Offline USB Builds

[AnnSumner78]

Hi, We currently use CDT \ MDT \ OSD TS for our builds, we have been asked if it is possible to create a offline USB version of the build as a temp solution for builds to take place off site until a network connection is implemented. We are toying with the idea of 2 TS one which will be on the USB and load anything that doesn't require communication back to the DC's and another that can be run on site that will then do all the domain tasks activities.

Is there any advice out there that would be help or someone that has achieved this scenario to get offline usb builds to work?

[#2]

Hi @AnnSumner78,

yes, it is possible to generate an offline USB version of the build for deployments in off-site locations.

Here are general steps to do this:

1. Connect your USB drive.
2. Launch a Command Prompt and execute the following commands:
   • diskpart
   • list disk (identify your USB disk number from the list)
   • select disk Y: (where Y: is your USB disk number identified from the above command)
   • clean
   • create partition primary
   • active
   • format fs=ntfs quick
   • assign
   • exit

Once the USB drive is configured, updating your media is essential to incorporate the latest modifications in the ISO image. Navigate to the MDT Deployment Workbench, right-click the media object, and select Update Media Content.

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[#3]

@LeonPavesic 

Hi Leon,

Once the offline USB has been created and has proven to be successful is there a way to run a second task sequence via PXE or USB that wont overwrite the existing image we have applied

The USB build has no network interaction, we had the idea of running a second task sequence (When a network connection is available) which would then join the device to the domain and complete the remaining tasks that require a network connection.

I'm struggling to find a way to get the second TS to work as I keep getting the error message below:

"Please ensure you are running this exe inside a properly configured Operating system deployment task sequence"

No matter the task sequence we get the same error (Each TS seems to want to apply a OS) i'm not 100% sure if there is another option to create a TS without a boot image (Custom TS do not work as they cant be selected to create offline media or made available to be presented when using PXE)

Any advice / help would be great.

Thanks