Case: setup PXE boot server in Windows to boot another PC
To use PXE to deploy an OS, distribute both x86 and x64 PXE-enabled boot images to one or more PXE-enabled distribution points. To enable PXE on a boot image, select Deploy this boot image from the PXE-enabled distribution point from the Data Source tab in the boot image properties. Installing Windows over the network (PXE) Community driven support forum for F@H Please confine these topics to things that would be of general interest to those who are interested in FAH which don't fall into any other category.
“I want to try and setup a PXE boot server for a laptop that has a damaged hard drive. I havea custom built desktop with Windows 7 Ultimate x64 and I want to make it my server so I canuse my laptop to boot from an image. I have been looking all over the internet and could notfind a clear article that shows step by step. Can someone point me into the direction I needto go or show me an article?”
This demand is actually not uncommon among computer users. A frequently used device is proneto hardware aging and system failures, yours is no exception. In this case, it is a good wayto use PXE server to boot another computer within the LAN.
PXE is short for PrebootExecution Environment, which is a standard client-server environment that boots clientcomputers remotely by an administrator via network server. And there are many significantadvantages of PXE boot, for example:
The administrator can boot and maintain multiple PXE-enabled client computers.
Installation disc or USB (along with CD drive or USB port) is unnecessary for clientcomputers.
The administrator can solve problems and breakdowns on client computers remotely.
It’s easy to centrally manage installation, updating, etc. and add new computers tonetwork.
If you think it’s worth a try, let’s go back to the original question: how to setup PXEnetwork boot server in Windows?
Prerequisites to PXE network boot
Install Xp Pxe Network
Before setting up PXE boot server, you should first satisfy following conditions on eachclient computer (that you want to boot):
1. A PXE-capable network interface controller supporting Wake-on-LAN mode
2. A wired Ethernet connection to the network
3. All the computers you want to boot are on the same network
How to deploy PXE boot server in Windows?
Windows PXE boot setup basically consists of two parts - DHCP configuration and PXE bootconfiguration, which takes more effort than it looks. The working process is roughly likethis:
The client connects to the network and sends out a DHCP broadcast. The DHCP serverpicks up the broadcast
The server replies with a suggested IP address, the client uses the providedaddress.
The client sends out a DHCP broadcast and states it needs to PXE boot, then the DHCPserver replies it with the IP address to use.
The client contacts the PXE boot server to request and receive the boot file.
The boot file is then loaded on the client machines.
As you can see, the operation is relatively complicated. It’s not recommended to setup PXEboot server on your own if you are not computer savvy or simply afraid of trouble. Afterall, there are plenty of tools on the market that can simplify the process.
But if you insist on doing it without any third-party utility, here’s a more detailed tutorial for your reference.
Easier way to setup PXE boot server in Windows
Among all the PXE boot utilities, AOMEI PXE Boot Tool is a good choice with its strongcompatibility and easy interaction.
It’s integrated in AOMEI BackupperWorkstation, which is a powerful and cost-effective data backup & disaster recoverysolution for Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP.
AOMEI PXE Boot Tool is specially designed to safely boot and maintain multiple clientcomputers within LAN through network. With it, you can directly create a Linux bootable ISOor Windows PE bootable ISO image file, and you don’t have to spend that much time setting upPXE boot server.
Steps:
1. Download and install AOMEI Backupper Workstation. Go to Tools tab andchoose AOMEI PXE Boot Tool to get started.
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2. Select AOMEI Windows PE System and click Start Service.It will directly create a Windows PE system image for network boot.
The second option Boot from AOMEI Linux System applies to older or Linuxbased computers, and the third one Boot from custom image file allows youto load the special micro-system created by AOMEI PE Builder or Bart PE.
Alternatively, you can create a bootable file byCreate BootableMedia in Tools tab.
3. Now you can enable the computers within LAN to use PXE service. Turn on the clientcomputers and press the required key to enter BIOS settings.
The required key might be F2, F10, Del, etc., which depends on the specific brand and modelof the device. You can search it on Internet or refer to the user manual.
4. Find Boot mode selection and make your choice.
In general, UEFI mode includes more security features than the legacy BIOS mode. But if you'rebooting from a network that only supports BIOS, you'll need to boot to legacy mode.
5. Then find and enable the PXE boot option.
6. Set the PXE optionasthe first boot device in Boot Option Priorities.
What Is Pxe
7. It will take some time to boot from PXE boot server, specifically depending on yournetwork speed and the size of the image file.
Related tips:
AOMEI PXE Boot Tool do support booting UEFI machines but currently only the WIM filecan be used for UEFI (not the ISO file). If the file is an ISO file, you better changethe boot mode to Legacy Boot Mode.
The network speed may be impacted if there are many computers using PXE boot. Thusyou can try dividing PXE boot clients into smaller groups to boost the speed.
AOMEI PXE Tool contains a DHCP server that can be used if an existing DHCP server isnot available. DHCP is usually offered by the LAN router.
Conclusion
PXE boot is a feasible way to boot multiple computers within LAN for system maintenance evenwhen you don’t have any installation media. But to easily setup PXE boot server in Windows10/8/7, you need the help of a reliable tool, like AOMEI Backupper Workstation. It not onlyhas a powerful built-in PXE Boot Tool, but also a Create Bootable Media tool that can beused in cooperation.
Moreover, you can deploy the system image created on one computer to others with Image Deploy tool,which is integrated in AOMEI Backupper Technician and Technician Plus.