Windows Server 2012 R2 – Custom Start Screen

Just a couple of quick PowerShell commands that can be used to create a Server 2012 R2 custom Start Screen.

Set up the Start Screen as required and then run this:

  • Export-StartLayout -As BIN -Path C:\Temp\CustomStartScreenLayout.bin

Use this to import.

  • Import-StartLayout -LayoutPath C:\Temp\CustomStartScreenLayout -MountPath c:\

The import line can be used in a script as part of an SCCM/MDT Task Sequence.

MDT 2013 – Basic Configuration

Quick reminder on how to get an MDT 2013 environment up-and-running and ready to deploy a basic client or server image.

Required Software

  • Server 2012 R2
  • MDT 2013
  • WADK 10

Basic Steps

  • Install the WDS server role – don’t configure it initially.
  • Install WADK selecting these components:
    • Deployment Tools.
    • WinPE.
    • USMT.
  • Instal MDT 2013.
  • Create a new Deployment Share.
  • Import full set of OS source files – not just an ISO or a WIM.
  • Create a basic Task Sequence referencing the imported OS.
  • Update the Deployment Share.
  • Configure WDS, including adding the boot image generated by MDT.
  • Ready to PXE boot and deploy an image.