Sccm Task Sequence Variable Wildcard

7 min read Oct 02, 2024

Unveiling the Power of Wildcards in SCCM Task Sequence Variables

When crafting intricate SCCM task sequences, you're likely familiar with the power of variables. But have you explored the versatility that wildcards bring to the table? These potent symbols offer a dynamic way to manipulate variables, injecting flexibility and streamlining your deployment processes. Let's delve into the realm of SCCM task sequence variables and wildcards to unlock their full potential.

What are Wildcards, and Why Should You Care?

In essence, wildcards are special characters that act as placeholders within strings. They enable you to match a variety of values, simplifying tasks that would otherwise require cumbersome manual adjustments. In the context of SCCM task sequences, wildcards can be employed within variable names, empowering you to target specific groups of devices or configurations effortlessly.

Common Wildcards in SCCM Task Sequences

Several wildcards are frequently used within SCCM task sequences:

%: This wildcard represents a single character. For example, %1% would match any variable starting with "1" and ending with "1".
*: This wildcard represents zero or more characters. For instance, *1 would match any variable ending in "1", regardless of its preceding characters.
?: This wildcard represents any single character. Imagine you have variables named device_01, device_02, device_03, etc. device_? would capture all of them.

How to Use Wildcards in Task Sequence Variables

Define Your Variables: Begin by establishing the variables you'll be working with. For example, you could have ComputerName, Model, or OperatingSystem.
Incorporate Wildcards: When referencing these variables in your task sequence steps, strategically place wildcards to achieve the desired match.
Leverage the Power of Wildcards: You can utilize wildcards in different contexts:
- Conditional Statements: Use wildcards within if or else conditions to evaluate and branch your task sequence based on specific criteria.
- Looping through Variables: Employ wildcards in conjunction with for loops to iterate through a group of variables and apply actions to each.
- Customizing Settings: Adapt settings and configurations dynamically by incorporating wildcards within variable names.

Examples to Ignite Your Imagination

Scenario 1: Deploying Software Based on Operating System

Suppose you have a task sequence that installs a specific application on Windows 10 machines. You can use a wildcard within a conditional statement to ensure this software is only deployed to devices running Windows 10.

if %OperatingSystem% == "Windows 10*" 
    Install application.exe
endif

Scenario 2: Looping through Multiple Printers

Imagine you need to install several printers across various devices. You can leverage a wildcard and a for loop to streamline this process:

for %i in (*printer*) do
  Install printer %i
endfor

Scenario 3: Targeting Devices with Specific Hardware

Let's say you want to apply specific settings only to devices equipped with a particular model of graphics card. You can use a wildcard within a variable representing the graphics card model:

if %GraphicsCard% == "NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10*" 
    Apply graphics settings
endif

Harnessing the Power of Wildcards for Efficiency

By incorporating wildcards into your SCCM task sequences, you can achieve a significant level of automation and flexibility:

Reduced Manual Effort: Avoid repetitive tasks by leveraging wildcards to streamline your deployments.
Increased Flexibility: Adapt your task sequences to accommodate varying environments and configurations.
Enhanced Control: Precisely target specific groups of devices or configurations with surgical precision.

Considerations and Best Practices

Specificity: While wildcards bring flexibility, strive for clear and concise wildcard expressions to avoid unintended consequences.
Testing: Thoroughly test your task sequences, particularly those incorporating wildcards, before deploying them to production environments.
Documentation: Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of your task sequences, including any wildcards used.

Conclusion

Wildcards are a valuable tool in your SCCM task sequence arsenal. They can help you automate repetitive tasks, enhance flexibility, and achieve precise targeting. By understanding and applying wildcards effectively, you can unlock a new dimension of efficiency and control in your deployment processes. Embrace the power of wildcards and streamline your SCCM deployments to new heights!