Problem with PXE boot on R6

Question

Hi Guys. Asking here as part of my troubleshooting process. I have a new Alienware Aurora R6. We utilize this machine in a Library environment for data virtualization. That means I generally tend to image/capture all my machine builds utilizing MDT.   My problem is that I simply cannot get this machine to properly PXE boot. It’s sporting the Killer E2400 NIC. I’ve installed every driver I possible could on my MDT Server for the PXE boot, but this card simply will not establish a PXE connection. It sees the media cable just fine, but that’s as far as it gets.   What I get is: >>Checking Media Presence……. >>Media Preesnt……. >>Start PXE over IPv4.   And then nothing. My MDT Server is fine. My network PXE infrastructure is fine. Everything along these lines works with all other machines, except this single Alienware (We’re Latitude and Precision heavy). I never had this problem with older Alienwares that were utilizing Broadcom NICs.   So does anyone have an idea I should try. Maybe you know something I don’t? Maybe a BIOS setting I’m simply not seeing or understanding?   Thanks!

Tesla1856 · Answer

What version is your BIOS?   There are not really any 'Release notes' but IIRC, we are up to v1.0.4 already.

Tesla1856 · Answer

There are some Advanced options. Check Wake on LAN, and does UEFI/Legacy and/or SecureBoot matter?

Maybe disable the WiFi or pull it out?

You could always drop in a little PCIe NIC. Seems like that would eliminate on-board Killer e2400 from equation.

DrClarke · Answer

Problem solved. It was indeed the SecureBoot section in the BIOS. Once I started fuddling through that, UEFI/Legacy unlocked and I was able to access more variables that resolved my issue.

Thanks for making my brain look at it in a different light.

DrClarke · Answer

Good call on the wireless. I pulled it for the fun of it, but exact same issue.

I cannot manipulate the UEFI/Legacy in the BIOS. SecureBoot is a new BIOS setting for me, so I'll research/test.

BIOS is indeed at v1.0.4

Tesla1856 · Answer

I think if you change SecureBoot to Disabled, you can set "Attempt Legacy Boot" to Enabled.

Unless you get lucky with a BIOS setting, sounds like Add-In PCIe NIC might be next move (if even just for troubleshooting).

PTL421 · Answer

DrClarke,

Mind sharing the exact settings you used?

Just to add, we have two R6 units, one with BIOS v1.0.1 and another at v1.0.4.

v1.0.1 - no problem PXE booting with UEFI and secure boot enabled

v1.0.4 - I can't get it to work at all

Going to test further on Monday.

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