Internet Explorer 11 (IE11), while nearing its end of life, might still be necessary in specific legacy application environments. Deploying it effectively within an organization requires a robust solution, and Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) provides a powerful mechanism. This article explores how to achieve this, drawing on insights from Stack Overflow and adding practical advice for a successful deployment.
Understanding the Challenges
Before diving into the deployment process, let's acknowledge some potential hurdles:
- Compatibility: IE11 has specific system requirements. Ensuring target machines meet these prerequisites is crucial to avoid deployment failures.
- Updates: Keeping IE11 updated with security patches is essential, even with its sunsetting. SCCM can help manage this, but requires proper configuration.
- User Experience: A disruptive deployment can impact productivity. Careful planning, including off-peak deployment windows and clear communication, is vital.
Step-by-Step Deployment with SCCM (Based on Stack Overflow Insights)
While Stack Overflow doesn't offer a single, definitive "how-to" for deploying IE11 via SCCM, many threads discuss related aspects. We'll synthesize this knowledge into a practical guide:
1. Obtaining the IE11 Installation Files:
This is often the starting point. You'll need the correct IE11 installer package for your target operating system (32-bit or 64-bit). Microsoft provides these installers, but finding the right version might require some searching, referencing official Microsoft documentation, and understanding your licensing situation.
2. Creating the SCCM Application:
This involves importing the IE11 installer into SCCM. Specific steps might vary slightly depending on your SCCM version, but the general process involves:
- Creating an Application: Within SCCM, navigate to the Software Library > Application Management > Applications. Create a new application, specifying the installer package location (network share or local source).
- Detection Method: Crucially, you need a reliable detection method to ensure only machines that require IE11 receive the update. You could use a registry key check (as suggested in various Stack Overflow discussions about similar application deployments) or a custom script to verify the absence of IE11. Example of registry key check: Check for the presence of
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Setup\IEVersion. If the key doesn't exist or contains a version number lower than 11, the application is needed. - Deployment Type: Define the deployment type, specifying the installer's command line parameters (if any are needed for silent installation). Many Stack Overflow answers mention using silent install switches for smoother deployments. For example:
/quietor/passive.
3. Deploying the Application:
- Target Collection: Define the collection of devices that require IE11. This ensures that only the necessary machines receive the update, avoiding unnecessary deployment overhead and potential conflicts.
- Deployment Settings: Carefully consider the deployment settings. Options like "Required" vs. "Available" impact user interaction. Scheduling the deployment during off-peak hours minimizes disruption. Using a phased rollout approach allows for testing and minimizes risk.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor the deployment status in SCCM to identify and address any failures. This crucial step helps to troubleshoot issues early and refine future deployments. Log files are your friend here.
4. Post-Deployment Verification:
Once the deployment is complete, verify its success. This involves checking if IE11 is successfully installed on the target machines and validating its functionality.
Advanced Considerations from Stack Overflow Insights and Beyond:
- Error Handling: Stack Overflow threads often highlight the importance of robust error handling. Implement mechanisms to log errors and report them to administrators, enabling timely resolution.
- Software Updates: Use SCCM's software update management features to ensure IE11 remains patched with the latest security updates, even after the initial deployment.
- Alternative Deployment Methods: While SCCM is powerful, alternative approaches like using Group Policy (for simpler scenarios) might be considered, although they lack the robust reporting and control offered by SCCM.
Conclusion:
Deploying IE11 with SCCM requires a structured approach, combining understanding of SCCM features with attention to detail. By leveraging insights from the Stack Overflow community and implementing best practices, organizations can ensure a smooth and efficient deployment of IE11, even while acknowledging its legacy status. Remember to always prioritize thorough testing and monitoring to prevent unexpected issues. Remember to always consult official Microsoft documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate information.