The Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 R2 Inventory Tool for Custom Updates scans clients for custom software updates defined in the custom updates catalog, which is created using the Custom Updates Publishing Tool.

SMS 2003 installs the Software Updates feature by default, but the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates must be installed separately. The Setup wizard creates the SMS objects (packages, programs, collections, and advertisements) to deploy the inventory tool to Advanced Clients.

After the clients run the advertisement for the inventory tool and after the client's hardware inventory is received at the site server, you can use the Distribute Software Updates wizard to distribute the software updates defined in the custom updates catalog. You can also view reports relating to the custom software updates. For more information about running the Distribute Software Updates wizard, see Scenarios and Procedures for Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003: Software Distribution and Patch Management available from the Systems Management Server 2003 Product Documentation Web page (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=9502).

In This Section

Concepts and Planning for the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates


Provides concepts and planning information for the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates.
Installing the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates


Provides installation information for the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates.
Using the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates


Provides details for using the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates.
Troubleshooting the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates


Provides troubleshooting information for the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates.
Upgrading and Repairing the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates


Provides information about upgrading and repairing the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates installation.
Uninstalling the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates


Provides information about removing the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates.

See Also