The Client Management team is happy to announce the availability of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2013 Preview. Download the installer file and release notes from the Client Management program on Connect in the MDT group.

New members must first join the MDT group of the Client Management program on Connect.

MDT 2013 Preview includes:

• Support for the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 8.1 Preview. (The Windows ADK for Windows 8.1 Preview is available on the Microsoft Download Center.)
• Support for deployment of Windows 8.1 Preview and Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview, as well as Windows 7 and Windows 8 families of operating systems.
• Support for zero-touch integration (ZTI) with System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager Preview.

We encourage you to download and use MDT 2013 Preview, and then submit suggestions, bugs and feedback via the Connect site.

-- Aaron Czechowski, Senior Program Manager

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties and confers no rights.

If you missed the announcement, MDT 2012 was released last week.  At that point, the Download Center was updated so that the main MDT download is now MDT 2012.  But we understand that some of you may still have a need to download MDT 2010 Update 1.  The MDT Archive download center page, at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=2932, now has those files.  Note that MDT 2010 Update 1 will only be supported until April 2013, and that previous versions are no longer supported.

Are you passionate about creating software that is essential to the adoption of Microsoft’s “Big bet” products and services such as Windows Azure, the next version of Windows, Office 365, Windows Intune, Hyper-V Cloud, and System Center 2012? Are you seeking an opportunity to join a small startup-oriented, fast-paced, agile team where you will fully leverage your exceptional technical skills towards the task of shaping the vision, planning, engineering and shipping of production-ready software?

The Solution Accelerators Team is seeking a technically sharp, results-driven, customer-focused Senior Software Development Engineer who is looking to make a huge impact on future versions of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (www.microsoft.com/mdt) and new client and datacenter related solutions.

For more information, see the full job posting:

https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?jid=70102

Due to changes in System Center Configuration Manager 2012 RC2, we do not support using MDT 2012 Beta 2 with the RC2 release.  A subsequent MDT 2012 RC1 release will be made available later this quarter that will fully support System Center Configuration Manager 2012 RC2.

If you have been using MDT 2012 Beta 2 and haven’t yet provided your feedback, there is still a short amount of time to get that feedback to us.  Log into http://connect.microsoft.com today!

Reliable and Flexible OS Deployment—now with support for System Center Configuration Manager 2012

The Solution Accelerators team is pleased to announce Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012 Beta 2 is available for download on Connect now.

• New Connect members join the MDT 2012 Beta 2 program now. (Windows Live ID required)
• Existing Connect members bookmark this link to get the latest project details.

New features and enhancements make large-scale desktop and server deployments smoother than ever! For System Center Configuration Manager customers, MDT 2012 Beta 2 provides an improved, extensible wizard and designer for customizing deployment questions. MDT 2012 makes full use of the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment. MDT 2012 integrates with configuration templates from the Security Compliance Manager (SCM) tool to ensure a secure Windows installation from the beginning of the deployment. Download the latest version of MDT and improve your deployment experience. Existing MDT users will find more reliability and flexibility with the many small enhancements and bug fixes and a smooth and simple upgrade process.

The latest version of MDT offers new User-Driven Installation components and extensibility for Configuration Manager 2007 and Configuration Manager 2012. MDT 2012 offers integration with the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT) for Lite Touch Installation remote control and diagnostics. Beta users now also have the ability to migrate MDT 2012 task sequences from Configuration Manager 2007 to Configuration Manager 2012. MDT 2012 offers improved support for Configuration Manager 2012 while still supporting Configuration Manager 2007. New monitoring capabilities for currently running deployments ease Lite Touch Installation through an improved deployment wizard user experience, and enhanced partitioning support ensures that deployments work regardless of the current structure.

Key Benefits:

• Full use of the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment.
• Improved Lite Touch user experience and functionality.
• A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users.

New Features:

For System Center Configuration Manager customers:

• Support for Configuration Manager 2012 (while still supporting Configuration Manager 2007)
• New User-Driven Installation components for Configuration Manager 2007 and Configuration Manager 2012
• Extensible wizard and designer, additional integration with Configuration Manager to deliver a more customized OS experience, support for more imaging scenarios, and an enhanced end-user deployment experience
• Ability to migrate MDT 2012 task sequences from Configuration Manager 2007 to Configuration Manager 2012

For Lite Touch Installation:

• Integration with the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT) for remote control and diagnostics
• New monitoring capabilities to see the progress of currently running deployments
• Support for deploying Windows to computers using UEFI
• Ability to deploy Windows 7 so that the computer will start from a new VHD file, “Deploy to VHD”
• Improved deployment wizard user experience

For all customers:

• Integration with configuration templates from the Security Compliance Manager Solution Accelerator, ensuring Windows is secure from the start
• A simple mechanism for running Windows PowerShell scripts during a deployment, with task sequence environment and logging integration
• Better partitioning support, creating the recommended partitioning structures on new computers and ensuring deployments work regardless of the current structure
• A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users
• Many small enhancements and bug fixes

Join the MDT 2012 Beta 2.

Tell us what you think! Test drive our beta release and send us your constructive feedback. We value your input; this is the perfect opportunity to be heard. The MDT 2012 Beta 2 will be available for beta download through January 2012.  

Tell your peers and customers about Solution Accelerators! Please forward this to anyone who wants to learn more about OS deployment with MDT, and Microsoft Solution Accelerators.

Already using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit? We’d like to hear about your experiences. Please send comments and suggestions to [email protected].

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Team Blog

Deployment TechCenter

Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Archive

Microsoft System Center

Microsoft Solution Accelerators

The next version of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit—version 2012— is now available for beta download. To participate, register for MDT 2012 Beta 1 at Microsoft Connect.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2012 Beta 1 rides the next wave of System Center releases with support for System Center Configuration Manager 2012. For Lite Touch installations, MDT 2012 improves the overall client-side user experience, while also providing behind-the-scenes enhancements for partitioning, UEFI, and user state migration. These features, combined with many small enhancements, bug fixes, and a smooth and simple upgrade process, make MDT 2012 Beta 1 more reliable and flexible than ever.

Key Benefits:

• Fully leverages the capabilities provided by System Center Configuration Manager 2012 for OS deployment.
• Improved Lite Touch user experience and functionality.
• A smooth and simple upgrade process for all existing MDT users.

Tell the MDT team what you think! To participate in the MDT 2012 Beta 1 program, download and test the tool in your environment and then provide timely feedback and suggestions to our development team. MDT 2012 Beta 1 runs through August 2011. Please submit your feedback through Connect and direct any support questions you may have to [email protected]. Thank you for taking the time to help us improve the MDT product feature and functions. Your time and assistance are much appreciated.

Next steps:

· Join MDT 2012 Beta 1 and tell the MDT team what you think!

· Help spread the word—share the beta invitation link with your friends.

· Send your comments to the MDT Team.

· Learn more about the MDT.

Get the latest tips from Microsoft Solution Accelerators—in 140 characters or less! Follow us on Twitter: @MSSolutionAccel.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Update 1 - Now Available!

If you’re making the move to Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and/or Office 2010, you need tools and guidance to help you through the process. Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010, a free Solution Accelerator, is designed to fill that need.

The latest MDT 2010 Update 1 release, now available for download, offers something for everyone:

For System Center Configuration Manager 2007 customers:

• New “User Driven Installation” deployment method. An easy-to-use UDI Wizard allows users to initiate and customize an OS deployment on their PCs that’s tailored to their individual needs.
• Support for Configuration Manager R3 “Prestaged Media.” For those deploying Windows 7 and Office 2010 along with new PCs, a custom OS image can easily be loaded in the factory and then customized once deployed.

For Lite Touch Installation:

• Support for Office 2010. Easily configure Office 2010 installation and deployment settings through the Deployment Workbench and integration with the Office Customization Tool.
• Improved driver importing. All drivers are inspected during the import process to accurately determine what platforms they really support, avoiding common inaccuracies that can cause deployment issues.

For all existing customers:

• A smooth and simple upgrade process. Installing MDT 2010 Update 1 will preserve your existing MDT configuration, with simple wizards to upgrade existing deployment shares and Configuration Manager installations.
• Many small enhancements and bug fixes. Made in direct response to feedback received from customers and partners all around the world, MDT 2010 Update 1 is an indispensible upgrade for those currently using MDT (as well as a great starting point for those just starting).
• Continued support for older products. MDT 2010 Update 1 still supports deployment of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Office 2007, for those customers who need to be able to support these products during the deployment of Windows 7 and Office 2010.

Next Steps

• Download MDT 2010 Update 1 from the Microsoft Download Center.
• Learn more about MDT 2010 by visiting the MDT site on TechNet.
• Get the latest news by visiting Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Team Blog.
• Ask questions, post answers, and share your insights in the MDT Forum.

For those of you who have already joined the Microsoft Deployment connection and tested the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Update 1 beta release, thank you so much for your participation. 

Please take a moment to share your thoughts and suggestions on your experiences with the features in the software and how to improve them. Download the MDT 2010 Update 1 Beta, and then complete this brief survey before June 22, 2010. You will be automatically entered into the MDT Beta Feedback Survey Sweepstakes and have a chance to win one of four Amazon Gift Cards, each valued at $25 USD. We will also randomly select one winner to receive a $200 USD Amazon Gift Card.

To participate in the MDT 2010 Update 1 Beta survey, please click the following URL:

https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/Survey/Survey.aspx?SurveyID=11098

For those of you who have not yet joined the Microsoft Deployment connection, there is still time to join, download the beta, provide your feedback, and complete the survey.  See the details at http://blogs.technet.com/b/msdeployment/archive/2010/05/11/microsoft-deployment-toolkit-2010-update-1-now-in-beta-release.aspx.

Thanks,

Solution Accelerators Team

Sponsor
This survey is sponsored by the Microsoft Solution Accelerators Team. You can contact us at [email protected].

* For complete sweepstakes rules, please see https://connect.microsoft.com/site14/content/content.aspx?ContentID=17485

In addition to the breakout sessions mentioned previously, there are some interactive sessions involving MDT 2010 that might interest TechEd attendees:

WCL03-INT | Windows 7 Deployments: What's in the Toolbox? (Weapons of Mass Deployment)
Monday, June 7  |  2:45 PM - 4:00 PM  |  Rm 352
Speakers: Jeremy Chapman, Michael Niehaus, Steve Campbell

WCL01-INT | How to Launch and Prepare Information Workers for Windows 7
Tuesday, June 8  |  3:15 PM - 4:30 PM  |  Rm 352
Speakers: Anthony Smith, Steve Campbell

WCL07-INT | Meet the Deployment Guys
Wednesday, June 9  |  9:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Rm 353
Speakers: Jeremy Chapman, Michael Niehaus, Steve Campbell

These interactive sessions are smaller and more intimate, allowing you to bring your own questions and drive the discussion however you see fit.  The first session is designed to explore all the various Windows 7 deployment tools that are available, the second will focus on preparing users for the new Windows 7 features, while the last session should be open to any Windows and Office deployment topic.

In addition to these interactive sessions and the previous list of breakout sessions, also check out this session:

WCL205 | Windows 7 Deployment Tips from Early Adopters
Tuesday, June 8  |  1:30 PM - 2:45 PM  |  Auditorium A
Speakers: Baldwin Ng, Bruce Jones, Eric Craig, Jeremy Chapman, Juan Gaviria, Stephen Rose

That session will focus on the experiences of customers that are already deploying Windows 7 in their enterprises.

Because application compatibility is always a big concern for enterprises, you may also want to attend these:

WCL204 | What Everyone Should Know about Application Compatibility
Monday, June 7  |  2:45 PM - 4:00 PM  |  Auditorium C
Speakers: Aaron Margosis, Chris Jackson

WCL319 | What You Need to Know about Migrating from Internet Explorer 6 to Internet Explorer 8
Tuesday, June 8  |  3:15 PM - 4:30 PM  |  Rm 387
Speakers: Chris Jackson, Matt Heller

WCL401 | Inside the Application Compatibility Toolkit 5.6: Finding, Testing, and Fixing Applications on Windows 7
Wednesday, June 9  |  9:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Rm 287
Speaker: Chris Jackson

WCL301 | Case of the App Compat Bug
Wednesday, June 9  |  11:45 AM - 1:00 PM  |  Rm 295
Speaker: Aaron Margosis

See you in New Orleans.

For those attending TechEd North America from June 6th (for pre-conference session) through the 10th, there will be a variety of sessions that feature the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit:

WCL317 | Troubleshooting Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Lite Touch
Wednesday, June 9  |  8:00 AM - 9:15 AM  |  Rm 276
Speaker: Johan Arwidmark

WCL311 | Migrate Your Windows XP Machines to Windows 7 Using Free Microsoft Deployment Tools
Wednesday, June 9  |  1:30 PM - 2:45 PM  |  Rm 261
Speaker: Rhonda Layfield

WCL403 | Unleash the Power of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010
Wednesday, June 9  |  3:15 PM - 4:30 PM  |  Rm 356
Speaker: Michael Niehaus

MGT316 | Windows 7 Deployment en Masse
Thursday, June 10  |  8:00 AM - 9:15 AM  |  Auditorium A
Speakers: Jason Sandys, Johan Arwidmark

WSV332 | Windows Server 2008 R2 Deployment with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)
Thursday, June 10  |  9:45 AM - 11:00 AM  |  Rm 391
Speaker: Mikael Nystrom

If you haven’t yet registered for the conference or for the all-day pre-conferences (including one on Windows 7 deployment, above), there is still time!  Access the registration page at http://northamerica.msteched.com/registration for all the details.

Deploy Windows 7 and Office 2010 quickly and reliably—while boosting user satisfaction.

If you’re making the move to Windows 7 and Office 2010, you need tools and guidance to help deploy Windows and Office quickly—and do it right the first time.  Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Update 1 Beta includes new features like Office 2010 support, the ability for users to initiate and customize their own deployments using Configuration Manager, key enhancements in driver support, and much more.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Update 1 Beta – Benefits

The MDT 2010 Update 1 Beta provides organizations with the following benefits:

·         Save time and money deploying Office 2010: Customers can now use MDT 2010’s comprehensive tools and guidance to efficiently manage large-scale deployments of Microsoft Office 2010.

·         Respond more effectively to user needs: MDT 2010 Update 1 includes a “User-Driven Installation” (UDI) deployment method that leverages Configuration Manager. An easy-to-use UDI Wizard allows users to initiate and customize an OS deployment on their PC that’s tailored to their individual needs.

·         More reliable driver installation: MDT 2010 Update 1 boosts the reliability of the driver installation process by detecting each driver’s true supported platforms.

These features, combined with many bug fixes and other improvements, make MDT 2010 Update 1 more reliable and flexible than ever.

Next Steps

·         Join the MDT Update 1 Beta. (Live ID required.)

·         Learn more about MDT 2010 by visiting the MDT site on TechNet.

·         Ask questions, post answers, and share your insights in the MDT Forum.

In addition to all the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit-related sessions being conducted by the MDT team listed in a previous posting, there are several additional ones that you will want to check out during the week:

BF33 WDS Internals - Mastering the Windows Deployment Service
Monday, April 19 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM, Titian 2301A 
Speaker: Johan Arwidmark

Johan will show how to use, configure, and troubleshoot Windows Deployment Services.  He will also show how MDT 2010 uses WDS.

BC06 Deploying Windows 7 with MDT 2010: A Demo Extravaganza
Monday, April 19 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM, Veronese 2501A 
Speaker: Richard Smith

Richard will guide you through the whole Windows deployment lifecycle, using MDT for image creation and image deployment – nine hours of demos squeezed into one 75 minute session.

IF06 Deploying Windows Server 2008 R2 with MDT 2010
Tuesday, April 20 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, Ballroom A 
Thursday, April 22 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, Ballroom A 
Speaker: Joey Snow

In this instructor-led lab, Joey Snow will walk you through the process of deploying Windows Server 2008 R2 using MDT 2010.

BE21 Notes from the Field: MDT 2010 Deployment Scenarios
Thursday, April 22 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, Titian 2301A 
Speakers: Doug Klokow, Joseph Paradi

Doug and Joseph will show how MDT is being used and customized in real-world Windows 7 deployment projects.

BC33 Building the perfect Master Image using MDT 2010
Friday, April 23 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM, Bellini 2101A 
Speaker: Johan Arwidmark

Johan will provide tips and tricks to help you create the perfect master image of Windows 7.

BE32 Branch Office hydration using MDT 2010
Friday, April 23 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM, Titian 2303 
Speaker: Mikael Nystrom

Mikael will show how to use MDT 2010 to “hydrate” a set of branch office virtual machines using MDT 2010.

The Microsoft Management Summit 2010 conference kicks off Monday, April 19th in Las Vegas, and the MDT team will be well represented with team members attending and presenting throughout the week.  Be sure to check out these break-out sessions, instructor-led labs, and birds-of-a-feather sessions:

IE01 Getting Started with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 (ILL)
Monday, April 19 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM, Ballroom A 
Tuesday, April 20 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM, Ballroom A 
Speaker: Mary Anne Blake, Senior Program Manager

A great lab for those just getting started with MDT 2010, walking through many of the common scenarios that IT administrators need to perform.

IE02 Advanced Deployment Scenarios Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010
Monday, April 19 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM, Ballroom A
Wednesday, April 21 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM, Ballroom A 
Speaker(s): Rajat Kumar, Senior Program Manager

An in-depth lab for those that know MDT 2010 and want to take it further by leveraging databases, web services, and customized wizards.

OE01 Ask the Experts: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010
Tuesday, April 20 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Marco Polo 702
Moderator: Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

This is your chance to ask questions to the team that is working on MDT 2010 Update 1 and its new features.  Come early to ensure you get a seat.

BC32 A Drivers Saga - The Control Freak meets The Dynamic Developer
Wednesday, April 21 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, Veronese 2405 
Speakers: Johan Arwidmark, Consultant; Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

This is the first time Johan (the “Control Freak”) and Michael (the “Dynamic Developer”) have presented together, speaking about techniques for managing drivers for OS deployment.

BC07 Troubleshooting Windows 7 Deployments
Thursday, April 22 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM, Bellini 2101A 
Speakers: Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

Examine some of the common problems encountered when deploying Windows 7, and learn how to troubleshoot these using all the available logs and tools.

BG01 MDT 2010 Update 1 + ConfigMgr 2007 OSD: Even More "Better Together"
Thursday, April 22 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, Veronese 2501A 
Speakers: Chris Adams, Senior Program Manager Lead; Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

Learn about the new features in MDT 2010 Update 1, including an in-depth overview of the new “User-Driven Installation” deployment scenario for ConfigMgr 2007.

BE04 Enabling Dynamic Windows 7 Deployments with Configuration Manager 2007 and MDT 2010
Thursday, April 22 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM, Veronese 2501A 
Speaker: Michael Niehaus, Senior Software Development Engineer

Explore how ConfigMgr 2007 and MDT 2010 work together to enhance the Windows 7 deployment process, providing more capabilities without more images or task sequences.

A new update for the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is currently under development.  This new version will provide new capabilities such as:

• Support for System Center Configuration Manager R3’s OEM pre-staged media feature.
• Support for Microsoft Office 2010.
• A new “User-Driven Installation” (UDI) deployment method (formerly known as ‘Modena’) for System Center Configuration Manager, enabling end users to initiate an OS deployment through an easy-to-use wizard.
• Improvements to the Deployment Workbench driver import process, detecting each driver’s true supported platforms.
• Many bug fixes and other small improvements.

Want to know more about these new capabilities?  You can find out more at next week’s MMS 2010 conference sessions:

BG01:  MDT 2010 Update 1 + ConfigMgr 2007 OSD:  Even More “Better Together”
Thursday, April 22 – 2:30 PM-3:45 PM
Veronese 2501A

OE01: Ask the Experts: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010
Tuesday, April 20 – 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Marco Polo 702

Want to be notified when the beta version of MDT 2010 Update 1 is available?  Sign up today at the Connect website using the following instructions and you’ll receive an e-mail as soon as it is available:

1. Access http://connect.microsoft.com.

2. Sign on using any valid Live ID.

3. From the Connection Directory, find the “Solution Accelerators” connection.

4. Apply for the “Microsoft Deployment Toolkit” program.  Approval is automatic.

There have been reports of a problem when running Refresh, Replace, Sysprep and Capture, and Custom task sequences with MDT 2010.  When running those scenarios an error message is displayed after completing the wizard that states “A connection to the distribution share could not be made”.  When looking at the log files the error states: ‘Multiple connections to a server or shared resource by the same user, using more than one user name, are not allowed.”

This problem seems to occur most often when logged onto the client machine as one user and entering different credentials into the deployment wizard or customsettings.ini.

We have developed a fix for this problem.  To fix the problem you should edit the ztiutility.vbs file in the deployment share under the scripts folder.  Open the file in notepad and replace the following code in the MapNetworkDriveEX function:

Case Else

' Case &h800704C3 ' Multiple connections to a server or shared resource by the same user, using more than one user name, are not allowed.

' Case &h8007052E ' Logon failure: unknown user name or bad password.

' There was a some kind of fatal error.

If ErrDesc <> "" then

             MapNetworkDriveEx = ErrDesc

Else

             MapNetworkDriveEx = "Unable to map UNC Path " & sShare & " :" & "( 0x" & hex(HasError) & " ) "

End if

oLogging.CreateEntry MapNetworkDriveEx & "", iLogType

Exit function

End select

With this code:

Case Else

Err.Clear

On Error Resume Next

oNetwork.MapNetworkDrive  chr(sDrive)&":", sShare, False

HasError = err.number

ErrDesc = err.Description

On Error Goto 0

If Err.Number <> 0 Then

' There was a some kind of fatal error.

             If ErrDesc <> "" then

                                        MapNetworkDriveEx = ErrDesc

             Else

                                        MapNetworkDriveEx = "Unable to map UNC Path " & sShare & " :" & "( 0x" & hex(HasError) & " ) "

             End if

             oLogging.CreateEntry MapNetworkDriveEx & "", iLogType

                           Exit function

Else

      Exit Function

End If                   

End select

We thank you very much for your feedback and assistance in helping us fix this problem.  We are currently working on a KB article that decribes these steps and will update once that KB article is available

We are pleased to announce the release of MDT 2010 available for download here. 

MDT 2010 has been in planning and development for a little over a year and is our largest release to date with over 70% of our code changing since MDT 2008.  MDT 2010 has also been tested throughout our Beta and Release Candidate versions by well over 10,000 IT professionals around the world.  We appreciate all of the feedback you have given and without your help this release would not have been possible.

Michael Niehaus did a great series of blog posts on most of the new features of MDT 2010.  You can review those posts here: http://blogs.technet.com/mniehaus/search.aspx?q=MDT+2010+New+Feature&p=1

Please make sure you review the release notes for instructions on how to upgrade from MDT 2008 or one of the beta releases of MDT 2010.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS RELEASE POSSIBLE!

We are pleased to announce the immediate availability of the release candidate of MDT 2010.  This release contains numerous bug fixes since MDT 2010 Beta 2.  MDT 2010 RC has been tested and will work with Windows 7 RTM and Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM as well as all previously supported operating systems. 

A BIG Thank You to all of you who tested and have given feedback for MDT 2010 Beta 2.  We were able to fix several bugs and push through some design changes based on your feedback.  Now is the time for you to verify the bug fixes and continue to provide feedback as we work towards the release of MDT 2010.

As with any release please make sure you read through the release notes to understand the known issues with this release and make sure you have a backup of your deployment environment before you upgrade to MDT 2010 RC.

If you have not signed up on our connect site you can still do so here: https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=14

Thank you very much for your support and we hope you continue to provide feedback!

We have released a new KB article that describes the steps needed to deploy Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 with MDT 2008 Update 1.  For the most part the deployments will work without problems.  However if you want to deploy SP2 language packs there are some modifications necessary in the scripts.

See the KB article for more information: http://support.microsoft.com/?id=971943

Get ready to deploy Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Beta 2.

The Windows^® 7 and Windows Server^® 2008 R2 launches are just around the corner. As you prepare to deploy these operating systems, get a jump start with Microsoft^® Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Beta 2. Leverage this Solution Accelerator to achieve efficient, cost-effective deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

MDT 2010 is the next version of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, a Solution Accelerator for operating system and application deployment. New features such as flexible driver management, optimized user interface workflow, and Windows PowerShell^™ can simplify deployment and make your job easier. MDT 2010 will support deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in addition to deployment of Windows Vista^®, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP. Join the beta now!

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is the recommended process and toolset for automating desktop and server deployment. MDT provides you with the following benefits:

• Unified tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment in a common deployment console and collection of guidance.
• Reduced deployment time and standardized desktop and server images, along with improved security and ongoing configuration management.
• Fully automated zero touch installation deployments by leveraging System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 2 beta and Windows deployment tools. For those without a System Center Configuration Manager 2007 infrastructure, MDT leverages Windows deployment tools for lite touch installation deployments. 

New Functionality

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Beta 2 is a significant upgrade over MDT 2010 Beta 1.  MDT 2010 Beta 2 adds the following new features and functionality:

Deployment Workbench Enhancements

• Manage multiple Deployment Shares from a single Deployment Workbench including local Deployment Shares or from a network location including standalone DFS shares
• Replicate content between Deployment Shares through "Linked Deployment Shares" and use selection profiles to manage what content gets replicated
• Multiple users can now interact with the same Deployment Share
• Create folders to manage Drivers, Task Sequences, Operating Systems, and OS Packages
• Drag-and-drop, copy-and-paste, and cut-and-paste between folders or between Deployment Shares

Powershell Capabilities

• Anything done from within the Deployment Workbench can be scripted through Powershell
• A drive provider has been added for enumerating folders, items, and properties
• Cmdlets can be used for importing content such as Drivers, Operating Systems, Task Sequences, etc.

Task Sequence and Script Enhancements

• Improved Diagnostics and Logging with more specific error messages
• Real time logging directly to a network share
• Enhanced log collection
• Two new task sequence templates (Capture Only, Post OS Installation)
• Pause and Resume a task sequence
• Automatically detect and fix domain join problems
• Improved user interface for client wizards
• Deploy to a specified disk or partition (Vista or later)
• Refresh Bitlocker encrypted systems to Windows 7 without decrypting the contents of the disk

Configuration Manager Enhancements

• Improved wizard for creating task sequences
• USMT 4.0 hard-link support

Next Steps

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010 Beta 2 is now available! To invite customers and partners to join the Beta program, forward them the information in this e-mail message.

• Download the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Beta 2 and give us your feedback (Live ID login and registration required). If already a member, click here.
• Learn more about this toolkit by visiting MDT TechNet site

Open Beta for MDT 2010—Join Now

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010

Deploy Windows 7 beta with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010. Join the beta at http://connect.microsoft.com.  Follow the instructions on this blog post to get connected to the Beta: http://blogs.technet.com/msdeployment/archive/2008/12/03/a-new-version-is-coming-soon.aspx

MDT 2010 is the next version of Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, a solution accelerator for operating system and application deployment. New features like flexible driver management, optimized transaction processing, and access to distribution shares from any location simplify deployment and make your job easier. Deploy faster and easier with MDT 2010. Join the beta now.

Tell us what you think! Join the beta and send us your honest feedback. We appreciate your input.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit is the fourth generation deployment accelerator from Microsoft. It is the recommended process and toolset to automate desktop and server deployment. MDT benefits you by providing:

· Detailed guidance and job aids for every organized role involved with large-scale deployment projects.

• Unified tools and processes required for desktop and server deployment in a common deployment console and collection of guidance.
• Reduced deployment time, standardized desktop and server images, along with improved security and ongoing configuration management. 

New Functionality

• Support for deploying Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 in addition to deploying Windows Vista SP1, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP SP3, and Windows 2003 SP2
• Hard Link Migrations using USMT 4 for Refresh scenarios which will dramatically reduce your user state backup and restore time
• Integration of the new Windows AIK 2.0 Beta toolset such as DISM and BCDBOOT, and Windows PE 3.0

Join the Beta

Additional infrastructure deployment tools are available as beta releases on the Connect Web site. They are open beta downloads. See below for instructions on how to access the Connect Web site.

To join the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 Beta, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Beta at http://connect.microsoft.com.

2. Sign in using a valid Windows Live ID to continue to the Invitations page.

3. Scroll down to Microsoft Deployment Connection.

If you have not previously registered with Microsoft Connect, you might be required to register before continuing with the invitation process.

If the link in step 1 does not work for you, copy the link and paste it into the Web browser address bar.

Related Resources

Check out other Solution Accelerators! Visit the SAT page on TechNet, http://www.microsoft.com/solutionaccelerators, for additional information.

We appreciate your comments and feedback, please send mail to [email protected]

The latest version of the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, MDT 2010, is currently being developed.  This new version, which is due to be released shortly after the Windows 7 release, will offer:

• Support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
• Deployment Workbench and script architecture improvements.
• Documentation improvements.

The first beta release will be made available in the coming weeks.  Please sign up for at the Connect website to be notified as soon as it is available, if you haven’t already done so.  To sign up, follow these simple steps:

1. Access http://connect.microsoft.com.
2. Sign on using any valid Live ID.
3. From the Connection Directory, find the “Solution Accelerators” connection.
4. Apply for the “Microsoft Deployment Toolkit” program.  Approval is automatic.

We look forward to receiving your feedback on this new MDT 2010 version and encourage you to use the Connect site for that feedback.

If you have suggestions, comments, or concerns about MDT 2008 (the current release), please submit that through the Connect site as well.

We recently had the honor of sitting down with Technet Radio and recording a series of FAQ's about MDT 2008 and a brief discussion on the next version of MDT.

You can download the podcast directly from here:

WMA

MP3 High Bandwidth

MP3 Low Bandwidth

Enjoy!