Install pfsense on pxe

mikysal78

Hi,
my hardware is without cd-rom and usb is disabled in bios (old bios).
I've start the install over pxe with dhcp-server, tftp and nfs.
The installation fails to start bat disable the ethernet card….hangs and doesn't go.
in attachment is my block.

How can i go on installation?

Thanks.

pxe-pfsense.jpg_thumb

stephenw10

There is this: http://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Installing_pfSense#PXE
The easiest way to do this is to remove the hard drive and connect it to something that does have a CD-Rom drive. Install pfSense then move it back.

Steve

mikysal78

@stephenw10:

There is this: http://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Installing_pfSense#PXE

Try now with Sysresccd

@stephenw10:

The easiest way to do this is to remove the hard drive and connect it to something that does have a CD-Rom drive. Install pfSense then move it back.

I tried, does not work. I get an error reading the disk when I connect it to the hardware without cd-rom

But is there a way to don't disconnet the network during initial installatio?
I lose connetion with the TFTP Server and no longer able to continue….this is problem.

Thank Steve.
bye
Michele

stephenw10

I would expect it to fail at the mountroot> prompt because the HD is connected via a different IDE channel. That's normal and easy to get past. Type ? at the prompt to see what IDE devices are detected. Post here if it's not obvious.

Steve

mikysal78

@stephenw10:

I would expect it to fail at the mountroot> prompt because the HD is connected via a different IDE channel. That's normal and easy to get past. Type ? at the prompt to see what IDE devices are detected. Post here if it's not obvious.

Steve

Hi Steve,
And 'here that crashes.
is there a solution?
thanks.

Michele

pfsense_error.jpg_thumb

stephenw10

What hardware are you using? Please list as much as you can.

You are seeing a DMA error on the disk. I would try disabling UDMA in the bios if you can.

Steve

Edit: This could be a bad hard disk with dead sectors. Do you know it's history?

mikysal78

@stephenw10:

What hardware are you using? Please list as much as you can.

You are seeing a DMA error on the disk. I would try disabling UDMA in the bios if you can.

Steve

Machine is FabiaTech FX5420
http://www.fabiatech.com/a/file/product/Q5420.pdf
http://www.sisav.it/reti/datasheet/fx5420.pdf

No, i don't choose dma in the bios…is old bios! :(
Thanks.
Michele

stephenw10

What sort of BIOS is it? I'm surprised it doesn't have any dma options. You could try setting the HD to LBA instead.
I see that box has a CF card slot. Have you considered using that instead?
Can it boot from USB? There's a USB stick install image you can use instead of a CD.

Steve

mikysal78

@stephenw10:

What sort of BIOS is it? I'm surprised it doesn't have any dma options. You could try setting the HD to LBA instead.
I see that box has a CF card slot. Have you considered using that instead?
Can it boot from USB? There's a USB stick install image you can use instead of a CD.

Steve

What's the image CF for installation? That replaces the CD and i install on my hdd?
I solve all the problems as well!
Thanks…

stephenw10

The nanobsd images are meant to be written to flash media, such as a CF card. PfSense will then boot directly from that. No hard drive needed.

The memstick images are used to create a bootable USB stick that you can use to install pfSense to the hard drive.

See: http://www.pfsense.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=44

Steve