Windows 10 Rollback due to Recent Items

When performing an in-place upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), the upgrade may fail and roll back to Windows 7. One common cause is problematic shortcuts in the Recent Items folder, which can disrupt the upgrade process. This post explains how to identify and resolve this issue using...

Downstream WSUS Server Stops Working

A Downstream Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server can suddenly stop functioning, displaying a "Database Error" in the WSUS console. Clicking "Reset Server Node" fails to resolve the issue, and the error persists. This post outlines a straightforward solution to fix this problem, focusing on a permissions issue identified in the WSUS logs, updated for...

Find all Collections with Auto Incremental update

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), collections with incremental updates enabled allow for dynamic, real-time membership updates, which is useful for managing devices or users efficiently. However, identifying these collections is critical for performance tuning, as excessive incremental updates can strain the ConfigMgr site server. This post provides updated PowerShell and SQL solutions to list...

Configuration Manager PXE boot causes Windows Deployment Services to crash

When deploying operating systems using Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) boot is a critical feature for initiating OS deployments. However, some environments encounter an issue where the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) component, used by ConfigMgr’s PXE distribution point, crashes intermittently during PXE boots. This post explores the symptoms, causes, and updated...

SCCM Configmgr SQL views

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) relies on a SQL Server database with numerous views to provide detailed insights into devices, users, software, and more. Knowing the available SQL views is essential for creating custom reports or queries in ConfigMgr. This post provides an optimized SQL query to list all views in the ConfigMgr database, updated...

SCCM Report to get All Site Server & System with there Roles

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), understanding the roles assigned to site servers and systems is critical for auditing, troubleshooting, and managing your environment. This post provides an optimized SQL query to generate a report listing all site servers, their operating systems, architecture, site details, and roles (e.g., MP, DP, SUP). Updated for ConfigMgr Current...

Queries for Boundary,Boundary Groups and Devices info

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) relies on queries to manage devices, boundaries, and collections efficiently. Whether you’re generating reports or creating dynamic collections, understanding how to query IP subnets and boundary information is key for network-based device management. This post provides updated and optimized SQL and WQL queries to analyze IP subnets, boundary groups, and...

ConfigMgr SQL queries for helping the IT Pro report on KBs related to MS17-010

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), tracking the installation status of specific KB articles (e.g., security patches like MS17-010) is crucial for compliance and vulnerability management. This post provides an optimized SQL query to report on devices missing specified KB articles, with flexibility to target any KB, not just those related to MS17-010 (WannaCry ransomware...

ConfigMgr SQL Report: Quick Compliance Percentage for Any Patch (e.g., MS17-010)

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), tracking the compliance status of critical security patches, such as those for MS17-010 (WannaCry ransomware), is essential for maintaining a secure environment. This post provides an optimized SQL query to calculate the compliance percentage of specified KB articles across a collection, updated for ConfigMgr Current Branch (as of October...

Fixing ConfigMgr Update Stuck in Downloading State

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), updates managed through the Updates and Servicing node can occasionally get stuck in a "Downloading" state, preventing installation. This issue, originally noted in ConfigMgr 1606, can occur in any Current Branch version (e.g., 2403 or later as of October 2025) due to failed authenticode signature verification for downloaded files....

Software Update Content Cleanup in ConfigMgr

maintaining an efficient software update infrastructure. ConfigMgr includes a feature to automatically remove content related to expired software updates from DPs, originally introduced in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager. This post explains how to leverage and configure this feature in ConfigMgr Current Branch (e.g., 2403 or later as of October 2025), with a focus on...

PowerShell Custom Class for Querying a SQL Server

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), querying the SQL Server database (e.g., CM_<SiteCode>) is essential for reporting, automation, and troubleshooting. For this, a custom PowerShell class can simplify connections, query execution, and data retrieval. This post features an updated version of a PowerShell 5+ custom class, SQLQuery, originally shared for SCCM environments. It's general-purpose but...

Fixing SMS_SITE_SQL_BACKUP Path Issues in ConfigMgr

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), the SMS_SITE_SQL_BACKUP_[SITESERVER-FQDN] component is responsible for backing up the site database to a specified folder (e.g., SMSBKUP or SMSSQLBKUP.log). If the installation path is invalid or has changed (e.g., due to a drive letter change or folder relocation), the component may fail to install or reinstall, causing errors in...

Using WMIC CSProduct Get Name for ConfigMgr Driver Packages

In Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), applying the correct driver packages during operating system (OS) deployment ensures successful Windows setup. The WMIC CSProduct Get Name command retrieves the device model name from Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), which can be used in task sequence conditions to apply the appropriate driver package. This post provides a modernized...

Procedure to recover GUI in windows 2012 and 2012R2 & .Net Framework feature dependency in windows 2012/2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 rely on the .NET Framework (4.5 and 4.5.1, respectively) for critical components like Windows Explorer (Graphical Shell), Server Manager, PowerShell, IIS, and Hyper-V. Uninstalling .NET Framework removes dependent features, reverting the server to Server Core mode with only a command prompt. This post provides a streamlined procedure to recover...