Add CMtrace to System32 Folder with SCCM

The Admin
Guides, SCCM

This is the method i use to make sure every machine has Cmtrace.

Cmtrace is a tool to read log files, very handy when troubleshooting SCCM logs, or any other logs for that matter.

You can read more about CMtrace here: Configuration Manager Tools - CMTrace

I use the application model to install during operating system deployment (OSD).

And i also create a deployment to All workstations to make sure its installed incase a user removes it. Or for some reason is missed during OSD.

  1. Add Cmtrace to your file share/application source content. Also include an empty .bat for now.
  2. Create a new Application in SCCM, as you normally would.
  3. Use script installer.
    • Add the below command to the empty batch file.
    • COPY "%~dp0CMTrace.exe" "%WINDIR%\system32\CMTrace.exe"
  4. Detection Rules:
    • Setting type: File system
    • Path: %Windir%\System32
    • File or folder name: CMTrace.exe

Detection Rules

After you have created the application you can then deploy it to a collection. Or add it to a step in you task sequence.

Once it has been deployed to a machine. One can open command prompt and run cmtrace. because its in system32 its in path and can be opened anywhere on the system.