The Automated Deployment Services (ADS) online product documentation describes how to perform a range of common ADS tasks. Expand each task area below to view links to specific procedures described in the product documentation.

Configure ADS services

Configure the Controller service

Migrate the ADS database from MSDE to Microsoft SQL Server

Configure the Image Distribution service

Configure Network Boot Services

Configure DHCP and PXE on the same server

Reset the DHCP server before uninstalling Network Boot Services

Configure Deployment Agent Builder service settings in the Boot.ini file

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Manage Network Boot Services

Create a remote boot disk
Create a system disk from a virtual floppy disk image file
Capture a system disk to a virtual floppy disk image file
Add service pack updates to the Deployment Agent Builder service repository

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Manage Images

Capture a volume image locally

Capture a volume image from a remote system

Deploy a volume image locally

Deploy a volume image to a remote system

Add an image to the Image Distribution service

Delete an image from the Image Distribution service

Move an image store to different location on the same volume

Move an image store to a different volume

To mount an image

Unmount an image

View image properties

Change image properties

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Manage Devices

Manually create a device record

Automatically create a device record

View Device Properties

Edit a Device Record

Create a device variable

Edit a device variable

Take control of a device

Release control of a device

Assign a template to a device

Delete a device record

Configure the Administration Agent and Controller on different subnets

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Manage Sets

Create a set

add devices to a set

Remove devices or sets from a set

Delete a set

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Manage Jobs

Run a job

View job details

View the job history

Filter the job history

Archive the job history

Clear the job log

Delete one or more job histories

Grant permissions to run a job

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Manage Job Templates

Create a job template

Modify a job template

Delete a job template

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Manage ADS Certificates

Incorporate a custom PKI into ADS

Export the ADS root and ADS data certificates

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Back Up and Restore ADS

You should back up both the Controller and Controller certificates.

Controller Backups

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When all of the ADS services and components are installed on the same server, and Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (Windows) is used for the Controller database, you should perform a full backup of the server.

Perform a full backup and restore of ADS

When the ADS services are installed on more than one server, or when SQL Server is hosting the Controller database, you must perform a custom backup of ADS.

Perform a custom backup and restore of ADS

Controller Certificate Backups

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Maintaining a secure copy of the Controller certificates is also advised. While a full system backup will contain the registry and the necessary ADS certificate entries, it is a wise precaution to also back up the ADS Root certificate and the ADS Data certificate by exporting them separately to files and keeping them in a secure location.

Export the ADS root and ADS data certificates

IMPORTANT
If you have neither a full system backup nor backup certificates, you will have to recreate your ADS configuration as with a first-time installation.

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