How To Fix “Start PXE Over IPV4” Error

If the PC is attempting to boot from PXE, it signifies that it has exhausted all other options. This may indicate that your hard drive and other boot devices were unavailable during boot. Please read the article for further information on how to address this issue.

The boot process of a computer can occasionally throw curveballs, even for seasoned tech enthusiasts. One such curveball is the “Start PXE Over IPV4” message. Let’s dive deep into understanding this message, its causes, and how to address any related challenges.

What is Start PXE Over IPV4?

PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment) is a method that allows computers to boot up using a network source, as opposed to a local storage device. When a computer says “Start PXE Over IPV4”, it’s trying to start the computer via a network boot process over the IPV4 protocol.

Causes of the Start PXE Over IPV4 Error

Several reasons can lead to the appearance of this message:

  • Boot Sequence Issues: The computer might have its boot sequence set in the BIOS or UEFI to try network booting before other methods, such as from an SSD or HDD.
  • Hard Drive Failures: If the primary storage device (like an HDD or SSD) fails, the system might default to trying a network boot.
  • Loose or Damaged Cables: A loose SATA cable can prevent the system from recognizing the primary boot device, leading to a PXE attempt.

Method 1: The Boot Device Must Be Enabled

It is possible that your hard drive’s default boot order would need to be restored if an error of this type were to occur, in which case you would need to reassign it as the primary boot device.

Start PXE Over IPV4

The steps involved in this procedure affect crucial settings, so make sure to pay attention and carry them out correctly.

Step 1: After powering on the PC, quickly start tapping the Setup key roughly once per second until the Computer Setup Utility appears. Your computer should prompt you to Press to Run Setup when you press this key.

Step 2: Select Security with the right arrow key, then use the down arrow to pick Secure Boot Configuration and finally click Enter to implement.

Step 3: A caution message occurs before you can access this menu. To access the Secure Boot Configuration menu, hit the F10 key.

Step 4: Once you click it, a menu called Secure Boot Configuration will pop up.

Step 5: Select Secure Boot with the arrow down key, then use the arrow on the right to change the setting to “Disable.”

Step 6: Select Legacy Support using the drop-down menu and then click the right arrow key to toggle the setting to the “Enable” position.

Step 7: To save your edits, hit F10.

Step 8: To confirm, use the left arrow key to open the File menu, then select Save Changes and Exit with the down arrow key and Enter to confirm.

Step 9: After the Computer Setup Utility has finished, the machine will restart. After the computer has finished restarting, you can power it down.

When the boot menu appears, you must know which option to choose in order to restart the computer from the hard drive. Your computer will ask you to select the boot device. Just stick to these steps and your computer will swiftly boot from the hard drive.

Step 1: To activate the computer, click the power button. A notification that the boot mode has changed displayed at startup.

Step 2: Input the four-digit code displayed on the screen, and hit Enter to accept the new settings.

Step 3: Turn the machine off by pressing the power button, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on while simultaneously pressing the Escape key rapidly (approximately once per second) until the Startup menu appears.

Step 4: To access the Boot Menu, hit the F9 key.

Step 5: If your hard drive isn’t already selected in the boot menu, use the arrow keys to move down the list and then press Enter to confirm your selection. First, you should try restarting your computer to see if it helps.

Method 2: To Disable Wake on LAN, go into The System’s BIOS And Turn it Off.

If you are comfortable booting into BIOS yourself, which you have demonstrated you are if you tried the way above, disabling this option has done wonders for folks who weren’t successful with any other method, and the procedure is relatively easy to pull off.

Step 1: Use the Start menu > Power > Shut down to power off your machine.

Step 2: In order to access the BIOS, you will need to restart your computer and hit the appropriate key while the system boots up. The BIOS key is usually labelled “Press __ to enter Setup” on the boot screen. In most cases, you’ll need F1, F2, Del, Esc, and F10 to access the BIOS. Keep in mind that the message will disappear really quickly, so you’ll have to act swiftly.

Step 3: In order to modify the Wake on LAN setting, you will need to use a BIOS firmware tool; however, there is no standard way to identify this setting. It’s usually in a submenu titled “Power” or “Options,” or “Advanced,” or something similar.

Step 4: You can disable the Wake-On-LAN feature by finding it in the BIOS configuration menu and setting it to the Disabled position.

Step 5: Click the Exit button to leave the Saving Changes screen. Doing so will continue the boot process; therefore, you should verify whether or not the issue reappears after this.

Why is Start PXE Over IPv4 Not Loading?

If you’re seeing the PXE message but the boot process doesn’t progress, possible reasons include:

  • No Network Boot Server: PXE requires a server to boot from, and if none exists or there’s a misconfiguration, the boot will hang.
  • Network Issues: Issues like faulty cables or problematic network cards can prevent a successful PXE boot.

How Do I Stop My Computer from Booting PXE?

To stop your computer from attempting a PXE boot:

  1. Enter the BIOS or UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or DEL during startup).
  2. Navigate to the boot sequence or boot order section.
  3. Rearrange the boot order to prioritize local storage devices above network boot.
  4. Save changes and exit.

Does PXE Boot Work Over WIFI?

Traditionally, PXE boot is implemented over a wired connection, and many BIOS/UEFI firmware versions do not support PXE booting over WiFi. However, some advanced setups and specific enterprise solutions might allow PXE over WiFi, but it’s not standard.

How to Set PXE Boot in DHCP?

For PXE to work, your DHCP server (which assigns IP addresses on your network) needs to provide the necessary boot information:

  1. Open your DHCP management console.
  2. Create a new option (often “Option 66”) to point to the PXE server’s hostname or IP address.
  3. Set another option (usually “Option 67”) to point to the boot file provided by the PXE server.
  4. Save and apply these settings.

How Long Does It Take for PXE to Boot?

The time taken for PXE to boot varies based on network conditions, server speed, and the size of the boot image. Generally, if everything is set up correctly, it should take just a few minutes. Extended wait times can signal issues with the configuration or network.

How Do I Reset My PXE?

If you’re facing persistent issues with PXE, consider:

  1. Checking the configuration settings on both the PXE server and the DHCP.
  2. Restarting the PXE server.
  3. Reviewing network conditions and ensuring all connections are secure and functioning.

In Conclusion

While the “Start PXE Over IPV4” message can be daunting at first glance, understanding its intricacies provides clarity. Whether you’re looking to utilize PXE boot intentionally or trying to prevent an unintentional network boot, a grasp of the fundamentals can guide you to a seamless computing experience.

Always remember to backup essential data and consult with IT professionals for complex configurations.