The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted. (Error: 8007054B; Source: Windows)

When you are deploying an Operating System using SCCM OSD, you may receive below error on Join domain step;

Failed to run the action: Join Domain or Workgroup. 

The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted. (Error: 8007054B; Source: Windows)

To identify the cause, first verify the network connectivity to the domain. If your test device has a valid IP and can reach the domain then it is not an issue with connectivity or network drivers.

On the test device review the SMSts.log (C:\Windows\CCM\Logs\SMSTSLog\smsts.log - I have join domain step after OS setup).

On my test device, I have noticed following entries when the device failed to join the device;

Joining domain W2016.LAB and OU CN=Computers,DC=W2016,DC=LAB (this is based on the task sequence setting)

Attempting to join and create account with OU - As that OU doesn’t exist where we want to create the computer account, hence the result is 0x0000054b

Then the task sequence will fail with;

Failed to join domain. The account may not have permission

The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted. (Error: 8007054B; Source: Windows)

If we go back to the task sequence and review the domain join step, I have incorrect setting.

 To resolve the issue, If you want to create the computer account in default computer container then leave the Organisation Unit field empty in Join Domain step as below;

If you have a separate then enter/browse to that OU.