller select the controller and click Controllers → Edit Controller . On the Controller Configuration window you can make changes to your controller.

Deleting a Controller

1. To delete a controller select the controller and click Controllers → Delete Controller . You will receive a warning that all the attached arrays and disks are deleted.

2. Click Yes to delete or No to cancel.

NOTE: On a server, you require at least one controller. If there is only one controller and you delete it, then a message that the default controller was inserted because the last controller was deleted is displayed.

Variable Conditions

To provide the ability to use the same hardware configuration in multiple logical configurations, variable evaluation is provided so that you can apply different configuration for arrays and logical drives to different situations.

Variable condition elements contain arrays and global hot spares, and are of two types:

• No variables defined: This is the default configuration inserted with every controller, and you cannot remove or move it from last in the order.

• Variables defined: This is where any variable is compared to a value using one of the pre-defined operators.

Adding a New Variable Condition

To add a new variable condition under an embedded controller:

1. Expand Embedded Controller, and select [No variable conditions defined].

2. Click Variables → New Variable Condition. The Variable Condition Configuration window is displayed.

3. Under Variable Matching Criteria, you can set a rule to apply this variable only if it matches certain criteria that you select.

4. Click OK to apply the variable condition, or Cancel to return to Array Builder.

Editing a Variable Condition

To edit a variable condition:

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1. Select the variable condition and click Variables → Edit Variable Condition . The Variable Condition Configuration window you can make changes to your variable condition.

2. Click OK to apply the variable condition, or Cancel to return to Array Builder.

Deleting a Variable Condition

To delete a variable condition:

1. Select the variable condition and click Variables → Delete Variable Condition . A message that all the attached arrays and disks are deleted is displayed.


Arrays

Array nodes include both RAID arrays and non-RAID disk groups (indicated by the different icons for RAID arrays and non-RAID disks). By default, a non-RAID disk group is created when a controller is created. If the controller configuration specifies the number of disks required, then the same number of disks are added to the non-RAID group.

• Arrays are added, modified or deleted depending on the controller configuration and number of disks available.• Array elements contain logical drives and physical disks.

Adding a New Array

To add a new array under a variable condition:

1. Select a variable condition and click Arrays → New Array . The Array Settings window is displayed.2. Set the required RAID level from the Desired RAID Level drop-down menu.3. Click OK to apply the array, or Cancel to return to Array Builder.

Editing an Array

To edit an array:

1. Select the array and click Arrays → Edit Array. The Array Settings window is displayed. Here you can select a different RAID level for the array.

2. Click OK to apply the changes, or Cancel to return to Array Builder.

Deleting an Array

To delete an array:

1. Select the array and click Arrays → Delete Array. A message that all the attached disks will be deleted is displayed.


Logical Drives (also known as Virtual Disks)

Logical drives are present on RAID arrays and non-RAID groups. You can configure them by specifying the size (in GB) or to consume all available (or remaining) space in the array. By default, a single logical drive is created for all new arrays and is set to use all the available space.

When specific-size logical drives are defined, the using all remaining space logical drive will consume any remaining space after other logical drive(s) are allocated their space on the array.

NOTE: Array Builder does not support creating logical drives under Non-RAID groups.

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NOTE: Cannot delete a logical drive under Non-RAID disks in Array Builder.

Adding a New Logical Drive

To add a new logical drive under an array:

1. Select the array and click Logical Drives → New Logical Drive . The Logical Drive Settings window is displayed.

2. Under Create a logical drive enter the exact number of gigabytes the logical drive must contain.

3. Click OK to create the logical drive, or click Cancel to return to Array Builder.

Editing a Logical Drive

To edit a logical drive:

1. Select the logical drive and click Logical Drives → Edit Logical Drive . The Logical Drive Settings window is displayed. Here you can change the size of the logical drive.

2. Click OK to apply the changes, or click Cancel to return to Array Builder.

Deleting a Logical Drive

To delete a logical drive

1. Select the logical drive and click Logical Drives → Delete Logical Drive . A message to confirm the delete operation is displayed.


Disks (also known as Array Disks)

You can include disks as part of the arrays (or the non-RAID disks node) and they are of the following types:

• Standard disks - these are the basic, non-defined disk type that make up the storage on arrays

• Hot Spares - these disks provide online redundancy if a RAID disk fails, and are assigned to a specific array.

• All Remaining Disks - these disks provide an option to define an array without specifying the exact number of disks in it.

If the controller configuration specifies a number of disks required, then an equivalent number of disks are added to the non-RAID group. If the controller specifies an exact quantity, then you cannot add or remove disks from the controller, you can move them from array to array (or the non-RAID group). If the controller specifies a minimum number of disks, then you can add or remove disks, else you cannot remove disks below the lower limit of the controller configuration.

Adding a New Disk

To add a new disk to an array, select the array and click Disks → New Disk .

You can choose from the following:

• Single disk

• Multiple disks

• Hot spare (only for the current array)

• Global hot spare (all arrays)

Changing a Disk

To change a disk, click on the disk and select Disks → Change Disk.

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You can change a disk to:

• Standard disk

• Hot spare (only for the current array)

• Global hot spare (all arrays)

Deleting a Disk

To delete a disk, click on the disk and select Disks → Delete Disk.

Exporting to XML

This menu item allows you to save the current configuration in an XML file to a location of your choice. To make sure that this configuration file is used, save it into the package. Else, the configuration is saved to a variable.

To export the current configuration to an XML file, click Export to XML.

Importing XML

This menu item allows you to search for and import an existing Array Builder XML file. Format the XML file properly, else Configuration Manager automatically modifies the XML file and sends a notification of the change.

To import an existing Array Builder XML file from another location, click Import XML.

Saving to Package

1. Select the Save these changes to the existing file in the toolkit package when I click OK option.2. Click OK. This enables you to save the configuration to an XML file.

CAUTION: When you update or save a new file in the package, it is not automatically updated on all of its distribution points. To make sure that the new file is available to servers that need it, update the distribution points from the Software Distribution → Packages → Dell PowerEdge Deployment → Dell PowerEdge Deployment ToolKit Integration <version> node .

Creating Task Sequences for RAID, DRAC, and iDRACFrom the Configuration action type menu you can select the options listed in following table to create task sequences for RAID, DRAC, and iDRAC.

Option Suboptions Description

RAID Configuration (.ini file) 5i-raid0.ini Sample file for RAID 0.

5i-raid1.ini Sample file for RAID 1.

5i-raid5.ini Sample file for RAID 5.

raidcfg.ini Use the existing raidcfg.ini file to configure RAID. See <Edit syscfg.ini> for a similar example.

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Option Suboptions Description

iscsicfg.ini Use the existing iscsicfg.ini file to configure RAID. See <Edit syscfg.ini> for a similar example.

RAID Configuration (command line) None Use this option if you want to manually configure the RAID tokens using the CLI.

RAC Configuration (DRAC 5) <Create configuration file> See <Create configuration file> to see how you do it for the BIOS option.

<Import configuration file> See <Import configuration file>for the BIOS option.

rac5cfg.ini Use the existing rac5cfg.ini file to configure DRAC 5. See <Edit syscfg.ini> for a similar example.

NOTE: Use DRAC configuration (DRAC5) to configure Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) on Dell PowerEdge xx0x modular servers.

iDRAC Configuration (iDRAC 6) <Create configuration file> See <Create configuration file> to see how you do it for the BIOS option.

<Import configuration file> See <Import configuration file> for the BIOS option.

idrac6cfg.ini Use the existing idrac6cfg.ini file to configure iDRAC 6. See <Edit syscfg.ini> for a similar example.

iDRAC Configuration (iDRAC 7) <Create configuration file> See <Create configuration file> to see how you do it for the BIOS option.

<Import configuration file> See <Import configuration file> for the BIOS option.

idrac7cfg.ini Use the existing idrac7cfg.ini file to configure iDRAC 7. See <Edit syscfg.ini> for a similar example.

Once you finish configuring the system BIOS, RAID, DRAC, and iDRAC, the hardware component sequences is displayed in the Task Sequence Editor.

Variable Replacement

The Variable Replacement tab allows you to use and configure task variables like:

• System Variables

• Task Sequence Variables

• Machine Variables

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• Collection Variables

Configuring Variable Replacement Tab

To configure the Variable Replacement Tab:

1. Under the Action to take when a variable is unintialized or the value is null or blank section you can:

Use a null/blank value

Uses a variable that has not been initialized or has a blank value. This allows the clients to continue processing the action even if the variable is undefined or blank.

Fail the task Fails an action that cannot retrieve a valid variable value. This allows you to view what is wrong with an action instead of trying to debug a failed command line or a incorrectly configured system.

2. Select Search all text input files for variables to replace to enable client-side scripts to search for and replace variables in the command line or within files specified and replace them with values found in the task sequence environment or the Windows system environment. For optimum performance of the Action uncheck the Search all text input files for variables to replace check box.

3. Select Replace %PASSWORD% variables with this password to replace any instances of a password in the Actions with the password entered and confirmed in the dialog box.

4. Select Manually define additional variables to set additional variables on the system prior to a task running . To define the additional variables:a) Enter a variable Name.b) Enter the variable Value.c) Select the variable Type from the drop-down menu.

5. Click Apply and OK.

Log / Return Files

To retrieve the log files or capture configuration files:

1. Select Retrieve the task sequence log file from the client after this action runs.

2. Select Enable extended / debug logging by this action to get extensive information in the log files.

3. Select Retain network folder settings from a prior step, if available to copy any available network folder settings from the previous step or to configure the network folder settings proceed to step 4.

4. Provide a valid network/local path to save the file.

5. Provide the Domain and Account name to access the path.

6. Provide and confirm the password.

7. If you have specified a network path on step 4, then select Map a drive letter to the network share above and then select a drive letter from the drop-down menu.

8. Click Apply and OK.

Configuring the Task Sequence Steps to Apply Operating System Image And Driver PackageThe scope of this document includes information only on the Dell Server Deployment Pack feature to apply operating system image and add Dell drivers.

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Applying Operating System Image

NOTE: Before you begin this task, make sure that you have the required operating system image file (.wim file) within the Operating System Images tree in Configuration Manager.

To apply operating system image:

1. From the left-hand side of the Task Sequence Editor, under Deploy Operating System click Apply Operating System Image.

2. You can choose from the following options:

– Apply operating system from a captured image

– Apply operating system from an original installation source

3. Select the appropriate option and browse and select the operating system location and click OK.

Adding Dell Driver Packages

To add Dell driver packages:

1. From the left hand side of the Task Sequence Editor, under Deploy Operating System click Apply Driver Package.

2. Click Browse. The Select a Package window is displayed.

3. Click Dell PowerEdge Driver Packages<OM Version>. The list of driver packages available in the Dell Server Deployment Pack is displayed.

4. Select a package for a Dell PowerEdge server, say, Dell R720-Microsoft Windows 2008x86 OM7.0.

5. Click Apply.

NOTE: After operating system deployment, make sure that the mass-storage driver installed is same as that specified in the Task Sequence. If you find any differences, then update the driver manually.

Advertising a Task SequenceAfter saving the task sequence, assign it to the collection of servers by advertising it. To advertise a task sequence:

1. Right-click on the task sequence and select Deploy. The Deploy Software Wizard window is displayed.

2. Refer the Configuration Manager Online Help on how to advertise a task sequence.

NOTE: In the New Advertisement Wizard, check the option Make this task sequence available to boot media and Preboot Execution Environment (PXE).

Best Practices for Advertising a Task Sequence

• Always configure advertisements with the following settings when using PXE:

– Make this task sequence available to boot media and PXE

– Distribution Points: Access content directly from a distribution point when needed by the running task sequence

– Interaction: Show task sequence progress

• Always configure Windows PE boot images with the following settings:

– Windows PE: Enable command support (testing only)

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• For the following packages, right-click and select Properties, click on the Data Access tab and select the Copy the Contents of this Package to a package share on distribution points check box, then click on the Distribution Settings tab and select the Automatically download content when packages are assigned to distribution points radio button.

– Dell PowerEdge Deployment Toolkit Integration 2.0

– Configuration Manager Client Upgrade Package

– Boot images

– Operating System Images

– Driver Packages

Deploying a Task SequenceNow that the task sequence is ready, use any of the following methods to deploy the task sequence you have created:

• Deploy through a CD

• Deploy through a USB

• Deploy through PXE

For more information on how to deploy a task sequence using the preceding methods, see the Configuration Manager Online Help.

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4Using The Dell Server Deployment Pack on Systems Running Configuration Manager 2007The chapter will help you to use Dell Server Deployment Pack on systems running Configuration Manager 2007

Importing a DTK PackageNOTE: By default, Dell Server Deployment Pack self extractable provides one DTK self extractable zip that is available in the extracted location. You may download another one from the Dell Support site at support.dell.com.

To import a DTK package and create a Dell boot image:

1. Launch Configuration Manager by clicking Start → Microsoft System Center → Configuration Manager 2007 → Configuration Manager Console. The Configuration Manager Console screen is displayed.

2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Software Distribution → Packages → Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment.

3. Right-click Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment and select Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment → Launch Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard .The Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard screen is displayed. If there is an existing DTK package on the server, then the DTK version is displayed in the DTK Zip Details field.

4. Click Browse and select the DTK self extractable zip file that you downloaded. The selected DTK version, Windows PE version, and architecture is displayed under DTK Zip Details.

5. If there is no existing DTK package present in the server, or if the version selected is newer than the existing version, click Next.The Boot Image Property screen is displayed.

NOTE: Dell Server Deployment Pack 2.0 does not support downgrading or reimporting the same version of DTK.

6. See step 3 to step 11 under the Creating a Boot Image for Deploying Dell PowerEdge Servers section for creating a boot image.

Upgrading a DTK PackageTo upgrade a DTK package:

1. Launch Configuration Manager by clicking Start → Microsoft System Center → Configuration Manager 2007 → Configuration Manager Console.The Configuration Manager Console screen is displayed.

2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Software Distribution → Packages → Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment.

3. Right-click Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment and select Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment → Launch Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard .The Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard screen is displayed. The existing DTK version present on the server is displayed in the DTK Zip Details field.

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4. Click Browse and select the updated DTK self extractable zip file that you downloaded. The selected DTK version, Windows PE version, and architecture is displayed under DTK Zip Details.



Creating a Boot Image for Deploying Dell PowerEdge ServersTo create a boot image for deploying Dell PowerEdge server:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Operating System Deployment → Boot Images.

3. Right-click Boot Images and select Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment → Create Dell Server Boot Image.

4. The Boot Image Selection screen is displayed with the following options:

NOTE: Make sure that you import a 64-bit version of DTK before selecting x64 boot images in any of the following options.

Obtain the Boot Image from WAIK

Select this option to create both x64 and x86 Dell boot images. The source for the boot image creation is obtained from Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) and all the Windows PE custom install packages are added to the boot image.

Use Existing Boot Image from Configuration Manager

This option allows you to select an existing boot image in Configuration Manager. Select the existing boot image from the drop-down list and use it to create a Dell boot image.

Use a Custom Boot Image Select this option to import a custom boot image from any other location. Specify the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path of the Windows Imaging (WIM) file and select the boot image from the drop-down list.

NOTE: Only finalized images are supported if you select the Use a Custom Boot Image option for Windows PE version 2.x.

NOTE: The Windows PE custom boot image should have XML, Scripting, and WMI packages installed on it. For more information on how to install these packages, see the Microsoft Windows AIK documentation available on your system.

5. Click Next.The Boot Image Property screen is displayed.

6. Enter a name for the Dell boot image. The Version and Comments fields are optional.

7. Select Enable Unknown Computer Support for this Boot Image to enable unknown computer support.

8. A warning that the boot image is used only for unknown computer deployment is displayed. Click OK.

9. Click Browse. In the Collection selector screen, select the collection to which the unknown computer is added during the operating system deployment.

NOTE: make sure that you do not select the Configuration Manager created All Unknown Computers collection.

10. Click Create. The boot image creation process begins. A progress bar displays the status of the boot image creation. Once the boot image is created, the boot image details, DTK details, and success state is displayed in the Summary screen.

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11. Right-click each of the newly created boot images and perform the update and manage distribution points operations.

NOTE: You can view the DTK configuration details only by using the Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard.

Hardware Configuration and Operating System Deployment on Unknown Computers

NOTE: Unknown Computer support is available only if Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 R2 is installed on the server.

Since hardware configuration with operating system deployment on a Dell server requires multiple reboots, Dell Server Deployment Pack version 2.0 introduces a workflow that adds unknown computers automatically to a Collection specified by you. This enables smooth performance of hardware configuration and operating system deployment. Dell Server Deployment Pack requires a system in a known collection because it uses the machine variables to track multiple reboots during an operating system deployment.

On selecting the Enable Unknown Computer Support check box while Importing a DTK Packageor while Creating a Boot Image for Deploying Dell PowerEdge Servers, the wizard injects a custom pre-execution hook (PE hook) into the Windows PE image. When the client boots to the Windows PE, enter the Configuration Manager administrator credentials, and give a name to the unknown computer. The PE hook then uses the credentials to connect to the Configuration Manager and adds the unknown computer to the collection which was selected in the wizard. There is an option to set machine and task sequence variables here.

NOTE: Use this image for deploying unknown computers. If you are using this image on a known computer, then you have to enter all the preceding details to continue.

For information on Pre eXecution Environment (PXE) boot with Unknown Computer support, see Best Practices for Advertising a Task Sequence.

Unknown Computer feature uses the BIOS state data information to determine whether the server is unknown. Once the system is moved to a known collection, the state data is set to 1. Add a reset state data step in the task sequence to reset the BIOS state data. For more information, see Configuring the BIOS Action Settings.

Configuring the BIOS Action Settings

To configure the BIOS action settings:

1. Open the task sequence that you have created for deployment.2. Click on Step 2, and select Add → Dell Deployment → PowerEdge Server Configuration . This loads the custom

action for your Dell server deployment.3. Under the Action Settings tab, select the Configuration Action Type as BIOS Config (command line.)4. Select Action as Set.5. Under Configuration File/Command line parameters enter the following command:

-b 06. Click Apply.

NOTE: Add this step before the Apply Operating System Image step in your task sequence.

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Unknown Computer support for various boot images

Table 1. Unknown Computer support for various boot images

Boot Images Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 - R2/R3

WAIK x86 X

WAIK x64 X

ConfigMgr x86 N/A

ConfigMgr x64 N/A

Custom x86 N/A

Custom x64 N/A

Updating and Managing Distribution PointsTo update and manage distribution points:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Software Distribution → Packages → Dell PowerEdge Deployment .

3. Under Dell PowerEdge Deployment, two packages are available — Dell PowerEdge Custom Reboot Script and Dell PowerEdge Deployment ToolKit Integration. Right-click Dell PowerEdge Custom Reboot Script and click Update Distribution Points.

4. The Confirm Update Distribution Points screen is displayed. Confirm to update the distribution points.

5. Right-click Dell PowerEdge Custom Reboot Script. Click Manage Distribution Points.

6. The Manage Distribution Point Wizard is displayed. Click Next and proceed through the wizard to manage the distribution points. (See the Configuration Manager online help or the Configuration Manager documentation for details.)

7. Repeat step 1 through step 6 for Dell PowerEdge Deployment ToolKit Integration and ConfigMgr Client Package (under Packages.)

8. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Operating System Deployment → Boot Images → Dell Deployment . Right-click on the boot image that you created, and click Manage Distribution Points.

9. The Manage Distribution Point Wizard screen is displayed. Proceed through the wizard to manage the distribution points.

10. Repeat step 8 and step 9 for all the other boot images that you created.Similarly, use the Manage and Update Distribution Points wizard to update and manage the operating system images to distribution points.

Importing Dell Server Driver PackagesDell Server Deployment Pack provides a wizard to create driver packages in Configuration Manager based on the server-operating system combination, out of the drivers available in the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD. These packages are used in the operating system deployment task sequences.

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1. Insert the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD version 6.2 (or later) in your system drive. You can download the latest ISO image of the DVD from www.support.dell.com.

2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Operating System Deployment → Driver Packages.

3. Right-click Driver Packages → Dell Server Driver Package. Select Import Dell PowerEdge Server Driver Packages.

4. On the Dell PowerEdge Server Driver Package Import Wizard screen you can:

– Select the drive in which you inserted the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD and click Next. Or

– Browse and select the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD ISO image and click Next.5. A list of the driver packages for a combination of the servers and operating systems is displayed. Select the

required packages and click Finish.A progress bar displays the status of the import. After the import is complete, the import summary is displayed.

NOTE: Sections involving importing of drivers may take more time without updating the progress bar.

6. Click Close.

7. To update and manage distribution points for the driver packages you imported, go to Driver Packages → Dell PowerEdge Driver Packages <Dell OpenManage Version> . The driver packages window is displayed.

8. Right-click each of the newly imported driver packages and perform the update and manage distribution points operations.

Enabling Command Prompt for Debugging Boot ImagesTo enable command prompt to debug boot images:

1. On the left-hand pane, click Operating System Deployment → Boot Images .

2. Right-click on the boot image and select Properties.

3. In the Properties window, select Windows PE tab and select Enable Command Prompt check box.

4. Click Apply, and proceed with updating and managing the distribution points. For more information, see Updating and Managing Distribution Points.

NOTE: To display the debug console during deployment, press F8.

Configuring your Servers Hardware ComponentsConfiguring the various components of your server’s hardware.

Creating a Task Sequence

You can create a task sequence to configure your server in two ways:

• Create a Dell-specific task sequence using PowerEdge Server Deployment template.

• Create a custom task sequence.

Creating a Dell specific Task Sequence

To create a Dell-specific task sequence using PowerEdge Server Deployment template:

1. Launch Configuration Manager by clicking Start → Microsoft System Center → Configuration Manager 2007 → Configuration Manager Console.

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The Configuration Manager Console screen is displayed.

2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Operating System Deployment .

3. Right-click Task Sequences, then Bare Metal Server Deployment → Create Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment Template.The Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment Task Sequence Wizard is displayed.

4. Enter the name of the task sequence in Task Sequence Name field.

5. From the drop-down list select the boot image to use.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use the Dell Custom boot image that you created.

6. Under Server Hardware Configuration select the hardware items that you want to configure in this task sequence.

7. Under Network (Admin) Account, enter your account name and password. This account is used to access network shares and WMI on the Configuration Manager server to update task information.

NOTE: The Network (Admin) Account option is enabled on systems running Configuration Manager 2007 SP1 only.

8. Under Operating System Installation, select the operating system installation type. The options are:

– Use an OS WIM image

– Scripted OS install

9. Select an operating system package from the Operating system package to use drop-down menu.

10. If you have a package with unattend.xml, then select it from the Package with unattend.xml info menu. Else, select <do not select now>.

11. If Dell Lifecycle Controller Integration for Configuration Manager is installed on the server, then select the check box Apply Drivers from Dell Lifecycle Controller. For more information, see the Dell Lifecycle Controller Integration for Configuration Manager User’s Guide.

12. Click Create. A confirmation message is displayed.

Creating a Custom Task Sequence

To create a custom task sequence:


2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Operating System Deployment .

3. Right click Task Sequences, then New → Task Sequence . The New Task Sequence Wizard is displayed.

4. Select Create a new custom task sequence and click Next.

5. Enter name, version number, and comments for the task sequence.

6. Browse for the Dell boot image that you had created, and click Finish.A confirmation message is displayed.

Editing a Task Sequence

To edit a new task sequence or an existing task sequence:

1. Launch Configuration Manager by clicking Start → Microsoft System Center → Configuration Manager 2007 → Configuration Manager Console.

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The Configuration Manager Console screen is displayed.

2. From the left pane of the Configuration Manager console, select Site Database → Computer Management → Operating System Deployment → Task Sequences.

3. Right click the task sequence and click Edit. The Task Sequence Editor window is displayed.

4. Click Add → Dell Deployment → PowerEdge Server Configuration . This loads the custom action for your Dell server deployment.If you are creating a task sequence for the first time, then a message asking you whether you are adding any array configuration task to this task sequence is displayed.

5. Click Yes to use the Dell specific template and avoid any potential Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) issue. A description of the potential Windows PE issue is displayed.

6. Click OK to continue or Cancel to quit.

7. Click OK, the Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment Task Sequence Wizard is displayed.

You can now make changes to the task sequence accordingly. Next, you can configure your system BIOS, RAID, DRAC, and iDRAC. For more information, see Configuring Task Sequence Actions.

Rebooting to PXE USB Custom Action on Systems Running Configuration Manager 2007 SP1

Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) may have an issue when you add a system hardware configuration action to a task sequence. Windows PE will not correctly recognize any newly-created disk partitions or any significant change to the disk structure created after the initial Windows PE boot. This will cause the task sequence to fail at any task that writes data to the disk (including the standard Configuration Manager reboot task).

To resolve this issue, you must insert custom reboot actions after you create and partition a disk. If you are using Pre-boot eXecution Environment (PXE) instead of boot media, then you must reset the PXE advertisement in order to reboot back into PXE.

You can insert the Reboot to PXE/USB Custom Action into a task sequence in one of the following ways:

• Reboot to PXE/USB Custom Action is created automatically when a task sequence is created using the Dell PowerEdge Server Deployment template.

• Reboot to PXE/USB Custom Action is created automatically when you edit a task sequence. For more information, see Editing a Task Sequence.

• Reboot to PXE/USB Custom Action is created manually when from the Task Sequence Editor you click Add → Dell Deployment → Reboot to PXE/USB.

To automate the reboot process, insert a Set Boot Order step before the Reboot to PXE/USB Custom Action step. To insert the step automatically, select the Set Boot Order checkbox from the Dell PowerEdge Server Task Sequence Wizard. For more information on configuring Set Boot Order, see the Configuring Set Boot Order section.

CAUTION: It is recommended that you do not move or delete the "Set RebootStep," "Reboot to PXE/USB," and "Reset RebootStep" Custom Action steps in the task sequence.

CAUTION: It is recommended that you delete the computer variable for any computer that has failed the task sequence. This ensures that the task sequence restarts from the beginning.

Advertising a Task SequenceAfter saving the task sequence, assign it to the collection of servers by advertising it. To advertise a task sequence:

1. Right-click on the task sequence and select Advertise. The New Advertisement Wizard window is displayed.

2. Refer the Configuration Manager Online Help on how to advertise a task sequence.

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NOTE: In the New Advertisement Wizard, make sure that you check the option Make this task sequence available to boot media and Preboot Execution Environment (PXE).

Best Practices for Advertising a Task Sequence

• Always configure advertisements with the following settings when using PXE:

– Make this task sequence available to boot media and PXE

– Schedule: Mandatory assignment: As soon as possible

– Schedule: Program rerun behavior: Always rerun program

– Distribution Points: Access content directly from a distribution point when needed by the running task sequence

– Interaction: Show task sequence progress

• Always configure Windows PE boot images with the following settings:

– Windows PE: Enable command support (testing only)

– Two advertisements are required while using a PXE boot media with the Unknown Computer support feature. One for the All Unknown Computers collection, and one for the known collection that you specified during boot image creation. The second advertisement will typically contain all the steps for hardware configuration and operating system deployment. Make sure that you clear the last PXE advertisement from the All Unknown Computers collection to boot to Windows PE successfully.

Deploying a Task SequenceNow that the task sequence is ready, use any of the following methods to deploy the task sequence you have created:

• Deploy through a CD

• Deploy through a USB

• Deploy through PXE

For more information on how to deploy a task sequence using the above methods, see the Configuration Manager Online Help.

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5Troubleshooting

Task sequences fail or act incorrectly after an upgrade on Configuration Manager 2007 SP1In order for the task sequences to function correctly on systems running Configuration Manager 2007 SP1:

1. Launch the task sequence editor. For more information see, Editing a Task Sequence.

2. Edit each task sequence action. For example, for each Dell custom action sequence present add a “.” to the Description and then remove it. This enables the Apply button.

3. While upgrade if you selected Remove WinPE DTK option, then for the Diskpart clean step to correct the error click Browse under Package and select Dell PowerEdge Custom Reboot Script 2.0.

4. Press Apply, which will refresh the properties of the custom action sequence and save any new data or formatting required to function with the new version.

Task sequences fail or act incorrectly after an upgrade on Configuration Manager 2007 SP2In order for the task sequences to function correctly on systems running Configuration Manager 2007 SP2:

1. Launch the task sequence editor. For more information see, Editing a Task Sequence.

2. Remove the Set RebootStep Variable step in the task sequence.

3. Remove all the Reboot to PXE/USB steps in the task sequence.

4. Remove Reset RebootStep Variable step in the task sequence.

5. Remove the Step 2 group.

6. Remove the RebootStep variable condition present in Step 1, Step 3, and Deploy Operating System groups.

Operating System Deployment Fails in Microsoft Windows Server 2003When the operating system deployment fails in Microsoft Windows Server 2003:

1. Make sure that you select the appropriate mass storage controller driver in the Apply Driver Package step of the task sequence.

2. Uninstall and reinstall the Dell Server Deployment Pack Version 2.0, and then use the Deployment ToolKit Configuration Wizard to re-import the same version, or import an older version of Deployment ToolKit into Configuration Manager.

3. After upgrading the Dell Server Deployment Pack, delete the shortcuts of the previous version from the Start menu, if you see them.

4. After uninstalling the Dell Server Deployment Pack delete the shortcuts from the Start menu, if you see them.

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5. While importing a computer, make sure that the computer name you enter starts with a letter. Else, the deployment will fail.

DTK Configuration wizard completes with errorsWhen the DTK configuration wizard completes with errors, while upgrading the DTK package on systems running Configuration Manager 2007:

1. Check if the log file contains text similar to Utilities::ExtractDTK: Exception occurred during extraction.

2. When the text mentioned above exists, it is due to a driver catalog file that is in use by the WMI process.3. Restart the WMI process.

CAUTION: The WMI process is a common service used by other applications.

4. Retry the DTK package import operation to import it successfully.

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