Ensure your Network Access Account is configured correctly and the password hasn't expired. Additionally, if you are using Enhanced HTTP or PKI, ensure the certificates are valid and the MP is correctly configured to accept communication from "Workgroup" computers (which devices are during the PXE phase). 6. Examine the SMSTS.log To get the "smoking gun," you must look at the log file. While in WinPE, press F8 to open the Command Prompt. Navigate to X:\Windows\Temp\SMSTSLog\smsts.log .
Right-click the Device or the Collection in the SCCM Console and select "Clear Required PXE Deployments." This resets the flag and allows the device to request the variable file fresh. 4. Boundary Group Issues
Look for the specific URL it is trying to reach. If you see a (Not Found) or 403 (Forbidden), you know the issue is IIS/Permissions related. Summary Checklist BIOS Time: Is it synced with the server? MP Status: Is IIS running on the Management Point? Deployment: Did you "Clear Required PXE Deployments"? unable to download pxe variable file. exit code 14 sccm
If the device was previously imaged and the Task Sequence was marked as "Required," SCCM might think the job is already done or stuck.
Because PXE communication often relies on certificates (especially in HTTPS/PKI environments), the device's BIOS/UEFI time must match the server time. Ensure your Network Access Account is configured correctly
If you are seeing the error with Exit Code 14 in your SMSTS.log , your Task Sequence is failing before it even really begins. This error specifically indicates that the SCCM client cannot retrieve the variables.dat file from the Management Point (MP). What Causes Exit Code 14?
If the device is booting into WinPE but its IP address isn't assigned to a associated with a Management Point, the download will fail. Examine the SMSTS
If the MP is overwhelmed or the IIS services are down, it won't serve the variable file.