Viewing MDT Logs

After using MDT to deploy Windows Vista and now using for deploying Windows 7, I’ve always looked to the MDT log files with some dislike.

The logs look just not well organized. And in fact, using notepad make the job really complicated.

So, because I’m beta program for MDT 2010 I’ve wrote a feedback post on the Microsoft Connect website to expose my frustration about it.

Couple hours later, I’ve received a comment from Microsoft team helping me out saying that I should give a try on SMS Trace application.

I’ve tested it, I’ve liked it and I’ve loved it!

This application (old like hell!) make the job easier!

Give it a try. Download SMS 2003 Toolkit 2 from the link below, and you just need to install the Common Tools.
The just open a log file and I ensure you that you’ll like it to.

Microsoft SMS 2003 Toolkit 2

By the way…take a look on the Microsoft Connect website and join the beta testing for the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010:

Microsoft Connect – Solution Accelerators

[MDT 2010 Beta 2] "Custom Background Bitmap File" Not getting updated – Workaround

Since yesterday, I’m finally testing the Windows 7 RC deployment using WAIK 7 RC and MDT 2010 Beta 2.

I was trying to change the default WDS background bitmap but after changing it, I got a black screen and no image.

This is a bug reported to Microsoft through Connect website and the workaround is the following:

- On MDT right-click on your deployment share
- Select Update Deployment Share
- On the Update Deployment Share window, select the option "Completely regenerate the boot images."

Now you just need to update your boot image on WDS and the new custom images appears.
Hope this helps!

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Beta 2 Webcast

Fresh news from the MDT 2010!

Michael Niehaus recorded a new webcast for the MDT 2010 Beta 2.

The link for the webcast is this one:

http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/InviteOnly.aspx?EventID=3A-78-05-A7-61-B7-4B-2B-08-41-98-B1-8C-3B-92-B4&Culture=en-US

You’ll need to register first before download it.

I’ve not seen it yet, so please feel free to give some feedback about it.