Scenario:
At my company we have created a base image with all the standard applications that need to be on all machines. This image is keep up to date with all the windows OS and software updates. When there is a need to build a replacement desktop, the image has to be customized for that job role by adding the necessary applications specific for that role. We are talking about over a dozen different roles with up to 15 custom applications per role.
Problem:
I have task sequences that will add the needed applications, but many of them require reboots before the next application can be added. This requires someone to sit by the machine, monitor the build process and log back in each time so the task sequence can continue with the next application install. Up to 10 times they have to logon to continue the install before all the applications will be installed.
Possible solutions tired:
I have a script that updates the necessary registry keys with the autologon properties and will automate the process. However the company does not want to have a domain admin account credentials stored in plain text on the distribution points in the reboot package. Domain admin credentials are needed to access and install the application. I also have tried a powershell script that is fairly complex that controls the reboot and continues with the next application, but requires a lot of editing for each role customization and the power shell is controlling the reboots not the task sequence.
If I use full OSD, with PXE boot, apply the image and then the applications, which takes up to 4 hours to complete. SCCM will look after all the reboots, autologins and installs everything with no user interaction. This requires fast network connections and cannot be done remotely requiring us to build everything at corporate and ship it to branch.
I just want a task to add the necessary applications but I can't get it configured to handle the reboots in a secure manner. Online searches for answers gives me anywhere from 27,000 to 1.2 million hits with possible answers, which I do not have anywhere near enough time to filter through all of them in the hopes that I can hit on one that might have a solution.
Does anyone know how to get a non-pxe booted task sequence to install multiple application, allowing necessary reboots between installs, without manually having to log the machine back in between each application?