Difference between revisions of "PXE"

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=PXE Booting for SME Server=
+
==Objective==
 
 
 
 
===Objective===
 
 
Getting a computer with good hardware to boot without using the local drives (NO cd/dvd, hdd, usb, floppy etc. required) to the SME network (PXE) and perform imaging or other tasks.
 
Getting a computer with good hardware to boot without using the local drives (NO cd/dvd, hdd, usb, floppy etc. required) to the SME network (PXE) and perform imaging or other tasks.
  
Line 9: Line 6:
 
If this do not help you to create a new PXE boot server, please open a new thread on forum and ask for help, and after get help, update here or send details what need to be changed to my gmail account: jader DOT marasca and I'll update for you.
 
If this do not help you to create a new PXE boot server, please open a new thread on forum and ask for help, and after get help, update here or send details what need to be changed to my gmail account: jader DOT marasca and I'll update for you.
  
 +
==Ingredients==
 +
* SME Server DHCP Server
 +
* SME Server TFTP Server Contrib
 +
* SME Server Thinclient Contrib
 +
* PXELINUX
 +
* Thinclient Setup
 +
* Floppy image creator
  
===Ingredients===
+
==Recipe==
 
+
* Make the SME Server your DHCP Server
    * SME DHCP Server
+
* Download and Install the [http://wiki.contribs.org/Tftp_server SME TFTP Contrib]
    * SME TFTP Server Contrib
+
* Download and Install the [http://wiki.contribs.org/Thinclient SME Thinclient Contrib]
    * SME Thinclient Contrib
+
* Download and Install [http://syslinux.zytor.com/ SYSLINUX] files and configure SME PXE Server Files
    * PXELINUX
+
* PXE Example Files, Puppy Linux How To
    * Thinclient Setup
+
* Using PXE to Install SME and Password Protect Menu Option Example
    * Floppy image creator
 
  
 +
==Step by step guide==
  
===Recipe===
+
===SME Server as DHCP server===
 
 
    * Make the SME Server your DHCP Server
 
    * Download and Install the SME TFTP Contrib
 
    * Download and Install the SME Thinclient Contrib
 
    * Download and Install SYSLINUX Files and Configure SME PXE Server Files
 
    * PXE Example Files, Puppy Linux How To
 
    * Using PXE to Install SME and Password Protect Menu Option Example
 
 
 
===Step by step guide===
 
 
 
===SME AS DHCP SERVER===
 
 
Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt Enter “admin “ then your Password.<br> You will now be in the SME Server Setup Menu.<br> Choose Server Config and make sure your SME Server has "DHCP Enabled" and you have set a IP Range. <br>
 
Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt Enter “admin “ then your Password.<br> You will now be in the SME Server Setup Menu.<br> Choose Server Config and make sure your SME Server has "DHCP Enabled" and you have set a IP Range. <br>
 
To have SME DHCP Lease Time Periods [http://wiki.contribs.org/Dhcpd_lease_time see here]
 
To have SME DHCP Lease Time Periods [http://wiki.contribs.org/Dhcpd_lease_time see here]
 
  
 
{{Warning box| You should just have '''one''' DHCP server on your network (or know why/how to have more than one). <br>
 
{{Warning box| You should just have '''one''' DHCP server on your network (or know why/how to have more than one). <br>
 
If you already have other device as DHCP server, you should disable it or ask guidance for someone else about how to avoid conflict!}}
 
If you already have other device as DHCP server, you should disable it or ask guidance for someone else about how to avoid conflict!}}
  
===TFTP SME CONTRIB===
+
===TFtp SME Server contrib===
 
Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt enter “root“ then your password.<br> You will now be in the SME Server Shell.<br>
 
Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt enter “root“ then your password.<br> You will now be in the SME Server Shell.<br>
  
 
Install the SME TFTP Server Contrib as per: [http://wiki.contribs.org/Tftp_server http://wiki.contribs.org/Tftp_server]
 
Install the SME TFTP Server Contrib as per: [http://wiki.contribs.org/Tftp_server http://wiki.contribs.org/Tftp_server]
  
===SME THINCLIENT CONTRIB===
+
===SME Server ThinClient contrib===
 
Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt enter “root“ then your Password.<br> You will now be in the SME Server Shell.<br>
 
Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt enter “root“ then your Password.<br> You will now be in the SME Server Shell.<br>
 
Install the SME Server Thinclient Contrib as per: [http://wiki.contribs.org/Thinclient http://wiki.contribs.org/Thinclient]
 
Install the SME Server Thinclient Contrib as per: [http://wiki.contribs.org/Thinclient http://wiki.contribs.org/Thinclient]
  
Once the ThinClient contrib have been installed use your browser (Firefox or IE) and goto  https://<yoursmeserverip>/server-manager<br>
+
Once the ThinClient contrib have been installed use your browser (Firefox or IE) and goto  https://<yoursmeserverip>/server-manager. Choose the ”Thin Clients“ on left side column "Menu Option"
Choose the ”Thin Clients“ on left side column "Menu Option"<br>
+
In the Thin Client Configuration make sure that
In the Thin Client Configuration make sure that <br>
+
* “Your PXE Boot Server"is '''ENABLED'''
“Your PXE Boot Server"is '''ENABLED'''<br>
+
* “Your TFTP Server" is '''Self'''
“Your TFTP Server" is '''Self'''<br>
+
* “The default Distribution" is  '''default'''
“The default Distribution" is  '''default'''<br>
 
  
 
Click on the “APPLY” button
 
Click on the “APPLY” button
Line 75: Line 66:
 
Logout of the SME Server “server-manager“ Web Console
 
Logout of the SME Server “server-manager“ Web Console
  
===SYSLINUX INSTALLATION and SME PXE CONFIGURATION===
+
===Syslinux installation and SME Server PXE configuration===
  
 
There no real installing PXELINUX, only copying the right files from the SYSLINUX  Archive to the right place in the SME Server:
 
There no real installing PXELINUX, only copying the right files from the SYSLINUX  Archive to the right place in the SME Server:
Line 94: Line 85:
 
From the SYSLINUX archive:
 
From the SYSLINUX archive:
  
    * Place the pxelinux.0 '''(it´s a file!)''' in your SME TFTP Folder from the SYSLINUX Archive eg: “ tftpboot/pxelinux.0 “ '''(remember pxelinux.0 IS A FILE)'''
+
* Place the pxelinux.0 '''(it´s a file!)''' in your SME TFTP Folder from the SYSLINUX Archive eg: “ tftpboot/pxelinux.0 “ '''(remember pxelinux.0 IS A FILE)'''
    * Place the memdisk/memdisk file from the SYSLINUX archive in the SME TFTP images Folder  eg: “tftpboot/images/“
+
* Place the memdisk/memdisk file from the SYSLINUX archive in the SME TFTP images Folder  eg: “tftpboot/images/“
    * Place the com32/*.c32 files from the SYSLINUX archive in the SME TFTP com32 Folder  eg: “tftpboot/com32/“
+
* Place the com32/*.c32 files from the SYSLINUX archive in the SME TFTP com32 Folder  eg: “tftpboot/com32/“
  
 
+
Now you need to create and configure the SME PXE menu. <br>
Now you need to create and configure the SME PXE menu. Create a new plaintext File called “ default ”at tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default ( default is a File that we have created and placed inside the tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ folder)
+
Create a new plaintext file called “ default ”at tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default  
<pre>
+
( remember: '''default''' is a file that we have created and placed inside the tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ folder)
|---tftpboot
+
|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
+
|      |-----com32       
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----graphics
+
|      |-----graphics
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (Place the default file inside here)
+
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (Place the default file inside here)
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----images
+
|      |-----images
</pre>
 
 
Again, “pxelinux.cfg“ '''is not a file''', but a '''DIRECTORY''', and the file you want to create is called '''default ''' with no extension. <br>
 
Again, “pxelinux.cfg“ '''is not a file''', but a '''DIRECTORY''', and the file you want to create is called '''default ''' with no extension. <br>
  
 
Here’s an example of something simple to use in the default file:
 
Here’s an example of something simple to use in the default file:
  
====PXE EXAMPLE FILES====
+
====PXE example files====
 
This is the “default“ example file<br>
 
This is the “default“ example file<br>
NB: Note the “menu background graphics/main.jpg” file is a background image file. <br>This could be one with your company logo or [this one http://www.howtoforge.com/images/pxe_install_server_ubuntu_9.10/howtoforge_pxe.png].<br>
+
{{Note box|The “menu background graphics/main.jpg” file is a background image file. <br>This could be one with your company logo or [this one http://www.howtoforge.com/images/pxe_install_server_ubuntu_9.10/howtoforge_pxe.png].<br>
The file must to be 640 x 480 pixels and can be a jpg, bmp, or png file. Just make sure you use the correct extension in the menu eg: main.bmp or main.png etc.<br>
+
The file must to be 640 x 480 pixels and can be a jpg, bmp, or png file. Just make sure you use the correct extension in the menu eg: main.bmp or main.png etc.}}
  
<pre>
+
menu title --== SME Linux, PXE Main Menu ==--
menu title --== SME Linux, PXE Main Menu ==--
+
menu background graphics/main.jpg
menu background graphics/main.jpg
+
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu tabmsgrow 22
+
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu cmdlinerow 22
+
menu endrow 24
menu endrow 24
+
 +
menu color title                1;34;49    #eea0a0ff #cc333355 std
 +
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
 +
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
 +
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
 +
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
 +
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
 +
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
 +
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
 +
 +
prompt 0
 +
noescape 1
 +
allowoptions 0
 +
timeout 300
 +
 +
default com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
 +
label toolsmenu
 +
  menu label ^System Tools Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append pxelinux.cfg/tools
 +
 +
label memorymenu
 +
  menu label ^Memory Test Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append pxelinux.cfg/memorytest
 +
 +
label randomutil
 +
  menu label ^Random Utilities Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append images/random_utils
 +
 +
label linuxmenu
 +
  menu label ^Linux Boot Disks Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append pxelinux.cfg/linux_boot_disks
 +
 +
label ntfstoolmenu
 +
  menu label ^NTFS Tools Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append pxelinux.cfg/ntfstools
 +
 +
label bootmanag
 +
  menu label B^OOT Managers Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append images/boot_managers/boot_managers
 +
 +
label sysinfo
 +
  menu label S^ystem Information Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append images/system_information/system_information
 +
 +
label recovery
 +
  menu label R^ECOVERY Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append images/recovery/recovery
 +
 +
label hddmenu
 +
  menu label ^Hard Disk Drive Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append pxelinux.cfg/hdd
  
menu color title                1;34;49    #eea0a0ff #cc333355 std
+
Now you need to create and configure the SME PXE sub menus.
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
+
Create new plaintext Files called “tools” , “memorytest” , “ntfstools” , “recovery” at tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
+
The plaintext files are all placed inside the tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ folder
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
+
ie: Your tree should look like this:
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
 
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
 
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
 
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
 
  
 
prompt 0
 
noescape 1
 
allowoptions 0
 
timeout 300
 
 
default com32/vesamenu.c32
 
 
label toolsmenu
 
menu label ^System Tools Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append pxelinux.cfg/tools
 
 
label memorymenu
 
menu label ^Memory Test Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append pxelinux.cfg/memorytest
 
 
label randomutil
 
menu label ^Random Utilities Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append images/random_utils
 
 
label linuxmenu
 
menu label ^Linux Boot Disks Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append pxelinux.cfg/linux_boot_disks
 
 
label ntfstoolmenu
 
menu label ^NTFS Tools Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append pxelinux.cfg/ntfstools
 
 
label bootmanag
 
menu label B^OOT Managers Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append images/boot_managers/boot_managers
 
 
label sysinfo
 
menu label S^ystem Information Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append images/system_information/system_information
 
 
label recovery
 
menu label R^ECOVERY Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append images/recovery/recovery
 
 
label hddmenu
 
menu label ^Hard Disk Drive Menu
 
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
append pxelinux.cfg/hdd
 
</pre>
 
<br>
 
Now you need to create and configure the SME PXE sub menus. <br>
 
Create new plaintext Files called “tools” , “memorytest” , “ntfstools” , “recovery” at tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ <br>
 
The plaintext files are all placed inside the tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ folder<br>
 
ie: Your tree should look like this:
 
<pre>
 
 
  |---tftpboot
 
  |---tftpboot
 
  |      |-----com32       
 
  |      |-----com32       
Line 200: Line 187:
 
  |      |
 
  |      |
 
  |      |-----pxelinux.cfg (Place the def ault, tools, memorytest, ntfstools)                   
 
  |      |-----pxelinux.cfg (Place the def ault, tools, memorytest, ntfstools)                   
  |                         (and recovery Files you created  inside here)
+
  |     |                  (and recovery Files you created  inside here)
 
  |      |
 
  |      |
 
  |      |-----images
 
  |      |-----images
Line 212: Line 199:
 
  |              |
 
  |              |
 
  |              |----recovery
 
  |              |----recovery
</pre>
 
 
   
 
   
 
Here’s some examples of something simple to use in the Created Files:
 
Here’s some examples of something simple to use in the Created Files:
 
This is the “tools“ Menu Option Example File
 
This is the “tools“ Menu Option Example File
<pre>
+
 
 
  |---tftpboot
 
  |---tftpboot
 
  |      |-----com32       
 
  |      |-----com32       
Line 234: Line 220:
 
  |              |
 
  |              |
 
  |              |----recovery
 
  |              |----recovery
</pre>
 
 
Here’s some examples of something for the Tools Menu
 
Here’s some examples of something for the Tools Menu
<pre>
 
menu title --== SME Linux, PXE Tools Menu ==--
 
menu background graphics/main.jpg
 
menu tabmsgrow 22
 
menu cmdlinerow 22
 
menu endrow 24
 
  
menu color title                1;34;49    #eea0a0ff #cc333355 std
+
menu title --== SME Linux, PXE Tools Menu ==--
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
+
menu background graphics/main.jpg
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
+
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
+
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
+
menu endrow 24
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
+
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
+
menu color title                1;34;49    #eea0a0ff #cc333355 std
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
+
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
 
+
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
prompt 0
+
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
noescape 1
+
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
allowoptions 0
+
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
timeout 0
+
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
 
+
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
default com32/vesamenu.c32
+
 
+
prompt 0
label main
+
noescape 1
menu label Back to ^Main Menu
+
allowoptions 0
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
+
timeout 0
append pxelinux.cfg/default
+
 
+
default com32/vesamenu.c32
label dban
+
menu label ^Darik's Boot-n-Nuke disk wiper
+
label main
kernel images/memdisk
+
  menu label Back to ^Main Menu
append initrd=images/tools/wiping/dban.ima
+
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
+
  append pxelinux.cfg/default  
label memtest86
+
menu label ^Memtest86 - Machine RAM tester
+
label dban
kernel images/memory_test/memtest86
+
  menu label ^Darik's Boot-n-Nuke disk wiper
 
+
  kernel images/memdisk
label memtests
+
  append initrd=images/tools/wiping/dban.ima
menu label ^Memory Test Menu
+
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
+
label memtest86
append images/tools/memtest
+
  menu label ^Memtest86 - Machine RAM tester
 
+
  kernel images/memory_test/memtest86
label hdt
+
menu label ^Hardware Detection Tool
+
label memtests
kernel images/memdisk
+
  menu label ^Memory Test Menu
append initrd=images/tools/hdt.img
+
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
+
  append images/tools/memtest
label diags
+
menu label D^IAGS Tool
+
label hdt
kernel images/memdisk
+
  menu label ^Hardware Detection Tool
append initrd=images/tools/diags.img
+
  kernel images/memdisk
</pre>
+
  append initrd=images/tools/hdt.img
 +
 +
label diags
 +
  menu label D^IAGS Tool
 +
  kernel images/memdisk
 +
  append initrd=images/tools/diags.img
  
 
The following applications must be copied Inside the “tools“ folder:
 
The following applications must be copied Inside the “tools“ folder:
 
dban.ima, memtest86, memtest, hdt.img, diags.img<br>
 
dban.ima, memtest86, memtest, hdt.img, diags.img<br>
<br>
+
 
<pre>
 
 
This is the “memorytest“ Menu Option Example File
 
This is the “memorytest“ Menu Option Example File
|---tftpboot
+
|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
+
|      |-----com32       
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----graphics
+
|      |-----graphics
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
+
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----images
+
|      |-----images
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----tools
+
|              |----tools
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----memorytest
+
|              |----memorytest
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
+
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent
+
|              |        |--------offlinent
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----recovery
+
|              |----recovery
</pre>
+
 
 
Here’s some examples of something simple for the Memory Test Menu
 
Here’s some examples of something simple for the Memory Test Menu
<pre>
 
menu title --== SME Linux, MEMORY Tests MENU ==--
 
menu background graphics/main.jpg
 
menu tabmsgrow 22
 
menu cmdlinerow 22
 
menu endrow 24
 
  
menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
+
menu title --== SME Linux, MEMORY Tests MENU ==--
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
+
menu background graphics/main.jpg
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
+
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
+
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
+
menu endrow 24
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
+
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
+
menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
+
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
 
+
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
prompt 0
+
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
noescape 1
+
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
allowoptions 1
+
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
timeout 0
+
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
 
+
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
default com32/vesamenu.c32
+
 
+
prompt 0
label main
+
noescape 1
menu label Back to ^Main Menu
+
allowoptions 1
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
+
timeout 0
append pxelinux.cfg/default
+
 
+
default com32/vesamenu.c32
label docmem1
+
    menu label ^DocMem RAM Diagnostic v. 1.45a
+
label main
    kernel images/memdisk
+
  menu label Back to ^Main Menu
    append initrd=images/memorytest/docmem1.igz
+
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
+
  append pxelinux.cfg/default
label docmem2
+
    menu label DocMem ^RAM Diagnostic v. 2.1b
+
label docmem1
    kernel images/memdisk
+
    menu label ^DocMem RAM Diagnostic v. 1.45a
    append initrd=images/memorytest/docmem2.igz
+
    kernel images/memdisk
 
+
    append initrd=images/memorytest/docmem1.igz
label memtest86+
+
    menu label Memtest^86+
+
label docmem2
    kernel images/memorytest/memtest86+/memtest86+-1.65
+
    menu label DocMem ^RAM Diagnostic v. 2.1b
 
+
    kernel images/memdisk
label memtest86
+
    append initrd=images/memorytest/docmem2.igz
    menu label Memtest8^6
+
    kernel images/memdisk
+
label memtest86+
    append ininrd=images/memorytest/memtest.igz
+
    menu label Memtest^86+
 
+
    kernel images/memorytest/memtest86+/memtest86+-1.65
label tm4
+
    menu label ^TestMem4
+
label memtest86
    kernel images/memdisk
+
    menu label Memtest8^6
    append images=images/memorytest/tm4.igz
+
    kernel images/memdisk
 
+
    append ininrd=images/memorytest/memtest.igz
label windiag
+
    menu label ^Windows Memory Diagnostic
+
label tm4
    kernel images/memdisk
+
    menu label ^TestMem4
    append initrd=images/memorytest/windiag.igz
+
    kernel images/memdisk
</pre>
+
    append images=images/memorytest/tm4.igz
 +
 +
label windiag
 +
    menu label ^Windows Memory Diagnostic
 +
    kernel images/memdisk
 +
    append initrd=images/memorytest/windiag.igz
  
 
The Following Applications must be copied Inside the “memorytest“ folder:
 
The Following Applications must be copied Inside the “memorytest“ folder:
Line 375: Line 357:
 
This is the “ ntfstools “ Menu Option Example File with a sub-menu
 
This is the “ ntfstools “ Menu Option Example File with a sub-menu
 
You also need to create a sub folder inside the “ ntfstools “ folder called “ offlinent “
 
You also need to create a sub folder inside the “ ntfstools “ folder called “ offlinent “
<pre>
 
|---tftpboot
 
|      |-----com32     
 
|      |
 
|      |-----graphics
 
|      |
 
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
 
|      |
 
|      |-----images
 
|              |
 
|              |----tools
 
|              |
 
|              |----memorytest
 
|              |
 
|              |----ntfstools
 
|              |        |--------offlinent (initrd.cgz, vmlinuz, scsi.cgz)             
 
|              |
 
|              |----recovery
 
</pre>     
 
 
 
And here you find what I used to create the menu
 
  
<pre>
+
|---tftpboot
menu title --== SME Linux, NTFS TOOLS MENU ==--
+
|      |-----com32     
menu background graphics/main.jpg
+
|      |
menu tabmsgrow 22
+
|      |-----graphics
menu cmdlinerow 22
+
|      |
menu endrow 24
+
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
 +
|      |
 +
|      |-----images
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----tools
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----memorytest
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----ntfstools
 +
|              |        |--------offlinent (initrd.cgz, vmlinuz, scsi.cgz)             
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----recovery
  
menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
+
And here you find what I used to create the menu
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
 
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
 
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
 
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
 
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
 
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
 
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
 
  
prompt 0
+
menu title --== SME Linux, NTFS TOOLS MENU ==--
noescape 1
+
menu background graphics/main.jpg
allowoptions 1
+
menu tabmsgrow 22
timeout 0
+
menu cmdlinerow 22
 
+
menu endrow 24
default com32/vesamenu.c32
+
 
+
menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
label main
+
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
menu label Back to ^Main Menu
+
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
+
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
append pxelinux.cfg/default
+
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
 
+
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
label ntfs4dos
+
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
    menu label ^NTFS4DOS
+
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
    kernel images/memdisk
+
    append initrd=images/ntfstools/ntfs4dos.img
+
prompt 0
 
+
noescape 1
label offline
+
allowoptions 1
    menu label ^Offline NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 Password Changer\Windows Password Reset
+
timeout 0
    menu passwd paint
+
    kernel images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/vmlinuz
+
default com32/vesamenu.c32
    append initrd=images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/initrd.cgz,images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/scsi.cgz
+
</pre>
+
label main
 +
  menu label Back to ^Main Menu
 +
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 +
  append pxelinux.cfg/default
 +
 +
label ntfs4dos
 +
    menu label ^NTFS4DOS
 +
    kernel images/memdisk
 +
    append initrd=images/ntfstools/ntfs4dos.img
 +
 +
label offline
 +
    menu label ^Offline NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 Password Changer\Windows Password Reset
 +
    menu passwd paint
 +
    kernel images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/vmlinuz
 +
    append initrd=images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/initrd.cgz,images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/scsi.cgz
  
 
The Following Applications must be copied Inside the “ntfstools“ folder:
 
The Following Applications must be copied Inside the “ntfstools“ folder:
Line 445: Line 424:
 
You also need to create two sub folders inside the “ recovery “ folder called: “ systemrescue and riplinux
 
You also need to create two sub folders inside the “ recovery “ folder called: “ systemrescue and riplinux
  
<pre>
+
|---tftpboot
|---tftpboot
+
|      |-----com32       
|      |-----com32       
+
|      |
|      |
+
|      |-----graphics
|      |-----graphics
+
|      |
|      |
+
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
+
|      |
|      |
+
|      |-----images
|      |-----images
+
|              |
|              |
+
|              |----tools
|              |----tools
+
|              |
|              |
+
|              |----memorytest
|              |----memorytest
+
|              |
|              |
+
|              |----ntfstools
|              |----ntfstools
+
|              |        |--------offlinent               
|              |        |--------offlinent               
+
|              |
|              |
+
|              |----recovery
|              |----recovery
+
|              |        |--------systemrescue
|              |        |--------systemrescue
+
|              |        |
|              |        |
+
|              |        |--------riplinux
|              |        |--------riplinux
+
 
+
menu title --== SME Linux, Data Recovery Menu ==--
</pre>
+
menu background graphics/main.jpg
 
+
menu tabmsgrow 22
<pre>
+
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu title --== SME Linux, Data Recovery Menu ==--
+
menu endrow 24
menu background graphics/main.jpg
+
menu tabmsgrow 22
+
menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
menu cmdlinerow 22
+
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
menu endrow 24
+
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
 
+
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
+
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
+
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color border              30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
+
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
+
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
menu color hotkey              35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
+
menu color hotsel              35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
+
prompt 0
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
+
noescape 1
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none
+
allowoptions 1
 
+
timeout 0
prompt 0
+
noescape 1
+
default com32/vesamenu.c32
allowoptions 1
+
timeout 0
+
label main
 
+
  menu label Back to ^Main Menu
default com32/vesamenu.c32
+
  kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 
+
  append pxelinux.cfg/default  
label main
+
menu label Back to ^Main Menu
+
label systemrescue
kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
+
  menu label ^System Rescue
append pxelinux.cfg/default
+
  kernel images/recovery/systemrescue/rescuecd
 
+
  initrd images/recovery/systemrescue/initram.igz
label systemrescue
+
  append setkmap=us netboot=http://192.168.0.10/iso/sysrescue/sysrcd.dat  
menu label ^System Rescue
+
kernel images/recovery/systemrescue/rescuecd
+
label riplinux32
initrd images/recovery/systemrescue/initram.igz
+
  menu label ^Rescue Is Possible Linux (32-bit kernel)
append setkmap=us netboot=http://192.168.0.10/iso/sysrescue/sysrcd.dat
+
  kernel images/recovery/riplinux/kernel32
 
+
  append vga=normal video=640x400 nokeymap initrd=images/recovery/riplinux/rootfs.cgz root=/dev/ram0 rw  
label riplinux32
+
menu label ^Rescue Is Possible Linux (32-bit kernel)
+
label riplinux64
kernel images/recovery/riplinux/kernel32
+
  menu label Rescue ^Is Possible Linux (64-bit kernel)
append vga=normal video=640x400 nokeymap initrd=images/recovery/riplinux/rootfs.cgz root=/dev/ram0 rw
+
  kernel images/recovery/riplinux/kernel64
 
+
  append vga=normal video=640x400 nokeymap initrd=images/recovery/riplinux/rootfs.cgz root=/dev/ram0 rw
label riplinux64
+
menu label Rescue ^Is Possible Linux (64-bit kernel)
 
kernel images/recovery/riplinux/kernel64
 
append vga=normal video=640x400 nokeymap initrd=images/recovery/riplinux/rootfs.cgz root=/dev/ram0 rw
 
 
 
 
For the System Rescue Application do the Following:
 
For the System Rescue Application do the Following:
</pre>
 
  
Use your SME Server Manager and Create iBay Called “iso“<br>
+
Use your SME Server Manager and Create iBay Called “iso“
Download the latest System Rescue ISO. <br>
+
Download the latest System Rescue ISO.
Using Windows File Manager (or WinSCP or Putty) copy the System Rescue ISO to the “<yoursmeserverip>/iso/“ Folder
+
Using Windows File Manager (or WinSCP or Putty) copy the System Rescue ISO to the “<yoursmeserverip>/iso/“ Folder
It should look something like this:<br>
+
It should look something like this:<br>
  
YOUR SME SERVER IBAYS (home/e-smith/files/ibays)
+
Your SME Server ibays (home/e-smith/files/ibays)
<pre>
+
|      |-----your ibay       
|      |-----your ibay       
+
|      |
|      |
+
|      |-----iso (Place your iso’s here)
|      |-----iso (Place your iso’s here)
+
|            |
|            |
+
|            |-----sysrecue.iso
|            |-----sysrecue.iso
+
|            |
|            |
 
</pre>
 
  
 
EDIT THIS TO USE mount  
 
EDIT THIS TO USE mount  
<br>
+
 
 
Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the systemrescue.iso File to the tftpboot/images/recovery/systemrescue/ Folder: initram.igz, rescuecd
 
Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the systemrescue.iso File to the tftpboot/images/recovery/systemrescue/ Folder: initram.igz, rescuecd
<br>
+
 
 
Now Using Putty goto the sme linux shell and issue the following command:
 
Now Using Putty goto the sme linux shell and issue the following command:
 
" mount /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/files/sysrescue.iso /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/html/sysrescue/ -o loop "
 
" mount /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/files/sysrescue.iso /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/html/sysrescue/ -o loop "
<br>
+
 
 
You have now mounted the sysrescue.iso and created an html link to the folder. Test it just using your browser and type in: http://mysmeserverip/iso/
 
You have now mounted the sysrescue.iso and created an html link to the folder. Test it just using your browser and type in: http://mysmeserverip/iso/
  
Line 543: Line 515:
  
 
More on the System Rescue TFTP PXE Menu
 
More on the System Rescue TFTP PXE Menu
<pre>
 
label systemrescue
 
menu label ^System Rescue (This is the Menu)
 
kernel images/recovery/systemrescue/rescuecd
 
initrd images/recovery/systemrescue/initram.igz
 
append setkmap=us netboot=http://192.168.0.10/iso/sysrescue/sysrcd (This is so that the Files can be
 
  
</pre>
+
label systemrescue
 +
  menu label ^System Rescue (This is the Menu)
 +
  kernel images/recovery/systemrescue/rescuecd
 +
  initrd images/recovery/systemrescue/initram.igz
 +
  append setkmap=us netboot=http://192.168.0.10/iso/sysrescue/sysrcd (This is so that the Files can be
 +
 
 
Loaded from the ISO Html Link you Created as per the above mount statement)
 
Loaded from the ISO Html Link you Created as per the above mount statement)
  
Line 557: Line 528:
  
 
EDIT TO USE MOUNT on Server.
 
EDIT TO USE MOUNT on Server.
 
  
 
Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the ISO File to the tftpboot/images/recovery/riplinux/ Folder: kernel32, kernel52, rootfs.cgz, inird.gz
 
Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the ISO File to the tftpboot/images/recovery/riplinux/ Folder: kernel32, kernel52, rootfs.cgz, inird.gz
Line 567: Line 537:
 
For the Puppy Linux Application do the Following:
 
For the Puppy Linux Application do the Following:
 
Create a folder inside the “ images “ folder called: “ puppy “
 
Create a folder inside the “ images “ folder called: “ puppy “
<pre>
+
 
|---tftpboot
+
|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
+
|      |-----com32       
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----graphics
+
|      |-----graphics
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
+
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----images
+
|      |-----images
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----tools
+
|              |----tools
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----memorytest
+
|              |----memorytest
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
+
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent               
+
|              |        |--------offlinent               
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----recovery
+
|              |----recovery
|              |        |--------systemrescue
+
|              |        |--------systemrescue
|              |        |
+
|              |        |
|              |        |--------riplinux
+
|              |        |--------riplinux
|              |
+
|              |
|              |----puppy
+
|              |----puppy
</pre>
 
  
 
This an Example for the Puppy Menu Option.
 
This an Example for the Puppy Menu Option.
NB: Make sure you place this somewhere in your main menu or another menu
+
{{Note box|Make sure you place this somewhere in your main menu or another menu.}}
<pre>
+
 
label puppy
+
label puppy
menu label ^Puppy Linux
+
  menu label ^Puppy Linux
kernel images/puppy/vmlinuz
+
  kernel images/puppy/vmlinuz
initrd images/puppy/initrd.gz
+
  initrd images/puppy/initrd.gz
append boot=live pfix=copy nosmp
+
  append boot=live pfix=copy nosmp
</pre>
 
  
 
Download the Latest Puppy Linux.
 
Download the Latest Puppy Linux.
 
Now to Prepare the Puppy File do the Following:
 
Now to Prepare the Puppy File do the Following:
 +
 
Found the description here: http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?search_id=2090301486&t=56580
 
Found the description here: http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?search_id=2090301486&t=56580
�1. Create a temporary directory somewhere on your SME Server eg: temp/
+
 
 +
1. Create a temporary directory somewhere on your SME Server eg: temp/
 
2. Copy the initrd.gz and the lupu-501.sfs you want to embed from the puppy.iso into this temporary directory.
 
2. Copy the initrd.gz and the lupu-501.sfs you want to embed from the puppy.iso into this temporary directory.
 
3. Detach this script, “ embed_sfs.sh “ gunzip, and chmod +x the script, in the same temporary directory where you have initrd.gz and lupu-501.sfs (http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?mode=attach&id=29780)
 
3. Detach this script, “ embed_sfs.sh “ gunzip, and chmod +x the script, in the same temporary directory where you have initrd.gz and lupu-501.sfs (http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?mode=attach&id=29780)
 
4. Open terminal (using putty), and then run the script inside the temp directory
 
4. Open terminal (using putty), and then run the script inside the temp directory
Code: ./embed_sfs.sh lupu-501.sfs
+
Code: ./embed_sfs.sh lupu-501.sfs
�5. Your original initrd.gz will be kept as initrd.gz.old, and the new initrd.gz will have lupu-501.sfs in it.
+
5. Your original initrd.gz will be kept as initrd.gz.old, and the new initrd.gz will have lupu-501.sfs in it.
 
6. Now copy the Files to tftpboot/images/puppy/  Folder: initrd.gz, vmlinuz, lupu-501.sfs
 
6. Now copy the Files to tftpboot/images/puppy/  Folder: initrd.gz, vmlinuz, lupu-501.sfs
Using PXE to Install the SME Server Linux CD and Menu Password Protection:
 
For the SME Server Installation Application do the Following:
 
Create a folder inside the “ images “ folder called: “ sme7 “
 
|---tftpboot
 
|      |-----com32     
 
|      |
 
|      |-----graphics
 
|      |
 
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
 
|      |
 
|      |-----images
 
|              |
 
|              |----tools
 
|              |
 
|              |----memorytest
 
|              |
 
|              |----ntfstools
 
|              |        |--------offlinent             
 
|              |
 
|              |----recovery
 
|              |        |--------systemrescue
 
|              |        |
 
|              |        |--------riplinux
 
|              |
 
|              |----puppy
 
|              |
 
|              |----sme7
 
  
 +
====Using PXE to Install the SME Server and Menu Password Protection====
 +
To create an item on menu for the SME Server Installation  follow this steps:
  
This an Example for the SME Server Install Menu Option.
+
* Create a folder inside the “ images “ folder called: “ sme7 “
NB: Make sure you place this somewhere in your main menu or another menu
+
|---tftpboot
label smeinstall
+
|      |-----com32     
menu label ^SME 7 Install
+
|      |
menu passwd paint
+
|      |-----graphics
kernel images/sme7/vmlinuz
+
|      |
append initrd=images/sme7/initrd.img
+
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
 +
|      |
 +
|      |-----images
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----tools
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----memorytest
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----ntfstools
 +
|              |        |--------offlinent             
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----recovery
 +
|              |        |--------systemrescue
 +
|              |        |
 +
|              |        |--------riplinux
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----puppy
 +
|              |
 +
|              |----sme7
 +
 
 +
This an example for the SME Server Install Menu Option.
 +
{{Note box|Make sure you place this somewhere in your main menu or another menu.}}
 +
label smeinstall
 +
  menu label ^SME 7 Install
 +
  menu passwd paint
 +
  kernel images/sme7/vmlinuz
 +
  append initrd=images/sme7/initrd.img
 +
 
 +
{{Note box|To Password Protect the menu option just place a password statement before the execution of the application you wish to use eg: menu passwd paint<br>
 +
When you choose the SME 7 Install menu option you will be asked for a password before you can continue.
 +
The Password is “paint“ as show above. Be creative and enter a more secure password for your applications.}}
  
 +
Copy your latest SME Server 7.51 ISO to the folder ISO on your server “\\yoursmeserverip\iso“
  
NB: To Password Protect the Menu Option just Place a Password Statement before the Execution of the Application you wish to use eg: menu passwd paint
 
When you choose the SME 7 Install Menu Option you will be asked for a Password Before you can continue. The Password is “paint “ as you have chosen. Be creative and enter a more secure password for your applications. 
 
Copy your latest SME Server 7.51 ISO using Windows File Manager (or WinSCP or Putty) to the “ yoursmeserverip/iso/ “ Folder
 
 
It should look something like this:
 
It should look something like this:
YOUR SME SERVER IBAYS (home/e-smith/files/ibays)
+
your SME Server ibays (home/e-smith/files/ibays)
|      |-----your ibay       
+
|      |-----any other ibay       
|      |
+
|      |
|      |-----iso (Place your iso’s here)
+
|      |-----iso (Place your iso’s here)
|            |
+
|            |
|            |-----sysrecue.iso
+
|            |-----sysrecue.iso
|            |
+
|            |
|            |-----sme751.iso
+
|            |-----sme751.iso
 +
 
 +
EDIT THIS to use MOUNT on server
  
 
Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the sme751.iso File to the tftpboot/images/sme7/ Folder: initrd.img, init586.img, vmlinuz, vmlz586
 
Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the sme751.iso File to the tftpboot/images/sme7/ Folder: initrd.img, init586.img, vmlinuz, vmlz586
 
Now Using Putty goto the sme linux shell and issue the following command:
 
Now Using Putty goto the sme linux shell and issue the following command:
" mount /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/files/sme751.iso /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/html/sme/ -o loop "
+
 
 +
"mount /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/files/sme751.iso /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/html/sme/ -o loop"
 +
 
 
You have now mounted the sme751.iso and created an html link to the folder. Too Test just use your browser and type in: http://mysmeserverip/iso/
 
You have now mounted the sme751.iso and created an html link to the folder. Too Test just use your browser and type in: http://mysmeserverip/iso/
You should see the sme link. Click on it and you should be able to see all the Files and Folders of the SME751 ISO. ( http://mysmeserverip/iso/sme/ )
+
You should see the sme link. <br>
 +
Click on it and you should be able to see all the Files and Folders of the SME751 ISO. ( http://mysmeserverip/iso/sme/ )<br>
 +
 
 
When you choose the SME Installation Menu Option choose HTTP install, and point to your server at the first field to /iso/sme as path. SME should now be able to be installed.
 
When you choose the SME Installation Menu Option choose HTTP install, and point to your server at the first field to /iso/sme as path. SME should now be able to be installed.
  
    * Configure your PC / Notebook client bios hardware for PXE boot  
+
===Configure your PC / Notebook client bios hardware for PXE boot===
 
 
  
 
If everything is setup correctly, you should be ready to PXE boot the computer. When you see the Bios Boot Screen of your client PC use the keyboard and Press the “ del ” key or “ F2 “ key or for Dells and some others, hit F12 during boot and choose the integrated NIC. Once you have Cionfigured your PC Bios to boot from the Ethernet Port from you Motherboard / Lan Controller Card (With the Cat5e/UTP Cable Connected) The PC Lan Controller Card should acquire an IP Address from your SME DHCP Server, you should see it grab the pxelinux.cfg/default File and then display the menu you built earlier. Some “ bigger” may not work in pxe and this could be due to the amount of ram required for the application to work correctly. Make sure that the minumum amount of ram onboard is 512MB. I would suggest 1Gig Ram onboard.
 
If everything is setup correctly, you should be ready to PXE boot the computer. When you see the Bios Boot Screen of your client PC use the keyboard and Press the “ del ” key or “ F2 “ key or for Dells and some others, hit F12 during boot and choose the integrated NIC. Once you have Cionfigured your PC Bios to boot from the Ethernet Port from you Motherboard / Lan Controller Card (With the Cat5e/UTP Cable Connected) The PC Lan Controller Card should acquire an IP Address from your SME DHCP Server, you should see it grab the pxelinux.cfg/default File and then display the menu you built earlier. Some “ bigger” may not work in pxe and this could be due to the amount of ram required for the application to work correctly. Make sure that the minumum amount of ram onboard is 512MB. I would suggest 1Gig Ram onboard.
  
    * Adding floppy images  
+
===Adding floppy images===
 
 
  
 
At this point the only options you get from your menu are to boot from the local drive or see some DMI information from the machine. Interesting and boring at the same time, but the point was to get the basic infrastructure setup. The real reason to set something like this up is so you can feed your machines floppy images without the need for the actual floppies. For us this proves most useful when we’re imaging a room, but opens up a lot of other options if you’re willing to invest the time.
 
At this point the only options you get from your menu are to boot from the local drive or see some DMI information from the machine. Interesting and boring at the same time, but the point was to get the basic infrastructure setup. The real reason to set something like this up is so you can feed your machines floppy images without the need for the actual floppies. For us this proves most useful when we’re imaging a room, but opens up a lot of other options if you’re willing to invest the time.
Line 682: Line 659:
 
Once you have the basic PXE process in place, it’s extremely easy to start creating and booting ‘virtual’ floppies. All you need to do is create an image of the floppy, similar to making an ISO from a cdrom, and then make an entry for it in your PXE menu.
 
Once you have the basic PXE process in place, it’s extremely easy to start creating and booting ‘virtual’ floppies. All you need to do is create an image of the floppy, similar to making an ISO from a cdrom, and then make an entry for it in your PXE menu.
  
Again, there’s the Windows way and the Linux way. On Windows, there’s a small program called WinImage (http://www.winimage.com/) that’s terribly handy for creating and modifying disk images. In Linux there are several ways, but the easiest is with the built in ‘dd’ command. Something like…
+
Again, there’s the Windows way and the Linux way. On Windows, there’s a small program called WinImage (http://www.winimage.com/) that’s terribly handy for creating and modifying disk images. In Linux there are several ways, but the easiest is with the built in ‘dd’ command. Something like...
# dd if=/dev/fd0 of=floppy.ima bs=2048
+
dd if=/dev/fd0 of=floppy.ima bs=2048
  
…will copy the floppy to a file called floppy.ima. In WinImage, just insert the floppy and use the menu to capture and create a disk image. You’re certainly free to call the file whatever you want.
+
...will copy the floppy to a file called floppy.ima. In WinImage, just insert the floppy and use the menu to capture and create a disk image. You’re certainly free to call the file whatever you want.
  
 
Once captured, place the file in the /tftpboot/images folder and add something like the following to your /tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default or any other menu file:
 
Once captured, place the file in the /tftpboot/images folder and add something like the following to your /tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default or any other menu file:
label vgapaint
+
label vgapaint
menu label Bored and want to paint?
+
menu label Bored and want to paint?
menu passwd paint
+
menu passwd paint
kernel images/memdisk
+
kernel images/memdisk
append initrd=images/vp386.ima
+
append initrd=images/vp386.ima
  
 
Boot your client computer to the internal NIC again and wait for the menu. You should see an entry for your new floppy image. Select it and hit enter and your PC will be fed the floppy image through TFTP and boot off it in a virtual A: drive.
 
Boot your client computer to the internal NIC again and wait for the menu. You should see an entry for your new floppy image. Select it and hit enter and your PC will be fed the floppy image through TFTP and boot off it in a virtual A: drive.
  
 
The above example, vgapaint, boots a virtual DOS floppy and starts a small DOS based paint program I mostly use for testing. Nothing fancy. You should also notice the line ‘menu passwd paint’ added. When selected, the menu will prompt you for the password contained in the config file before continuing. It helps a bit with security, but don’t rely on it too much as it’s not difficult to get at those passwords (you could just TFTP the menu file itself).
 
The above example, vgapaint, boots a virtual DOS floppy and starts a small DOS based paint program I mostly use for testing. Nothing fancy. You should also notice the line ‘menu passwd paint’ added. When selected, the menu will prompt you for the password contained in the config file before continuing. It helps a bit with security, but don’t rely on it too much as it’s not difficult to get at those passwords (you could just TFTP the menu file itself).
Conclusion:
+
 
 +
===Conclusion===
  
 
Setting this all up may seem like a frustration, and if you’ve never setup your lab machines for network boot it certainly doesn’t seem like an immediate time saver when you’re running around setting that up. But when it’s all done it’s a terrific platform that can make things easier, save a ton of time, and open up a lot of interesting possibilities. Once fully setup, booting to your imaging software is a snap. And if you partner this with automating the imaging process you can create a zero-touch lab deployment scenario.
 
Setting this all up may seem like a frustration, and if you’ve never setup your lab machines for network boot it certainly doesn’t seem like an immediate time saver when you’re running around setting that up. But when it’s all done it’s a terrific platform that can make things easier, save a ton of time, and open up a lot of interesting possibilities. Once fully setup, booting to your imaging software is a snap. And if you partner this with automating the imaging process you can create a zero-touch lab deployment scenario.
  
References:
+
===References===
  
    * SYSLINUX: http://syslinux.zytor.com/
+
* SYSLINUX: http://syslinux.zytor.com/
    * SYSLINUX Wiki: http://syslinux.zytor.com/wiki/index.php/SYSLINUX
+
* SYSLINUX Wiki: http://syslinux.zytor.com/wiki/index.php/SYSLINUX
    * WinImage: http://www.winimage.com/
+
* WinImage: http://www.winimage.com/
    * WinSCP:  http://winscp.net/eng/index.php
+
* WinSCP:  http://winscp.net/eng/index.php
    * PuTTy:  http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html
+
* PuTTy:  http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html
    * Irfanview: http://www.irfanview.net/
+
* Irfanview: http://www.irfanview.net/

Latest revision as of 16:19, 11 October 2010

Objective

Getting a computer with good hardware to boot without using the local drives (NO cd/dvd, hdd, usb, floppy etc. required) to the SME network (PXE) and perform imaging or other tasks.

This document is a compilation of this forum thread made by BUD

If this do not help you to create a new PXE boot server, please open a new thread on forum and ask for help, and after get help, update here or send details what need to be changed to my gmail account: jader DOT marasca and I'll update for you.

Ingredients

  • SME Server DHCP Server
  • SME Server TFTP Server Contrib
  • SME Server Thinclient Contrib
  • PXELINUX
  • Thinclient Setup
  • Floppy image creator

Recipe

  • Make the SME Server your DHCP Server
  • Download and Install the SME TFTP Contrib
  • Download and Install the SME Thinclient Contrib
  • Download and Install SYSLINUX files and configure SME PXE Server Files
  • PXE Example Files, Puppy Linux How To
  • Using PXE to Install SME and Password Protect Menu Option Example

Step by step guide

SME Server as DHCP server

Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt Enter “admin “ then your Password.
You will now be in the SME Server Setup Menu.
Choose Server Config and make sure your SME Server has "DHCP Enabled" and you have set a IP Range.
To have SME DHCP Lease Time Periods see here


Warning.png Warning:
You should just have one DHCP server on your network (or know why/how to have more than one).

If you already have other device as DHCP server, you should disable it or ask guidance for someone else about how to avoid conflict!


TFtp SME Server contrib

Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt enter “root“ then your password.
You will now be in the SME Server Shell.

Install the SME TFTP Server Contrib as per: http://wiki.contribs.org/Tftp_server

SME Server ThinClient contrib

Using Putty SSH into your SME Server and at the Login Prompt enter “root“ then your Password.
You will now be in the SME Server Shell.
Install the SME Server Thinclient Contrib as per: http://wiki.contribs.org/Thinclient

Once the ThinClient contrib have been installed use your browser (Firefox or IE) and goto https://<yoursmeserverip>/server-manager. Choose the ”Thin Clients“ on left side column "Menu Option" In the Thin Client Configuration make sure that

  • “Your PXE Boot Server"is ENABLED
  • “Your TFTP Server" is Self
  • “The default Distribution" is default

Click on the “APPLY” button

Under “Distributions“ you should have the following:

Distribution Base Directory Type
default Manual Remove... Modify...

Logout of the SME Server “server-manager“ Web Console

Syslinux installation and SME Server PXE configuration

There no real installing PXELINUX, only copying the right files from the SYSLINUX Archive to the right place in the SME Server:

First, make note of where your TFTP servers root directory is. For SME Server, it’s most often ”/tftpboot“. I suggest building a directory structure like the following:

/tftpboot = Root Directory for TFTPd

/tftpboot/com32 = Directory

/tftpboot/graphics = Directory (This is where we place our Screen jpg, gif, png images)

/tftpboot/images = Directory (This Directory will be used for our PXE Boot Images)

/tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg (this is an actual folder/directory, THIS IS NOT A FILE)

Download the latest SYSLINUX release ( http://syslinux.zytor.com/ ) and unpack it. We only need a few files from the package. From the SYSLINUX archive:

  • Place the pxelinux.0 (it´s a file!) in your SME TFTP Folder from the SYSLINUX Archive eg: “ tftpboot/pxelinux.0 “ (remember pxelinux.0 IS A FILE)
  • Place the memdisk/memdisk file from the SYSLINUX archive in the SME TFTP images Folder eg: “tftpboot/images/“
  • Place the com32/*.c32 files from the SYSLINUX archive in the SME TFTP com32 Folder eg: “tftpboot/com32/“

Now you need to create and configure the SME PXE menu.
Create a new plaintext file called “ default ”at tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default ( remember: default is a file that we have created and placed inside the tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ folder)

|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (Place the default file inside here)
|      |
|      |-----images

Again, “pxelinux.cfg“ is not a file, but a DIRECTORY, and the file you want to create is called default with no extension.

Here’s an example of something simple to use in the default file:

PXE example files

This is the “default“ example file

Important.png Note:
The “menu background graphics/main.jpg” file is a background image file.
This could be one with your company logo or [this one http://www.howtoforge.com/images/pxe_install_server_ubuntu_9.10/howtoforge_pxe.png].

The file must to be 640 x 480 pixels and can be a jpg, bmp, or png file. Just make sure you use the correct extension in the menu eg: main.bmp or main.png etc.


menu title --== SME Linux, PXE Main Menu ==--
menu background graphics/main.jpg
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu endrow 24

menu color title                1;34;49    #eea0a0ff #cc333355 std
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color border               30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
menu color hotkey               35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
menu color hotsel               35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none

prompt 0
noescape 1
allowoptions 0
timeout 300

default com32/vesamenu.c32

label toolsmenu
 menu label ^System Tools Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/tools

label memorymenu
 menu label ^Memory Test Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/memorytest

label randomutil
 menu label ^Random Utilities Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append images/random_utils

label linuxmenu
 menu label ^Linux Boot Disks Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/linux_boot_disks

label ntfstoolmenu
 menu label ^NTFS Tools Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/ntfstools

label bootmanag
 menu label B^OOT Managers Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append images/boot_managers/boot_managers

label sysinfo
 menu label S^ystem Information Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append images/system_information/system_information

label recovery
 menu label R^ECOVERY Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append images/recovery/recovery

label hddmenu
 menu label ^Hard Disk Drive Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/hdd

Now you need to create and configure the SME PXE sub menus. Create new plaintext Files called “tools” , “memorytest” , “ntfstools” , “recovery” at tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ The plaintext files are all placed inside the tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/ folder ie: Your tree should look like this:

|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (Place the def ault, tools, memorytest, ntfstools)                   
|      |                  (and recovery Files you created  inside here)
|      |
|      |-----images
|              |
|              |----tools
|              |
|              |----memorytest
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent
|              |
|              |----recovery

Here’s some examples of something simple to use in the Created Files: This is the “tools“ Menu Option Example File

|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
|      |-----images
|              |
|              |----tools
|              |
|              |----memorytest
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent
|              |
|              |----recovery

Here’s some examples of something for the Tools Menu

menu title --== SME Linux, PXE Tools Menu ==--
menu background graphics/main.jpg
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu endrow 24

menu color title                1;34;49    #eea0a0ff #cc333355 std
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color border               30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
menu color hotkey               35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
menu color hotsel               35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none

prompt 0
noescape 1
allowoptions 0
timeout 0

default com32/vesamenu.c32

label main
 menu label Back to ^Main Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/default 

label dban
 menu label ^Darik's Boot-n-Nuke disk wiper
 kernel images/memdisk
 append initrd=images/tools/wiping/dban.ima

label memtest86
 menu label ^Memtest86 - Machine RAM tester
 kernel images/memory_test/memtest86

label memtests
 menu label ^Memory Test Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append images/tools/memtest

label hdt
 menu label ^Hardware Detection Tool
 kernel images/memdisk
 append initrd=images/tools/hdt.img

label diags
 menu label D^IAGS Tool
 kernel images/memdisk
 append initrd=images/tools/diags.img

The following applications must be copied Inside the “tools“ folder: dban.ima, memtest86, memtest, hdt.img, diags.img

This is the “memorytest“ Menu Option Example File

|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
|      |-----images
|              |
|              |----tools
|              |
|              |----memorytest
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent
|              |
|              |----recovery

Here’s some examples of something simple for the Memory Test Menu

menu title --== SME Linux, MEMORY Tests MENU ==--
menu background graphics/main.jpg
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu endrow 24

menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color border               30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
menu color hotkey               35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
menu color hotsel               35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none

prompt 0
noescape 1
allowoptions 1
timeout 0

default com32/vesamenu.c32

label main
 menu label Back to ^Main Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/default

label docmem1
    menu label ^DocMem RAM Diagnostic v. 1.45a
    kernel images/memdisk
    append initrd=images/memorytest/docmem1.igz

label docmem2
    menu label DocMem ^RAM Diagnostic v. 2.1b
    kernel images/memdisk
    append initrd=images/memorytest/docmem2.igz

label memtest86+
    menu label Memtest^86+
    kernel images/memorytest/memtest86+/memtest86+-1.65

label memtest86
    menu label Memtest8^6
    kernel images/memdisk
    append ininrd=images/memorytest/memtest.igz

label tm4
    menu label ^TestMem4
    kernel images/memdisk
    append images=images/memorytest/tm4.igz

label windiag
    menu label ^Windows Memory Diagnostic
    kernel images/memdisk
    append initrd=images/memorytest/windiag.igz

The Following Applications must be copied Inside the “memorytest“ folder: docmem1.igz, docmem2.igz, memtest86+-1.65, memtest.igz, tm4.igz, windiag.igz This is the “ ntfstools “ Menu Option Example File with a sub-menu You also need to create a sub folder inside the “ ntfstools “ folder called “ offlinent “

|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
|      |-----images
|              |
|              |----tools
|              |
|              |----memorytest
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent (initrd.cgz, vmlinuz, scsi.cgz)              
|              |
|              |----recovery

And here you find what I used to create the menu

menu title --== SME Linux, NTFS TOOLS MENU ==--
menu background graphics/main.jpg 
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu endrow 24

menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color border               30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
menu color hotkey               35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
menu color hotsel               35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none 

prompt 0
noescape 1
allowoptions 1
timeout 0

default com32/vesamenu.c32

label main
 menu label Back to ^Main Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/default

label ntfs4dos
    menu label ^NTFS4DOS
    kernel images/memdisk
    append initrd=images/ntfstools/ntfs4dos.img

label offline
    menu label ^Offline NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 Password Changer\Windows Password Reset
    menu passwd paint
    kernel images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/vmlinuz
    append initrd=images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/initrd.cgz,images/ntfstools/offlinent/cd100627/scsi.cgz

The Following Applications must be copied Inside the “ntfstools“ folder: ntfs4dos.img For the Offline Password Reset Application do the Following: Download the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor Latest CD Image Zip File. Unzip the ISO File and using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the ISO File (eg: cd100627.iso) to the “ images/ntfstools/offlinent/ “ folder: initrd.cgz, vmlinuz, scsi.cgz

This is the “ recovery “ Menu Option Example File You also need to create two sub folders inside the “ recovery “ folder called: “ systemrescue and riplinux

|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
|      |-----images
|              |
|              |----tools
|              |
|              |----memorytest
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent              
|              |
|              |----recovery
|              |        |--------systemrescue
|              |        |
|              |        |--------riplinux

menu title --== SME Linux, Data Recovery Menu ==--
menu background graphics/main.jpg
menu tabmsgrow 22
menu cmdlinerow 22
menu endrow 24

menu color title                1;34;49    #eeffa0a0 #cc553333 std
menu color sel                  7;37;40    #ff000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color border               30;44      #ffffffff #00000000 std
menu color pwdheader            31;47      #eeff1010 #20ffffff std
menu color hotkey               35;40      #90ffff00 #00000000 std
menu color hotsel               35;40      #90000000 #bb9999aa all
menu color timeout_msg          35;40      #90ffffff #00000000 none
menu color timeout              31;47      #eeff1010 #00000000 none

prompt 0
noescape 1
allowoptions 1
timeout 0

default com32/vesamenu.c32

label main
 menu label Back to ^Main Menu
 kernel com32/vesamenu.c32
 append pxelinux.cfg/default 

label systemrescue
 menu label ^System Rescue
 kernel images/recovery/systemrescue/rescuecd
 initrd images/recovery/systemrescue/initram.igz
 append setkmap=us netboot=http://192.168.0.10/iso/sysrescue/sysrcd.dat 

label riplinux32
 menu label ^Rescue Is Possible Linux (32-bit kernel)
 kernel images/recovery/riplinux/kernel32
 append vga=normal video=640x400 nokeymap initrd=images/recovery/riplinux/rootfs.cgz root=/dev/ram0 rw 

label riplinux64
 menu label Rescue ^Is Possible Linux (64-bit kernel)
 kernel images/recovery/riplinux/kernel64
 append vga=normal video=640x400 nokeymap initrd=images/recovery/riplinux/rootfs.cgz root=/dev/ram0 rw

For the System Rescue Application do the Following:

Use your SME Server Manager and Create iBay Called “iso“
Download the latest System Rescue ISO.
Using Windows File Manager (or WinSCP or Putty) copy the System Rescue ISO to the “<yoursmeserverip>/iso/“ Folder
It should look something like this:

Your SME Server ibays (home/e-smith/files/ibays)

|      |-----your ibay       
|      |
|      |-----iso (Place your iso’s here)
|             |
|             |-----sysrecue.iso
|             |

EDIT THIS TO USE mount

Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the systemrescue.iso File to the tftpboot/images/recovery/systemrescue/ Folder: initram.igz, rescuecd

Now Using Putty goto the sme linux shell and issue the following command: " mount /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/files/sysrescue.iso /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/html/sysrescue/ -o loop "

You have now mounted the sysrescue.iso and created an html link to the folder. Test it just using your browser and type in: http://mysmeserverip/iso/

You should see the sysrescue link. Click on it and you should be able to see all the Files and Folders of the System Rescue ISO. ( http://mysmeserverip/iso/sysrescue/ )

More on the System Rescue TFTP PXE Menu

label systemrescue
 menu label ^System Rescue (This is the Menu) 
 kernel images/recovery/systemrescue/rescuecd
 initrd images/recovery/systemrescue/initram.igz
 append setkmap=us netboot=http://192.168.0.10/iso/sysrescue/sysrcd (This is so that the Files can be 

Loaded from the ISO Html Link you Created as per the above mount statement)

For the RIPLinux Application do the Following: Download the Latest RIPLinux for PXE. Using Windows File Manager (or WinSCP or Putty) copy the System Rescue ISO to the “ yoursmeserverip/iso/systemrescue/ “ Folder

EDIT TO USE MOUNT on Server.

Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the ISO File to the tftpboot/images/recovery/riplinux/ Folder: kernel32, kernel52, rootfs.cgz, inird.gz

That’s all there is to it. If you see the SME PXE menu, the rest is just tweaking.

Puppy Linux

For the Puppy Linux Application do the Following: Create a folder inside the “ images “ folder called: “ puppy “

|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
|      |-----images
|              |
|              |----tools
|              |
|              |----memorytest
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent              
|              |
|              |----recovery
|              |        |--------systemrescue
|              |        |
|              |        |--------riplinux
|              |
|              |----puppy

This an Example for the Puppy Menu Option.

Important.png Note:
Make sure you place this somewhere in your main menu or another menu.


label puppy
 menu label ^Puppy Linux
 kernel images/puppy/vmlinuz
 initrd images/puppy/initrd.gz
 append boot=live pfix=copy nosmp

Download the Latest Puppy Linux. Now to Prepare the Puppy File do the Following:

Found the description here: http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?search_id=2090301486&t=56580

1. Create a temporary directory somewhere on your SME Server eg: temp/ 2. Copy the initrd.gz and the lupu-501.sfs you want to embed from the puppy.iso into this temporary directory. 3. Detach this script, “ embed_sfs.sh “ gunzip, and chmod +x the script, in the same temporary directory where you have initrd.gz and lupu-501.sfs (http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?mode=attach&id=29780) 4. Open terminal (using putty), and then run the script inside the temp directory Code: ./embed_sfs.sh lupu-501.sfs 5. Your original initrd.gz will be kept as initrd.gz.old, and the new initrd.gz will have lupu-501.sfs in it. 6. Now copy the Files to tftpboot/images/puppy/ Folder: initrd.gz, vmlinuz, lupu-501.sfs

Using PXE to Install the SME Server and Menu Password Protection

To create an item on menu for the SME Server Installation follow this steps:

  • Create a folder inside the “ images “ folder called: “ sme7 “
|---tftpboot
|      |-----com32       
|      |
|      |-----graphics
|      |
|      |-----pxelinux.cfg (directory)
|      |
|      |-----images
|              |
|              |----tools
|              |
|              |----memorytest
|              |
|              |----ntfstools
|              |        |--------offlinent              
|              |
|              |----recovery
|              |        |--------systemrescue
|              |        |
|              |        |--------riplinux
|              |
|              |----puppy
|              |
|              |----sme7

This an example for the SME Server Install Menu Option.

Important.png Note:
Make sure you place this somewhere in your main menu or another menu.


label smeinstall
 menu label ^SME 7 Install
 menu passwd paint
 kernel images/sme7/vmlinuz
 append initrd=images/sme7/initrd.img


Important.png Note:
To Password Protect the menu option just place a password statement before the execution of the application you wish to use eg: menu passwd paint

When you choose the SME 7 Install menu option you will be asked for a password before you can continue. The Password is “paint“ as show above. Be creative and enter a more secure password for your applications.


Copy your latest SME Server 7.51 ISO to the folder ISO on your server “\\yoursmeserverip\iso“

It should look something like this: your SME Server ibays (home/e-smith/files/ibays)

|      |-----any other ibay       
|      |
|      |-----iso (Place your iso’s here)
|             |
|             |-----sysrecue.iso
|             |
|             |-----sme751.iso

EDIT THIS to use MOUNT on server

Using a ISO Tool such as UltraISO, Extract and Copy the Following Files from the sme751.iso File to the tftpboot/images/sme7/ Folder: initrd.img, init586.img, vmlinuz, vmlz586 Now Using Putty goto the sme linux shell and issue the following command:

"mount /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/files/sme751.iso /home/e-smith/files/ibays/iso/html/sme/ -o loop"

You have now mounted the sme751.iso and created an html link to the folder. Too Test just use your browser and type in: http://mysmeserverip/iso/ You should see the sme link.
Click on it and you should be able to see all the Files and Folders of the SME751 ISO. ( http://mysmeserverip/iso/sme/ )

When you choose the SME Installation Menu Option choose HTTP install, and point to your server at the first field to /iso/sme as path. SME should now be able to be installed.

Configure your PC / Notebook client bios hardware for PXE boot

If everything is setup correctly, you should be ready to PXE boot the computer. When you see the Bios Boot Screen of your client PC use the keyboard and Press the “ del ” key or “ F2 “ key or for Dells and some others, hit F12 during boot and choose the integrated NIC. Once you have Cionfigured your PC Bios to boot from the Ethernet Port from you Motherboard / Lan Controller Card (With the Cat5e/UTP Cable Connected) The PC Lan Controller Card should acquire an IP Address from your SME DHCP Server, you should see it grab the pxelinux.cfg/default File and then display the menu you built earlier. Some “ bigger” may not work in pxe and this could be due to the amount of ram required for the application to work correctly. Make sure that the minumum amount of ram onboard is 512MB. I would suggest 1Gig Ram onboard.

Adding floppy images

At this point the only options you get from your menu are to boot from the local drive or see some DMI information from the machine. Interesting and boring at the same time, but the point was to get the basic infrastructure setup. The real reason to set something like this up is so you can feed your machines floppy images without the need for the actual floppies. For us this proves most useful when we’re imaging a room, but opens up a lot of other options if you’re willing to invest the time.

Once you have the basic PXE process in place, it’s extremely easy to start creating and booting ‘virtual’ floppies. All you need to do is create an image of the floppy, similar to making an ISO from a cdrom, and then make an entry for it in your PXE menu.

Again, there’s the Windows way and the Linux way. On Windows, there’s a small program called WinImage (http://www.winimage.com/) that’s terribly handy for creating and modifying disk images. In Linux there are several ways, but the easiest is with the built in ‘dd’ command. Something like...

dd if=/dev/fd0 of=floppy.ima bs=2048

...will copy the floppy to a file called floppy.ima. In WinImage, just insert the floppy and use the menu to capture and create a disk image. You’re certainly free to call the file whatever you want.

Once captured, place the file in the /tftpboot/images folder and add something like the following to your /tftpboot/pxelinux.cfg/default or any other menu file:

label vgapaint
menu label Bored and want to paint?
menu passwd paint
kernel images/memdisk
append initrd=images/vp386.ima

Boot your client computer to the internal NIC again and wait for the menu. You should see an entry for your new floppy image. Select it and hit enter and your PC will be fed the floppy image through TFTP and boot off it in a virtual A: drive.

The above example, vgapaint, boots a virtual DOS floppy and starts a small DOS based paint program I mostly use for testing. Nothing fancy. You should also notice the line ‘menu passwd paint’ added. When selected, the menu will prompt you for the password contained in the config file before continuing. It helps a bit with security, but don’t rely on it too much as it’s not difficult to get at those passwords (you could just TFTP the menu file itself).

Conclusion

Setting this all up may seem like a frustration, and if you’ve never setup your lab machines for network boot it certainly doesn’t seem like an immediate time saver when you’re running around setting that up. But when it’s all done it’s a terrific platform that can make things easier, save a ton of time, and open up a lot of interesting possibilities. Once fully setup, booting to your imaging software is a snap. And if you partner this with automating the imaging process you can create a zero-touch lab deployment scenario.

References