Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: Yander on February 10, 2006, 04:08:11 pm

Title: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: Yander on February 10, 2006, 04:08:11 pm

For my school's radio telescope, we need a PC in the telescope on the roof. Because the telescope is going to be outside we are trying to keep as many of the PC components inside. I was wondering what is needed and how to have a computer with no hardrive, to boot windows and some software from a server in our control room. We would probably need to use windows server 2003 because of requirements of the school district and it is available, but anything that would allow remote desktop is possible.

Title: Re: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: Ed_McCarron on February 10, 2006, 04:37:36 pm

I remember back in the olden days, we would put boot roms on our network card and boot off the server...

But this was DOS stuff.  Can windows do the same?

Title: Re: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: USSEnterprise on February 10, 2006, 07:30:12 pm

Do it the old way. Stick a serial terminal at the telescope. Connect it to a master computer. A PDP-11 might work. :P

Title: Re: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: SteveJ34 on February 10, 2006, 11:58:39 pm

Perhaps not the remote boot option you asked for but compact alternative for a 5gb boot drive....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=22-998-003&depa=0

and

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=ST650211CF&cat=FLM


Not sure of the OS you are needing to boot but here's a walk thru for XP setup that demonstrates even smaller card would work....

http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/425/how-to_boot_windows

Title: Re: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: Yander on February 12, 2006, 11:29:27 am

Quote from: SteveJ34 on February 10, 2006, 11:58:39 pm

Perhaps not the remote boot option you asked for but compact alternative for a 5gb boot drive....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=22-998-003&depa=0

and

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=ST650211CF&cat=FLM


Not sure of the OS you are needing to boot but here's a walk thru for XP setup that demonstrates even smaller card would work....

http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/425/how-to_boot_windows

Yeah I think we will end up doing this. It is easier, and we have enough money to burn from fundraising.

Title: Re: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: Santoro on February 12, 2006, 12:30:15 pm

Google 'XP PXE Boot' and you will find what you need.  Your Mobo BIOS  has to support it. 

Title: Re: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: Santoro on February 12, 2006, 12:33:34 pm

Quote from: Ed_McCarron on February 10, 2006, 04:37:36 pm

I remember back in the olden days, we would put boot roms on our network card and boot off the server...

Ah the memories. :)

Title: Re: Booting a PC with no harddrive from a server
Post by: Yander on February 13, 2006, 08:03:14 am

Quote from: Santoro on February 12, 2006, 12:30:15 pm

Google 'XP PXE Boot' and you will find what you need.  Your Mobo BIOS  has to support it. 

Seems to be just what I was looking for. Thanks.