How to manage the growing updates packages with SCCM

[yanglu_jn]

We have several OSD images on our SCCM 2007 R3 with MDT 2010 integrated. However, we found that the deploy progress become longer and longer even stuck at "Downloading 1 of x Updates (0% complete) ...". (http://blogs.technet.com/b/configmgrteam/archive/2011/01/28/known-issue-install-software-updates-action-hangs-on-windows-7.aspx)

Finally we decide to patch the 100+ updates packages into the original Windows 7 image. We have 2 method:

Apply the update packages to an offline image

In this method, we using DISM tool manually mount the Image file and inject the updates into the file. Then we replace the current image on the SCCM distribution points. In this way, some updates may fail due to it needs more steps or interactive with users. However, it keeps the OS image as clean as original use.

1. Prepare the “Offline-Updates” files via third-party tool WSUS Offline Update.
2. Inject all updates into default Install.wim via DISM
3. Replace and update the current OSD image on SCCM

Apply updates through capture live OS image

In this way, we capture the deployed OS in real time after the OS apply all updates. We can have nearly 100% updates within the image file as we need. This method is recommend by Microsoft official documents.

1. Deploy clean Windows OS via DVD/ISO from Microsoft
2. Update and install the OS to the newest patches
3. Capture the OS to wim
4. Replace and update the current OSD image on SCCM

So, I want to ask about how to manage the growing updates packages with SCCM, I believe same problem happens in SCCM 2012. What is your suggestion? Or what is best practice?

 

[anyweb]

re-capture the image once a quarter with the new updates or use offline patching (built into CM12 and decribed here.)

[yanglu_jn]

Thanks Master. We will make this schedule in next meeting.

[yanglu_jn]

1 more question can we use Sysprep and ImageX to capture Client OS as a wim and upload to the SCCM then replace the current one?

[anyweb]

I would use the build and capture process on virtual hardware