The dreaded "Evaluated to False" error in SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) deployments can be incredibly frustrating. This message indicates that a condition within your deployment's criteria hasn't been met, preventing the software from installing. This comprehensive guide will help you diagnose and resolve this common issue, boosting your SCCM deployment success rate. We'll explore various causes and provide practical troubleshooting steps to get your applications installed smoothly.
Understanding the "Evaluated to False" Error
Before diving into solutions, let's clarify what the error signifies. When SCCM evaluates a deployment, it checks various conditions, such as operating system version, hardware inventory, or specific software already installed. If any of these conditions evaluate to "false," the deployment is halted, resulting in the frustrating "Evaluated to False" message. This means your defined criteria aren't met on the target device.
Common Causes of "Evaluated to False" Errors
Several factors can contribute to this error. Let's examine the most frequent culprits:
Incorrect Deployment Type
Problem: Selecting the wrong deployment type (e.g., Required, Available, etc.) can cause issues. A "Required" deployment might fail if the client machine doesn't meet prerequisites, while an "Available" deployment simply won't install unless the user initiates it.
Solution: Review your deployment type carefully. Ensure it aligns with your intended deployment strategy. Consider whether the application should be automatically installed or available on demand.
Misconfigured Requirements
Problem: Incorrectly configured deployment requirements are a leading cause of "Evaluated to False" errors. These might include inaccurate operating system version checks, missing or outdated hardware requirements, or incorrect software dependency checks.
Solution: Double-check every requirement in your deployment. Verify that the specified criteria accurately reflect the target devices and application needs. Pay close attention to version numbers, wildcard characters (*), and any other specific conditions.
Outdated or Incorrect Hardware Inventory
Problem: If SCCM doesn't have the most recent hardware inventory data, it might incorrectly evaluate the deployment requirements. This can happen due to network connectivity problems, client agent issues, or infrequent inventory cycles.
Solution: Ensure your clients are regularly sending inventory data to the SCCM server. Check the client agent status, network connectivity, and the SCCM client settings related to inventory collection. Manually trigger an inventory scan on problematic clients if necessary.
Incorrect Software Dependency Checks
Problem: If your application depends on other software, the deployment will fail if those dependencies aren't met.
Solution: Verify that all required dependencies are correctly specified in the deployment. Ensure that these prerequisite applications are successfully installed on the target devices before deploying the main application. Consider using the SCCM dependency functionality to manage this effectively.
Client Agent Issues
Problem: Problems with the SCCM client agent itself can prevent the proper evaluation of deployment criteria. This might include an outdated or corrupted client, network connectivity problems, or certificate issues.
Solution: Update the SCCM client to the latest version on affected machines. Check the client agent logs for error messages. Troubleshoot any network connectivity issues that might be preventing communication with the SCCM server.
Troubleshooting Steps
-
Check the SCCM Logs: Investigate the SMS_DM.log and other relevant logs on both the client and the server for clues about the failure. This will often pinpoint the exact reason for the "Evaluated to False" result.
-
Review the Deployment Properties: Carefully examine all aspects of your deployment, including requirements, deployment type, and scheduling.
-
Test on a Single Device: Deploy the application to a single test machine to isolate the problem. This will help you identify if the issue is widespread or confined to specific devices.
-
Check for Conflicts: Identify potential conflicts with other applications or software updates that might interfere with the deployment.
-
Re-evaluate the Client's Hardware Inventory: Ensure the client machine’s inventory is up-to-date and accurate by running an inventory scan.
Preventing Future "Evaluated to False" Errors
- Thorough Testing: Always thoroughly test your deployments on a small sample of target devices before deploying widely.
- Clear and Concise Requirements: Use precise and accurate criteria in your deployment requirements to minimize ambiguity.
- Regular Inventory Scans: Schedule regular hardware inventory scans to ensure up-to-date data.
- Proactive Client Agent Management: Keep your SCCM clients up-to-date and monitor their health regularly.
By following these troubleshooting steps and preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the frequency of "Evaluated to False" errors and improve the overall success of your SCCM deployments. Remember meticulous planning and thorough testing are key to avoiding this frustrating issue.
