SuSE Linux Network Install
Many people have had problems doing a network install of SuSE Linux. In this guide I hope to clear up some of this confusion by providing step-by-step instructions. There is more than one way to accomplish this task. I willl do my best to cover all the bases, but should I miss one, please leave a comment. I will cover the FTP/HTTP network install methods.
To do an FTP/HTTP network install of SuSE Linux, you will need a pretty fast network connection. A standard SuSE install is approximately 2.4GB’s. You can do a custom or minimal install(~675MB) and select more or less packages if you like. To get started you will need either the first install CD of SuSE or the boot.iso burnt to disc. When you boot your SuSE CD/DVD, you should see a bootsplash like the one seen below.
- Hit F3 for Other Options
- Then Hit F4 to bring up the dialog seen below
- Choose your preferred install method and hit Enter
Upon hitting ‘Enter’ you should see a screen like this:
In my example, I used the tds.net mirror, feel free to use a mirror closer to you. The openSuSE mirror list has links directly to the ‘Installation Repository’. In my screenshot, I used Server ‘suse.mirrors.tds.net‘ and the Directory is ‘pub/opensuse/distribution/SL-10.1/inst-source/‘. This may vary from mirror to mirror. This IS case-sensitive so be extra careful. If you didn’t make a typo, and you are able to access the network resource, you should be presented with a pretty graphical installer. If this is the case, continue as you would normally. However, if you land on a not so pretty ncurses installer(see screenshot below), then please proceed to the troubleshooting section.
Troubleshooting
If you see a not so pretty screen like the one above, then one of two things has occurred. Either you made a typo when inputing the network install source, or your network connection is not available. If the later is true, you may need to load a Kernel Module for your network adapter. Otherwise, select ‘Start Installation or System’ and answer the questions that follow. Eventually, You will be asked what source you would like to use for the install, and you will then be given a chance to re-enter your Installation Repository server and directory again. It will ask for the IP address of the server, don’t worry, you CAN use the domain name here as well. Next, you will be asked for the directory. Make sure to double check your server and path and when you proceed, It should load up a pretty graphical installer. Happy SuSE’n.
*Please visit #SuSE on irc.freenode.net or leave a comment for additional assistance.*
Thanks for taking the time to clear some doubts about the network install of Suse.
Hi. At least with my Suse software, I would have to enter the ip address of the server in order to have it go straight into the YAST installer. If I just entered the url, I would be sent to the text installer, then have to enter the ip address and directory info.
Works good. First time i booted up there wasn’t a GUI. I was getting worried so I decided to restart, and it worked.
I had 4 network cards, it seemed it was able to login to the ftp, but would never accept my configuration(File not found). Removing 3 allowed me to start install, hopefully now it works
Oh man, that option using F4 is way too hidden on startup screen. Before reading this article I went into the curses setup - only to get stuck at the “FTP server IP address” box.. ugh. Thanks for teaching me about this GUI trick. I see what “curses” is called that
SG