loc_az_hci/docs/temporary/BOOT_ORDER_ALTERNATIVE.md

Alternative: Set Boot Order When CD-ROM Not Shown

Problem

CD/DVD drive is attached, but CD-ROM doesn't appear in Boot Order dropdown.

Solution: Use Boot Order Text Field

In Proxmox, you can set boot order by typing device names directly.

Method 1: Edit Boot Order Field Directly

1. Go to: VM → Options tab
2. Find: "Boot Order" option
3. Click: "Edit" (or double-click)
4. In the dialog, look for a text field (not just dropdown)
5. Type or enter: order=ide2;scsi0
   • ide2 = CD/DVD drive
   • scsi0 = Hard disk
   • ; separates devices (first = boot priority)
6. Click: "OK"

Method 2: Use BIOS Boot Menu

If boot order can't be set:

1. Start the VM
2. Open Console
3. When VM starts, press F2 or Delete (during boot)
4. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings
5. Navigate to Boot menu
6. Set CD/DVD as first boot device
7. Save and exit

Method 3: Manual Boot Selection

1. Start the VM
2. Open Console
3. When VM starts, press F12 (boot menu)
4. Select CD/DVD drive from boot menu
5. Ubuntu installer should start

Method 4: Verify CD/DVD is Actually Attached

1. Hardware tab
2. Look for: "CD/DVD Drive (ide2)"
3. Verify it shows: ubuntu-24.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso
4. If missing or shows "Do not use any media":
   • Click on it → Edit
   • Select ISO image
   • Click OK

Method 5: Check Proxmox Version

Some Proxmox versions show boot order differently:

• Older versions: Text field where you type order=ide2;scsi0
• Newer versions: Drag-and-drop interface
• If neither works: Use BIOS boot menu (Method 2)

Quick Test

1. Start VM
2. Open Console
3. Press F12 when VM boots
4. Select CD/DVD from boot menu
5. If Ubuntu installer appears: Boot order is working, just needs to be set as default

Troubleshooting

CD-ROM still not in boot order:

• Verify CD/DVD drive exists in Hardware tab
• Check it's not set to "Do not use any media"
• Try removing and re-adding the CD/DVD drive
• Refresh the Options tab

VM won't boot from CD even with F12:

• Verify ISO file isn't corrupted
• Check CD/DVD drive is properly attached
• Try a different ISO or re-upload it

Boot order field is read-only:

• You may need to stop the VM first
• Or use BIOS boot menu method