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iShareDisk

iSCSI for Diskless Booting

WinXP/Win2003/Vista/Win2008/Win7/Win8(32/64-bit)

www.isharedisk.com

www.52netbar.com

User's Guide

V1.5, March, 2013

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1 Contents

1 Contents .................................................................................................................................. 2 2 Product Information................................................................................................................. 3 3 Functions................................................................................................................................. 4 4 System Requirement ................................................................................................................ 5 5 Quick Guidance ....................................................................................................................... 7

5.1 Install iShareDisk .................................................................................................... 7 5.2 Quick Configuration................................................................................................... 8 5.3 Install Client PC ....................................................................................................... 12 5.4 Upload Images ......................................................................................................... 13 5.5 Boot up PC without Disk .......................................................................................... 15

6 Server Configuration.............................................................................................................. 22 6.1 Menu........................................................................................................................ 22 6.2 Tools........................................................................................................................ 22 6.3 Main Interface .......................................................................................................... 25 6.4 Setting Details at the Service End ............................................................................. 26 6.5 Disk and System Image Setting................................................................................. 30 6.6 Disk cache Setting .................................................................................................... 31 6.7 Setting of Client PC.................................................................................................. 32

7 Load Balance and Fail Over ................................................................................................... 34 8 Network Card PNP ................................................................................................................ 40 9 Simultaneous Startup of Multi-System ................................................................................... 41 10 How to Set Game Disk........................................................................................................... 43 11 Updates of System Image and Game Disk .............................................................................. 45 12 Explanation of Single Package with Multiple Configurations and Restore Points .................... 50 13 Add and Import Client PCs in Batch ...................................................................................... 52 14 Recommended Server Settings ............................................................................................... 56 15 FAQs ..................................................................................................................................... 58 16 Version Records..................................................................................................................... 60 17 Contact Us............................................................................................................................. 62

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2 Product Information

iSharDisk is specifically designed for booting up Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista (32/64-bit), Windows 2008/R2 64-bit, Windows 7(32/64-bit) and Windows 8 by network, rather than the disk. The system software supports several functions, such as DHCP, TFTP, PXE, iPXE and iSCSI, as well as integrated diskless startup resolution of all Windows products.

The greatest advantage of diskless network management lies in the unified control over computer systems and data within the LAN. With this technology, all the data and operating systems are stored on the server, rather than distributing them to client PC, which substantially save the costs for LANs with common hardware and software. Clients may see the latest systems and software on their PCs after startup without disk every time and make them back to startup status after power-off, marking a great stride of the internet in disaster recovery and security. By the native support to iSCSI, Windows products may start operation systems without disk and deliver other virtual disks (like game disk) to client PC, as if they were "real", to ensure compatibility of the systems and software. Because of the virtual disk, all the files showed on PC will not be transmitted until they are really accessed, by which both the load of the network and disks on the server are substantially reduced.

iShareDisk supports all functions of the diskless systems, including multi-server, multi-network card, multi-system and game disk, one package with multiple configurations, multiple restore points, load balance, redundancy service, server buffer, splitting read/write, access to large memory and SSD read buffer, etc. In addition, with the following four buffer functions, the System can accelerate diskless startup of the client PC and software operation: 1. cache of server memory; 2, SSD cache of on the server; 3. disk cache on the server, and 4. disk cache on client PC.

With these strong functions, high-efficient operation and stability, iShareDisk is available to every public scenario, such as the internet caffe bar, business units and corporate, business hall of Internet Service Provider and Mobile phone operators, multi-media classroom in education institutions, on-line library hall, computer room in schools, high education institutions, hotel chains and KTV, etc.

Website: http://www.52netbar.com Product: http://www.isharedisk.com

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3 Functions

l Support diskless startup of Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista (32/64-bit), Windows 2008/R2 64bit, Windows 7(32/64bit) and Windows 8 through network.

l An integrated resolution of diskless startup with built-in DHCP, PXE, iPXE, TFTP, image uploading and iSCSI function.

l Support 7 image formats, namely, physical driver image, tag driver image, VMWare disk image, Microsoft Virtual PC VHD disk image, VirtualBox VDI disk image, IMG disk image and ISO CD-ROM image.

l The game disk supports the physical disk, or designate disk with CD-ROM or ISO or Exporting Physical Optical Device or Virtual DVD device (.iso).

l Upload startup images to server in VHD, VMDK, and VDI. l The client PC can go back to a completely new system after restart. l Clients can save their own systems and data of the game disk after restart. l Each client PC can use different image to boot up. l Designed with image access cache and read/write cache on client PC. l Support SSD cache. l Support saving write-back and update game disk. l Support multiple network cards, multiple servers load balance and fail-over online. l Support multi-disks and self-designation of disk letter. l Support multiple write-back folders and distribute write-back files automatically. l Support multiple DNS addresses. l Support PNP for various network cards. l Support creation of unlimited restore points on image package. l Support multiple configurations on the same image package (one pack with multiple

configurations). l Support selective startup by multiple operating systems. l Support client local disk cache.

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4 System Requirement

Requirement of Server: Windows XP,Windows 2003,Windows Vista(32/64bit),Windows 2008/ R2,Windows 7(32/64bit) , Windows8 etc. Windows 2003 and Windows 2008/ R2 recommended. All drives should be formatted as NTFS. When format drives, set "Allocation unit size" as "Default" for Windows system drive, and set "Allocation unit size" as "64K" for other drives. Latest service packs should be installed on the server. Requirement of LAN: Please stop other DHCP servers within the LAN network because the diskless startup can be done only by the built-in DHCP of iShareDisk. Requirement of Client PC System: Windows XP,Windows 2003,Windows Vista(32/64bit),Windows 2008/ R2,Windows 7(32/64bit) , Windows8 etc. The Windows system drive should be formatted as NTFS and set "Allocation unit size" as "Default". PXE 2.x compliant network adapter Requirement of Hardware on ClientPC: Support PXE2.x network card, or V2.33 above for ROM in Realtek network card. Recommended Setting of Server Hardware:

25 Clients

CPU: 2.0G RAM: 8G System Image Disk: SATA-2*1 250G an image file (SC 512M) compares well with SSD Game Disk: SATA-2 500G*2 (Software or hardware raid as required) Write-back Disk of the 1st Client: SATA-2*1 250G Average (one write-back disk for every 35 clients) Main board: Support RAID or HCI Network Card: 1000Mb Ethernet, If possible, please use SSD hard disk as buffer and SAS the write-back disk.

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CPU: 2.8G RAM: 16G System Image compares well with SSD Game Disk: SATA-2 500G (Software or hardware raid as required) 80G,3rd SSD Generation: 80G, 3rd generation Write-back Disk of the 1st Client: SATA-2 250G Write-back Disk of the 2nd Client: SATA-2 250G Average (one write-back disk for every 35 clients) Main board: Support RAID or AHCI Network Card: 2 multi-IP or single IP static link aggregation (distribution) If possible, please use SAS as game disk and SAS the write-back disk.

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100 Clients

CPU: 2.8G RAM: 32G System Image Disk: 1 SATA-2 an image file (SC 512M) compares well with SSD Game Disk: SATA-2 500G*3 (Software or hardware raid as required) SSD Disk: 80G 3rd Generation Write-back Disk of the 1st Client: SATA-2 250G Write-back Disk of the 2nd Client: SATA-2 250G Write-back Disk of the 3rd Client: SATA-2 250G Average (one write-back disk for every 35 clients) Main board: Support RAID or AHCI Network Card: Intel 1000Mb Ethernet, 2-3 multiple IP or single IP static link aggregation (distribution) If possible, please use SAS as the game disk and SSD or SAS the write-back disk.

> 100 Clients Multi-server is recommended to for load balance.

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5 Quick Guidance

5.1 Install iShareDisk

Notice for Server System: Local Security: open ports are required for iShareDisk (with the exception of switch on firewall,or the following ports are allowed to be added Add iSharedisk.exe to Exceptions of Windows Firewall or Open the following ports in Windows Firewall.)

67 UDP DHCP Port

69 UDP TFTP Port

3260 TCP ISCSI Port

3265 TCP Admin Port

Download Address and Installation Please download setup program of iShareDisk at http://www.52netbar.com. Operate "installserver.exe" on the server and click "Next" until the installation is complete.

Figure 5-1-1

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5.2 Quick Configuration

Figure 5-2-1

Figure 5-2-1 shows the interface after iShareDisk is started. Click "Tools->Setting" in the menu , the tool bar, or press F4, to show the following interface:

Figure 5-2-2

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Take 192.168.1.11 as the IP address of iShareDisk server for example. Set start and end IP, IP mask and DNS that are planned to be distributed to client PC. Then set "Basic Settings" (see Figure 5-2-3).

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Figure 5-2-3

Write-Back Save Folder: the write-back save folder is designed as a temporarily folder used to save client's written data and files. You may set several write-back save folder after click. System Image Upload Folder: The folder preset on the server for storing images uploaded from client PC.

Figure 5-2-4

Default for New User: the setting for new user scanned , auto login or DHCP request. Add New User auto: whether the new client PC can be added automatically. Name rules: name rules for new client PC automatically added by DHCP. System Image: Add presetting system images for new client PC automatically.

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Game Disk: the list of automatic-added game disk on new client PC. Time to display list of multi systems:when the client have mutil system image, set the display time on second.

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5.3 Install Client PC

1. Prepare a PC with disk and install systems. Download iShareDisk installation programe at http://www.52netbar.com, then click InstallClient.exe to install.

2. After restart, operate iSharePnpTool.exe (PNP for network card), then install all network card

drivers.

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Tick "Select All" to install all drivers. Then restart it.

5.4 Upload Images

1. See Server Configuration Interface (Figure 5-4-1): right click the command of "Upload is Allowed". It is no need to be set if there is no client PC in the PC List.

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Figure 5-4-1

2. Operate iSharePnpImage.ext on client PC to pop up the following interface (see Figure 5-4-2).

Figure 5-4-2

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Type in the correct IP address of diskless server and selected format for uploading, then click "Upload". Do not unplug hard disk until the unploading is finished and PC is switched off. Next, set startup by network card in bios to achieve diskless startup. Notice of Stamper System: 1. It is not recommended to install anti-virus software in client PC, such as 360 or ARP. 2. Please switch off the firewall installed in client PC. 3. Ensure that there is only one DHCP server within the LAN. 4. Ensure that both the hard disk of client PC (for uploading) and disk of the server are divided in

NTFS. Re-start the system before uploading and close other applied programs. Then click the target client PC to upload.

5. It is recommended to install QQ in Driver C, where the image package is installed, because there are many small files read by QQ when it is started. The image package will be accessed faster after being compressed.

6. Control the image package as small as possible. The smaller, the better. 7. For the client with several image packages, do distribute 512M of the memory for cache to every

single package in general conditions, including SSD image. Otherwise, the disk of the system will be very slow if there are many clients.

8. Installation of Charging Software: before installation of client PC, please install the charging system and re-start after every process.

How to Create Image Package: 1. Select a PC (with the exception of server). Take PC 101 for example to install Windows operating

systems. 2. Install the latest bug for operating system, optimize it and install charging system and install

function list of the game. 3. Please operate compmgmt.msc for IDE settings. Switch on IDE ATA/ATAPI controller, and

change the automatic test in Advanced Setting in properties of primary and secondary IDE channels to No.

4. BIOS Setting: switch off all available devices in BIOS. After diskless startup of image, ban the "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller".

5.5 Boot up PC without Disk

1. Change sequence of BIOS startup of client PCs. Set the network for first startup (see the following Figure):

AMI BIOS Boot Setting

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AWARD BIOS Start Setting

2. After re-start, PXE DHCP TFTP will start to guide the system.

Figure 5-5-1

See the above image of diskless startup. Please use PXE V2.1 above, or V2.33 above for ROM in Realtek network card.

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3. If multiple systems are set, the following multi-system startup menu will pop out.

Figure 5-5-2

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4. Win XP Startup Image

Figure 5-5-3

5. Win7 Startup Image

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Figure 5-5-4

6. The client PC enters the system successfully and check whether the disk is virtual.

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Window xp diskless booted

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Win7

Figure 5-5-5

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6 Server Configuration

6.1 Menu

1)System "System" -> "Disk Cache": start disk cache "System" -> "Start iScsi": start DHCP, TFTP and iSCSI services. "System" -> "Stop iScsi": Stop all the services delivered by iShareDisk, with the exception of iSharedisk.exe process. Please stop in service admin in Windows if new software version is needed. "System" -> "Lock": Lock the interface of iShareDisk "System" -> "Exit": Close the interface of iShareDisk, whereas iShareDisk still run.

2)Tools "Tools" -> "Add Disk": add iSCSI disk and system image. "Tools" -> "Edit Disk": edit property of iSCSI disk. "Tools" -> "Delete Disk": delete disk. "Tools" -> "Add Client": add one client in manual. "Tools" -> "Edit Client": check or edit properties of one or more users. "Tools" -> "Delete Client" : delete one or more selected client PC in manual. "Tools" -> "Super Client": switch client status and save the data wrote by clients (temporarily) to

disk. "Tools" -> "Setting": switch on the server setting interface.

6.2 Tools

Switch to the icon of Disk. Under the icon of disk, there are commands of Tool Bar and right-click pop-out.

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Switch to the icon of Client. Under the icon of client, there are commands of Tool Bar and right-click pop-out.

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Set the server's configuration

Boot up DHCP, TFTP and iSCSI services. Then press the button to be grey.

Stop all the services. Then press the button to be grey.

run disk cache.

Open the User's Guide

Close the main interface of iShareDisk, whereas iShareDisk still run.

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6.3 Main Interface

1) List of Client PCs (Figure 6-3-1)

Figure 6-3-1

Client Information: name of PC, IP address and MAC, whether to save write-back data, whether the image upload is allowed, as well as applied combination of images and disks. Read/Write Status: online hour of client PC, current read/write speed, total volumes of reading and writing. 2) List of Disks (Figure 6-3-2)

Figure 6-3-2

Information of Disk: name, type, space and path of the disk. Reading/Writing Status: total of read and read speed. 3) Online clients, total clients, server-accessed total read/write and speed and online hour of the server

are showed in the information column at the right bottom of Figure 6-3-3.

Figure 6-3-3

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6.4 Setting Details at the Service End

Figure 6-4-1

Click "Setting" as above (Figure 6-4-1) to enter the setting interface.

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6.4.1 DHCP Setting

Figure 6-4-2

Enable DHCP and TFTP: whether the server enables DHCP and TFTP for client PC,Diskless boot must need it. IP Address of DHCP Server: IP address designated for DHCP, which will fill in the following settings automatically. Distributed Start IP: all client PCs of diskless startup need to acquire IP from iShareeDisk server. The Distributed Start IP is the one from which DHCP begins to distributes IP addresses to PCs. Distributed End IP: the last IP address that DHCP can distribute. IP Mask, Gateway and DNS Address: it means IP mask, gateway and DNS address of iShareDisk, which will be automatically applied to every client PC without disk through DHCP. Please fill in DNSs separately if there are two. Mutil-server load balancing auto: The Mutil-server load balancing is configured auto.

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6.4.2 Basic Setting

Figure 6-4-5

Write-Back Save Folder: the write-back save folder is designed as a temporarily folder used to save client's written data and files. You may set several write-back save folder after click. Keep the write-back data several hour: To prevent the client file lost when shutdown, you can set the time for the keep the writeback data Allow superuser update game disk data: In General superuser mode, it is not allowed to save the write-back data of game disk. If you want update game disk on client, please select this option. When enable this option, you do not need to save the write-back data. The write-back data directly write to server’s disk. During the super users online, the game disk on the server can not be accessed. Note: The game disk use Partition type. System Image Upload Folder: The folder preset on the server for storing images uploaded from client PC.

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6.4.1 Default for new client

Figure 6-4-3

New Client Pre-setting: scan new connected client PC automatically and preset. Add New Clients Automatic: add a client PC if there is none in case of request of DHCP, diskless startup and iSCSI connection.

Convention of PC Name: rules for generating new client PC when DHCP requires.

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6.5 Disk and System Image Setting

Figure 6-5-3

Click "Add" or "Edit" in disk list to pop out the box of disk property setting: Name: name of the disk. Type: type of the disk Client Disk Letter: The letter of disk show on client system. Storage Resource: used for shared partition and virtual disk file etc. In case of system image file exists, the system image is selected; and if not, please select new disk file creation to create a new file of virtual disk.

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6.6 Disk cache Setting

Disk cache interface will display a list of local disk partition, select the disk of you want to cache ,

and client the start button. it will display the following interface

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The disk cache support two level cache. The level 1 cache use memory. The level 2 cache use the SSD disk.

The level 1 cache is necessary, please set up the memory size of cache used. The level 2 cache is optional, please set the SSD disk location to store cache files and limit the

size of the cache file. The Cache type have cache read and cache write. The cache read cache disk read data and the

cache write cache disk write data and delay writing to disk. Note: the cache write will cause the data lose in the system shutdown. So when you cache write the system disk (C drive), it will destroy your windows system.

Recommended settings: Image disk: the disk storage system image file, it is recommended that only cache read only and

set a small amount of memory Game disk: the disk storage of large amounts of data, it is recommended that only cache read

only and set the maximum amount of memory cache Write-back disk: write-back data stored in the disk, it is recommended that the cache write only

and set a small amount of memory

6.7 Setting of Client PC

Figure 6-5-1

Click "Add" or "Edit" in the Client List to edit client property. PC Name: the computer can be named by the client as he needed. IP Address: IP address of the Computer. IP advance set (More):

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Disable Diskless boot: the PC is banned from diskless boot. Use Compatible PXE to Boot: for old-model network card, please use the selection to boot up them in old way as it may impossible to carry out diskless boot. Please note: the start would be slower without affecting speed after Windows entry.. MAC Address: iShareDisk may acquire MAC address of the PC's network card automatically, or you can acquire it manually. Type: the client's type on users list. System Image: the image currently set by the client; and if multiple system images are selected, the system selection menu will be pop out. Game Disk: you may select and load the game disk as desired, or select "All" to load all disks. Person Disk: create individual disk on client PC; but the data on the disk won't be restored to the original status after the PC is restarted.

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7 Load Balance and Fail Over

Introduction Double or multiple servers at the same time online work, when the failure of any one server, another server can take over its work immediately and will not affect the client is being used, even the client does not need to restart. 1. Install on client PC

When run "installclient.exe', please check "Fail-over Online" option

2. Set on server Set a server at first, add all client to list. When finished, copy the set file "iShareDiskAPI.set" to other server, and set "Multi-server load balancing auto"

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Or set manually

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3. Multiple Network Cards and Write-back Disks of Single Server

Without any setting, the diskless boot system can distribute two network cards to connect various client PCs and set multiple write-back folders.

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3.Multiple Network Cards of Multiple Servers (Old method)

A. Set a server at first. Scan all client PCs in the network to the List and delete the click of "Add New Clients auto".

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B. Copy the setting files on the first server to other PCs under other servers. C. Delete excessive PCs on each server individually, with the exception of PC that requires

your service, or ban some machine from being started.

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Note: the write-back disks of all the servers have to be set in addition, and it is necessary to modify if the storage of the image package is not consistent.

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8 Network Card PNP

How to make multi-configuration for single iShareDisk package? Prepare Stamper: change the power supply to the standard and the disk to IDE standard channel, and use PNP to collect network drivers of each PC.

1. Enable the "Export" command on PC with disk to get drive package of network cards. 2. Enable the "Import" command on the host to import drive packages of network cards. 3. Enable "Install" command to install drivers of network cards on the host to achieve PNP.

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9 Simultaneous Startup of Multi-System

Simultaneous startup of multi-system isdesigned to select desired operating system (such as XP and Win7) among multiple selections and enable it on the same PC. 1)Create/Add multiple system images to administration of disk.

2)Edit client property and select multiple system images. You can drag the system image for mutil-system menu display order.

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3) Boot up client PC without disk to show the following image of the list of multi-system selection.

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10 How to Set Game Disk

1. Add Disk D as the game disk (see Figure 9-1-1). Figure above server E: drive designated as the D drive of the client.

Figure 9-1-1

2. Designate the game disk to client

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Figure 9-1-2

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11 Updates of System Image and Game Disk

1. Updates of System Image

Figure 11-1

Update Process: Power off the client PC at first, and switch to Super Client. Afer Install hardware driver or software and Power off again. Use "Save Write-back" command. To save data.

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Click "Save Write-back" command in the User List to pop out the above image. Select the corresponding disk and write temporary data on the client PC to the virtual disk permanently, or create a new restore point, to make other client PCs see the data wrote on the first PC (Super Client).

Note: Please ensure there is no any other software writing data at the same time. If other software writes data on the disk and partition of the server, re-saving the data will lead the file system to be in error.

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Please do not use the function when the game disk is updated. Instead, use the updating software to update the game directly on the game disk of the server.

Enable "Save" command. Repeat the above steps to save the data again and create successive restore points.

Figure 11-2

The last successive restore point is showed as above. By this way, yu may restore to any of the restore points and edit system image of the disk.

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2. Updates of game disk 1) set the " allow super user update game disk"

2) add game disk as partition

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3) set client into super user mode, install game and software and power off. Switch to back normal client, don't need save write-back anymore.

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12 Explanation of Single Package with Multiple Configurations and Restore Points

1. Restore Point: it is required to create multiple restore points under a stamper (configuration) when there are some PCs with preset hardware. The restore point is essential to start the incomplete virtual disk loaded under the complete system image. The restore point is actually as large as the driver file installed by clients to save the space of the disk and save the buffer more efficiently.

2. How to Create Configuration/Restore Point: please switch the User model to Super Client. Install

the driver and switch off the PC, then create restore points while enabling "Save and Write-back" command.

3. If there are two configurations and one stamper, the finally-created system image and restore point file will be as follows:

Now, each configured PC use different system image to achieve single package with multiple configurations.

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13 Add and Import Client PCs in Batch

Client PCs can be added in batch in many ways. Please right-click the image on client PC to pop out the User Function List for operation.

Method 1: start all the client PCs. Then add them by means of internet scanning.

Method 2: enable "Add users" command and add clients according to rules.

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1. Convention of client PC Name: please set the first and end codes and the middle number of the PC.

2. Designate start and end IP to the client PC to generate the name of the PC accordingly, but without generating MAC.

Method 3: Import text file to the client PC. Assume the text file as follows:

Enable "Import from Text File" command to pop out the following dialogue box:

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If the text file is in different format, you can designate other list separator and the row number. If the file does not include PC name and IP, please click the button at the right of the row number to set rules of automatic generation.

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Click "OK" to complete import. Method 4: enable "Import from CCBoot" command to import its set file. Method 5: enable "Import from RichTech" command to import wks.ini (the set file of RichTech).

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14 Recommended Server Settings

Configuration of the Server:

1. Windows 2008 R2

2. CPU Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2120 or 4 cores above

3. Kingston Memory 16G

4. Four game hard disks (SATA): 500G/disk for Raid 0, hardware raid or AHCI software raid.

5. Put the system image to SSD to accelerate or improve boot-up.

6. Write Cache:: Enable "Write Cache" on PC.

7. Configure a write-back disk on the server for every 35 client PCs (for example, 100 client PCs, 100/35=3 wirte-back disks).

8. 2 or more Intel internet cards for load aggregation or multi-IP distribution.

Example 4 – Aggregation of 4 Network Cards

(Static Link Aggregation) Support the following network cards:

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Intel(R) Gigabit PT Quad Port Server Express Module Intel(R) PRO/100 S Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Desktop Adapter Intel(R) PRO/100+ Dual Port Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/100+ Management Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000 CT Network Connection Intel(R) PRO/1000 F Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000 Gigabit Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000 MB Dual Port Server Connection Intel(R) PRO/1000 T Desktop Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000 T Network Connection Intel(R) PRO/1000 T Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000 XF Network Connection Intel(R) PRO/1000 XF Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000 XT Desktop Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000 XT Network Connection Intel(R) PRO/1000 XT Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/1000P Dual Port Server Adapter Intel(R) 82577LC Gigabit Network Connection Intel(R) 82566MM Gigabit Network Connection Intel(R) 82566MC Gigabit Network Connection Intel(R) 82567LF Gigabit Network Connection Intel(R) 82567V Gigabit Network Connection Intel(R) PRO/10GbE CX4 Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/10GbE LR Server Adapter Intel(R) PRO/10GbE SR Server Adapter

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15 FAQs

Ask: My network card ROM stops at the "Initializing devices" in IPXE. How can I settle it? Please edit client and set "Use Compatible PXE to Boot Up". This would be slower, but not affect the speed after entering Windows. Ask: Why did the client PC become blue screen after diskless boot with my package? 1. Error version of the network card driver or scrolling blue screen is not installed yet. 2. The client PC is installed with anti-virus software, such as nod32, etc. 3. No client PC is installed. Please install before upload. 4. If the client PC is installed with ISD, please re-start the PC before uploading image. Ask: How large the virtual memory is suitable on client PC is suitable?

It is recommended to ensure sufficient space of virtual memory for diskless client PC. The larger the virtual memory is, the better the result is. For example, minimum = 4096 and maximum 4096.

Ask: Are there any setting requirements for the ports of iShareDisk and the internet? iShareDisk is required to use the following ports at first: 67 (DHCP), 69 (TFTP), 3260 (iSCSI) and 3265 (admin port). If you already installed firewall or anti-virus software on server, please ensure these ports are open. Ask: Why the data are error after saving the image?

You should save the image as follows: 1. Right-click the target client PC at the User List of the server. Then click "Superuser" command and boot up corresponding client PC. 2. Install the software or update game, shut down the client PC. Then go back to the server, click "Superuser" command. The system will remind you of saving wirteback data.

Ask: How to upgrade the old version? Please go to http://www.52netbar.com and download the latest version. Stop all the services before installation. Ask: In which model does the SSD cache operate?

After SSD is full, the data accessed read later will not be buffered. Refresh it to continue writing to SSD buffer. The file would not be changed, but the content would.

Ask: Can I use the iShareDisk cache together with super cache?

Yes, you can combine these two together. However, in Windows 2008, if the super cache is in error after being used by write-back disk, please shutdown super cache function on the disk.

Ask: How to reduce the reading traffic efficiently? 1. System differences. Reading traffics from different OS versions might be very different. 2. System Optimization: it is necessary to optimize the system, for example, shutting down system

pre-reading, etc.

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Ask: After the server is changed, how to save the original setting? Copy the set file from the original server. Please note that if some disks are different in paths on two servers, you need to set them again.

Ask: The internet can not send the image file I uploaded. How can I settle it? This may occur due to the following reasons: 1. Space of the disk on the server is not enough. 2. Internet problem, internet unconnected, network card does not support to send large data package. Ask: For the same configuration and the same image package, some devices can not enter the system in Windows. Why? It may be caused by two reasons in general: 1. IP within the LAN conflicts with the one assigned by DHCP; or 2. The write-back disk is full. Ask: After DHCP is enabled on client PC, there is PRESS A KEY TO REBOOT. Why? 1. You did not designate image file to boot up, or the image package is damaged; or 2. The start IP can not be loaded after booting up; 3. Interfered by other DHCP, such as router or switch. 4. The BIOS on the main-board needs to be upgraded.

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16 Version Records

1. V1.0 Function List: (Date of Issuance: June 22, 2011) iShareDisk covers target function in agreement with iSCSI, which can co-operate with Windows operating systems and present the hard disk and partition in virtual disk on client PC. The client PC may access to virtual disk freely, operate program software, format and partition, etc. After the client PC installs virtual disk, it may return to the status of disk of the server. 2. V1.1 Function List (Date of Issuance: October 18, 2011)

Add DHCP, TFTP, PXE, iPXE and image uploading to achieve integrated solution of diskless startup in agreement with iSCSI.

Add PNP for network card and system image uploading tool on client PC. Add remote startup (needs network card to support) and add client PC through scanning internet. Add "Refresh Server Cache in Manual" to force manual refresh if the automatic refreshing is in

error. Add the function of starting and stopping any virtual disk separately. Add the function of matching the letters of disks on server and client PC. Manage the path of

game software in unified way through designating the letter of virtual disk on client PC. Add supports to IMG and VDI to five formats of virtual disks in total.

3. V1.2 Function List (Date of Issuance: January 13, 2012)

New support of multiple write-back catalogues. The system will distribute write-backs to each catalogue automatically for clients, which reduce the requirement of system write-back disk. The server can achieve disk raid through multiple write-back disks. 4. V1.3 Function List (Date of Issuance: June 30, 2012)

Optimize iSharePp.sys code of PNP driver when the client PC boots up, increase adaptability to more hardware and accelerate startup of operating system. Optimize access cache algorithm of the server from each disk and client to unified distribution and adjustment, which accelerate and increase cache efficiency. Further, increase a new function of Timing Refreshing Cache to fill the gap of manual refreshing.

Add new functions of Single Package with Multiple Configuration and restore points. When there are several settings in hardware on client PC, the configuration might be done more flexible. Also, the client can create restore points every time when the data are saved, confirm their accuracy and combine them to primary disk, which substantially enhance security. Replace the original VHD format that is not suitable for write-back with a new designed one to substantially reduce write-back pressure on the server, speed up responding speed of the client PC and increase the PCs.

Add functions of "Add Clients in Batch" and "Import Clients" to create a large amount of client information when the diskless is first arranged.

Add the functions of "No No-disk Startup" and "Use Compatible PXE to Boot Up" to arrange multi-server and old compatible network cards (non PXE2.1) within the LAN. Add the function of "Simultaneous Start of Multi-system" to adapt to more complicated applications. 5. V1.4 Function List (Date of Issuance: September 18, 2012)

Add functions of "load balancing and fail-over online", when the failure of one server, another server can take over its work immediately and will not affect the client is being used, even the client does not need to restart.

Add functions of "Allow super user update game disk", the super user can update game disk on

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client PC. This can be used in install large game and software.

6. V1.5 Function List (Date of Issuance: March 1, 2013) Server update disk cache module, make is faster, more efficient and and can service for other

program. The server increase the definition of each client's DHCP binding IP, gateway parameters etc. Increased client disk cache.

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17 Contact Us

Website: http://www.52netbar.com Product: http://www.isharedisk.com Email: 2810923@qq.com QQ: 2810923 QQ international software download from: http://download.imqq.com/download.shtml