Linux Partitions and ZENworks for Desktops 3
Articles and Tips: qna
01 May 2001
Q.
Dear Ab-end: I'm using a Linux partition and ZENworks for Desktops 3. After I restored an image, the LILO boot loader disappeared. Now, the workstation boots only into NetWare, not Linux. Sometimes re-running LILO fixes it, but not always. In that case, I've had to re-install the Linux partition and lose NetWare.
Also, sometimes after I've restored an image onto the workstation and reboot it, the workstation stops at the LILO boot screen and displays only "LIL-". Then, the only thing I can do is re-install LILO. Can you help me with any of this? - Lying Low in Louisiana
A.
Dear Low: Try following these guidelines. They work for me.
Remove the HKLM\Software\Novell\Workstation Manager\Identification Key from the registry before you do any imaging. This prevents duplicate workstation object names in NDS.
When you create an image, create it manually (using the IMG MP command). I realize this approach isn't appealing for large networks, but I ran into problems when I took an image of a machine by using the properties of the workstation object. Then after I dropped it down to a new machine, it hung on the Lil~~ screen. It seems to work fine if I take the image manually by booting with the ZEN CD and using the IMG MP command. (Take an image of this machine on its next boot.)
Before you take an image of the machine, run FDISK /MBR, then upload the image manually.
I also run ZISCLEAR and then FDISK /MBR before I remove any partitions. ZISCLEAR seems to be the only utility that will remove the Linux Partition.
Taking an image of a machine without the ZEN partition present seems to be the best route. Boot with the ZEN CD and manually upload the image to the server. Then, install the ZEN partition on the machine and drop the image back down. I haven't had any problems with this approach. When ZISWIN runs, it updates the image safe data with the unique machine information just fine. I upload the image to a server, install the ZEN partition, then drop the image back down. Now, all you have to deal with is the fact that it reboots twice each time you reboot the machine.
I hope this helps. (Answer contributed by Michael A. Parillo, Novell, Inc.)
* Originally published in Novell AppNotes
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