Amahi Netboot for noobs

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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.


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->

1createnew.png

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

2vmname&os.png

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

Vmmemory.png

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

Vmvdi.png

VDI checked = default is fine ->Next

6vmvdi.png

Dynamically allocated=default is fine->Next

7dynalloc.png

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

Vdalloc.png

Summary->Create

Step 4: Settings for "test" vm

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

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

Vb-bootorder.png

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

Vb-networksettings.png

Step 5: Start your "test" vm

Starttest.png

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

Amahimenu.png

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