Introduction

Article
03/05/2008

This guide contains detailed information about using BDD 2007 to deploy Windows Vista, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, the 2007 Office system, and Microsoft Office 2003. The document shows how to run the automated deployment process to successfully replace previous Windows operating systems with Windows XP or Windows Vista.

This process takes advantage of and combines the results of the other processes in BDD 2007 to accomplish the following tasks:

Optionally, copy existing user state data from the computer to a shared folder on a server.
Optionally, create a backup image of the user computer to a shared folder on a server.
Optionally, repartition and format the existing primary hard disk.
Create and deploy a Windows operating-system image that includes core applications such as the 2007 Office system.
Dynamically install applications that are specific to the computer model, such as DVD software.
Optionally, install supplemental applications that are specific to the computer’s user.
Optionally, restore the user data and preferences that were previously stored in a shared folder on a server.
In addition, this process provides guidance on deciding where to place deployment servers and other planning information.

Background

The work described in this guide typically starts in the MSF Planning Phase after a commitment to plan the deployment has been established. The work continues through the Deploying Phase, where the computers are redeployed using the new Windows images.

The MSF Release Management Role Cluster is the work’s primary consumer, because most of this document focuses on the actual deployment in the production environment. The Release Management Role Cluster must work closely with all the other feature teams to ensure a timely and successful deployment. In particular, the Release Management Role Cluster will rely heavily on the development teams that created the computer images, the Microsoft Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) process, application packages, network analysis, application remediation strategies, and hardware inventories to act as escalation contacts for troubleshooting and resolving problems that arise during deployment.

Prerequisites

Installing, configuring, and using this process for deploying Windows Vista or Windows XP operating systems require personnel who understand and meet certain prerequisites. Those who execute this deployment process should be familiar with the following concepts:

USMT 3.0
SMS 2003 with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
SMS OSD Feature Pack
MOM 2005
Windows DS
Microsoft Windows Server® 2003 with SP1 or later
Windows PE 2.0, supplied with Windows Vista for Windows Vista deployments
Windows PE 1.5, supplied with the SMS 2003 OSD Feature Pack for Windows XP deployments
Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT)
CD image creation
Network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls
Networking services infrastructure, including Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS), and remote access
Microsoft Active Directory® directory service infrastructure, including logical and physical design of infrastructure
Server capacity planning
Target computer image creation
Automated application installation

Education and References

The following educational and reference resources are available to assist in training the deployment teams.

Microsoft Windows Scripting Self-paced Learning Guide

This book, offered by Microsoft Press® describes how to write system administration scripts—straight from Microsoft scripting experts. This practical learning guide teaches team members how to use scripting techniques to gain control over the Microsoft Windows environment—all at their own pace. Build practical skills on everything from writing their first script in Microsoft Visual Basic® Scripting Edition (VBScript) to working with Windows Script Host (WSH), Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and Active Directory Security Interfaces (ADSI), and from creating logon scripts to automating the management of systems, user accounts, files, printers, the registry, network services, directory services, security features, Group Policy, and more. The companion CD features the complete eBook, plus more than 200 sample scripts and a host of timesaving scripting tools.

Microsoft TechNet Windows XP Service Pack 2 Resources for IT Professionals

These resources reside at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/winxpsp2.mspx. Windows XP SP2 contains major security improvements designed to provide better protection against hackers, viruses, and worms. Windows XP SP2 also improves the manageability of the security features in Windows XP and provides more and better information to help users make decisions that may potentially affect their security and privacy.

The Windows XP SP2 site on Microsoft TechNet is the best resource for accessing the most up-to-date technical information regarding this service pack.

Microsoft TechNet Windows Vista Resources for IT Professionals

These resources reside at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/deploy/default.mspx. Windows Vista has new enhancements and features that can help benefit you and your organization. Major categories of improvements include security, reliability, performance, deployment, and manageability. The Windows Vista site on Microsoft TechNet is the best resource for accessing the most up-to-date technical information regarding this latest version of Windows.

Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Reference (Deploy.chm)

This file resides in the Deploy.cab file in the \Support\Tools folder on the Windows XP CD-ROM. This help file, titled the “Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Reference,” describes how to configure Windows during an unattended installation or deployment of Windows XP. Each setting in the Unattend.txt file (used to configure which Windows components are installed) and the Sysprep.inf file (used to automate Windows XP mini-setup) is described in this file.

Microsoft TechNet Script Center

Access the Script Center at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/default.mspx. The TechNet Script Center provides one-stop shopping for system administrators who want to manage their Windows computers using Microsoft's scripting technologies.

Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Environment User’s Guide (Winpe.chm)

This file resides in the DOCS folder of the Windows PE 1.5 CD. This help file, titled the “Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Environment User’s Guide,” provides information to corporate administrators about using Windows PE to deploy Microsoft Windows to computers within the organization. It describes the features of Windows PE and explains how to configure and customize Windows PE for the organization’s specific requirements.

Microsoft TechNet

Access Microsoft TechNet at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/subscriptions/default.mspx. With a TechNet subscription, the latest Microsoft technical information is delivered monthly on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs, so team members need not download the content from the Microsoft TechNet Web site. A fully searchable knowledge base is also included, to help improve the productivity of information technology (IT) professionals.

Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN)

Access MSDN® at https://msdn2.microsoft.com/subscriptions/default.aspx. The MSDN subscription program provides IT professionals with Microsoft server, desktop, productivity, and developer tools software packages. These can be used in lab environments to improve productivity and reduce the cost of maintaining a lab.

MSF Team Model

MSF information is available from https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c54114a3-7cc6-4fa7-ab09-2083c768e9ab&DisplayLang=en. This white paper provides information about the MSF Team Model and how these models are used in the deployment process.

Computer Imaging System Feature Team Guide

The Computer Imaging System Feature Team Guide is included in BDD 2007. This guide provides guidance on the creation of images that are deployed by using ZTI or LTI. The use of Deployment Workbench is described.

Zero Touch Installation Guide

The Zero Touch Installation Guide is included in BDD 2007. This guide provides guidance on how to install ZTI in the environment. The guide also includes information about how ZTI works (including flowcharts) as well as troubleshooting information.

Lite Touch Installation Guide

The Lite Touch Installation Guide is included in BDD 2007. This guide provides guidance on how to install LTI in the environment. The guide also includes information about how LTI works (including flowcharts) as well as troubleshooting information.

Deployment Configuration Guide

The Deployment Configuration Guide is included in BDD 2007. This guide provides guidance on further customizing the configuration files used in ZTI and LTI. The guide also provides generic configuration guidance and a technical reference for configuration settings.

Deployment Configuration Samples

The Deployment Configuration Samples document is included in BDD 2007. This guide provides deployment scenarios and the corresponding configuration settings for ZTI and LTI. The sample configuration files in the guide can be used as a starting point for the configuration in the environment.

Configuration Reference

The Configuration Reference is included in BDD 2007. This guide provides a description of the configuration properties referenced in the other guides. A separate topic exists for each configuration property.

User State Migration Feature Team Guide

The User State Migration Feature Team Guide is included in BDD 2007. This guide provides guidance on migrating user state information during the ZTI or LTI deployment process.

Test Environment Requirements

Prior to the deployment of the target operating system in the production environment, the team must test the deployment processes and procedures in a test environment. The test environment should reflect the production environment as accurately as possible. For example, include at least one of each type of target computer in the test environment to ensure that processes and procedures work for all types of target computers.

For more information about the requirements for the test environment, see the Test Feature Team Guide.