hi, I've just setup Windows Deployment Services on Windows 2008 server, it wasn't by any means straightforward so I documented all the steps needed to getting this working.

Step 1. Setup and configure active directory

Step 2. Add the DHCP role

Step 3. Add the WDS role

Step 4. Configure the Windows Deployment Services gui (mmc snap in)

Step 5. Adding boot.wim and install.wim

if you follow the entire guide from start to finish you should have a working Windows 2008 WDS server

the entire article (lengthy including screenshots of each step in detail) is here

cheers
anyweb

i've now added another guide to go with this one, and it's how can I deploy Windows Vista Sp1 via WDS in Windows Server 2008

you must complete the first five steps in the first post in order to do this part,

good luck

cheers
anyweb

I'm running WDS (testing enviroment) without making the machine a DHCP server or an AD server.

I assume this is if you wanted an all in one box?

yep that's exactly it, the guide is designed to help those who want to setup a fully working WDS Windows 2008 Server with all components configured. on one box.

cheers
anyweb

I set up a WDS server in a windows 2003 environment with WOL. I even wrote an application to make it even easier.
I'd be happy to share my documentation if anyone wants to see it, most likely pretty similar to 2008 though.

This clearly documented on Technet IMHO .. also try the Selfpaced book for MS exam 70-643

http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/11756.aspx

I highly recommend it!

ps .. nice app omganinja! .. mind sharing it how it works ? (PM if you mind the publicness)

good point but Technet documentation frequently misses out important details IMHO, plus not everyone has money to spend on yet more books

cheers
anyweb

hi all, as part of this WDS in Windows Server 2008 guide, I've now added a multicasting howto complete with screenshots and descriptions of what you have to do to get it working....

Multicasting is one of the new features in Windows Server 2008,

cheers
anyweb