System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now known as Microsoft Endpoint Manager, is a powerful tool for managing and securing your organization's devices. However, sometimes you might encounter the cryptic message "Evaluated to False" in your SCCM console. This can be frustrating, as it doesn't immediately reveal the underlying cause. This article will dissect this common issue, providing you with the knowledge and troubleshooting steps to resolve it.
We'll explore various scenarios where you might see this message and offer practical solutions. Understanding the context of where this message appears is crucial for effective troubleshooting.
What Does "Evaluated to False" Typically Indicate in SCCM?
In SCCM, "Evaluated to False" generally signifies that a specific condition within a deployment, query, or other process has not been met. The "condition" is a rule or expression that SCCM evaluates to determine whether an action should be taken. If the condition is false, the action is not performed. This can manifest in several ways, depending on the SCCM component involved.
Think of it like a simple "if-then" statement: If (condition is true), then (perform action); else (do nothing). If the condition is "Evaluated to False," the "else" part of the statement is executed – meaning no action is taken.
Common Scenarios Where You Might See "Evaluated to False"
Here are some common areas within SCCM where you might encounter this message:
1. Software Deployment Evaluation
H2: Why are my software deployments failing with "Evaluated to False"?
This is frequently seen when deploying software. The deployment might have prerequisites or requirements that the target device doesn't meet. For example, the deployment might require a specific operating system version or a particular .NET framework. If the device lacks these, the deployment condition evaluates to false, and the software isn't installed.
Solution:
- Review Deployment Requirements: Carefully examine the deployment's prerequisites and requirements. Ensure the target devices meet these criteria.
- Check Device Compliance: Verify that the target devices comply with any relevant device collection requirements.
- Examine the Deployment Type: Analyze the deployment type (required, available, etc.) to ensure it's appropriate for the scenario.
- Examine the Device Logs: Check the client-side logs on the affected devices for more detailed error messages.
2. Compliance Settings and Rules
H2: My compliance settings show "Evaluated to False". What's wrong?
SCCM uses compliance settings to assess the configuration of managed devices. "Evaluated to False" here means the device doesn't meet the specified compliance rule. This could be due to incorrect settings, missing software, or hardware mismatches.
Solution:
- Verify Compliance Rules: Review your compliance rules to ensure accuracy. A minor typo can lead to false negatives.
- Check Device Configuration: Examine the configuration of the affected devices to ensure they meet the requirements.
- Update the Baseline: Ensure your compliance baseline is up-to-date.
3. Queries and Collections
H2: I'm getting "Evaluated to False" in my SCCM queries. How can I fix this?
SCCM uses queries to filter devices into collections. A "false" evaluation means the device doesn't match the query's criteria.
Solution:
- Review Query Criteria: Carefully check the query's criteria for accuracy. Incorrect operators or improperly formatted values can cause this.
- Test the Query: Test your query against individual devices to identify which criteria are not being met.
- Simplify the Query: If your query is complex, try simplifying it to isolate the problematic part.
4. Task Sequence Evaluation
H3: What if I see "Evaluated to False" during a task sequence?
Task sequences are crucial for automated deployments and operating system image installations. A false evaluation here can halt the entire sequence.
Solution:
- Review the Task Sequence: Carefully review each step of the task sequence, paying attention to any conditional statements or dependencies.
- Check Log Files: Consult the SMSTS.log file for detailed information about the failure. This often provides clues about the reason for the false evaluation.
Troubleshooting Steps: A General Approach
Regardless of where you see "Evaluated to False," follow these general troubleshooting steps:
- Identify the Context: Pinpoint precisely where the message appears (deployment, query, compliance setting, etc.).
- Examine the Specific Condition: Understand the condition that evaluated to false. Read the description and details carefully.
- Check Device Logs: Look for detailed error messages within the client-side logs on the affected device(s).
- Review Related Configuration: Inspect the relevant SCCM configuration (deployments, queries, compliance settings, etc.).
- Simplify and Test: If possible, simplify the condition or configuration to isolate the problem. Test your changes.
- Consult Microsoft Documentation: Refer to official Microsoft documentation for further assistance.
By systematically applying these troubleshooting techniques, you can effectively resolve the "Evaluated to False" issue and ensure the smooth operation of your SCCM environment. Remember, paying close attention to the context and meticulously reviewing the related configurations is key to finding the root cause.
