Setting the Startup Disk

Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) can set the startup disk on any client computer. You can choose between a volume on a local hard disk, or any available NetBoot volume.

The startup disk must have a valid system installed on it. To set the startup volume for multiple computers at once, the local volume name must be the same for all computers.

Alternatively, you can set the startup disk to be a NetBoot volume provided by Mac OS X Server. This allows you to start up a number of clients from a NetBoot server, allowing for automated network installs. For some ideas on how to use this command with NetBoot and Network Install, see Using ARD With Mac OS X Server's NetBoot and Network Install.

1. Select a computer list.
2. Select one or more computers in the Remote Desktop window.
3. Choose Manage > Set Startup Disk.

   The list that appears shows the client's local hard disk, a custom NetBoot server item, and a listing of all available NetBoot and Network Install servers available on the local network subnet.

4. Choose the client's local hard disk or a NetBoot server volume.
5. If you want to choose a custom NetBoot server volume, enter the server IP address or fully qualified domain name, and the NetBoot volume name.
6. If desired, select Restart When Done.

   If selected, the client computer will restart after having its startup volume set. You need to have Restart privileges to use this option.

7. Click Set.