Deployment Solution

So, this is a common issue BUT mine is a bit different I think.

Altiris 6.9 sp5 was installed on a virtual server for testing. After some work, we got it to reliably image windows 7 with no boot issue problems.

So we got a new dedicated server and installed 6.9 sp5 on it. Everything works except for booting after restoring the image. We have to boot from the disk and repair startup.

I have tried a number of things and all the job settings are the same except for 1.

On the restore image task, at the bottom there is a selection called "Automation Pre-boot environment". On the test server, I was able to select from Default Automation, WinPE(auto) x86 and x64, and WinPEPXE(auto) x86 and x64. I used WinPE(auto select) and it was perfect.

On the new server, I do not have these options, only Default Automation and nothing else.

My question is, how can I add these winPE selections in? I think that may solve my issue.

OK I think I know what is causing this. under the PXE configuration utility, the only option is auto-select under the boot menu tab.

My test server has winpepxe and winpe.

I should be able to add these but when I try to add something, I get an error that says I have not created a pxe boot image to match.

As I did not set this up, how do I create these pxe boot images?

where are you launching PXE config tool from? from the DS Console works better as it knows what paths are necessary to create images.

Nelo

Well, I got the winpe to create in the boot menu tab. Yes did it in the console->tools->pxe config.

Image still will not boot properly though. I just have not found why 1 server is working fine but the other one will not. Same service pack and all.

The server that has the issue restart the helper service. If it needs to update it will contact PXE manager in the DS and download the latest.

What helper service do I need to restart and where is it at? I checked under "services" and did not see it there.

The PXE server should have a service named Altiris PXE Config helper.  Restart the service, launch PXE Config tool and see status of the PXE server.

 I was able to select from Default Automation, WinPE(auto) x86 and x64, and WinPEPXE(auto) x86 and x64. I used WinPE(auto select) and it was perfect.

On the new server, I do not have these options, only Default Automation and nothing else.

You would need to create your own PXE menu items. If you have multiple menu items then you can select the "correct" one which you want from the job. However it should not make this difference, this would just allow you to select desired PXE menu option for specific job (if need to choose between different menu options with different drivers for example)