Users Guide

To automate the reboot process, insert a Set Boot Order step before the Reboot to PXE/USB Custom

Action step. To insert the step automatically, select the Set Boot Order check box from the Dell

PowerEdge Server Task Sequence Wizard. For more information on configuring Set Boot Order, see the

Configuring Set Boot Order section.

CAUTION: It is recommended that you do not move or delete the Set RebootStep, Reboot to PXE/

USB, and Reset RebootStep Custom Action steps in the task sequence.

CAUTION: It is recommended that you delete the computer variable for any computer that has

failed the task sequence. This ensures that the task sequence restarts from the beginning.

Advertising a Task Sequence

After saving the task sequence, assign it to the collection of servers by advertising it. To advertise a task

sequence:

Right-click on the task sequence and select Advertise.

The New Advertisement Wizard window is displayed.

Refer the Configuration Manager Online Help on how to advertise a task sequence.

NOTE: In the New Advertisement Wizard, make sure that you check the option Make this task

sequence available to boot media and Preboot Execution Environment (PXE).

Best Practices for Advertising a Task Sequence

• Always configure advertisements with the following settings when using PXE:

– Make the task sequence available to boot media and PXE.

– Schedule: Mandatory assignment: As soon as possible.

– Schedule: Program rerun behavior: Always rerun program.

– Distribution Points: Access content directly from a distribution point when needed by the running

task sequence.

– Interaction: Show task sequence progress.

• Always configure Windows PE boot images with the following settings:

– Windows PE: Enable command support (testing only).

– Two advertisements are required while using a PXE boot media with the Unknown Computer

support feature. One for the All Unknown Computers collection, and one for the known

collection that you specified during boot image creation. The second advertisement will typically

contain all the steps for hardware configuration and operating system deployment. Make sure that

you clear the last PXE advertisement from the All Unknown Computers collection to boot to

Windows PE successfully.

Deploying a Task Sequence

Now that the task sequence is ready, use any of the following methods to deploy the task sequence you

have created:

• Deploy through a CD

• Deploy through a USB

• Deploy through PXE