In this KB, we will understand the usage of BitRaser Drive Eraser software via PXE Boot over a network.
PXE (usually pronounced as pixie) is a standardized client-server environment that allows you to boot a computer from a network without the need to connect any local (USB, CD/DVD, HDD, SSD) bootable media to the server. Commonly used in networked environments, PXE can help you deploy OS (Operating System) and software over multiple systems simultaneously.
PXE Boot deployment of BitRaser Drive Eraser software is a preferred choice for large and mid-sized ITAD (IT Asset Disposition) companies as it brings scalability to their operations, and helps significantly reduce the time and labor involved in performing data erasure. A single technician can erase up to 65,000 drives over a network with BitRaser deployment via PXE boot. PXE deployment also helps maintain a standardized approach throughout the data erasure process, thereby minimizing the chances of human error.
Key Requirements:
- Machine Type: Standard Server Machine with Minimum 16 GB RAM
- Server OS: Windows Server 2016 or 2019
- Switch: Unmanaged Network Switch
- Active Directory Configuration
- DNS Configuration
- DHCP Configuration
- WDS Configuration
- IIS Server Configuration
- Other: Ethernet Cables
How to Deploy BitRaser Drive Eraser Via PXE Boot?
Our dedicated BitRaser PXE Deployment team will coordinate to understand your current network setup and requirements to perform bulk data eraser of drives over a network for seamless deployment of BitRaser Drive Eraser software.
You may also write to us via the ‘Support’ section to get started with PXE boot deployment. Once our team does the deployment you can follow the below steps to start erasing drives and devices over a network.
Steps to Erase Drives Using BitRaser Over a Network via PXE Boot:
Step 1: Download ‘BitRaser Drive Eraser Network Cloud Variant ISO’ on your server machine from the ‘Download BitRaser’ section of your secure BitRaser Cloud account. Use the login credentials shared on your registered e-mail ID post-purchase of the BitRaser Drive Eraser software to log in to the BitRaser Cloud Console. (Refer to Image 1)
Image 1: Download the BitRaser Drive Eraser Network Cloud Variant ISO
Step 2: Power on the connected servers and machines. Go to the boot menu by repeatedly pressing the ‘F12’ key (The key may vary according to the device manufacturer). Once you see the ‘Boot Menu’, select ‘ONBOARD NIC (IPV4)’ and press ‘enter’. (Refer to Image 2)
Note: ONBOARD NIC (IPV4) ensures that the system will boot from the onboard Network Interface Card (NIC) using the Internet Protocol version 4 (IPV4), which is essential for initiating a PXE boot.
Image 2: Device Boot Menu Select ONBOARD NIC (IPV4)
Step 3: Restart the device, now it will boot over a network (PXE Boot). (Refer to Image 3)
Image 3: PXE Booting Screen
Step 4: You will see the ‘BITRASER NETWORK BOOT’ screen and it will list all the ISO files that you have saved on your computer. Select ‘BitRaser_x86_64-Network’ and press ‘enter’. (Refer to Image 4)
Image 4: BitRaser Network Boot Screen
Step 5: Now you will see the ‘BitRaser Boot Menu’. Select BitRaser and press ‘enter’. (Refer to Image 5)
Image 5: BitRaser Boot Menu
Once the client machine has booted using the BitRaser Drive Eraser software, you will be able to see all the drives connected with it on the BitRaser main interface. (Refer to Image 6)
Image 6: BitRaser Drive Eraser Main Interface
Now, you are ready to wipe multiple machines simultaneously over a network using PXE boot.
Step 6: Connect to the internet using the settings option. You can connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Log in to the BitRaser Cloud account using your credentials to get access to your erasure licenses to wipe drives and devices.
Step 7: Select the Erasure Method, Verification type, and the drives that you want to erase and, then click ‘Erase’.
Note: If you have customized your BitRaser_Cloud_Network ISO then you can skip Step 7. To know
how to customize BitRaser ISO you can read our article.
Once the erasure process is completed, all data on your drives has been completely erased and detailed erasure reports have been automatically uploaded to your secure BitRaser Cloud account.
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