Map out your SMS Hierarchy

Jeff Tondt from Microsoft has a sweet utility to map out your SMS hierarchy.

Mandatory Advertisement Time Problems

When having trouble with Advertisement times, a good place to start is Microsoft KB Article 826854. The article includes some common things to look for such as making sure the client computers time is in sync with the server. Incorrect time settings on a computer can easily change the behavior of the SMS client. Additionally, SMS Client logs such as execmgr.log located in the %windir%\system32\ccm\logs can help to better understand what a particular client is doing.

Managing a Microsoft Infrastructure

Microsoft has put together a set of online resources to help anyone who manages a Microsoft Infrastructure. Webcasts, Virtual Labs, and Podcasts are all at your fingertips.

Windows Installer Error Messages

Many times SMS Advertisement fail but the cause is not SMS related, but rather is an MSI specific or client side problem. One such common problem is Error 1601 or out of disk space.

Windows Installer Error Messages

Free Training! TechNet Virtual Labs

Lack of training got you down? Take a look at our many posts on training resources.

Microsoft offers free virtual labs online for System Center (SMS) and other Microsoft technologies. Many of the labs are setup to be 30 - 90 minutes depending on the type of Lab and excersizes. All the latest technologies in systems management are at your fingertips, don't wait!

Virtual Labs may be blocked by your company's proxy or firewall, to get around this, run them on your home internet connection, or your local Coffee Shops WiFi connection.

Resources
TechNet Virtual Labs
TechNet Virtual Labs: System Center

Free Training! Microsoft SMS Webcasts

As we discussed in our previous Free Training post on SMS Scripting Excercises from MMS 2005, theres a wealth of free training out there.

Microsoft provides many webcasts on topics ranging from building your SMS hierarchy, modifying the SMS_DEF.MOF, or patching your computers. Take this oportunity to update your skills and keep up with the latest tips and tricks!

Resources
SMS 2003 Webcast Series

Command Line for Quick Remote Desktop Connection

For quick access to your SMS server, you can use the command line mstsc /v:servername instead of looking for the remote desktop connection icon. To connect to the console session, add the console switch mstsc /v:servername /console.

VBScript using WMI to show temperature probe and fan information

----Begin VBScript----

Set objWMIService = GetObject("winmgmts:\\.\root\cimv2")


Set colItems = objWMIService.ExecQuery("Select * from Win32_TemperatureProbe",,48)

'Loop through the collection
For Each objItem in colItems

'Echo out the properties for each item
Wscript.Echo "Name: " & objItem.Name
Wscript.Echo "Availability: " & objItem.Availability
Wscript.Echo "Caption: " & objItem.Caption
Wscript.Echo "CurrentReading: " & objItem.CurrentReading & " Tenths of a Degree C"
Wscript.Echo "Status: " & objItem.Status & vbCrLf

Next

Set colItems = objWMIService.ExecQuery("Select * from Win32_Fan",,48)

'Loop through the collection
For Each objItem in colItems

'Echo out the properties for each item
Wscript.Echo "Name: " & objItem.Name
Wscript.Echo "Availability: " & objItem.Availability
Wscript.Echo "Caption: " & objItem.Caption
Wscript.Echo "Status: " & objItem.Status & vbCrLf

Next

----End VBScript----