Fedora NetInstall (Net Install) with gPXE and BFO (boot.fedoraproject.org)

This is guide with screenshots, howto install Fedora (currently Fedora 13) with gPXE and BFO (boot.fedoraproject.org). BFO combines a series of recent technologies to produce a new boot stack. The glue that holds everything together is gPXE. Boot method is similar to PXE Boot. It uses very small images (iso, floppy, disk) to bootstrap a machine that then contacts a remote server for boot information.

Why Should Use BFO Instaed of Normal Installer Image?

The BFO downloads are very small and once you have them, you’ll rarely have to download more. Even as more versions of Fedora come out, you just boot from your iso and they will appear. Users with fast internet connections will have the best experience with BFO. They basically replace having to regularly download large CD/DVD ISO images and burn them to disk. gPXE supports following techniques HTTP, DNS, TFTP, AoE, iSCSI, bzImage, COMBOOT, ELF, Multiboot, PXE, PXEXT.

Download Installation Image

Installer images found here.

ISO DVD/CD Image

Simply burn CD/DVD with your favourite program

USB Image

Add it to USB storage, with following command:


cat bfo.usb > /dev/sdX

## OR ##

dd if=bfo.usb of=/dev/sdX

Floppy Image

Add it to floppy disk, with following command:


cat bfo.dsk > /dev/fdX

## OR ##

dd if=bfo.dsk of=/dev/fdX

Boot with GRUB

Download lkrn image as root, with following command:


wget -O/boot/bfo.lkrn http://serverbeach1.fedoraproject.org/pub/alt/bfo/bfo.lkrn

Add to GRUB using Grubby, with following command:


grubby --add-kernel=/boot/bfo.lkrn --title="Boot BFO"

This guide uses basic BFO ISO image (bfo.iso, size 626 kB), but this works with any other option too.

Howto NetInstall (Net Install) Fedora with gPXE and BFO (boot.fedoraproject.org)

1. Booting with BFO image

2. BFO main boot menu

3. BFO boot menu – Select install image

4. Downloading installation media

5. Select language

6. Select keyboard layout type

7. Configure TCP/IP settings

8. Downloading Fedora install images

9. Anaconda installer started using downloaded images, select next

10. Select storage devices

11. Insert computer hostname

12. Select time zone

13. Enter a password for root user

14. Select type of installation

Read every options info carefully. And select encrypting if needed and option to review and modify partition layout.

15. Review partition layout

Modify if needed.

16. Configure boot loader options

17. Select softwares to install and enable repositories

Select customize package selection, if you want customize it.

18. Customize package selection

19. BFO Starting Installation Process

This take while, depending on package selection and Internet connection speed.

20. Installing packages

21. Installation is complete

Click reboot computer and remove installation media.