Amahi Netboot for noobs

What is Netboot?

Amahi-netboot is the package that allows you to use your amahi machine as a PXE/Network Boot/tftp server with minimal configuration.

What can it do?

1. Boot live cds
2. Install just about any OS(Linux, BSD, even Win XP/Vista/7)
3. Run Utility programs and CDs (Hiren's, Ultimate Boot CD)

All without burning CDs/DVDs or using USB flash drives!

Sounds great, what's the catch?

• Good PXE or network booting information around the web is scattered.

Assumptions:

1. Working Amahi HDA
2. "test" system running windows or another desktop OS.
3. Both are networked using wired ethernet cables, at least while network booting.

NOTE: I've only been using amahi for a few weeks, so I'm not an expert by any means on linux, netbooting, or amahi and I don't work in the field. If I can get this running I think anybody can.

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Step 1: Install amahi-netboot

From the console or putty login to your hda as root and enter

bash code
​ yum -y install amahi-netboot​

Step 2: Setup your "test" computer

It's useful to use a virtual machine on your "test" computer so you don't have to reboot every time.

On the "test" machine Install latest Virtualbox (to include extension pack).

Step 3: Create a "test" Virtualmachine

• Click New Button - Next->

• Name=test-> OS=Linux-> Version=Linux 2.6->

• Base memory size=depends on your system default=256 change to 512 or higher

• Create new disk= default 8Gb is fine->Next

• VDI checked = default is fine ->Next

• Dynamically allocated=default is fine->Next

• Virtual Disk file location and size = default is fine->Next

• Summary->Create

Step 4: Settings for "test" vm

->Settings->System->Motherboard->Bootorder->

Check Network box and click up arrow to bring it to top

Also ->Settings->Network->Adapter1->Change "NAT" to "Bridged adapter"

Step 5: Start your "test" vm

You should see it startup and boot to the amahi-netboot menu.

Step 6: Works

Go to Tutorial #2

If not,

• Double-check virtual machine settings
• Reboot your server and start test virtual machine again
• Go to forums and ask for help. My original post is here