If a number of computers attempt to simultaneously start up as NetBoot clients, some may not successfully do so. You can change the configuration of the NetBoot server to reduce the size of shadow images for clients during the startup process. This allows the server to handle more clients simultaneously.

Symptom

If a number of computers attempt to simultaneously start up as NetBoot clients, some may not successfully do so. Instead, they seek other startup devices, such as their internal hard disk. Additionally, entries are added to the /var/log/system.log file stating that the image couldn't be added.

Products affected

• Mac OS X Server 1.2
• Macintosh computer configured as a NetBoot client with Mac OS 8.6 or later installed

Solution

Change the configuration of the NetBoot server to reduce the size of shadow images for clients during the startup process. This allows the server to handle more clients simultaneously. Shadow images are initially created at system startup time to be the same size as the shared "NetBoot HD.img" file and then truncated to 128 K before the computer finishes starting up. Follow these steps to change the server's configuration:

1. Open the NetInfoManager application by choosing System Administration from the Apple menu, then choosing NetInfoManager from the submenu.

2. Click to select config in the leftmost list of the Directory Browser.

3. Click to select NetBootServer in the center list of the Directory Browser.

4. Click to select any line in the list contained in the bottom half of the window. (This makes the list the focus of NetInfoManager and causes the menubar to change.)

5. Choose New Property from the Directory menu.

6. Double-click "new_property" in the bottom half of the window and change it to "shadow_size_meg".

7. Choose New Value from the Directory menu.

8. Double-click new_value and change it to 1.

9. Save your changes.

10. Restart the server.

Figure 1 NetInfoManager window