Installing Azure Deployment Group Agent on a Remote VM: Offline Solutions

Discover how to install an Azure deployment group agent on a remote VM without internet access. Explore step-by-step alternatives to overcome connectivity issues.
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Installing Azure Deployment Group Agent on a Remote VM: Offline Solutions

In today's cloud-driven world, Azure DevOps stands out as a powerful tool for continuous integration and delivery. However, there may be situations where you need to set up an Azure deployment group agent on a remote virtual machine (VM) that lacks internet access. This post addresses common challenges and provides actionable solutions to help you successfully install the agent offline.

The Problem: Unable to Install Agent

Recently, a user reported facing difficulties when attempting to install the Azure deployment group agent on their offline VM. The error encountered read:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The root cause of this problem is that the script provided by Azure DevOps requires internet connectivity to download necessary agent files. Without access to the internet, the agent installation process simply cannot complete.

The Solution: Step-by-Step Guide to Offline Installation

Although it may seem challenging to install the agent without an internet connection, there are workarounds you can use. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you set it up manually:

Step 1: Prepare Another Machine

Choose an online machine: Pick a computer that does have internet access.

Navigate to Azure DevOps: Go to the Azure DevOps portal and create the deployment group as you normally would.

Step 2: Install the Agent

Download the Agent: Follow the setup steps for the agent on the online machine. The service will download all the necessary files.

Configure the Agent: Complete the configurations as per your requirements.

Disable Windows Service: Once you've configured the agent, you’ll need to disable and uninstall the corresponding Windows service to prepare for file transfer.

Step 3: Transfer Agent Files

Locate the Installed Files: Find the agent files, typically located in the agent or azagent folder, or any custom location you set up.

Copy the Files: Transfer these files to your offline VM. This can be done via a USB drive or a file-sharing service, as long as it complies with your organization's data transfer policies.

Step 4: Manual Windows Service Setup

Set the Agent Location: On your offline VM, place the agent files in the desired directory.

Configure the Windows Service: Manually set up the Windows service to run the agent. You can refer to documentation or use PowerShell commands to accomplish this.

Important Considerations

While following the steps above, keep in mind:

Verification Attempts: When the agent starts, it will try to connect to Azure DevOps to verify its connection. If it cannot reach the internet, the service may fail to start.

Limited Functionality: Even if the agent is set up correctly, without internet access, certain features may be limited or affect its overall performance.

Conclusion

Installing the Azure deployment group agent on a remote VM without internet access requires a bit of creativity and steps that differ from standard practices. By first configuring an agent on an online machine and then manually transferring and setting it up on your offline VM, you can circumvent connectivity issues. Just be aware of the limitations that may arise from operating without an internet connection.

Feel free to share any experiences or ask questions in the comments below as we learn together in this cloud-centric era!

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