Multi Boot and TFTP32

**Bumbastik** · November 3, 2008

Hi guys ,

I have a question for you .

I have 2 differents version of BartPe and 2 different version of WinPe 2.0 .

If I use TFTPD32 with a single " image " ( BartPe or WinPe ) all works fine . But I don't know the way for use with TFTPD32 and a menu for select an "image" to run .

Can you help me with example o link ?

Thanks for your collaboartions

Bumbastik

**jaclaz** · November 3, 2008

If you use as base WinPE 2.0, you could use a "multiple" BCD:

http://www.deployvista.com/Default.aspx?ta...&EntryID=27

http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?...amp;#entry31670

But cannot say how and if it will work with BartPE.

grub4dos has newish PXE capabilities, but there is not yet much documentation/examples AFAIK, some hints are given here:

http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=20152

This is from readme_grub4dos:

******************************************************************************
***                          PXE device                                    ***
******************************************************************************

If PXE service is found at startup, GRUB4DOS will create a virtual device
(pd), through which files from the tftp server can be accessed. You can setup
a diskless boot environment using the following steps:

Client side

You need to boot from PXE ROM.

Server side

You need to configure a dhcp server and a tftp server. In the dhcp server, use
grldr as boot file.

You may also want to load a different menu.lst for different client. GRUB4DOS
will scan the following location for configuration file:

	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/01-88-99-AA-BB-CC-DD
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C000025B
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C000025
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C00002
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C0000
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C000
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C00
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C0
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/C
	[/mybootdir]/menu.lst/default

Here, we assume the network card mac for the client machine is
88:99:AA:BB:CC:DD, and the ip address is 192.0.2.91 (C000025B). /mybootdir is
the directory of the boot file, for example, if boot file is /tftp/grldr, then
mybootdir=tftp.

If none of the above files is present, grldr will use its embeded menu.lst.

This is a menu.lst to illstrate how to use files from the tftp server.

	title Create ramdisk using map
	map --mem (pd)/floppy.img (fd0)
	map --hook
	rootnoverify (fd0)
	chainloader (fd0)+1

	title Create ramdisk using memdisk
	kernel (pd)/memdisk
	initrd (pd)/floppy.img

You can see that the menu.lst is very similar to normal disk boot, you just
need to replace device like (hd0,0) with (pd).

There are some differences between disk device and pxe device:

1. You can't list files in the pxe device.

2. The blocklist command will not work with a file in the pxe device.

3. You must use --mem option if you want to map a file in the pxe device.

When you use chainloader to load file from the pxe device, there is a option
you can use:

	chainloader --raw (pd)/BOOT_FILE

Option --raw works just like --force, but it load file in one go. This can
improve performance in some situation.

You can use the pxe command to control the pxe device.

1. pxe

	If used without any parameter, pxe command will display current
	settings.

2. pxe blksize N

	Set the packet size for tftp transmission. Minimum value is 512,
	maximum value is 1432. This parameter is used primarily for very old
	tftp server where packet larger than 512 byte is not supported.

3. pxe basedir /dir

	Set the base directory for files in the tftp server. If

		pxe basedir /tftp

	then all files in the pxe device is related to directory /tftp, for
	example, (pd)/aa.img correspond to /tftp/aa.img in the server.

	The default value of base directory is the directory of the boot file,
	for example, if boot file is /tftp/grldr, then default base directory
	is /tftp.

4. pxe keep

	Keep the PXE stack. The default behaviour of GRUB4DOS is to unload
	the PXE stack just before it exits.

5. pxe unload

	Unload the PXE stack immediately.

Get latest here:

http://nufans.net/grub4dos/

jaclaz

**Bumbastik** · November 3, 2008

HI Jaclaz ,

thanks a lot for your suggestions

I will try next time

Ciao Ciao

Bumbastik

**Bumbastik** · November 5, 2008

HI ,

ok now all works fine !!!

I can boot two different WinPe 2.0 ( with a menu' ) an only session of TFTPD32

But I have another little problem . When I see the menu' item this has the identical name

On my example

-Ramdisk Option

If possible change this menu' ?

For example

- WinPe 1

- WinPe 2

Thanks a Lot

Bumbastik

**jaclaz** · November 6, 2008

If possible change this menu' ?

Maybe, if only you could tell us HOW you are booting the two PE's!

(unfortunately my crystall ball is in the shop for maintenance and tuning and Tarots are SO inaccurate)

My guess is that you edited the BCD, if this is the case, simply re-edit the description:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc721886.aspx

http://ranjanajain.spaces.live.com/blog/cn...0!277.entry

You can also change the description of an entry using the following command:
h. Bcdedit /set ID description "The new description"
For example:
bcdedit /set {802d5e32-0784-11da-bd33-000476eba25f} description "My Favorite OS"

jaclaz

**Bumbastik** · November 7, 2008

Hi Jaclaz ,

no problem , here my little how to :

I following your link -> http://www.deployvista.com/Default.aspx?ta...&EntryID=27

1) Create your server structure and

- create your wim1 image

- create your wim2 image

- create your wim3 image

2 ) Install and configure your TFTPD32 server

3 ) Create your BCD file with CreateBCD3.cmd ( cut & past )

- copy CreateBCD3.cmd in the C:\PXEServer folder

- copy bcdedit.exe

- Run CreateBCD3.cmd

Now you have new BCD file in the c:\PXEServer\TFTPRoot\Boot

4 ) Run your TFTPD32 server and boot the client

Wow works fine

But we have a menu' with 3 identical ites

- Ramdisk Option

If you change this parameter in to CreateBCD3.cmd

from

Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /create {ramdiskoptions} /d "Ramdisk options"

to

Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /create {ramdiskoptions} /d "WinPE"

Now you have menu' with 3 items

- WinPe

I would change this menu' !!

For example

- Winpe1

- Winpe2

- Winpe3

Any suggestion

Ciao Ciao

Bumbastik

Edited November 7, 2008 by Bumbastik

**jaclaz** · November 8, 2008

If you change this parameter in to CreateBCD3.cmd

Sure, the batch will create identical entries.

You need to change the BCD description directly from Command Line. (or modify the batch)

For example:
bcdedit /set {802d5e32-0784-11da-bd33-000476eba25f} description "My Favorite OS"

You see the difference between the create command that is in the batch and the set command in the given example, do you?

jaclaz

**Bumbastik** · November 10, 2008

Hi ,

I have tried but the result is the same -- > desn't work

This is my script ( 2 items )

Rem Creates BCD (boot configuration data) for three Windows PE 2.0 images
set BCD-File=c:\PXEServer\Tftproot\Boot\BCD
del %BCD-File%
Bcdedit /createstore %BCD-File%
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /create {ramdiskoptions} /d "Ramdisk options"
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set {ramdiskoptions} ramdisksdidevice  boot
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set {ramdiskoptions} ramdisksdipath  \boot\boot.sdi


for /f "tokens=1-3" %%a in ('Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /create /d "WinPE x86" /application osloader') do set guid1=%%c
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid1% systemroot \Windows
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid1% detecthal Yes
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid1% winpe Yes
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid1% osdevice ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86.wim,{ramdiskoptions}
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid1% device ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86.wim,{ramdiskoptions}

BCDedit /store c:\PXEServer\TFTPRoot\Boot\BCD /set %guid1%  description "WinPe1"

for /f "tokens=1-3" %%a in ('Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /create /d "WinPE x86 2" /application osloader') do set guid2=%%c
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid2% systemroot \Windows
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid2% detecthal Yes
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid2% winpe Yes
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid2% osdevice ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86_2.wim,{ramdiskoptions}
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set %guid2% device ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86_2.wim,{ramdiskoptions}

BCDedit /store c:\PXEServer\TFTPRoot\Boot\BCD /set %guid2% description "WinPe2"

Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /create {bootmgr} /d "Windows VISTA BootManager" Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set {bootmgr} timeout 60
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /set {bootmgr} displayorder %guid1% %guid2% 
Bcdedit /store %BCD-File% /enum all

I have an error

C:\PXEServer>Bcdedit /store c:\PXEServer\Tftproot\Boot\BCD /set {bootmgr} displayorder {d4c3277e-af2e-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18} {d60c2c02-af2e-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18}  
[b]An error occurred while attempting to reference the specified entry.
The system cannot find the file specified.[/b]

C:\PXEServer>Bcdedit /store c:\PXEServer\Tftproot\Boot\BCD /enum all 

Windows Boot Loader
-------------------
identifier              {d4c3277e-af2e-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18}
device                  ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86.wim,{ramdiskoptions}
description             WinPe1
osdevice                ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86.wim,{ramdiskoptions}
systemroot              \Windows
detecthal               Yes
winpe                   Yes

Windows Boot Loader
-------------------
identifier              {d60c2c02-af2e-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18}
device                  ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86_2.wim,{ramdiskoptions}
description             WinPe2
osdevice                ramdisk=[boot]\Boot\winpe_x86_2.wim,{ramdiskoptions}
systemroot              \Windows
detecthal               Yes
winpe                   Yes

Setup Ramdisk Options
---------------------
identifier              {ramdiskoptions}
description             Ramdisk options
ramdisksdidevice        boot
ramdisksdipath          \boot\boot.sdi

Now If I run tftp32 the system return a BCD error

2 test

- Run CreateBCD.cmd ( original file )

- Create a second cmd file only for change ID

BCDedit /store c:\PXEServer\TFTPRoot\Boot\BCD /set {453c05f8-af1a-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18} description "WinPe1"

BCDedit /store c:\PXEServer\TFTPRoot\Boot\BCD /set {467b8114-af1a-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18} description "WinPe2"

Run Tftpd 32 and client . In this case Winpe works fine but I have the menu with identical items

- Ram Option

Any Suggstion

Thanks a lot

Ciao

Bumbastik

**jaclaz** · November 10, 2008

I don't have Vista (you see why I am a rather happy guy, don't you ) so I cannot help you as much as I would like but you cannot "invent" the syntax like you would like it to be, this line seems to me WRONG:

Bcdedit /store c:\PXEServer\Tftproot\Boot\BCD /set {bootmgr} displayorder {d4c3277e-af2e-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18} {d60c2c02-af2e-11dd-83c2-0002b3cc4b18}

you cannot pass two parameters to /set displayorder.

Or may be you have a timing problem?

Some further reference:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms791568.aspx

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc721886.aspx

See if this helps:

http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=4197

Why don't you try using one of the GUI utilities to modifiy the store if you are not confident enough in batch/command line syntax?

http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1

http://www.vistabootpro.org/

jaclaz

Edited November 10, 2008 by jaclaz

**Stratuscaster** · January 28, 2009

Has anyone gone any further with this?

I'm experiencing the same issue - every menu entry in the Windows Boot Manager that is created in the BCD reads "Ramdisk options" - using the "BCDedit /store *path*\TFTPRoot\Boot\BCD /set {guid} description "WinPe1"" command changes nothing.

The enum shows this description has been changed for the GUID entry, but that description never shows.

The booting of the different WIMs works fine - but a user doesn't know what WIM he is selecting since each name is the same.

Using EasyBCD or VistaBootPro doesn't seem to offer a way to change it either - it's not a matter of "not knowing the syntax."

Edited January 28, 2009 by Stratuscaster

**Stratuscaster** · January 29, 2009

Problem solved.

The BOOTMGR.EXE in the latest WAIK is the culprit. Using the BOOTMGR.EXE from a previous WAIK displays the menu items correctly.

**jaclaz** · January 29, 2009

Problem solved.
The BOOTMGR.EXE in the latest WAIK is the culprit. Using the BOOTMGR.EXE from a previous WAIK displays the menu items correctly.

Could you please state exact version of BOOTMGR.EXE's?

"latest WAIK" and "a previous WAIK" are a bit labile as references...

jaclaz

**Stratuscaster** · January 29, 2009

The working BOOTMGR I have is version 6.0.6000.16386.

The non-working BOOTMGR is version 6.0.6001.18000.

The solution was found in this thread:

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=114711&hl=

Edited January 29, 2009 by Stratuscaster

**confused_ka** · February 11, 2009

The multiple BCD is a cool thing, but did any of you guys managed to add LOCALBOOT as a default entry?

I dont know how to set it to localboot so when there is no user interaction and the timeout is done, it should boot to local instead of booting a windows PE image....(like the first one in order...)

anyone knows a solution?

Edited February 12, 2009 by confused_ka

**Stratuscaster** · February 16, 2009

In our environment, localboot is done by not hitting F12 to PXEBOOT - so there was no need.

That, and we boot to PXELINUX first - that provides a localboot option.

Sign In

Multi Boot and TFTP32

Recommended Posts

Bumbastik

jaclaz

Bumbastik

Bumbastik

jaclaz

Bumbastik

jaclaz

Bumbastik

jaclaz

Stratuscaster

Stratuscaster

jaclaz

Stratuscaster

confused_ka

Stratuscaster

Please sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0 members

Activity

Browse