FAQ
What is ERPXE?¶
ERPXE is an open source PXE solution. Read more About ERPXE.
PXE¶
What is PXE?¶
From wikipedia: Preboot Execution Environment "The Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE, also known as Pre-Execution Environment; sometimes pronounced "pixie") is an environment to boot computers using a network interface independently of data storage devices (like hard disks) or installed operating systems."
That means you can boot your computers on the network without the need of other boot media (Hard drive/CDROM/USB). PXE usually doesn't use your local storage as hard drives or USB drives, so you can do several tasks from the PXE without affecting your computer (unless you want to).
What can I do with ERPXE? (and any PXE)¶
You can do a lot:
- Fix/manipulate the installed OS from outside
- Clean viruses
- Change partitions including system
- Backup/restore your entire HD
- Run hardware diagnostic tests
- And a lot more...
TFTP¶
What is TFTP?¶
From wikipedia: TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) is a file transfer protocol known for its simplicity. It is generally used for automated transfer of configuration or boot files between machines in a local environment. Compared to FTP, TFTP is extremely limited, providing no authentication, and is rarely used interactively by a user.
In other words: it's a protocol which your computer can talk with a server to download files used mainly by PXE due to its simplicity.
What is TFTP Client and TFTPD Server?¶
Client: the computer you want to boot using PXE. Server: a machine (virtual or physical computer) serving as TFTP server to clients.
Where can I get a TFTP Server?¶
There are a lot of free TFTP server solutions available to Linux/Windows/MacOS. The easy solution would be to download and use our pre-installed and configured Virtual Machine which includes a TFTP server. You can customize your machine and use other OS to host your TFTP server. For more information follow the Installation instructions.
Can I use any TFTP server I want?¶
Yes, as long as it works.
Windows Deployment¶
How to Install Windows using ERPXE¶
Use any of the Cloning and Deployment solutions you prefer to duplicate/backup/deploy any system you want.
Can I deploy my Windows image to any PC?¶
No. You need to create a universal Windows image. For example:
Troubleshooting¶
Downloading issues¶
Buy a better internet connection.
Installing issues¶
Have you read the documents?
Configuring issues¶
Again... read the documents!
TFTPD for Windows issues¶
You chose Windows... don't come to us. We can't troubleshoot that. If you are from Microsoft please fill this lawsuit form before wasting your money on lawyers.