WDS Troubleshooting on Server 2022

Question

I am having trouble getting WDS to work properly on my Server 2022. I have installed the roles, added boot and install images, and checked the boxes. However, my clients are not able to PXE. The server is running fine and it is a pure WDS server, with no other roles.

How can I troubleshoot this issue?

Answer 1

Hi,

I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with WDS on your Server 2022.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check DHCP and WDS Co-Hosting: If the DHCP server and the WDS server are installed on the same computer, the WDS Service tries to use port 67. However, the DHCP server already uses this port. To resolve this issue, configure the WDS Pre-boot execution Environment (PXE) client to stop listening on port 67.
2. Check WDS Server Properties: In the Windows Deployment Services window, expand Servers, right-click the WDS server name, and then select Properties. In the Server Properties dialog box, select the DHCP tab. Click to select the “Do not listen on port 67” check box, and then select Apply.
3. Reinitialize WDS Server: On the WDS Server, run the following commands in an Elevated Command Prompt:

      wdsutil /uninitialize-server
   

wdsutil /initialize-server /reminst: {RemoteInstallFolder}

   ```PowerShell
   WDSUTIL /Initialize-Server /RemInst:D:\RemoteInstall

Check Network Settings: Ensure that your network settings are correctly configured. This includes checking your router and switch configurations, as well as your IP helper settings.

Firewall and Antivirus Software: Check to see if a firewall or antivirus software is blocking the PXE boot process.

Event Viewer: Check the Event Viewer on the WDS server for any related errors or warnings.

WDS Server Logs: Check the WDS server logs for any errors or warnings.

Remember, troubleshooting involves a process of elimination, so it might take some time to identify the exact cause of the issue. I hope these steps help you resolve your WDS issue. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask.