How To Install Any Operating System Over The Network (PXE Boot) using iVentoy

iVentoy allows you to install Windows, Linux, or other operating systems directly over the network using PXE Boot. This eliminates the need for USB drives and makes deployment or recovery faster and more efficient.

Setup iVentoy PXE Server

• Download iVentoy: Get the correct version (Windows or Linux) from the official site.
• Extract the Package: Ensure the folder path has no spaces or Unicode characters.
• Add ISO Files: Copy ISO files into the iso directory. Subdirectories are allowed for organization. Avoid spaces or Unicode in filenames.
• Automation Files (Optional): Place unattended installation files (e.g., unattended.xml) into user/scripts. Multiple automation files per OS are supported.

Run iVentoy

• Run iVentoy as Administrator.
• Allow access when prompted by Windows Firewall.
• Access Web GUI:
  • Windows: Opens automatically at http://127.0.0.1:26000 or http://x.x.x.x:26000.
  • Linux: Access via another computer’s browser using the server’s IP.
• Assign a static private IP to the host machine to avoid configuration issues.

Configure iVentoy GUI

• ISO Management: Refresh the GUI to list ISO files or upload directly.
• Automation: Assign unattended scripts to ISOs via the Auto Script column.
• Injection: Inject drivers or scripts into the runtime environment using the Injection column.

DHCP Server Mode Configuration

• Internal: iVentoy acts as the only DHCP server. Best for isolated PXE environments.
• External: Coexists with an existing DHCP server, automatically delivering PXE boot files.
• ExternalNet: Used across different networks/VLANs. Requires manual DHCP configuration.
• Proxy / ProxyNet: For routers that cannot be configured with PXE options. ProxyNet is recommended for most setups.
• Secondary DHCP option may need adjustment depending on your environment.

Boot Information & Startup

• Select your host machine’s static IP.
• Define IP pool ranges for booting clients.
• Configure Subnet Mask and Gateway if required.
• Click the green Play button to start PXE service.

Client Machine Preparation (BIOS/UEFI)

• Enable Network Boot (PXE Boot) in BIOS.
• Disable Secure Boot (required for iVentoy).
• Optionally set Network Boot as the first boot priority.

Client Machine Booting

• Restart the client machine and press Boot Menu key (F12, F11, or F8).
• Select Network Boot / PXE Boot.
• Choose the OS ISO from the iVentoy PXE menu.
• Select normal boot or unattended installation if configured.
• Proceed with OS installation.

Notes

• Some ISO files may not boot perfectly; iVentoy supports most but not all.
• This setup supports Windows, Linux, and recovery ISOs like Hiren’s BootCD PE and SystemRescue.

By setting up iVentoy PXE Boot, you can deploy or recover operating systems across multiple machines without physical media. This method is ideal for IT environments, test labs, and advanced home users who want efficient network-based installations.