Dear All,

I would like to thank you for this Amazing forum.

I have a simple Question Regarding TS Variables.

I want to set the computer name during OS using the OSDComputerName TS Variable.I made my appropriate TS and set the TS Variable step just before the TS "Apply Windows Settings" and left the Value Empty to prompt the computer name.

I deployed the TS to the collection that has the computers targeted with the below settings:

1- TS is Available (Not Required)

2-  The Deployment is available to (Only Configuration Manager Clients) since am not using PXE Environment .

 

Actually what happens when the TS runs that i see that the TS Variable step is skipped and it doesnt appear , so what May cause the problem ??

Creating and setting the variable during the task sequence to a blank value won't cause a popup to appear. If you want to use a construction like that you should configure that variable on a collection (computer) level and set it to a blank value. This will cause a popup at the beginning of the task sequence.

Hi

If you just want a simple prompt for the computername all you have to do is to add the OSDComputerName variable with an empty value to the All Unknown Computers Collection. You do not need to add annything to your Task Sequence.

If you want a more "advanced" solution with a GUI have a look here: http://www.mimercon.dk/index.php/easyblog/entry/prompt-for-computer-name-during-configmgr-2012-r2-os-deployment

Micheal,

i cannot move my computer to the Unknown collection.

Hint: The Deployment is available to (Only Configuration Manager Clients) since am not using PXE , thats why am not using the Unknown collection

Peter,

I deleted the TS Variable step from my TS , then I added the TS Variable on the collection and same results , so re configured the TS variable on the computer and also i got the same result.

Hint: Am not using PXE Environment 

Hi

I guess you are using offline media to start your os deployment. After adding the variable to the Unknown Computers Collection you need to generate a new offline media and in the wizard add the OSDComputerName variable to be available to the offline media.

Or you could implement this: http://www.mimercon.dk/index.php/easyblog/entry/prompt-for-computer-name-during-configmgr-2012-r2-os-deployment

• Edited by Michael Buchardt 1 hour 52 minutes ago

Hint: Am not using PXE Environment 

I indeed missed that you're not using PXE or boot media. In that case it's probably the easiest to create a small custom popup/ HTA. Something like this: http://t3chn1ck.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/script-to-prompt-for-system-name-in-sccm-osd/

Dear Peteer,

I used the script in the link you sent , it also didnt work I gues thats because that it sets OSDComputer Name TS variable to  a certain value where the TS Variable is not operating in the Non PXE Environment 

Are you deploying a new operating system or simply trying to change the computer name?

If you are simply trying to rename the computer, just use a netdom command line. If you are deploying a new operating system, make sure there is not another step, after setting the variable, to capture windows settings.

Thanks Peter,

Am Deploying new OS and not using the capture  windows settings.

Also would you please confirm me this info, that TS Variables Are only used with PXE and boot media and cannot be used with TS advertised for the SCCM client ?? my Question is based on the below Article

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/systemcenter/en-US/0b85c784-1792-4ec9-8aae-13541a0353c1/task-sequence-manager-prompt-to-provide-task-sequence-variable-value?forum=configmgrosd

Blank task sequence variables set on collections, or computer objects, only work via PXE or boot media (in a way that they will provide a popup).

During the task sequence you can just set and use task sequence variables.

This Also Means that I cannot use Black task Sequence variables in task sequence if am not using PXE or Boot meda ???

Hi

I guess you are using offline media to start your os deployment. After adding the variable to the Unknown Computers Collection you need to generate a new offline media and in the wizard add the OSDComputerName variable to be available to the offline media.

Or you could implement this: http://www.mimercon.dk/index.php/easyblog/entry/prompt-for-computer-name-during-configmgr-2012-r2-os-deployment

• Edited by Michael Buchardt Monday, August 11, 2014 9:33 AM

You can use a blank task sequence variable in that scenario, but it will really be blank and it will not popup to ask for a value.

So what is the benift then of the TS Variable in this scenario :S

Am losing a big feature and I'm in no need to PXE, i'm implementing an in place upgrade to my clients , thats why am deploying the TS to Configuration Manager Clients

The variable can still be used to set your own computer name, you just can't use it to generate a popup like that. You can still create your own popup/ HTA to set the computer name.

Also, as you're running a in place upgrade scenario, I would either use the same computer name, or make a change to the name that's easy scriptable (even saves you a popup).

Thanks peter for your reply,

when i deploy the HTA program that sets the computer name , Actually it sets the variable OSDComputerName.

Is there any added step in the TS to be added or just the HTA Makes all things needed to set this variable