After preparing the MDT DB, select the method for applying MDT configuration settings using the MDT DB. You can manage the configuration settings stored in the MDT DB using the nodes beneath the Database node in a Deployment Workbench deployment share.

Note   Managing configuration settings stored in the MDT DB using the Deployment Workbench is good when adding a limited number of entries or managing individual entries. If you want to make bulk additions or updates to the MDT DB, use standard SQL Server database tools as described in Manage Configuration Settings Stored in the MDT DB Using SQL Server Management Tools.

Each node beneath the Database node corresponds to a method for applying configuration settings. Table 181 lists the nodes beneath the Database node and describes when to make configuration settings in each node.

Table 181. Nodes Beneath the Database Node in a Deployment Share

Node

Use this node to define

Computers

Specific target computers based on one of these properties: AssetTag, UUID, SerialNumber, or MACAddress properties. Associate property settings, applications, packages, roles, and Administrator-level accounts with a computer.

Select this method when you want to provide configuration settings to a specific target computer. For example, you could use the MAC address of the primary network adapter of each computer to uniquely identify each computer.

Roles

A group of computers based on the tasks performed by the users of the target computers (using the Role property). Associate property settings, applications, packages, and Administrator-level accounts with a role.

Select this method when you want to provide configuration settings to a group of computers that perform a specific job function. The roles can be based on users or actual target computers. For example, you could provide configuration settings for highly secured computers used to process confidential data.

Locations

A group of computers using the DefaultGateway property of the target computers to identify a geographic location. Associate property settings, applications, packages, roles, and Administrator-level accounts with a location.

Select this method when you want to provide configuration settings to a group of computers that reside with in a specific geographic site. For example, you could provide configuration settings for services that are provided within the local site.

Make and Model

A group of computers using the Make and Model properties of the target computers. Associate property settings, applications, packages, roles, and Administrator-level accounts with target computers that are of the same make and model.

Select this method when you want to provide configuration settings to a group of computers that have the same make and model. For example, you could deploy device drivers to the computers that all have the same make and model.

 

You can use any combination of the methods listed in Table 181 to provide configuration settings for target computers. For example, one set of configuration settings could be provided based on the location of the target computer, while another set of configuration settings could be provided based on the role of the computer, and finally, a set of configuration settings could be provided based on the MAC address of the target computer.

Note   Create the items in the Roles node before creating items beneath the other nodes (Computers, Locations, and Make and Model), because items in the other nodes can be associated with roles.

Related Topics

Performing Deployments Using the MDT DB