WDS – PXE Boot Error TFTP Timeout

KB ID 0000485 

Problem

Seen when using WDS on Windows Server 2008 (and 2008 R2). When attempting to PXE boot a client machine, it sucessfully gets an IP address. But it times out at the TFTP stage.

This is a common occurance if the WDS server is also a DNS server. It happens on machines that have had the MS08-037 security update installed. Basically the ports that WDS needs are being reserved for DNS.

Solution

1. On the WDS server > Start > in the search/run box type regedit {enter}.

2. Navigate to:

[box]HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesWDSServerParameters[/box]

3. In the right hand window locate the UdpPortPolicy value and change it from 1 to 0 (Zero).

4. Then run services.msc > Locate the “Windows Deloyment Server Service” > Right Click > Restart.

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

NA