WinPE | Support is >Here<

Clean up MDT “Leftover Junk” from Previous Task Sequence (The task sequence has been suspended)

Jun 152011

In A LOT of cases, MDT fails to clean up properly after a Failed or even Successful Task Sequence. These leftover files are a nuisance, and can cause the following error (The task sequence has been suspended).

Ive come accustomed to using the Diskpart tool to perform a “Clean” against “Disk 0” to ensure all files are removed.

BUT There is a BETTER way! Johan put together an excellent tool to clean these leftover files before running LTI, so no more error messages in WinPE. The only problem is that his blog entry only explains how to update a boot.wim for a onetime update. When a user performs an “Update Deployment Share” it would wipe out the changes.

Note: If using the “Refresh” or “Sysprep And Capture” Task Sequences, this process will clear the MININT and start a new Deployment after rebooting into WinPE, so keep a backup of the “Unattend_PE_x86.xml”. This will give you the ability to revert back to the default WinPE image.

I put together a quick .ZIP that can be used to use the script.

File name: ZTICleanSetupInprogress.zip
Website link: https://panaconsulting.egnyte.com/h-s/20110615/dae8ca6c6fbf4f03

Source: http://www.deploymentresearch.com/Blog/tabid/62/EntryId/32/Leftover-junk-prevents-new-installation-in-MDT-2010.aspx

How To Take Screenshots in WinPE with SysInternals ZoomIt Utility

Windows 7, Windows PE, Windows XP No Responses »

Jan 082011

One of the best discoveries I’ve made over the 15 years of experience in IT, was finding and learning how to use SysInternals Free Resources. They have a plethora of tools all available for free, complements of Microsoft purchasing them a couple of years back. I will highlight the ZoomIt utility in this article.

Windows Sysinternals

Tool: ZoomIt
URL: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897434

Downloaded in .zip format, it comes in a single .EXE file, which does not require installation to run. The only requirement to run is to accept a EULA prompt.

This prompt can be bypassed via the following registry import:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Sysinternals\ZoomIt]
"EulaAccepted"=dword:00000001

By Default, here are the available options:
Ctrl+1 = Initiate ZoomIt and perform Zoom.
Ctrl+2 = Initiate ZoomIt and do not Zoom.

Options Available after ZoomIt is initiated: (Cursor will change to Crosshair)
If zoomed, moving mouse will pan zooms focus to desired area on screen.
Left Click on mouse to initiate Editing Mode.

Options Available in Editing Mode:
R = Changes color to RED
B = … BLUE
Y = … YELLOW
G = … GREEN
T = Text Editing Mode.
Hold Ctrl + Click = Draws Rectangle.
Hold Shift + Click = Draws Line.
Hold Shift AND Ctrl + Click = Draws Arrow.

Universal Options After Initiated:
Esc = Escapes ZoomIt.
Ctrl + S = Saves Screenshot to desired location.
Ctrl + C = Copy Screenshot to Clipboard.

Note: All Functions have been tested and work in WinPE 2x and 3x.

.. I also use this resource frequently in training sessions and presentations to help with the folks in the back of the room.

/BrianG