The dreaded "Evaluated to False" message in SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) can be a significant headache for IT administrators. This error, typically encountered during deployment evaluation, indicates that a condition within your deployment's criteria hasn't been met, preventing the software from installing on the target device. This comprehensive guide dives into advanced troubleshooting strategies to pinpoint and resolve this issue, moving beyond basic checks.
Understanding the "Evaluated to False" Error
Before jumping into troubleshooting, let's clarify what the error signifies. SCCM deployments rely on a series of conditions (queries) to determine which devices should receive a specific application or update. When SCCM evaluates these conditions against a target device's properties, and the result is false, the deployment is skipped. This can stem from inaccuracies in your deployment's criteria, inconsistencies in device data, or underlying issues with the device itself.
Identifying the Culprit: Pinpointing the Failing Condition
The first, and often most challenging, step is to determine which condition within your deployment is evaluating to false. SCCM's reporting isn't always crystal clear in this regard. Here's a structured approach:
1. Examine the Deployment's Properties:
Carefully review the deployment's properties, paying close attention to the Device Collection, Requirements, and Deployment Type sections. This includes:
- Device Collection: Is the target device actually a member of the specified collection? Verify its membership using the SCCM console. A simple mistake in collection membership is a frequent cause.
- Requirements: Scrutinize each requirement (query). These conditions are often based on hardware, software, or operating system properties. Are these requirements accurately reflecting the target devices? Common culprits include incorrect OS versions, missing software components, or inaccurate hardware specifications.
- Deployment Type: Ensure the deployment type (e.g., standard installation, advertisement) is appropriate for the target devices and the software being deployed.
2. Utilizing the SCCM Logs:
The SCCM logs are your best friend. Check the following log files for clues:
- SMS_SMS_Executive.log: This log often contains high-level information about deployment processing.
- SMS_DM.log: Provides detail on the device's interaction with the deployment.
- dlp.log: Tracks the execution of deployment steps.
Search these logs for error messages related to the specific deployment and the target device. Pay close attention to the timestamps to correlate log entries with the deployment attempt.
3. Leveraging the "Hardware Inventory" and "Software Inventory":
Inconsistencies in inventory data can lead to incorrect evaluation. Verify that the target device's hardware and software inventory data within SCCM is accurate and up-to-date.
- Hardware Inventory: Check for correct CPU, RAM, OS, and other relevant hardware properties.
- Software Inventory: Ensure that software requirements are correctly reflected in the inventory.
If discrepancies exist, initiate a full hardware and software inventory scan on the affected device.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
Once you've narrowed down the potential cause, employ these advanced techniques:
H2: What if the device collection is correct, but the deployment still fails?
If your device is correctly in the collection, the problem lies within the deployment's requirements. Begin by simplifying the requirements. Temporarily remove conditions one by one to isolate the problematic one. Once identified, double-check the accuracy of the problematic condition using the device's properties within SCCM.
H2: How can I troubleshoot if the device's inventory data is inconsistent?
Force a full hardware and software inventory on the problem device. If the issue persists, check the client agent health on the device to ensure that the inventory process is functioning correctly. Client health issues could be causing inventory reporting problems. Consider reinstalling the SCCM client as a last resort.
H2: Are there specific tools or scripts to aid in troubleshooting?
While SCCM doesn't offer dedicated scripts for this error, PowerShell can be invaluable. Use PowerShell to query the device's properties directly, verifying the values against the deployment requirements. This offers a more granular view of the device's status compared to the SCCM console.
Conclusion
Resolving SCCM's "Evaluated to False" error requires a systematic and methodical approach. By combining careful examination of deployment properties, meticulous log analysis, and leveraging advanced troubleshooting techniques, you can effectively diagnose and rectify the underlying cause, ensuring successful software deployments. Remember to always back up your configuration before making any significant changes. Consistent monitoring of SCCM logs and proactive inventory management are crucial for preventing future occurrences of this frustrating error.
