easyMultiple Choice
MD-102 Practice Question: A company uses Configuration Manager to deploy…
A company uses Configuration Manager to deploy Windows 11. During the deployment, the task sequence fails at the 'Apply Operating System' step. The error log shows 'Failed to find a valid operating system image package'. You verify that the operating system image package exists and is distributed to the distribution point. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume the error is due to distribution point issues (like PXE or content distribution) because the error message mentions 'failed to find', but the real cause is a simple property setting on the OS image package that is frequently overlooked during troubleshooting.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The operating system image package is not enabled for use with task sequences
When an operating system image package exists and is distributed to distribution points but the task sequence fails with 'Failed to find a valid operating system image package', the most common cause is that the image package is not enabled for use with task sequences. In Configuration Manager, each OS image package has a property 'Enable this operating system image for use in task sequences' that must be checked; if unchecked, the task sequence engine cannot reference the package during the Apply Operating System step, even though the package is present and distributed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The client computer does not have enough disk space
Why it's wrong here
Insufficient disk space fails later, during image application or download, producing errors about space rather than an unresolvable package reference. Disk capacity is tempting because deployment failures often stem from it, and it would be correct if the log reported write failures or the task sequence stalled while applying the image.
- ✗
The task sequence is not associated with the correct boot image
Why it's wrong here
The boot image loads WinPE before the task sequence runs; a mismatch there prevents the sequence starting, not resolving the OS image package. Boot image association is tempting because it is a frequent task sequence fault, and it would be correct if the client failed to boot into WinPE at all.
- ✓
The operating system image package is not enabled for use with task sequences
Why this is correct
A package distributed to the distribution point still fails the Apply Operating System step if its task sequence usage flag is disabled. Enabling the package for task sequences lets Configuration Manager resolve it as a valid operating system image source.
- ✗
The distribution point is not configured to support PXE boot
Why it's wrong here
PXE support governs network boot and boot image delivery, not resolution of an operating system image package during Apply Operating System. PXE misconfiguration is tempting because it commonly breaks task sequences, and it would be correct if the client failed before WinPE started, never reaching the Apply Operating System step.
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Updating Devices with Windows Update for Business
Key term
Configuration Manager
Configuration Manager is a systems management tool by Microsoft that helps IT administrators deploy software, enforce security policies, and manage devices across an organization.
Key term
Windows 11
Windows 11 is Microsoft's latest desktop operating system, offering a redesigned interface, enhanced security features, and improved support for modern hardware.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This MD-102 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the MD-102 exam.