MDT pulls database info but won't use it in target computer

Question

Hey guys. I’m having trouble with MDT using the database data when deploying. Specifically, I’m trying to rename the computers that we’re deploying. I can see where the task sequence does pull the name from the database. When I set the parameter: SkipComputerName=NO, I can see where MDT has pulled the computer name from the database. Just now, I thought maybe if I manually change the computer name it would work. But it did not. Do you have any ideas on what I’m doing wrong? My Rules looks like this:
[Settings]
Priority=Init, CSettings, Default
Properties=MyCustomProperty

[Init]
UserID=xxxxxx
UserPassword=xxxxxxxx
UserDomain=xxxxxxxxx

[Default]
SLShareDynamicLogging=\xxxxxxxx\DeploymentShare$\logs\%computername%
_SMSTSORGNAME=xxx
OSInstall=YES
SkipCapture=YES
SkipComputerName=NO
SkipAppsOnUpgrade=YES
SkipAdminPassword=YES
SkipProductKey=YES
DeploymentType=NEWCOMPUTER
SkipUserData=YES
SkipLocaleSelection=YES
SkipTaskSequence=NO
SkipComputerBackup=YES
SLShare= c:\DeploymentShare\logs

SkipTimeZone=YES
TimeZone=020
TimeZoneName=Central Standard Time

SkipDomainMembership=YES
SkipDomainJoin=YES
SkipApplications=YES
SkipBitLocker=YES
SkipRoles=YES
SkipSummary=YES
SkipFinalSummary=YES
EventService=http://xxxxxxx:9800

[CSettings]
SQLServer=xxxxxxx
Instance=SQLEXPRESS
Database=MDT01
Table=ComputerSettings
Netlib=DBNMPNTW
SQLShare=logs$
Parameters=UUID, AssetTag, SerialNumber, MacAddress
ParameterCondition=OR
OSDNewMachineName=%OSDComputerName%
HostName=%OSDComputerName%
ComputerName=%OSDComputerName%

Answer 1

Hi @TJ Scott ,

Thanks for posting in our Q&A.

1, How do you want to name your computer? Pull from the database or manually?

2, Please check your SMSTS.log and BDD.log. It will record the naming details.

3, I did some research on this issue. For this experiment, we may refer to the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56GuD82r2Y4&list=PL9BW7OU-RhNGSnpTp33LydSckx40dnF4w&index=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WcBMR5id80&list=PL9BW7OU-RhNGSnpTp33LydSckx40dnF4w&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaSZPs8yPhQ&list=PL9BW7OU-RhNGSnpTp33LydSckx40dnF4w&index=3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=884DNL1ZiFI&list=PL9BW7OU-RhNGSnpTp33LydSckx40dnF4w&index=4
Note: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you understand the problem. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

4, Furthermore, can you share your reference articles and discuss together?

If I misunderstand something, please let me know. Looking forward to your reply.

Answer 2

Something in the Task Sequence is clearing the OSDComputerName variable. I don't know where to find what I'm looking for; I've looked at logs til I'm cross-eyed and can't see where the variable is getting cleared or replaced.

Answer 3

I am running a standalone MDT server. I.e., no Active Directory and no SCCM. I just found a line of code in ZTIGather.wsf that appears to indicate that SCCM is required. It reads:
If oEnvironment.Item("DeploymentMethod") = "SCCM" and oEnvironment.Item("OSDComputerName") = ** Then
oEnvironment.ITEM("OSDComputerName") = oEnvironment.Item("_SMSTSMACHINENAME")

Also, a line in ZTIGather.xml that connects ConfigMgr from SCCM, to the variable, OSDComputerName:
<property description="The new computer name to assign to the computer (used with ConfigMgr) " Overwrite="false" type="string" id="OSDComputerName"/>

Is SCCM required in order to rename a computer while imaging?

Answer 4

Hi @TJ Scott ,

As far as I know, if you just rename the machine at image time, SCCM is not required.

1, Please let me know how you identify the computer.

2, How you edit the rules? I did it in the following way:

> I thought maybe if I manually change the computer name it would work.

3, What is mean of this sentence? Can you see the expected name in the computer details screen? In my test, I identify my computer by MAC address. I can get the expected name and the name was changed after the installation was successful. The screenshots for your reference:

4, Furthermore, I also did another test for your reference. Identify the computer by location, Change the name to wx- + UUID last eight digits. In this test, I also got the expected name. After that, I changed the name and get the expected name again. The screenshot for your reference:

Thank you for your time and patience!

Best regards,

Cherry