Endpoint Services, MECM, Out-of-Box Imaging

Overview

This article provides information on out-of-the-box imaging for Windows via MECM.

Systems

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM)

Intended Audience

University of Illinois IT Pros leveraging MECM, hosted by Technology Services' Endpoint Services team

Actions

  Gather Information
Information you will need: 
  • if on-board NIC, system MAC address
  • if no on-board NIC, bootable dock MAC address (surface as example) 
  • if using a dongle, SMBIOS GUID

    • On a machine with Windows pre-installed:

      1. Open command prompt by pressing the Windows key and typing "cmd". Then select the command prompt.

      2. Run this command: wmic csproduct get uuid

      3. Record the output from this command

    • On a machine without Windows pre-installed:

      1. Build an MECM boot media flash drive

      2. Boot from the MECM boot media

      3. After WinPE has loaded, press 'F8' to open up a command prompt.

      4. Type the following into the command prompt: wmic csproduct get uuid

      5. Record the output from this command.

  • naming convention for your units systems

  Create AD Object
- MECM can create the AD computer object and bind the machine during imaging, however for this article we will create the AD object as a separate step



  Import System into MECM
1. Assets and Compliance > choose devices
2. import computer information from top ribbon
3. import single computer or import using a file

Computer Information Wizard step 1
3a. import single computer
  • click the Import single computer button
  • select next
  • fill out the following fields
    • computer name (your naming convention)
    • MAC address (if onboard NIC or bootable dock)
    • SMBIOS GUID (if using a dongle)

Import computer wizard - MAC address

3b. import multiple machines using a file
  • create a csv using the following information
    • give column A the heading of Machine Name
    • give column B the heading of MAC address or SMBIOS GUID
    • fill out name & MAC address or SMBIOS GUID under appropriate headings
    • save the csv

    • Machine import CSV
  • click the Import using a file button
  • select next
  • click browse and navigate where the csv was saved
  • if headings were used in the csv, click the button named "This file has column headings"
    • Note the File preview window and review the data
    • the File preview will show three columns: Source Column, Sample Data, Assign As
  • each row within the File preview windows can be selected
  • review and ensure that the "name" column is Assigned As: Name
  • review and ensure that the "MAC address" column is Assigned As: MAC address
    • if using SMBIOS GUID instead of MAC address, ensure the appropriate column is Assigned As: SMBIOS GUID
    • the "Assign As" can be modified as needed via the dropdown menu

      Import computer wizard - choose mapping
  • click next and review the Data Preview
  • click next
  • Choose Target Collection
  • click Add
  • select your unit's MECM instance and navigate to where your OS Deploy collection is located
  • select the deploy collection
  • click next as needed to finalize the import

    Import computer wizard - choose OSD collection
     
      Verify Deploy Collection

    Navigate to the collection where you have configured your OS Deploy Task Sequence and update the membership (this can take 15 minutes) and verify that the newly imported machine exists in the deploy collection

    If no, you can add the system to the proper collection again by:

    a. Assets and Compliance > Devices > Unit > All Systems
    b. Locate the System > Add Selected Item > choose Add Selected Items to Existing Device Collection > choose the proper Device Collection
     
      Review UEFI Settings to allow PXE Boot
    General Recommendations
    • check UEFI first boot option
    • enable UEFI network stack for PXE
    • enable IPV4 (disable IPV6 unless the network is configured for IPV6)
    • uncheck Legacy Option ROMs
    • TPM on & enabled
      PXE Boot
    • Power on machine and press appropriate button combination for the system manufacturer to select boot media:
      • Dell - press F12
      • Lenovo - press Enter
      • HP - escape
      • Surface power plus up volume
     
      Select Task Sequence
    • The WinPE environment will load and prompt you to select a task sequence that is currently deployed to your Deploy Collection
      • Highlight the task sequence
      • Select Next

    Contact the EPS team