If you haven’t already done so, read the release notes for last-minute changes to Configuration Manager 2007 and the Configuration Manager Documentation Library. The release notes are in the file ConfigMgr07SP1Readme inthe root folder of the product DVD. Reading the Release Notes is crucial to understanding issues that could not be documented in the product documentation.

Comprehensive information about Configuration Manager 2007 is available in the Configuration Manager Documentation Library. The Library includes both introductory topics such as overviews of features and concepts, as well as in-depth technical discussions and technical reference information.

There are several ways to access the Library.

• If you have not installed Configuration Manager 2007 yet, you can locate the file SMSv4.chm under the product DVD, in SMSSETUP\HELP. You can also copy the SMSv4.chm file to any convenient location and run it locally, without installing the Configuration Manager 2007 console.
  
• If you have installed Configuration Manager 2007, you can access the Library in the Configuration Manager 2007 console by pressing F1, by clicking Help buttons, selecting Help from the Action menus, or by clicking some hyperlinks. After Configuration Manager 2007 is installed, the SMSv4.chm file is installed in %windir%\Help.
  
• The entire Configuration Manager Documentation Library is available on Microsoft TechNet in the System Center Configuration Manager TechCenter (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74317).
  

Updates to Product Documentation

Deploying Configuration Manager 2007 is a multi-phased process. Running Setup is just one of many steps required to have a functioning Configuration Manager 2007 site. You should use the following steps to help ensure a successful deployment.

1. Read the Release Notes.
   
2. Read the planning and deployment information and develop your plan.
   
   1. Decide if you will use simple setup or custom setup.
      
   2. Decide if you will use native mode or mixed mode. If you need native mode, complete the native mode PKI requirements prior to running Setup.
      
3. Verify that your site meets the prerequisites.
   
4. Run Setup to install the site server.
   
5. Configure your site settings and site systems according to your plan.
   
6. Deploy your clients.
   
7. Plan and deploy additional features as needed.
   

Plan Your Deployment

You should complete the "Configuration Manager Preplanning Worksheets" in the SMSv4.chm or on the TechCenter (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74532) before beginning the setup process to ensure that you are fully prepared to complete the configuration steps during the setup process.

Important
Installing Configuration Manager 2007 in your production environment without proper planning is unlikely to result in a functioning site that meets your business needs and security requirements, and is therefore not recommended.

For more information about Setup option planning considerations, you should read the topic "Configuration Manager Planning and Deployment Overview" in the SMSv4.chm or on the TechCenter. (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74531).

Simple Setup and Custom Setup

There are two options for installing a primary site: simple setup and custom setup. In most cases, simple setup should be used for evaluation purposes only. Custom setup allows greater flexibility in configuring site system and client agent settings. Regardless of the installation option you choose, you can review all of the information that you enter at the setup wizard summary page before any changes are made to your system. After you have verified the setup options are correct, Setup will check to verify that all installation prerequisites are met. For a complete list of installation prerequisite rules and descriptions, review the topic "Setup Prerequisite Checks" in the SMSv4.chm or on the TechCenter. (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74533)

For more information about setup option planning considerations, review the topic "Configuration Manager Setup Overview" in the SMSv4.chm or on the TechCenter. (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74534).

Native Mode and Mixed Mode

There are two site modes available for Configuration Manager sites: native mode and mixed mode. Select native mode if you need the highest level of Configuration Manager security or must support Internet-based clients. Native mode requires an existing public key infrastructure (PKI) to support all the clients in the site and some of the site systems. The site server signing certificate must already be installed on the site server before running setup. Select mixed mode if the site will support SMS 2003 clients, has a parent site configured for mixed mode, or if you have an existing public key infrastructure (PKI) but have not yet installed the site server signing certificate on the site server.

For more information about Configuration Manager site modes, review the topic "Configuration Manager Site Modes" in the SMSv4.chm or on the TechCenter. (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=74535).

Verify the Prerequisites

Run Setup

Configure Site Settings and Site Systems

Deploy Clients

Plan and deploy additional features

If you would like to provide feedback, make a suggestion, or report an issue with Configuration Manager 2007, you can go to the Microsoft Connect site. You can right-click any node in the Configuration Manager 2007 console and click Give Feedback, or you can go directly to the Connect site at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=67307.

Some Troubleshooting Content is provided in the Configuration Manager Documentation Library installed with the product. As more troubleshooting information becomes available, see the Troubleshooting information in the Configuration Manager 2007 TechCenter (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=93059).

Technical Support Resources

Community Resources