Template:Network Booting

☐ Connect to the Free Geek network via an ethernet cable. You can find these in all Reuse areas.
☐ Boot into BIOS.
☐ Find the section for setting boot options. Set the following boot order:

First:    Optical Drive
Second:   Hard Drive
Third:    Network Device (also called LAN, Onboard NIC, or PXE)

• Disable or ignore other devices.
  

☐ Save changes and exit BIOS.
☐ Boot to the network:

• The process is similar to entering BIOS. You can usually hit a shortcut key right after startup.
• F12 is the most common shortcut key. Otherwise look for a boot device list key.
• If there is no hard drive or optical disk installed in your system, you should automatically boot to the network menu.

Troubleshooting steps:

• Check the ethernet cable you are using for damage. These cables are used a lot, and wear out.
• Double-check your BIOS boot order settings. They may not have saved for various reasons.
• Check to see if there is a light on the laptop's ethernet port; this light shows that the port recognizes the cable. If you think the port is broken, ask your instructor for help.