Hi,
We use Configuration Manager 2012 R2 for client deployment and application deployment. Our ICT Suite computers did have an image of 23GB to deploy previously, but for ease of updating I am now using a task sequence with a common base image and installs applications depending on collection. Then also using that Application list to give our staff ability to choose applications to install onto their laptops using Software Centre.
As all application installations will occur over gigabit network or fast wireless connections I don't want the clients using the local cache to download the installations first (especially as some applications are 5GB and the cache doesn't empty straight away). I found that putting a full path to execute in the installation program field (i.e.msiexec /I \\server\application$\program\install.msi/q) and leaving the content location blank works to deploy applications to collections for installation. But when the PXE task sequence is run I get the error:
If I create a second Deployment Type with content and distribute the content to the distribution point and set requirements that none of our clients would pass the software still installs (using the Deployment Type with no content). This all seems a bit of a hack to do a simple task. Is there a better way to do this? I just don't want the extra step of the stations downloading the setups into the client configuration manager cache folder. I also don't want to use Packages as I can't publish these into the Applications list in Software Centre for the clients.
Thanks,
Andy