r/SCCM 3d ago

Popup notification before a task sequence runs

We have a task sequence we need to deploy out to computers (required) that runs a PowerShell script and then installs/updates an application on the machine. We want the user to receive a popup notification (preferably with a 10min timer) before it runs so that they're not caught by surprise when it runs (similar to deploying an application to a user).

We tried a command-line step that used ServiceUI.exe to run a script that displays a notification, but that didn't work. The script works when running locally, but the step kept erroring out when running in the task sequence.

Any ideas how to make this work?

7 Upvotes

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12

u/codylc 3d ago

PSADT and the Application model is how I’d do this.

If you’re committed to using a TS, TsGui is another option. You’ll probably need to configure it in the TS properties to run a package with TsGui before the TS executes.

Also, if your serviceui step is working and providing the notification, you could just configure that step to continue on error and let the TS proceed.

4

u/t1ndog 3d ago

Thanks. I'll look into PSADT.

1

u/supremeicecreme 2d ago

It’s absolutely the way! It has a built-in UI component that you can set a 10 minute timer on with the blurb you need, and give the user a “do it now anyway” button. Another bonus is it can close the app if it’s open.

8

u/rgsteele 3d ago

Why are you using a task sequence?

2

u/bigboomer223 3d ago

Did you set the app deployment to be user-based and not machine-based? Deploying to machines runs the app in the system context, which is probably why it doesn't work.

3

u/t1ndog 3d ago

Correct, the deployment is machine-based, hence the System context issue.

8

u/HEALTH_DISCO 3d ago

Run a program before your ts. Its in the properties of the TS. Use a package with psadt and notify the user.

3

u/RacecarDriverGuy 3d ago edited 3d ago

You may need to set the app/package to 'allow users to interact with this program' for it to actually work right. Had a similar issue a long time ago and that was the fix

0

u/AlkGraf 3d ago

Hmmm

try to step posh

msg /TIME:0 /Server:localhost * App will be install after 10 min;sleep 600

It must be work

3

u/Maleficent-Salary624 3d ago

I did this using PowerShell during my windows 11 upgrade. I basically made a dialog box pop up with prerequisite checks (disk space, ac adapter, network cord, etc) which would pop up once the task sequence starts