Spanning Tree Protocol can cause PXE boot failure on Dell systems
Summary: This article describes workarounds for Spanning Tree Protocol issues on newer Dell systems while attempting to image across a network.
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This article is not tied to any specific product.
Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Symptoms
This article describes workarounds for Spanning Tree Protocol issues that may arise on newer Dell systems while attempting to image across a network.
Newer Dell systems may experience difficulties with Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) boot imaging across a network when using the Spanning Tree Protocol. The Spanning Tree Protocol is common to Dell, Cisco, and other managed switches. Newer Dell System BIOS have a limited time-out when PXE booting to a system during the imaging process. This means that the system may be unable to receive Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) information when the switch offers the response. If the Spanning Tree Protocol is suspected, the following workaround may resolve the issue:
Delay the PXE DHCP request until the system is prepared to listen:
- Press the Pause button on the keyboard when the DHCP cursor starts spinning on the display.
- Wait approximately 30 seconds, then press the Up Arrow to resume the DHCP process.
Note: If the DHCP response is not received by the third
"dot" displayed on the progress tracker, the system effectively times out and ceases listening for a DHCP response even though dots continue to display.
Cause
See above.
Resolution
See above.
Affected Products
PowerConnect 3248, PowerConnect 5224Article Properties
Article Number: 000149063
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 08 Apr 2026
Version: 5
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