Identifying 'ProvisioningState: Failed' Errors During Azure Deployment

Summary

The "ProvisioningState: Failed" error is expected behavior due to our secure image design. It does not always indicate a problem with the deployment. Validate the VM manually to confirm successful operation.

Details

Identifying the Issue

When deploying our product image on Microsoft Azure using ARM templates, Bicep, Terraform, or Azure CLI, you may encounter the error:

ProvisioningState: Failed

This typically occurs during the virtual machine (VM) provisioning phase. It may appear to indicate a failed deployment, even if the VM is actually functional and accessible.

Root Cause

Our product image intentionally excludes the Azure Guest Agent (waagent) by design. This deliberate decision is made to preserve the security, integrity, and consistency of our product environment.

What is the Azure Guest Agent?

The Guest Agent is a background service Azure uses to:

• Report VM status back to Azure
• Install and manage VM Extensions (e.g., Custom Script Extension)
• Enable diagnostics and monitoring features

Why the Error Happens

Without the Guest Agent, Azure does not receive internal VM status updates. As a result, Azure flags the provisioning process as 'Failed,' even though the VM may be running correctly.

Impact and Observations

• The VM is likely fully operational, but Azure cannot verify its internal state.
• VM Extensions will not work, including post-deployment scripts.
• The Azure Portal may display the VM as failed or incomplete, despite it being accessible and functional.

Validation Methods

You can verify the VM’s status using the following methods:

• SSH (Linux): Connect via Secure Shell to verify access.
• Boot Diagnostics: Enable and check console output.
• Public IP Reachability: Test the VM's IP address for accessibility.

Recommended Practices

• Avoid using VM Extensions that require the Azure Guest Agent.
• Use Boot Diagnostics and direct connection (SSH/RDP) to validate VM functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why doesn’t the image include the Azure Guest Agent?
A: To maintain a secure and controlled environment, our product image is intentionally built without external agents or dependencies.

Q: Does a "ProvisioningState: Failed" mean the VM is unusable?
A: Not necessarily. It often means Azure could not verify the VM’s internal state. Please use SSH/RDP or Boot Diagnostics to confirm the VM is running.


For support assistance, please contact us at support@txone.com or your support provider.