Deploy W2K8R2 SP1 from template fails adding to the domain

Hi all,

I have a really strange issue deploying a W2K8 R2 SP1 from template using an existing or new customization specification. It's driving me crazy!

The problem is this:

• Joining a domain using a customization specification fails using the vsphere web client or vsphere client
• When using the option Customization Wizard through the vSphere client if succeeds in adding the vm to the domain.

I created a normal windows installation and did not do a sysprep. This will be handled through the vmware customization.I know this issue can be caused by numerous things but I have checked all of the regular logs and errors and the surrounding KB arcticles. I have checked the following logs: c:\windows\Panther\unattendGC\setupact.txt /setuperrc:\windows\debug\netlogonc:\windows\temp\vmware-imc\guestcust The only difference between is that on the successfull deploy I first get an DSGetDCName failed: 0x54b , error but with the second try the computer is added to the domain.With the fail it keeps retrying the DSGetDCName query and afther a while it will timeout and eventually I get the desktop screen and the computer being a member of the workgroup. I have validated:

• DNS resolution
• IP settings
• IP connectivity at domain join steps.
• Security credentials used in the specifications.

Settings of importance in the vmware customization specification:

• domain: contoso.com (sample but I use fqdn)
• credentials: admin@contoso.com (upn format)

Vcenter version:

• 5.1.0 build-947673

In short the domain join fails when using a customization specification or editing an existing one.

The domain join is successfull when using the vsphere client and Customize using the Customization wizard.

It also fails using the vsphere webclient because there you can only use customization specifcations.

I am very greatfull on any usefill tips or directions cause this issue is causing me a headache.

Kind Regards,

Pieter Stevens