asked on 1/26/2009

Windows unattended install pxe booting *urgent 500 points available**********

We've got a server with Windows Delpoyment services installed on it,
I've created an install image (*.wim) which I've mounted into the WDS manager,
But when I try and boot a machine on our lan with PXE enabled it never finds the image
What do I need to do?

thanks
urgent 500 points available

Microsoft Legacy OS Microsoft Applications

Last Comment

Mike_Sundstrom

2/18/2009

Amirchoupani

1/26/2009

First try to set your WDS to act like RIS for loading CIW. If succesfull, you'll be sure there is nothing wrong with your client settings, it's connection to WDS and basic WDS services. Then try to make your WDS, loading your image to your clients.
To do so:
Properties of your server in WDS --> Boot tab --> Change default boot program x86 or ... to oschooser\i386\startrom.com

Note: If after WDS, you've installed DHCP on it then in DHCP tab of your server properties choose both options & restart your DHCP

Good Luck

James Haywood

1/26/2009

Does the machine pick up an IP address and just not show any images? An install image is the image to be applied to the machine. You need to create a 'boot' image which will allow the machine to connect to the WDS server to select the 'install' image.
Look under any Vista or Server 2008 disc for \sources\boot.wim
Then add that .wim to the boot images folder in WDS

If the machine is not even picking up an IP address then you need to look closer at your DHCP setup. Under the server properties in WDS check the PXE response settings and the DHCP settings, look closely at the instructions.

Encams

2/3/2009

ASKER

Ok, so i've now fixed the 'images not showing up problem' (reinstalled WDS on another server works fine now!
But what I want to know is how do you make an image of an xp machine which you have run through the 'setup manager' in the deploy folder? it creates a folder called 'windist' but what do you do with it??

Thanks

James Haywood

2/3/2009

Firstly you need to create a 'capture' image on the WDS server. Right click your boot image and select 'create capture'. Follow the instructions and this will create the image for you.

Now you need to sysprep the xp machine (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302577) ready to capture the image.

Now pxe boot the sysprepped machine and when you get to the Windows Boot Manager select the capture image you had just created. Then you should be able to follow the wizard to capture the image and copy it to your server

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Mike_Sundstrom

2/18/2009

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Windows unattended install pxe booting *******urgent 500 points available****************

Windows unattended install pxe booting *urgent 500 points available**********