Booting to network from VMware virtual machine

[PDYKAT]

Hi,

 

I need to boot to the network with vmware virtual machine so that I can put a win 7 image on it. But I can't see how to do it

any help would be hapily accepted

[Davit2005]

Are you trying to Image it with Ghost etc? or use a WDS etc?

 

I use WDS to build new Virtual machines at home no problems. Before you start the Virtual machine set it to go into the BIOS next time it is switched on. Edit the BIOS like you would a normal machine.

 

Edit the properties of the virtual machine and click on the options tab and under the advanced heading click boot options, tick the Force BIOS Setup. This will give you the oppurtunity to change the boot settings.

Edited July 6, 2012 by Davit2005

[SYNACK]

Just change the boot order on the VM to the network adapter first then open the console session and boot the machine, just like a standard box, it may even support F12 on boot to initiate it.

[PotNoodleTech]

When you say VmWare do you mean ESXI or VMWare Server or Workstation?

 

On ESXi you need to boot the VM then quickly go into the BIOS and configure boot from network in the same way you would on a normal workstation.

 

If you’re having problems getting the BIOS shut down the VM, edit the VM Settings go to the Options tab and Boot Options section and enable "Force BIOS Setup" this will make sure you get to the BIOS the next time you boot the VM.

 

If your using Workstation or Server, sorry I aint got a clue.

[twin--turbo]

there's an option in the machine settings to go into the bios on boot. see it to net boot.

 

Rob

[Dos_Box]

Moving to Thin Client and Virtual Machines forum.

[computer_expert]

You can also press f12 to start the network boot (although you have to be quick when using the console in the vsphere client otherwise you'll miss it due to the lag in the console).

 

It may also be worth setting the virtual NIC to bridged mode (as I have had issues with PXE booting using NAT on VirtualBox VMs).