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Image a Mac with Target Mode (Endpoint Management Tools - Mac)

This article applies to: Endpoint Management Tools

This page is intended for IT support professionals. End users should contact local IT support.

  1. Launch Casper Imaging (from the Casper Suite folder) and log in with your NetID and password.
    (Mountain Lion erroneously reports a "quit unexpectedly" error; just click Ignore and continue.)
  2. If prompted, enter the URL of your JSS server in this format:
    https://jssmgt.it.cornell.edu/yourJSSInstance
    For example, https://jssmgt.it.cornell.edu/limnology
  3. If prompted ("Casper Imaging wants to make changes."), login with your MacOS Admin username and password.
  4. In the Casper Imaging tool, for Target Drive, select Target Mode Imaging.
  5. Choose whether or not to Erase the hard drive connected to the target computer(s).
  6. For Computer Names, select one of the following:
    • Prompt for each computer - Prompts you for a name for each computer you connect using Firewire or Thunderbolt.
    • Numerical Order - Allows you to specify a prefix and number sequence for naming your computers.
    • Use MAC Address - Names the computer based on the MAC address of the network card.
    • Use Serial Number - Names the computer based off the serial .umber of the computer.
    • Upload CSV file - Reads the file you designate, which must contain either MAC addresses or serial numbers in the first column, and the associated computer name in the second column.
  7. Choose an Install Configuration. After choosing a Configuration, the left column will fill in with the task list for that Configuration.
  8. Choose a Distribution Point. In most cases, use the default. (HTTP distribution points are not supported for imaging.) For information on using a Local Drive see the "Replicating FireWire or USB Drives" on Page 42 of the Casper Suite Administrator's Guide.
  9. Under Target Mode Imaging Options,
    • If using an automated naming scheme such as Numerical Order, Mac Address or Serial Number, Casper Imaging can automatically start the imaging process as computers connect.
    • If target computers will not be started up to contact the JSS immediately after imaging, specify an approximate contact time.
  10. The following (lettered) steps are optional. They allow you to include additional tasks that are not part of the basic configuration you selected above. Do not click Install until you have made your desired changes to this entire set of tabs.
    1. In the Casper Imaging toolbar, click Custom Install. Then include as many (or as few) of these additional steps as appropriate for your installation.
    2. Click the Packages tab. You can add packages in your software repository (but not already included in the Configuration you selected) by placing a check next to them.
    3. Click the Scripts tab. You can add scripts in your software repository (but not already included in the Configuration you selected) by placing a check next to them.
    4. Click the Printers tab. You can add printers in your software repository (but not already included in the Configuration you selected) by placing a check next to them.
    5. Click the Accounts tab. You can (1) create local accounts by clicking the plus sign in the New Local Accounts section, (2) automatically binding the computer to an Active Directory domain if you have created a Directory Binding Policy on the JSS server, and/or (3) setting the Open Firmware/EFI Password to prevent tampering at the firmware level.
    6. Click the Network tab. You can configure the network settings (for example, IP Address, DNS Servers, etc...) for the different interfaces on the machine that you'll be imaging. Any fields left blank here are not changed when imaging.
    7. Click the Advanced tab. You can use the Apple Remote Desktop Info Fields to include custom data. The Advanced Options section allows you to Fix ByHost Files, Update Pre-bindings, Fix Permissions, and Show Setup Assistant After Reboot.
  11. Click Start.
  12. For each computer you are going to image,
    1. Hold down the T key while rebooting the Mac. Once you see the Firewire or Thunderbolt logo, you are fully booted into Target Disk Mode.
    2. Connect the target computer using your Firewire or Thunderbolt cable to start the imaging process.

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