Offline Imaging Tool for SCCM: Jumpdrive Edition
In scenarios where network connectivity or domain controller access is limited during initial OS deployment, the Magic Offline Imaging Jumpdrive can be a valuable tool. This device, designed for OEM imaging or offline imaging, simplifies the process of imaging in air-gapped or network-isolated environments and automates domain joining during the imaging process.
Creating the Jumpdrive
Preparing a USB flash drive with the necessary tools and offline domain join (ODJ) files is the first step. A domain-joined machine with appropriate permissions is used to generate an offline domain join blob ( file) using the tool. This blob contains computer account information and credentials to join the machine to the domain without contacting a domain controller.
Next, copy the bootable Windows PE environment and the System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) imaging tools onto the USB drive.
Using the Jumpdrive for Imaging
Boot the target workstation from the USB drive. Use the SCCM imaging process (normally WinPE-based task sequence) to apply a captured image ( file) to the client. After imaging but before rebooting into the OS, apply the offline domain join blob using to join the computer account to the domain offline.
Benefits
- No need for immediate network/domain connectivity during imaging.
- Simplifies imaging in air-gapped or network-isolated environments.
- Automates domain joining during the imaging process.
Creating an SCCM Package for the Jumpdrive
To create an SCCM Package for the Magic Offline Imaging Jumpdrive, download the package, unzip its contents, and create a new source location for content in the SCCM data directory. Point each step to the package created earlier, with STEP 1 and 2 in sequence.
Pre-provisioning Offline Domain Objects
After modifying the file, launch the tool to pre-provision offline domain objects for a series of computers. This process creates a new file in the same directory, which should be copied to the ROOT of the Jumpdrive.
Setting up the OS Task Sequence
To set up the Magic Offline Imaging Jumpdrive OS Task Sequence, choose an existing task sequence in SCCM, copy it as a new Task sequence with "(OFFLINE)" in the name appended, and add two steps to this task sequence after the image has been applied.
Joining the Domain and Placing the Computer in a Security Group
Once the computer connects to the corporate network, the special key/AD Computer object pair will be linked, and the computer will be joined to the domain as the computer object. The computer can then be placed into a proper Security Group to receive standard security policies.
For best practice, refer to Microsoft Docs related to offline domain join () and SCCM imaging task sequences. You may also find community scripts or blog posts from deployment experts with detailed walkthroughs.
- The Magic Offline Imaging Jumpdrive, a valuable tool in scenarios with limited network connectivity, is a combination of data-and-cloud-computing technology and offline domain join (ODJ) files, as it automates domain joining during the imaging process in air-gapped or network-isolated environments.
- Preparing the SCCM Package for the Magic Offline Imaging Jumpdrive involves utilizing technology to download, unzip, and create a new source location for content in the SCCM data directory, ensuring a seamless integration of the Jumpdrive's capabilities.
