ERPXE:FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)


What is ERPXE?

ERPXE is an open source PXE solution. Learn more on the About ERPXE page.

What is PXE?

from wikipedia: [[1]] "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."

In practice, this means you can boot computers over the network without any other boot media (hard drive, CD-ROM or USB). PXE normally leaves your local storage — hard drives and USB drives — untouched, so you can carry out a range of tasks from PXE without affecting your computer (unless you choose to).

What can i do with ERPXE? (and any PXE)

Quite a lot, in fact:

  • repair or modify an installed OS from the outside
  • remove viruses
  • resize or change partitions, including the system partition
  • back up and restore your entire hard drive
  • run hardware diagnostic tests

…and much 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.

Put simply, it is a protocol your computer uses to talk to a server and download files; PXE relies on it mainly because of its simplicity.

What is TFTP Client and TFTPD Server?

Client: the computer you want to boot using PXE. Server: a machine (virtual or physical) that acts as the TFTP server for those clients.

Where can I get a TFTP Server?

Plenty of free TFTP server solutions exist for Linux, Windows and MacOS.

The simplest route is to download and use our pre-installed, pre-configured Virtual Machine, which already includes a TFTP server. You can also customize your own machine and host the TFTP server on another OS. For details, follow the Installation instructions.

I can use any TFTP server I want?

Yes — as long as it works :)

Windows Deployment

How to Install Windows using ERPXE

Use whichever cloning and deployment solution you prefer to duplicate, back up or deploy any system you need.

Can I deploy my windows image to any pc?

No — you first need to create a universal Windows image. For example: [Windows XP] [Windows 7]