70-686 Resources

Some of us are probably preparing to take this exam in Beta so I figured I would gather some information to start with (in Claymoores stead).

Keep in mind that there is not as much information out there on windows 7 as we probably need to be 100% prepared for this, but there is a good amount. I have listed things that I think will help with the given topics. The given domains overlap quite a bit so a few items repeat, they could help in a few sections. Also, where I couldnt find any or much info for 7 i placed a couple Vista references in there. Its no guarantee, but what you see in Vista should be pretty close to what it will be like in 7 (as close as we can get, anyway). Good luck!

Windows 7 Enterprise 90-day Trial
The Windows® Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows® 7
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 2010
Free Windows 7 Deployment Ebook

Planning and Managing a Client Life Cycle Strategy

Plan and manage client licensing and activation.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: applications and operating systems; activation method; KMS vs. MAK; prerequisites; choosing a SKU; licensing infrastructure; licensing compliance audits; inventory audits; virtualization licensing considerations; making recommendations for licensing strategy and compliance

Volume Activation Planning Guide

Volume Activation Deployment Guide
Volume Activation Operations Guide
Volume Activation Technical Reference Guide

Additional Links provided by RobertKaucher (thanks):

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/e...ation-faq.aspx
Windows Volume Activation | Guide List | Vista & Windows Server 2008
Fundamentals of Volume Activation
KMS Activation for Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2
MAK Activation for Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2

Plan and manage software updates.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: application updates and operating system updates; evaluating and approving software updates; enterprise applications; designing an update strategy; choosing an update tool; planning and deploying a service pack; schedule considerations; network considerations; test updates; auditing for security compliance

WSUS Operations Guide

Plan and manage a physical hardware and virtualization strategy.

- This objective may include but is not limited to: analyzing existing hardware environment; determining which systems meet minimum requirements; tradeoffs of physical vs. VDI environment; network load considerations; disk space; direct connection vs. brokered connection; determining a VHD strategy; choosing 32 bit vs. 64 bit

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare-editions/default.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/adhall/archive/2009/08/07/remote-desktop-services-versus-vdi-spot-the-difference.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/adhall/archive/2009/07/20/understanding-how-to-license-for-vdi-scenarios.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/iftekhar/archive/2009/06/20/microsoft-virtual-desktop-infrastructure.aspx
32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions - Windows ...
Boot from VHD in Win7 | Media | TechNet Edge
knom's developer corner : Windows 7 – VHD Boot – Setup Guideline
Download details: Demonstration: Windows 7 VHD Boot
Virtual Hard Disks in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7

Designing a Standard Image

Design an image creation strategy.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: identifying operating system and enterprise applications that will be included with the standard image; thick, thin, or hybrid; role-based or geographic-based images vs. single core image; image localization
Design a custom image.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: identifying applications to be installed; identifying features and components to be enabled or disabled; testing the customized image
Define an image update strategy.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: performance optimization; security considerations; efficiency; offline servicing vs. online or post-image updates; re-creating; recapturing

Windows 7: Deployment
Download details: Choosing a Deployment Strategy
Windows 7 Desktop Deployment
Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Prepare and Service Windows Images Using the New DISM Tool
DISM Command-Line Options

Designing Client Configurations

Design standard system settings.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: choosing methods, including logon scripts, startup scripts, and Group Policy; designing profiles; designing error reporting; designing audit policy
Define client security standards.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: application control policies; encryption; stopping unnecessary services; designing firewall rules; defining anti-malware settings; changes to Kerberos and NTLM; configuring user rights; defining UAC policy; designing a security template for system lockdown; defining account policies; designing security standards for removable storage
Define Windows Internet Explorer settings.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: defining security zones; cache location; branding; in-private mode; restricting or allowing plug-ins; add-ons; privacy policy; browser protected mode

What's New in Group Policy in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
What's new in Group Policy for Windows 7? | Media | TechNet Edge
Windows PowerShell Blog : Group Policy Cmdlets in Windows 7
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=18c90c80-8b0a-4906-a4f5-ff24cc2030fb#tm
Using AppLocker in Win7 | Media | TechNet Edge
Understanding Windows 7 AppLocker - Springboard Series Blog - The ...
What's New in AppLocker in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7
Securing Application Execution with Microsoft AppLocker
Mark Russinovich on Windows 7 UAC - Windows Security Blog - The ...
Application Compatibility Issues | User Account Control (UAC) | Tools
Engineering Windows 7 : User Account Control
Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: BitLocker and BitLocker to Go
Windows 7 BitLocker Executive Overview
Windows 7 Screencast - BitLocker To Go | Media | TechNet Edge
TechNet Webcast: Protecting Your Data With Windows 7 BitLocker and ...
Group Policy and Internet Explorer 8
Download details: Group Policy Settings Reference for Windows ...
Group Policy Preferences
Internet Explorer 8 Deployment Guide

Designing a Windows 7 Client Deployment

Analyze the environment and choose appropriate deployment methods.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: building the infrastructure; advantages of lite-touch vs. zero-touch vs. local install; capacity and scale considerations; determining required changes to the infrastructure
Design a lite-touch deployment strategy.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: unicast vs. multicast; auto-cast vs. scheduled-cast; staggered deployment; scheduling considerations; network load considerations; choosing a client boot method for deployment; unattended answer files; restricting who can receive images; choosing a delivery mechanism
Design a zero-touch deployment strategy.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: designing and configuring task sequencing; unattended answer files; scheduling considerations; staggered deployment; network load considerations; restricting who can receive images
Design a user state migration strategy.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: determining which user data and settings to preserve; local vs. remote storage considerations; determining mitigation plan for non-migrated applications; securing migrated data; testing designed strategy; wipe-and-load migration vs. side-by-side migration

Lite-Touch, High-Volume Deployment
High Touch with Standard Image
Zero-Touch, High-Volume Deployment
High-Touch with Retail Media
Unattended Answer Files Using Windows System Image Manager
The Deployment Guys : Windows 7 WAIK and Custom Images
Deploying Windows 7 - Part 1: Windows AIK 2.0 Enhancements
Windows Deployment Services Getting Started Guide
Introduction to Windows Deployment Services [6 Min ] | Media ...
Dave Stork's IMHO : Deploying Windows 7 with Windows Deployment ...
Download details: Windows Deployment Services Step-by-Step Guide
Download details: Deploying and Managing the Windows Deployment ...
Windows Deployment Services (technet main)
User State Migration Tool 4.0 User's Guide

Windows XP to Windows 7 Hard-Link Migration of User Files and Settings
Step-by-Step: Basic Windows Migration using USMT for IT Professionals
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
Step-by-Step: Windows 7 Upgrade and Migration
Windows 7 Upgrade Paths

Designing Application Packages for Deployment

Design a delivery or deployment strategy.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: auditing for prerequisites and minimum requirements; choosing a deployment method such as virtualized, Remote Desktop Services, Group Policy, or software distribution; server-based or client-based install; scheduling considerations; staggered deployment; network considerations; package creation standards
Manage application compatibility.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: testing incompatibility; choosing a method for resolving incompatibility, such as upgrading, Remote Desktop Services, shim, or VDI; auditing incompatible software

Windows 7: Deployment
Application Compatibility Issues | User Account Control (UAC) | Tools
Application Compatibility
Introduction to the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) Version 5.5
Using the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT)
Application Compatibility Toolkit Technical Reference
Customer Support and Documentation Resources
Troubleshooting ACT
Software and Hardware Requirements for ACT 5.5
Download details: Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit

Identifying and Resolving Deployment and Client Configuration Issues

Identify and resolve Internet Explorer issues.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: security zones; Web applications; advanced settings; Group Policy restrictions; certificates
Identify and resolve Group Policy issues.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: delegation; inheritance; policies are not effective; blocking; permissions; loopback processing; user vs. computer settings; filtering; performance
Identify and resolve networking issues.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: wireless; remote access; VPN; certificates; performance; IP communication; Windows Firewall
Identify and resolve authentication and authorization issues.
- This objective may include but is not limited to: user rights; distinguishing between client-based and server-based issues; time synchronization (Kerberos)

How to solve Internet Explorer 8 installation problems
Internet Explorer Solution Center
Internet Explorer 8: Help and support
EnhanceIE.com - Troubleshooting Internet Explorer problems
Group Policy and Internet Explorer 8
Download details: Group Policy Settings Reference for Windows ...
Group Policy Preferences
Internet Explorer 8 Deployment Guide

Windows Server Group Policy Home
Troubleshooting Group Policy Using Event Logs
Deploying Group Policy Using Windows Vista
Keith Combs' Blahg : Windows Group Policy Fundamentals - 14 Part ...
TechNet Webcast: Group Policy Fundamentals (Part 13 of 14 ...
TechNet Webcast: Group Policy Fundamentals (Part 06 of 14): Group ...
Gpupdate
Gpresult
What's new in the Windows 7 Firewall?
Using Netsh with Windows Firewall
How to use the "netsh advfirewall firewall" context instead of the ...
Appendix B: Netsh Command Syntax for the Netsh Firewall Context
Configure Windows Firewall
Configuring the Windows Time Service
Kerberos Explained
Kerberos Troubles
Kerberos Enhancements
User Account Control: Inside Windows 7 User Account Control
Windows 7 Security Enhancements
Understanding Windows NTFS Permissions
Share Permissions
File and Printer Sharing in Windows Vista

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Comments

RobertKaucher

Nice work and thank you!

qwertyiop

This is a great list of resources. I wonder if theyll be alot of overlap between this and 71-685

Hyper-Me

There will definitely be some overlap, but 686 looks much more deployment oriented and 685 looks like just covering the core basics of desktop support.

685 actually looks pretty easy, and I'd take it if i actually had plans on doing the HDI exam but i dont.

msteinhilber

Nice post Hyper-Me! You saved me a whole lot of time

Piers

I couldn't get in yesterday, kept getting errors booking the exam, and this morning, the EDA7 code had reached the maximum

mrmcmint

Booked on the 685 on the 15th oct.

Thanks for putting this list together, Its going to be very useful! Good luck to all taking.

Piers

Piers wrote: »

I couldn't get in yesterday, kept getting errors booking the exam, and this morning, the EDA7 code had reached the maximum

well son of a beach.. I just tried again this morning, and I'm in for Oct 14

I'm more of a Helpdesk kind of guy, so the 680/685 (or 682 as I usually promote) is right up my alley, but this will be fun to take a stab at..

theles

Hi there!

Well, first of all, let me say one thing. I've found this forum thanks to google, searching informations about the exams 71-685 and 71-686(which I'd managed to subscribe).

The link on google drove me directly to this post and I'm amazed by the amount of information that I've found.

So, I'd register myself just to say:

Thanks Hyper-me, you've done a great job and save us a lot of precious time.

Keep it up!

jamesp1983

thank you for the terrific post sir!!

Hyper-Me

No problem, guys. Hope this helps out when it comes to game time.

Piers

theles wrote: »

Hi there!

Well, first of all, let me say one thing. I've found this forum thanks to google, searching informations about the exams 71-685 and 71-686(which I'd managed to subscribe).

welcome, and just a quick note.. I see you list MCDST under your certs, so you won't need to take the -685 exam.. wait for the 70-682 exam, it will upgrade your MCDST in one shot and give you the same certification as passing both 70-680 and 685

NinjaBoy

Piers wrote: »

welcome, and just a quick note.. I see you list MCDST under your certs, so you won't need to take the -685 exam.. wait for the 70-682 exam, it will upgrade your MCDST in one shot and give you the same certification as passing both 70-680 and 685

To my knowledge you still have to pass the HDI cert in order to get the MCITP: EDST7. Again, to my knowledge, MS has not release any info about any upgrade exam from MCDST/MCITP: EST to the MCITP: EDA7 credential.

-Ken

Piers

NinjaBoy wrote: »

To my knowledge you still have to pass the HDI cert in order to get the MCITP: EDST7. Again, to my knowledge, MS has not release any info about any upgrade exam from MCDST/MCITP: EST to the MCITP: EDA7 credential.

-Ken

I didn't really mention the final credential of MCITP EDST7. Only that the 682 upgrade exam would take the place of 680 + 685, as shown on the HDI diagram on their website. http://www.thinkhdi.com/images/Both%20Charts.jpg

This is found as an answer to my question about 682 in the "Important Clarification about Windows 7 certifications" postings..

70-682 is an upgrade exam so it is created from parts of the exam track. Because the content will have already gone through beta by that point, there isn't a psychometric need to beta upgrade exams.

Once we've finished with 685 and determine which bits are used in 682 we can get the prep guide posted. Generally upgrade exams come out roughly 90 days after their component exams have been published.

germanicus

It would be nice if this post could get a sticky.

theles

Piers wrote: »

I didn't really mention the final credential of MCITP EDST7. Only that the 682 upgrade exam would take the place of 680 + 685, as shown on the HDI diagram on their website. http://www.thinkhdi.com/images/Both%20Charts.jpg

This is found as an answer to my question about 682 in the "Important Clarification about Windows 7 certifications" postings..

Hi guys!

I'd found these information about the certs on the "Born to Learn" blog too.

And, I found the informations on the Microsoft Learning page, but nothing about the upgrading on MCITP:EAD7

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx#tab2

But, I'm going to take 71-685 exam mostly to see how the questions will be, and raise the approval chances on the 70-686, since on other posts are informations that this exam is pretty hard.

RobertKaucher

Hyper-Me,

You might want to add the following links you your list of resources:

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/product-activation-faq.aspx
Windows Volume Activation | Guide List | Vista & Windows Server 2008
Fundamentals of Volume Activation
KMS Activation for Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2
MAK Activation for Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2

They are about volume activation. MAK/KMS

jamesp1983

Do we think it will really take 8 weeks for score reports?

Piers

jimmypizzle83 wrote: »

Do we think it will really take 8 weeks for score reports?

we can only assume a similar time frame as was achieved for the 71-680 exam results.. that took a couple of months iirc

Hyper-Me

added Robert, thanks.

dannyhinhk

Good JOB!!! ^^
It's really useful for me to prepare the exam

RobertKaucher

Hyper-Me wrote: »

added Robert, thanks.

Hyper, trying to send you a PM. Could you email me?

zetback@gmail.com

First i want to thank you I am about to take the exam and about 80% of what am using is in this guide, I also created a book of sorts based on this material, once I edit it, and pass the exam ( i would like to make sure what i edit helps with the exam ) I would love to share because it has taken me about 5 days even thou most is copy and paste is still preety tough putting it all toghether in the best order possible.

my question to whoever has passed or taken the test is, I read the objectives and honestly i am a little confused in how much of each thing is the exam going to be about, I usually like to focus on one are and branch out from there, this is only my fourth exam, i have yet to failed or had to take any exam more than twice, iam really hoping this isnt the first, but i am so confused as to what i should focus on, it seems deployment and volume licencing to be the main topics but those are partially covered in the 70 680 so i just dunt see where is the difference in both exams,

I know for sure that applocker, deplyment, VDI VHD, volume licencing, MAK and KMS keys ect those are obviously going to be in the exam but just curious is anybody able to give me an idea what else i should watch out for.

Thank you for your time.

earweed

Not sure if you would want to add this here or not since it cover 685 and 686. It's not released yet.
Amazon.com: Windows 7 Desktop Support and Administration: Real World Skills for MCITP Certification and Beyond (Exams…

Darril Gibson's book

mikesad

Thanks for this post

earweed

This could probably be added here
Windows Desktop Solution Accelerators – Windows 7

Not sure if this would be suitable here or in a resource list for the 70-685.

Hyper-Me

Looks like its suiteable to both.

Jander1023

The MS Press book is out and available at Amazon.com. I got it in the mail last week. Probably won't study it until after the new year.

whatthehell

Nice work and thanks very much! Will definitely use this soon!

zdq

Jander1023 wrote: »

The MS Press book is out and available at Amazon.com. I got it in the mail last week. Probably won't study it until after the new year.

You mean this book -> http://www.amazon.com/MCITP-Self-Paced-Training-Exam-70-686/dp/0735627177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332934814&sr=8-1 ?
Is it any good, worth to be used for 70-686 exam preparation ?

NamaSayaRuben

Are these resources up to date?