PSA: I used to rely on a bootable USB for every Windows install, but now I just use the network.

After a job in Austin last month where three different flash drives failed on me, I switched to PXE booting from a local server. It saves me maybe 15 minutes per machine and I never worry about corrupted media anymore. Has anyone else made that jump, or is it still too much setup for a small shop?

3 comments

3 Comments

carter.gavin2d ago

Honestly, I'm still over here with my drawer full of flash drives like a digital hoarder. I tried to set up a PXE server once and got lost in the config files for an entire Saturday. My network boot just boots to my own confusion.

averymartin2d ago

Got lost in the config files" is the real story. What part finally made you throw your hands up?

grantmartinez2d ago

Honestly that drawer full of flash drives is the real backup plan. When the network goes down, you're still good to go.