Deploying Fonts with SCCM 2012: A Step-by-Step Guide

Deploying Fonts with SCCM 2012: A Step-by-Step Guide

Deploying fonts with SCCM 2012 is a crucial task for IT administrators managing multiple systems. This process ensures that all users have access to the necessary fonts, maintaining consistency and efficiency across an organization. By automating font deployment, SCCM 2012 simplifies the management of fonts, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.

Prerequisites for Deploying Fonts with SCCM 2012

Sure, here are the necessary prerequisites for deploying fonts with SCCM 2012:

Software Requirements

  1. SCCM 2012: Ensure you have SCCM 2012 installed and properly configured.
  2. Windows Server: The server hosting SCCM should be running a supported version of Windows Server.
  3. Font Files: Obtain the font files you intend to deploy, typically in .ttf or .otf format.

Permissions

  1. Administrative Rights: You need administrative rights on the SCCM server and the target machines.
  2. Network Access: Ensure the SCCM server can access the shared folder where the font files and deployment scripts are stored.

Preparatory Steps

  1. Prepare the Font Files: Place the font files in a shared network folder accessible by SCCM.
  2. Create a Deployment Script: Write a script (e.g., PowerShell or VBScript) to install the fonts. Ensure the script handles font installation and any necessary user logoff/logon actions.
  3. Create a Package in SCCM:
    • Open the SCCM console.
    • Navigate to Software Library > Application Management > Packages.
    • Right-click Packages and select Create Package.
    • Specify the package name and source folder containing the script and font files.
  4. Create a Program:
    • Within the package, create a new program.
    • Set the command line to run your script (e.g., cscript.exe install_fonts.vbs).
    • Configure the program to run whether or not a user is logged on.
  5. Distribute the Content: Distribute the package content to the distribution points.
  6. Deploy the Package: Deploy the package to the desired collection of target machines. Set the deployment purpose as Available or Required.

These steps should help you successfully deploy fonts using SCCM 2012.

Creating a Font Deployment Package in SCCM 2012

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a font deployment package in SCCM 2012:

  1. Prepare the Font Files:

    • Download the font files you want to deploy.
    • Save the font files in a shared folder accessible by SCCM.

  2. Create a Script to Install the Fonts:

    • Create a script to install the fonts. You can use a VBScript for this purpose.
    • Save the script with a .vbs extension in the same shared folder as the font files.

  3. Open SCCM Console:

    • Launch the SCCM 2012 console.
    • Navigate to Software Library > Application Management > Packages.

  4. Create a New Package:

    • Right-click on Packages and select Create Package.
    • Enter a name for the package and specify the source folder where the font files and script are located.
    • Click Next.

  5. Configure the Program:

    • Choose Standard Program and click Next.
    • Enter a name for the program.
    • In the Command line field, enter the command to run the script, e.g., cscript.exe install_fonts.vbs.
    • Set the program to run whether or not a user is logged on.
    • Click Next and then Close.

  6. Set Program Properties:

    • Select the created package and go to the Programs tab.
    • Right-click the program and select Properties.
    • On the General tab, set the After running option to Configuration Manager logs user off.
    • Click Apply and OK.

  7. Distribute the Content:

    • Right-click the package and select Distribute Content.
    • Choose the distribution points where the package should be available.

  8. Deploy the Package:

    • Right-click the package and select Deploy.
    • Choose the target collection and set the deployment purpose (Available or Required).
    • Complete the deployment wizard.

This process will deploy the font package to the specified computers, and the fonts will be installed after the users log off and log back in.

Deploying the Font Package to Target Devices

Here’s a concise guide for deploying a font package using SCCM 2012:

  1. Create the Package:

    • Open SCCM console.
    • Navigate to Software Library > Application Management > Packages.
    • Right-click Packages and select Create Package.
    • Provide the Name and Source folder. Click Next.
    • Choose Standard Program. Click Next.
    • Name the program, set the Command line (e.g., cscript.exe install_fonts.vbs), and select Run whether or not a user is logged on. Click Next and complete the wizard.

  2. Distribute Content:

    • Right-click the created package and select Distribute Content.
    • Follow the wizard to distribute the package to the Distribution Point (DP).

  3. Deploy the Package:

    • Right-click the package and select Deploy.
    • Choose the Target Collection (e.g., All Systems or a specific device collection).
    • Set the Deployment Purpose to Available or Required.
    • Configure the Schedule and User Experience settings as needed.
    • Complete the wizard to deploy the package.

  4. Monitor Deployment:

    • Go to Monitoring > Deployments to track the deployment status.

This should help you get the fonts deployed to your target devices!

Verifying Font Deployment with SCCM 2012

Here are the steps to verify the successful deployment of fonts with SCCM 2012:

  1. Check Deployment Status:

    • Open the SCCM console.
    • Navigate to Monitoring > Deployments.
    • Find your font deployment and check the status.

  2. Review Logs:

    • On the SCCM server, check the distmgr.log and pkgxfermgr.log for distribution issues.
    • On the client machine, review the execmgr.log and AppEnforce.log for installation details.

  3. Confirm Font Installation:

    • On the target device, go to Control Panel > Fonts.
    • Verify that the deployed font appears in the list.

  4. Test Font Usage:

    • Open a text editor (e.g., Notepad) on the target device.
    • Check if the deployed font is available and can be used.

These steps should help you ensure that the fonts have been successfully deployed and are available for use on the target devices.

Troubleshooting Font Deployment Issues in SCCM 2012

Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues when deploying fonts with SCCM 2012:

  1. Fonts Not Appearing After Deployment:

    • Issue: Fonts are installed but not visible until the user logs off and logs back in.
    • Resolution: Ensure the deployment script includes a logoff command after installation.

  2. Error: “The system cannot find the file specified”:

    • Issue: The script cannot locate the font file.
    • Resolution: Verify the font file path in the script is correct and accessible from the client machines.

  3. Error: “Access Denied”:

    • Issue: Insufficient permissions to install fonts.
    • Resolution: Run the deployment with administrative privileges and ensure the user has the necessary permissions.

  4. Fonts Not Installing on Some Machines:

    • Issue: Inconsistent deployment across devices.
    • Resolution: Check the SCCM logs (e.g., execmgr.log) for errors and ensure all target machines are online and reachable.

  5. Fonts Not Licensed for Distribution:

    • Issue: Fonts are not properly licensed.
    • Resolution: Verify that the fonts are licensed for distribution and use in your environment.

If you encounter specific error messages, checking the SCCM logs can provide more detailed information on the issue.

Deploying Fonts with SCCM 2012

To deploy fonts with SCCM 2012, follow these steps: create a package, add the font files to the package, distribute the package to the Distribution Point (DP), and then deploy the package to the target devices. To verify successful deployment, check the deployment status in the Monitoring section of the SCCM console, review logs for distribution and installation issues, confirm font installation on the target device, and test font usage.

Benefits of Using SCCM for Font Management

Using SCCM for font management offers several benefits, including centralized control, automated deployment, and reduced administrative effort. With SCCM, you can easily deploy fonts to multiple devices, manage licenses, and troubleshoot issues with ease.

Common Issues During Font Deployment

Common issues that may arise during font deployment include fonts not appearing after deployment, errors such as “The system cannot find the file specified” or “Access Denied”, inconsistent deployment across devices, and fonts not being licensed for distribution. Troubleshooting these issues typically involves checking SCCM logs, verifying font file paths and permissions, and ensuring all target machines are online and reachable.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this article and using SCCM for font management, you can ensure that your fonts are properly deployed and available for use on your target devices, reducing administrative effort and improving overall system efficiency.

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