Apple Mac OS X Server (Administrator’s Guide) - Manual (Page 507)

NetBoot 507
The network disk image appears with a distinctive icon.
Starting Up Using the N Key
You can use this method to start up any supported client computer from a NetBoot disk
image. When you start up with the N key, the client computer starts up from the default
NetBoot disk image. (If there are multiple servers present, then the client starts up from the
default image of the first server to respond.)
If you have an older client computer that requires BootP for IP addressing, you must use this
method for starting up from a NetBoot disk image. These older computers do not support
selecting a NetBoot startup disk image from the Startup Disk control panel or preferences pane.
The N key also provides a way to start up client computers running Mac OS 8 or that do not
have system software installed. See “Setting Up “System-Less” Clients” on page 506.
To start up from a NetBoot disk image using the N key:
1 Turn on (or restart) your computer while holding the N key down on your keyboard.
Hold the N key down until the NetBoot icon appears in the center of the screen or an arrow
appears in the upper left corner of the screen.
2 If a login window appears, enter your name and password.
The network disk image has an icon typical of server volumes.
Solving Problems
A NetBoot Client Computer Won’t Start Up
m Sometimes a computer may not start up immediately because other computers are
putting a heavy demand on the network. Wait a few minutes and try starting up again.
m Make sure that all the cables are properly connected and that the computer and server are
getting power.
m If you installed memory or an expansion card in the client computer, make sure it is
installed properly.
m If the server has more than one Ethernet card, or you are using more than one port on a
multiport Ethernet card, check to see if other computers using the same card or port can
start up. If they can’t, check to be sure the Ethernet port you set up on the server is the
same port to which the client computer is connected. It’s easy to mistake Ethernet port 1
for Ethernet port 4 on a multiport card. On the cards that come preinstalled in Macintosh
servers, the ports are numbered 4, 3, 2, 1 (from left to right), if you’re looking at the back
of the computer.