UIU Blog

rss
UIU Classic Mode to replace UIU Classic


The UIU 4.x, a.k.a. the UIU Classic has reached the end of the line. Originally developed in 2004 and continuously updated through 2017, the UIU Classic (4.x) will not function with UIU License Keys that expire after the end of 2019. The UIU Classic has been replaced by the UIU Classic Mode.

The UIU Classic Mode product, built on UIU 5 technology, will allow users to install device drivers in an online Master Image prior to Sysprep and prior to capture by an OS deployment solution that is presumably not based in WinPE technology. Big Bang has taken steps to preserve the flow of the UIU 4.x product’s GUI and has streamlined the process in the context of the operating system versions still supported today.

The UIU Classic (4.x) was developed to universalize Windows OS images by providing a set of applicable drivers, installed on a live operating system or “Master Image” prior to the execution of Microsoft Sysprep and subsequent capture for later deployment. This method was proven effective for many iterations of the Windows OS.

After the 2012 release of the fully-integrated UIU plug-ins for SCCM and MDT, Big Bang released UIU Classic’s successor, the “UIU 5” in 2013. Instead of installing drivers in an online OS prior to Sysprep, (which had some interesting difficulties with more modern operating systems), the UIU 5 applies only the relevant drivers for any specific target PC as discovered during a WinPE stage of Windows OS Deployment Solutions. The drivers are staged in the Windows Driver Store and are then accessed by the OS, during mini-setup’s enumeration process.

This improved process allows for:
  • More accurate assessment of required drivers
  • More robust application of those drivers
  • Smaller UIU footprint in deployable images
  • More successful deployment experience

  • Whenever possible, Big Bang encourages all of its customers who have employed the UIU Classic (4.x) product to give the UIU 5 version an opportunity to make Windows OS deployments better. That said, Big Bang realizes that some customers have chosen OS deployment solutions that are not based in WinPE technology. It is with the intent to support those users that Big Bang has created the UIU Classic Mode product, initially released in January of 2019.


    Upgrade now to the UIU Plug-ins 2.0
    Automated driver management for OS deployments with the UIU just got even better!

    Big Bang is proud to announce the UIU Plug-ins 2.0. The UIU Plug-ins 2.0 is an upgrade to the existing 1.x versions of the UIU plug-ins for SCCM and MDT and is now available to all UIU customers.

    If you are currently using one or both of the UIU plug-ins for SCCM or MDT, please follow the appropriate UIU User Guides to download and install the UIU Plug-ins 2.0. The UIU Plug-ins 2.0 is designed to be installed alongside your 1.x implementation for a seamless upgrade experience.

    Once you have installed and verified that your 2.0 implementation is complete, you're ready to remove 1.x from your environment:

    1. Ensure that the UIU Machine Configuration Step has been removed from all Task Sequences. Task Sequences that still have the UIU Machine Configuration Step after the uninstall of 1.x will be unrecoverable without assistance of UIU Support. (Note: The 2.0 plug-ins will utilize the UIU Deployment Configuration Step.)

    2. Note that the 1.x uninstallation process will mandatorily remove files in the original source location! In order to preserve the existing UIU Repository, move the contents of the existing UIU Repository source location to a new UIU Repository source location to be used with the UIU Plug-ins 2.0. The UIU Repository source location is the root folder that contains the x86, AMD64, and Repository folders (some implementations may also contain SQL CE 4.0 and/or Components folders). Leave the empty source location folder there.

      UIU Plug-ins 2.0 Upgrade - Uninstall 1.x

    3. Modify the existing UIU Package in SCCM to use this new source location for use with UIU Plug-ins 2.0.

    4. Uninstall the UIU 1.x from Programs and Features in the Control Panel. When presented with the option to remove package(s), uncheck the box(es) to avoid removing the package(s)—this will allow for the removal of the UIU program files and the now-empty source location folder while preserving the package(s) in SCCM.

    UIU Plug-ins 2.0 Upgrade - Uninstall 1.x

    Please let us know how we can help, and we look forward to hearing what you think!

    Deployment Solution Add-ons - Plug-in Integration vs. Stand Alone

    Is it always beneficial to employ partially or fully-integrated add-on software with your deployment solution? Well, it depends on your process, and your process depends on the capabilities of your selected OS deployment solution.

    Third-party applications can be useful in assisting in the management of drivers, application packaging, and patch management, among others. Your solution may include these functions, yet sometimes a third-party vendor, dedicated to one function, may do it better/offer more granularity/better features, etc.

    If you have a process that does not include OS images derived from installation media, and you wish to employ third-party software to augment the preparation of your final deployed OS, you'll find that stand-alone add-ons are your best if not only option. You may also find that the selection of available stand-alone applications is not plentiful. The design of stand-alone applications must take into account the state of the operating system and be executed (usually manually) at a specific time during the OS deployment process, either prior to the image capture or after image deployment.

    One of the big draws of solutions that utilize imported OS images is the capability to make changes to OS configurations during the application of a raw image when the OS is offline and able to accept changes to files and registry entries. Many of these solutions, such as Microsoft SCCM or MDT, not only allow for development of integrated applications though the support of software development kits (SDK), they also support the creation of automated answer files (with varying granularity) to assist in the configuration of the deployed, raw OS.

    Integrated applications, when given access to sufficient features of the deployment solution, can execute the design of the add-on with great efficiency, using standardized, approved methodologies. This enables a high degree of stability and consistency, often reducing associated troubleshooting efforts.

    So, if you're selecting a new OS deployment solution or considering a more efficient process, be sure to research what third-party applications are available and potentially useful in your environment. Save yourself some time and effort!

    How important are third-party integrated applications within your deployment solution?

    What are your favorite plug-ins?

     


    Automated Driver Management Now Through Remote Console in SCCM

    One of the more beneficial features of the Microsoft SCCM Administration Console is that it can be installed on a network computer to facilitate the use of SCCM without requiring access to the Primary Site Server (PSS). Unfortunately, for the Universal Imaging Utility System Deploy Plug-in (UIUSD) to operate, you must configure the Operating System Deployment (OSD) Task Sequence directly on the PSS.

    At least, that's how it used to work. Not anymore. 

    Introducing the SCCM Remote Console
    Beginning with UIUSD version 1.9.0.0, the SCCM Remote Console allows you to configure and execute an OSD Task Sequence from an Administration Console that is not installed on the PSS.

    The SCCM Remote Console is a great enhancement for anyone who does not have convenient access to the PSS Administration Console, such as those working in a lab environment with access only to OSD operations within SCCM. It also benefits those whose PSS is located in an off-site data center that includes limited or inefficient access. 

    Currently, the UIUSD Remote Console can operate with only one PSS, a limitation predicated by the FQDN, associated with the connection to the PSS and required during the setup of the SCCM Administration Console. Future releases, however, will be able to connect to multiple PSS instances simultaneously.

    Easy installation
    When you install the newest version of the UIUSD, the installer automatically detects whether the PSS is located on the resident machine. If the PSS is not found, the Plug-in Only Installation (Configuration Manager Console Only) Setup Type option is automatically selected, ensuring that you have remote access.

    The rest of the UIUSD setup process occurs as prescribed in Section 9 of the UIUSD Installation Guide

    Please note that the Plug-in and UIUSD Package Installation (Primary Site Server) Setup Type is only available if the UIUSD is installed on an SCCM Primary Site Server.

     


    The Latest Drivers Delivered Immediately
    If you have been deploying a hardware-independent image to any laptop or desktop with the UIU, you know how comprehensive the driver database updates are. UIU Support takes the time to amass the latest drivers, vet them against the existing driver database, and test them on every applicable machine in our lab and deliver them on the second Tuesday of every other month.

    While this has ensured high quality usable drivers ready for the latest hardware as it is acquired, the period of time in between each major driver database update has been less than ideal for some of our customers.

    To ensure that non of our customers wait for the latest drivers, we will be changing the delivery method for our drivers.

    Beginning January 2013, Big Bang LLC will make Incremental Driver Updates available through the UIU Online Updates.  These updates will be provided in addition to the Full Driver Database Updates which are available six times per year on the second Tuesday of every other month.

    Incremental Updates will consist of customer-reported or industry-released drivers found to be absent from the UIU driver set and will be presented for download via UIU Online Updates (after validation/approval) on an ad hoc basis. We expect that this additional service will enhance the effectiveness of the UIU's already extensive driver database and greatly benefit customers with the latest hardware using Windows XP as well as customers with legacy hardware using Windows 7 or Windows 8.

    Always check for updates when executing the UIU to make sure that the latest, greatest executable and driver database revisions are employed.

    Remember best practices to run the UIU.exe for the UIU Updater which will automatically scan the online database and download only the latest drivers you don't already have. That way the entire product and driver database does not need to be downloaded each time. 

    Universal Imaging Utility release notes

    Universal Imaging Utility System Deploy Plug-in release notes


    Contact Support with any questions
    -Email UIU Support
    -Call Support at 414.369.5020 (Mon-Fri. 9am-5pm CT)
    -Online Support Request

    The Problem With Drivers That Include Executables

    Some device drivers used in hardware include executables along with hardware drivers. Some devices (graphics and audio) include them more frequently, particularly drivers that have been modified and re-branded by major manufacturers. These executables can prove problematic when utilized during a full, unattended installation of an operating system by a PC imaging process. Some drivers insist on the use of their included installation program, which can usually be circumvented, and almost all of them are useful, applicable, or compatible with only one make or model configuration of PC.

    If a business is applying a uniform image to PCs with disparate make or model configurations, the installation of the driver's executable will either:

    • fail
    • be applied to hardware for which it was not designed or is compatible
    • be installed on every PC in a business' inventory regardless of its usefulness

    At best, this wastes PC resources with an unnecessarily running program. At worst, it can generate faults and deviate valuable human resources in its remediation.

    Some of these drivers actually require an associated executable in order to be configured properly and completely. Their number is very small and if the driver is prepared well, will include instructions for the installation of the executable in its INI file, and the driver will be installable in an unattended fashion. Many of these executables take the form of a CPL or control panel add-in and possibly an associated system tray icon.

    Are these hardware-specific applications necessary? Many of these types of applications relate to options for graphics controllers, Wi-Fi connectivity, sound controllers and hotkeys on laptops. The vast majority of the time, they supplant functions already represented by the operating system, with branding opportunities and user-friendly graphical interfaces. In a business setting, they are almost never necessary to operate the hardware, even if they may be desirable. For IT managers, it is favorable to minimize the quantity of applications that may require support, balanced with the actual benefit that those applications provide.

    So, how should these hardware-specific applications be applied in the context of an operating system deployment (if they are necessary or sufficiently desirable)? The answer is simple even if the process can be complicated.

    Use a bona-fide application deployment methodology. Most modern OS deployment packages either include or work with a separate application deployment feature. Products such as Microsoft's SCCM or Symantec's Ghost Solution Suite include such functions natively. As mentioned, there are third-party options available and many allow application packages to be generated in a several different styles for application to a Microsoft OS natively (such as MSI) or to utilize some installation method (such as EXE).

    The bottom line is this: Don't try to force your operating system deployment methodology to do something that it's not designed to do well.


    Manage PC Deployments Efficiently for your Customers

    Supporting the PC imaging and deployment needs within a managed services provider or PC repair shop environment poses various challenges. It's one thing to manage computers that have the same operating system and configuration, but what about IT groups that must take care of clients with a diverse range of devices, all with different models and drivers? Add to that machines that aren't necessarily owned or scheduled for regular re-imaging and the challenges are significant.  

    To address this growing problem, Big Bang is introducing the Universal Imaging Utility Per-Deployment Instance (UIUPDI). This new deployment licensing model is available in November. The UIUPDI will help organizations that offer individualized driver support and imaging services to a diverse client base with a wide range of devices, operating systems, and configurations, but may not have perpetual access to or even ownership of hardware to be imaged.

    Who's the UIUPDI for?
    Put simply, the UIUPDI with its per-deployment license fee is the perfect model for any company or educational institution supporting computers and devices it doesn't own, that don't have one set configuration, or aren't scheduled for regular re-imaging.

    That's why the UIUPDI is great for organizations like universities, PC repair shops, value-added resellers, and managed service providers. A college campus offers a perfect example: The IT group at a university provides a diverse group of student devices with intranet connectivity, antivirus protection, networking, and OS maintenance. The IT team can use the UIUPDI to standardize driver updates. With a special cost-per-deployment license that can be included in the students' fees, the use of UIUPDI will greatly simplify the universities IT workload while providing a consistent, supportable OS image.  

    The UIUPDI also works well for computer repair shops where users bring in various device makes and models, with a wide variety of software configurations. With the UIUPDI, the repair shop can use the UIU imaging solution to reinstall the customer's software and drivers.

    UIU vs. UIUPDI
    Whether you support a group of computers that have the same configurations or a more diverse group with a wide range of configurations, Big Bang has a deployment-licensing model that suits your needs.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Universal Imaging Utility (UIU)

     

     

     

     

    UIU Per-Deployment Instance (UIUPDI)

     

     

     

     

    License Model

     

     

     

     

    Per PC

     

     

     

     

    Per Deployment

     

     

     

     

    Reuse Options

     

     

     

     

     

    Licensed PCs can be re-imaged as many times as necessary with the same license.

     

    The license can be used on a new PC as long as the image is removed from the retiring machine.

     

     

     

     

    Licensed per deployment of a UIU-prepared image to a PC.

     

    Purchased licenses are valid for one year and cannot be renewed.

     

     

     

     

     

    Cost Benefits

     

     

     

     

    The first year of licensing includes driver updates, product upgrades, and support. Annual subscription renewal fees are a percentage of the initial purchase price.

     

     

     

     

     

    Fee per license at a reduced rate over the UIU.

     

     

     


    No matter your needs, give Big Bang a call to discuss your options. As devices diversify and computer configurations get more complicated, it's important to have a solid imaging support solution to turn to — and UIU or UIUPDI will meet your needs.

    QYYU3V66V6M9



    Archives

    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012