The Mini-Monster Mof
I've finally scheduled updating from SMS 2003 SP1 to SP2; and took the opportunity to also clean up the sms_def.mof While I'm waiting for Primary site 3 of 4 to finish, I thought I'd blog about it... I'm following Jeff Gilbert's guide and using a "mini-monster" (I've called it Mini_mo.mof in /hinv -- yep, I did just re-watch Austin Powers on cable lately). I really like the idea of barely modifying the sms_def, and putting all the add-ins in a separate file. I don't want to reveal too many of Jeff's secrets--buy his book--but I was skeptical at first (is it really that simple? yes, it is) when the book only had a few pages about using a mini-monster; but it was that simple.
After cleanup, our Mini_mo now has the following:
1) An expanded Add Or Remove Programs. It doesn't add to the existing one, it's a whole new one. This was inherited, and we've got lots of collections built around this view, so kept it.
2) Profile List. No idea, actually, why a predecessor put this in. It just lists entries in hklm/software/microsoft/Windows NT/Current Version/ProfileList. I left it in. I think it was a way to figure out who has logged into the computer, ever; but we now use Steve Bobosky's tool. So I could probably remove this and clean up the tables... Eh... sounds like work. Leave it be.
3) Steve Bobosky's Secure Logon Audit Tool (This I *know* why I have it; highest ranked user!)
4) SMS Expert MOF additions for Drives, printers, shares, and a slightly modified local admins
5) SMS Advanced Client Cache (so I can figure out if a machine needs more sms cache set before specific packages)
6) MSI customizations (Intrinsic-customized addition to any Transforms or repackages we do with Installshield)
7) Power Audit (from an article http://www.myitforum.com/articles/12/view.asp?id=9101 and team members needed to know power settings on laptops)
8) Image ID (hklm/system/setup/oemduplicatorstring as ImageID, CloneTag as Imaged date)
9) Monitor Inventory (although it's still not perfect) http://www.myitforum.com/articles/8/view.asp?id=8489
10) MOFFileRevision (mof version stamping, so I can target machines that haven't compiled the latest mof) http://www.myitforum.com/articles/1/view.asp?id=3185
In case anyone is interested, attached is the additional section for ARP. Carefully evaluate how much (or if at all) you need this.