Pxe boot into a utilities disk image with the k2
I am reposting this question.
I need a way to PXE boot into a "Bootable utilities and recovery disk" image.
I have read other people creating custom PXE servers for this and modifying
files in the boot folder.....(I think...).
As Kace is already capable of supporting boot environments, I was wondering
if there was a way to do this with the k2.
This way problematic machines can boot into the utility disk image over the
network to scan for viruses or repair system files.
Any pointers or articles that I can use to do this with the k2?
Answers (1)
You can use the media manager (7.0 or later) to upload the right media.
The media needs to be less than 2GB (what I have learned) to work well and should be able to run fully from a ramdrive.
(since 6 it was possible with the KBE manipulator)
You need to click the Memdisk option in the KBE when uploaded (the boot iso is seen under Boot Images ("KBE"))
Comments:
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Hey Nico.
I tried it as you suggested.
Yep, the custom kbe works with small-sized boot environments....like the Kaspersky rescue disk.
But my utility disk is about 5.5 gigs big.
It refuses to boot. Gives an input/output error.
This is a lot more than the 2 gigs you mentioned.
There is no way to navigate this limitation? - akmagnum 5 years ago-
6GB, That's too large to load under BIOS. The whole image needs to fit below 2GB, due to hardcoded assumptions within the PXE Boot kernel.
PXE was born to offer a quick solution to boot small type of media such as: recovery type OS, Live CDs and small recovery tools, not to boot a whole O.S. across PXE....
That is why when deploying large Windows Images, we first boot to a small WindowsPE environment (roughly 1GB), to then... deploy a whole Windows Image from it (+10GB).
Also, I would recommend testing this on a device with at least 12GB of RAM,because if iPXE alone needs 4GB.... plus your 6GB from the ISO....
You will need to switch your system to a native UEFI boot in order to use a 6GB image.
Try UEFI PXE, make sure your DHCP is configured for UEFI and see if that helps. - Channeler 5 years ago -
yes, there is a way, but this is a bit more complicated.
You need to use a chain boot.
Setup a KBE (or manipulated KBE or small boot CD) which boots the bigger image. Also UEFI has a limitation (slightly bigger than 2GB but not far bigger)
I read 2 years ago a solution in the german IT newspaper C'T which discussed this with their own rescue DVD (>4GB) but it was not easy due to the technical limitations. - Nico_K 5 years ago-
OK....How do I get one KBE to boot another?
Not much on chain booting in the admin guide.
Do I add the ISO as a file when I upload the KBE? - akmagnum 5 years ago
