Creating Customized Administrative Consoles

By default, the SMS snap-in (Sms.msc) offers you access to the full range of SMS functionality. As mentioned, you can create customized MMC consoles (.msc files) that offer a subset of features. When you use a customized console, you are presented with only those functional console tree items that pertain to the job you are trying to perform, such as software distribution or Remote Control.

You customize a console by modifying an existing .msc file. You do this by selecting the SMS console tree items you want to display, and then saving the new console file with a new name and with the .msc file extension. You can use the new console file if security permissions to SMS objects have been given to you.

The following sections describe how to create customized SMS consoles for two common tasks: