[syslinux] PXE -> tftp -> WinPE vs NForce 4

[Eli Stair]

There are issues with a number of versions of the PXE BIOS used on the NIC hardware for NF4 and 2200 chipsets.  Those I've run into mask the IRQ or some registers, and after booting the hardware can be seen but isn't controllable.  Worse is the fact that in every instance I've seen this it's semi-random.

Check your vendor/OEM for updated SBIOS that will include the updated PXE BIOS.

Of course, your problem may not be related...

/eli

-----Original Message-----
From: syslinux-bounces at zytor.com on behalf of Klaus Jõgi 
Sent: Sun 3/26/2006 4:24 AM
To: syslinux at zytor.com
Subject: [syslinux] PXE -> tftp -> WinPE vs NForce 4
 
Hi
The setup, as in the subject, is supposed to boot a Winpe to install
xp to a clean PC.
I use the Ramdisk method (ie PXELinux pases the setup on to the M$
pxe loader and and boots WinPE)
It works perfectly with evry other chipset, but Nvidias NForce 4.
(tested 15 different)
With NF4 it loads up well but the M$ PnP routine detects the Network
management bus wrong (nvidia specific approach to first load a bus
driver and after that the real NIC driver)
I wouldn't mind too much, as the Nvidias chipset is known to be weird
but...
The same Ramdisk method WORKS all the way if booting the ramdisk from
a CD. Like all the same files and everything.. but not over
PXE -> TFTP but straight from CD.
Now this indicates, that the PXE communication or the universal NIC
driver has something to do with the problem.
It could be, that the universal PXE NIC driver (or some part of it)
stays loaded into the momory and blocks the M$ PnP from understanding
the device HWID' right (it detects the device PCI/DEV../../ 0056 instead
of 57 which is the correct bus id) and therefore failing to install the
NIC on the bus. 
I understand, that this is probably M$'s PnP logic problem or even
more the NVidias approach problem... but they don't care.
Could any of You kind peaple help me out with a suggestion or
some pointers?
I'd be very thankfull:)
Klaus 
 
 
 
 
 


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