sccm task sequence not recognizing collection variables

Guri Bee

3 min read

·

01-10-2024

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Introduction

In System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), task sequences are essential for deploying operating systems, applications, and updates. However, administrators occasionally face challenges when their task sequences fail to recognize collection variables. This article aims to provide insight into this issue, explore potential solutions, and offer practical examples that can enhance your SCCM experience.

Original queries and solutions have been sourced from community contributions on GitHub, with attribution to their respective authors.

Understanding the Problem

What are collection variables in SCCM?

Collection variables are specific parameters set within SCCM collections. They allow administrators to define values that can be used during deployment or task sequence execution. These variables can be customized per collection and can facilitate the management of diverse deployment scenarios.

Why might a task sequence not recognize these variables?

When a task sequence does not recognize collection variables, it can be due to various factors:

1. Incorrect Variable Syntax: Ensuring that the variable is referenced correctly in the task sequence.
2. Timing of Variable Evaluation: Variables might not be available at the time the task sequence is executed.
3. Permissions Issues: Lack of adequate permissions for the account running the task sequence.

Common Solutions

Here are some solutions derived from community insights along with additional explanations and examples:

1. Check Variable Syntax

Make sure that the collection variable is being referenced correctly in the task sequence. The syntax should follow this format:

SMSTSCollectionVariable.<VariableName>

Example: If your variable is named OSVersion, you would reference it as:

SMSTSCollectionVariable.OSVersion

2. Verify the Variable Scope

Collection variables can only be used by task sequences assigned to the collection. Ensure that the task sequence is deployed to the correct collection containing your variables.

3. Evaluate Variable Timing

SCCM evaluates collection variables during the initial phase of the task sequence. If there are issues in the sequence that prevent it from reaching this stage, the variables may not be recognized.

Practical Example: To test whether the variable is being recognized, you can add a step in your task sequence to log the variable value to the SCCM logs using a command line:

echo %SMSTSCollectionVariable.OSVersion% >> X:\VariableLog.txt

This will help you confirm if the variable is recognized.

4. Review User Permissions

Ensure that the user context under which the task sequence runs has sufficient permissions to read the collection variables. Often, running the task sequence as a user with elevated permissions can resolve these issues.

Additional Tips and Best Practices

1. Logging: Always check the smsts.log file located in the %TEMP% directory on the client machine. This log provides detailed information on the execution of the task sequence and can help identify where the failure occurs.

2. Testing in Isolation: Create a simple test task sequence that only references the collection variable. This can help you isolate the problem from other components of a more complex deployment.

3. Documentation and Comments: Document your collection variables within SCCM and consider adding comments to your task sequences for future reference. This will help avoid confusion and ensure consistency in your environment.

4. Community Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to the SCCM community on platforms like GitHub, where many professionals share their solutions and experiences. Engaging with the community can provide fresh insights and solutions to your challenges.

Conclusion

SCCM task sequences not recognizing collection variables can be a frustrating issue, but understanding the underlying causes and potential solutions can ease the troubleshooting process. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can enhance your deployments and ensure that your task sequences run as expected.

Remember to always keep your environment documented, and stay connected with the community for ongoing support.

This article references contributions from the SCCM community on GitHub and has been enhanced with additional insights and practical examples to provide added value to readers.

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