Startup issue on my WDS server

Question

I've been working on my WDS and MDT server for a while, but suddenly it stopped working. I can no longer start my WDS server when the multicast option is set to 'Obtain IP address via DHCP'; it only starts when the option 'Use addresses from the following range' is selected. It shows two errors in the Event Viewer: 'An error occurred while attempting to start the Windows Deployment Services server.' and 'An error occurred while initializing the multicast manager. The Windows Deployment Services server will be stopped.'( code 257 and 1536). My DHCP server is separate, and I don't handle IPv6 addresses. I have already tried uninstalling and reinstalling the WDS server, but it doesn't change anything. I also created a new VM and started from scratch, but the same error appears. What should I do?"

Answer 1

Hello  Lacosteer,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check Network Configuration:

Ensure that your WDS server, DHCP server, and clients are all on the same subnet. Sometimes, network configuration issues can cause these errors.

1. Disable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP:

On the network adapter settings of your WDS server, disable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP. This can sometimes resolve issues with WDS not starting.

1. Update Network Drivers:

Make sure that your network drivers are up to date. Visit your hardware manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your network card.

1. Limit Logical Processors:

If your WDS server has more than 20 logical processors, try limiting the number of logical processors using the BCDEDIT command. Run the following command:

BCDEDIT /set NUMPROC 20

This can sometimes resolve issues with WDS not starting.

1. Check TFTP Settings:

Ensure that your TFTP settings are correctly configured. Sometimes, incorrect TFTP settings can cause issues with PXE booting.

1. Restart Servers:

Try restarting both your WDS server and your DHCP server. Sometimes, a simple restart can help resolve synchronization issues.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan

Answer 2

Hello Haijian Shan,

Thank you for your help. I have tested your solutions, but none of them worked. My servers are on the same subnet, and I have already tried restarting, but nothing happens.
However, now a new error appears in the Event Viewer. In the System log, it states:
"The Windows Deployment Services Server service stopped with the following specific service error: The requested service provider could not be loaded or initialized."
In the Application log, I still see the same errors as before, with the error information 0x277A.
How can I fix this?

Additionally, I forgot to mention that if I delete the WDS server and reconfigure it, at the end of the configuration, it shows "Access Denied" and defaults to the "Use the following IP address range" option for multicast, instead of "Obtain address via DHCP".If I set the multicast option to range, the server wants to start, but if I set it to obtain by address, it shows me the previous error. If this helps to understand the problem.