What TFTP server are you using? Also, are these connected to a different switch?

the computer we're using as our Ghost Server is connected to a switch, where we connect our computers for creating / restoring images.

I'm using TFTPD32. Like I mentioned in the original post, this setup works for all other machines (optiplex 760, 755, 620, some compaqs, etc) and I've used this setup in a old job / at home plenty of times. That with finding other threads on this site about a similar issue makes it sound like this isn't a PXE issue, as I could connect another PC and it will work.

TFTPD32 loads the PXE file (same file I use on every computer) bringing the menu for which ghost image I want to load. Once it times out on the default or I hit enter on the selection I want, when it attempts to load ghost, it hangs on the "Transferring Image..." screen.

Thanks!

According to some forums:
http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19306517/19597284.aspx

Dell should release a BIOS update which should fix this issue.

However this issue seems to occour ONLY with PC-DOS PXE images.

We solved the issue using WinPE instead and adding the nic driver:

1) Make sure your have insalled at least Ghost 2.5 build 2141

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008091213121160

2) Download the NIC driver for Vista from the DELL website

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R234066&SystemID=PLX_780&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=11814&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=2&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=5&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&fileid=336829

3) add the driver to Winpe and recompile the PXE image:

http://service1.symantec.com/support/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008050916132860

4) Configure your TFTPD32 to use WinPE boot image:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008092410084360

P.S
you may want to add the switches -ja="sessioname" -sure in the parameter field to automate the process.

cheers!
 

I have optix 780 too, and i am trying create ghost image of the pc, i boot the pc with ghost bootable cd rom and  the pc hangs with the screen "Starting PC DOC...""

Any idea what's wrong.

Thanks
Jenefa

Probably PC-DOS doesn't support your SATA disk, that's why I would recommend to use WinPE instead and add the NIC driver as described in the comment above, however you could try the following:

1) Go to the BIOS and change the SATA Drive Operation to LEGACY

2) Try using the combination of switches: -FNI -FFX -NOIDE -NOUSB

http://service1.symantec.com/support/on-technology...

Thanks
Mark76

Dell have just released BIOS A3 which has resolved all pxe issues with the Optiplex 780

HI

Unable to noot on the Pxe with the released BIOS A3 for the optiplex 780 and revA19 for dell  E6400

message : PXE-E78 : Could not locate boot server

solution : i downgrade the version BIOS A18 for the DELL E6400

Question : the Pxe server need some upgrade for manage this version of BIOS ?

Changed the BIOS to A01

 I changed the PXE Boot and took out the x64 and "Edit Boot Image" without the x64.
I did get the latest NIC Drivers for the 780.
Opene PXE Server> PEX Configuration Utility Shared Configuration>Click on your WinPE inside "Boot Menu Options" and uncheck x64 and "edit boot image".
I hope this works for you.

DS 6.9 SP4