5. Quickstart - WADS

5.1. Deploying a machine in the domain, with offline connection

In this example, we will deploy a new machine to an Active Directory domain using a USB stick, with an offline connection. In this example we will deploy a Windows 11 machine in version 24h2.

Deployment via USB is recommended for enhanced security. Additionally, the offline connection with DJOIN eliminates the need to pre-create a computer account in Active Directory. It also prevents storing an Active Directory user’s login credentials in the XML file.

5.1.1. Requirements

• A raw image of windows 11, 24h2 (downloaded from the official Microsoft website).

• The necessary system drivers for your machine to be deployed.

• A configured DHCP server.

• The WAPT server must be able to exchange with the machine to be deployed.

• Have a dns resolution with a domain controller from the console.

• Install the WADS-REQUIREMENT-MININAL packages on the wapt console.

• User with local administrator rights on the WAPT server.

• User who signed the exe files ( Tools > Sign deploy file) and configuration files.

• A empty usb stick

Note

Official WADS documentation here

Demonstration video (WAPT 2.2 version):

5.1.2. Creating a WINPE USB stick

• Open the WAPT Console.

• Insert an USB stick on your computer.

• Go to OS DEPLOY panel.

• Click on Create WinPE USB stick → (select your usb device).

• You can see the master certificate (Add your certificate if you don’t see it). (1)

• Choose the keyboard language (for example: fr, en, es, pt, de, etc.) . (2)

• Check the other parameters before confirming with OK .

WinPE creation

• You need to set up an account with administrator privileges to retrieve the key information twice.

• Remove the USB Stick.

5.1.3. Creating a XML configuration

• Go to the configuration panel in OS DEPLOY.

Configuration panel

• Click on the +.

• Choose a configuration name. (1)

• Choose your iso. (2)

• Choose a configuration file by clicking on the document icon (in this quickstart we recommend offline mode, so we don’t have to create the machine account in Active Directory). (3)

• Save, you have created a configuration in WAPT. (4)

Create a configuration in WADS

• The configuration file is done.

5.1.4. Stages in the deployment of a computer

5.1.4.1. On the computer to be deployed

• Turn off the machine.

• Insert the stick on the computer to be deployed.

• Start the computer and charge the boot menu (Use F10 or F12 when the computer starts up ), select your USB stick.

• Let the computer start.

• A box will appears, inform your login and password and give a name to the computer to be deployed.

• A new box appears Registration Successful.

Computer waiting to be deployed

5.1.4.2. On the WAPT console

• Return to the OS DEPLOY tab in the WAPT console and do a refresh ( F5).

• Select the line of the computer name to be deployed:

  • Right-click > Select a Configuration, take the configuration you have done previously and OK.

  • Right-click again> Change Drivers, select your drivers (warning; no exe, only extrated drivers) and OK.

• Right-click on the computer to be deployed → prepare Djoin (this allows you to specify in your Active Directory the Organizational Unit where your new machine will be registered).

  • Fill in the domain. (1)

  • Fill in the domain controller. (2)

  • Click on Connect to Domain and Reload OU. (3)

  • Prefer the overwrite option in order to re-register the computer if necessary. (4)

  • Select your desired Organization Unit. (5)

  • Save

Edit Djoin

• The comment Exist appears in the Djoin column.

• Select the computer to be deployed > Right-click start Deploy, an X appears in the waiting to deploy column.

5.1.4.3. On the computer to be deployed

• Click on Retry Deployment,The deployment will then resume.

• Once finished, the machine will restart automatically.

• Once the reboot is complete, your machine is ready to go.

WADS deployment is complete and your machine is registered in your WAPT inventory.