Where are MDT log files stored?

Applies to: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 8456 and later
Last updated: May 2025

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Problem

You need to review MDT logs to diagnose deployment issues but are unsure where to find them at each stage of the deployment.

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Solution

MDT generates detailed logs throughout the deployment process. Their location changes depending on the deployment phase, so it’s important to know where to look at the right time.

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Log Locations by Phase

Phase	Path	Notes
WinPE (Pre-OS Install)	X:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS\	RAM disk, volatile—only available during WinPE session
During Deployment (Post-OS Install)	C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS\	Available until deployment completes
Post-Deployment (Finalized System)	C:\Windows\Temp\DeploymentLogs\	Final resting place for logs
Windows Setup Logs	C:\Windows\Panther\UnattendGC\setupact.log	Useful for domain join and OS installation errors
Domain Join Logs	C:\Windows\Debug\NetSetup.log	Native Windows log for AD join troubleshooting

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Key MDT Log Files

Log File	Description
BDD.log	Master log, merged from other ZTI logs
ZTIGather.log	Logs rule processing and environment variable resolution
ZTIApplications.log	Logs application install steps
ZTIDomainJoin.log	Logs domain join attempt
ZTIPartition.log	Disk partition and format operations
ZTIDrivers.log	Driver injection steps
LiteTouch.log	Initial process log for Lite Touch deployment

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How to Read the Logs

• Use CMTrace or Trace32 (part of Microsoft tools) to open .log files.
• Errors are usually marked with ! or FAILURE.
• Read from bottom to top to find the last action and failure cause.

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Preserving Logs

By default, MDT deletes temporary log directories like C:\MININT after a successful deployment. To keep logs:

• Modify LTICleanup.wsf or create a final Task Sequence step to:
  • Copy logs to a shared folder
  • Zip and email them
  • Store on a network location

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Notes

• Logs are critical for troubleshooting even minor deployment issues.
• Always retrieve logs before rebooting or completing deployment if testing.
• If you use MDT Monitoring, you can also view live deployment status from the console.