Installing a required distribution point

A distribution point is a site system that stores packages for clients to install. Distribution points are required for software distribution and updates, as well as for using advertised task sequences to deploy operating system software.

About this task

The distribution point is the only site system role that does not require the installation of a special Configuration Manager 2007 service.

You can use the console to create one or several distribution points in each site. Several distribution points can provide better access to available software, updates, and operating systems. For example, a client might be able to use a distribution point on the same subnet more easily than a point on another subnet.

The Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE) service point is a site system role that initiates operating system deployments from computers whose network interface card is configured to allow PXE boot requests.

This service point is required when deploying an operating system using PXE boot requests.

  1. Launch Microsoft Configuration Manager 2007 to open the Configuration Manager console.
  2. Click System Center Configuration Manager > Site Database > Site Management > site_name > Site Settings > Site Systems > SCCM > New Roles.
  3. Create a new PXE service point with the New Roles Wizard.
  4. Right-click the service point; then select Properties.
  5. Make the following settings.
    Option Description
    General Select Allow this PXE service point to respond to incoming PXE requests to enable the service point to handle the boot requests that arrive.
    Database Specify settings for controlling the user account and certification.

    For example, you might use a self-signed certificate with a domain account rather than a service account.

Parent topic: Deploying operating system image packages