PC Imaging: Instructions

Initial Setup Guide for New Machines

When setting up a new machine from the factory, some physical and BIOS-level configurations must be made to ensure proper functionality. Follow the steps below to prepare your machine for deployment.

Physical Setup Steps

1. Disconnect Secondary Drives
   Disconnect any secondary drives where you do not intend to install the operating system (OS) image. This prevents accidental installation on unintended drives.

2. Use the Same Network Interface Card (NIC)
   Always connect the network cable to the same NIC.

   • This is critical for machines with multiple NICs, as FOG (Free Open Ghost) uses the MAC address to identify the computer.

   • Switching the active port can cause identification and deployment issues.

BIOS Configuration Steps

1. Enable IPv4 PXE Booting

   • Ensure that IPv4 PXE Boot is enabled in the boot options.

   • This allows network booting, which is essential for deploying images using tools like FOG.

2. Configure Secure Boot

   • If Secure Boot supports an “Audit” mode, enable it.

   • Otherwise, disable Secure Boot entirely.

3. Set Drive Operating Mode

   • Ensure the drive operating mode is set to AHCI.

   • Avoid selecting RAID, unless explicitly required by your use case.

4. Disable IPv6 UEFI Boot

   • Locate the IPv6 UEFI Boot option and disable it.

5. Adjust DMA Protection (if applicable)

   • Some models may require DMA Protection to be turned off. Check your system documentation or configuration requirements for this setting.

6. Disable MAC Address Randomization (if applicable)

   • Ensure that MAC address randomization is disabled in the BIOS or operating system settings.

   • This prevents the system from generating random MAC addresses, which can interfere with network-based identification and imaging tools such as FOG.

Machine Registration and Imaging Steps

1. Reboot and Access the Boot Menu

   • Reboot the computer and repeatedly tap the F12 key until the boot menu appears.

   • From the boot menu, select the NIC (IPv4) PXE Boot option.

2. PXE Boot to FOG Menu

   • The machine will now attempt to PXE boot.

   • Once the FOG menu appears, use the down arrow key to highlight the option “Perform Full Registration and Inventory”.

   • Select this option.

3. Enter FOG Credentials

   • You will be prompted to enter the FOG username and password.

   • Obtain these credentials from your campus Network Technician.

4. Complete Registration

   • Answer all questions on the registration screen.

   • Once completed, the machine will automatically reboot.

5. Boot Again and Start Imaging

   • After the reboot, repeatedly tap the F12 key to access the boot menu again.

   • Select the NIC (IPv4) PXE Boot option once more.

   • This time, the machine will PXE boot and automatically begin the imaging process.

6. Post-Imaging Patience

   • After imaging, the computer may take a significant amount of time to automatically install snapins and join the domain.

   • Be patient and allow the process to complete. Interrupting this step could cause setup issues.