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{{Versions|2.9, v3, v4}}
__TOC__


== NetInstall Description ==
=Introduction=


NetInstall is a program that runs on Windows computer that allows you to install MikroTiK RouterOS onto a PC or onto a RouterBoard via an Ethernet network.  
Netinstall is a tool designed for Windows operating systems to reinstall MikroTik devices running RouterOS (except for non-MikroTik x86 devices). Netinstall re-formats the device's disk and copies over fresh files on to the system's disk, this can solve multiple issues when your device is not working properly. Always try using Netinstall if you suspect that your device is not working properly.


NetInstall is also used to re-install RouterOS in cases where the the previous install failed, became damaged or access passwords were lost.  
{{ Warning | Netinstall re-formats the system's drive, all configuration and saved files will be lost. Netinstall does not erase the RouterOS license key, nor does it reset RouterBOOT related settings, for example, CPU frequency is not changed after reinstalling the device. }}


* Your device must support booting from ethernet, and there must be a direct ethernet link from the Netinstall computer to the target device. All RouterBOARDs support PXE network booting, it must be either enabled inside RouterOS "routerboard" menu if RouterOS is operable, or in the bootloader settings. For this you will need a serial cable.
=How to use Netinstall=


'''''Note''''': For RouterBOARD devices with no serial port, and no RouterOS access, the reset button can also start PXE booting mode. See your RouterBOARD manual PDF for details. For example [http://www.routerboard.com/pricelist/download_file.php?file_id=118 RB750 PDF]
* Download '''Netinstall''' from [https://mikrotik.com/download our downloads] page.


* Netinstall can also directly install RouterOS on a disk (USB/CF/IDE) that is connected to the Netinstall Windows machine. After installation just move the disk to the Router machine and boot from it.
{{ Note | You must choose a version for the Netinstall. If you are not sure, then you can always select the version that is marked as '''Current''' (stable). }}


== Screenshot ==
* Download RouterOS '''Main package''' from [https://mikrotik.com/download our downloads] page.


[[File:2009-01-27 1224.jpg]]
{{ Note | You must choose a RouterOS version. You can always select the version that is marked as '''Current'''. You must also select the architecture (ARM, MIPS, SMIPS, TILE, etc...), but if you are not sure, then you can download the RouterOS package for '''ALL''' architectures, Netinstall will choose the right architecture for you. }}


* for installation over network, don't forget to enable the PXE server, and make sure Netinstall is not blocked by your firewall or antivirus. The connection should be directly from your Windows PC to the Router PC (or RouterBOARD), or at least through a switch/hub.
* Disconnect your computer from WiFi, Ethernet, LTE or any other type of connections!


{{ Warning | Netinstall will only work on one active interface on your computer, it is highly recommended that you disable any other network interfaces in order to be sure that Netinstall will select the right network interface. }}


* Configure a static IP address for your Ethernet interface, open '''Start''' and select '''Settings''':


== NetInstall Example ==
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_4.png]]
<br />
This is a step by step example of how to install RouterOS on a RouterBoard 532 from a typical notebook computer.  
{{ Note | Netinstall can run also on a local network, in such case you could skip setting a static IP address, but it is highly recommended that you set a static IP address if you are not familiar with Netinstall. }}


====Requirements====
* Open '''Network & Internet'''


The Notebook computer must be equiped with the following ports and contain the following files:
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_5.png]]


* Ethernet port.
* Select '''Change adapter options'''
* Serial port.
* Serial communications program (such as Hyper Terminal)
* The .npk RouterOS file(s) (not .zip file) of the RouterOS version that you wish to install onto the Routerboard.
* The NetInstall program available from the Downloads page at www.mikrotik.com


====Connection process====
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_6.png]]


#Connect the routerboard to a switch, a hub or directly to the Notebook computer via Ethernet. The notebook computer Ethernet port will need to be configured with a usable IP address and subnet. For example: 10.1.1.10/24
* '''Right click''' on your Ethernet interface and select '''Properties'''
#Connect the routerboard to the notebook computer via serial, and establish a serial communication session with the RouterBoard. Serial configuration example in in the [[Serial_Console|Serial console]] manual
#Run the NetInstall program on your notebook computer.
#Press the NetInstall "Net Booting" button, '''enable the Boot Server''', and enter a valid, usable IP address (within the same subnet of the IP address of the Notebook) that the NetInstall program will assign to the RouterBoard to enable communication with the Notebook computer. For example: 10.1.1.5/24
#Set the RouterBoard BIOS to boot from the Ethernet interface.


====Configuring Bootloader====
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_7.png]]


To access Routerboard BIOS configuration: reboot the Routerboard while observing the activity on the Serial Console. You will see the following prompt on the Serial Console “Press any key within 2 seconds to enter setup” indicating that you have a 1 or 2 second window of time when pressing any key will give you access to Routerboard BIOS configuration options.
* Select '''Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)''' and click '''Properties'''


(press any key when prompted):
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_8.png]]


You will see the following list of available BIOS Configuration commands. To set up the boot device, press the 'o' key:
* Check '''Use the following IP address''' and fill out the fields as shown in the image below


[[File:Netinstall_Win10_9.png]]
What do you want to configure?
  d - boot delay
  k - boot key
  s - serial console
  l - debug level
  o - boot device
  b - beep on boot
  v - vga to serial
  t - ata translation
  p - memory settings
  m - memory test
  u - cpu mode
  f - pci back-off
  r - reset configuration
  g - bios upgrade through serial port
  c - bios license information
  x - exit setup


{{ Note | It you have a working router, then you can use it and skip the setting up a static IP part of this tutorial, but it requires for you to know your LAN address since you will need to specify an unused IP address in your network for the Network boot server. For this reason it is recommended to apply a static IP address and follow this guide precisely, if you are not sure how to get these parameters out of your network. }}


Next Selection: Press the 'e' key to make the RouterBoard to boot from Ethernet interface:
* Open your '''Downloads''' folder (or wherever you saved the downloaded files) and extract the Netinstall '''.zip''' file to a convenient place


Select boot device:
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_1.png]]
* i - IDE
  e - Etherboot
  1 - Etherboot (timeout 15s), IDE
  2 - Etherboot (timeout  1m), IDE
  3 - Etherboot (timeout  5m), IDE
  4 - Etherboot (timeout 30m), IDE
  5 - IDE, try Etherboot first on next boot (15s)
  6 - IDE, try Etherboot first on next boot (1m)
  7 - IDE, try Etherboot first on next boot (5m)
  8 - IDE, try Etherboot first on next boot (30m)


* Extract the files


The RouterBoard BIOS will return to the first menu. Press the 'x' key to exit from BIOS. The router will reboot.
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_2.png]]


====Installation====
* Run '''Netinstall.exe'''


Watch the serial console as the RouterBoard reboots, it will indicate that the RouterBoard is attempting to boot to the NetInstall program.
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_3.png]]
The NetInstall program will give the RouterBoard the IP address you entered at Step 4 (above), and the RouterBoard will be ready for software installation. Now you should see the MAC Address of the RouterBoard appear in the Routers/Drives list of the NetInstall program.  
<br />
{{ Note | If you followed the guide precisely, then you should not have any Internet connection on your computer, Windows 10 wants to verify all apps that it runs, but will not be able to do it since lack of the Internet connection, for this reason a warning might pop up, you should click '''Run'''. }}


[[Image:NetinstallStart.png]]
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_10.png]]
<br />
{{ Warning | Netinstall requires administrator rights, there should be a window asking for permissions to run Netinstall, you must accept these permissions in order for Netinstall to work properly. }}


Click on the desired Router/Drive entry and you will be able to configure various installation parameters associated with that Router/Drive entry.
* Allow access for Netinstall in '''Public''' networks


[[Image:Nconfig.PNG]]
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_11.png]]


'''For most Re-Installations of RouterOS on RouterBoards you will only need to set the following parameter:'''  
* Configure '''Net booting''' settings and fill out the required fields as shown in the image below


Press the "Browse" button on the NetInstall program screen. Browse to the folder containing the .npk RouterOS file(s) of the RouterOS version that you wish to install onto the Routerboard.  
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_12.png]]


[[Image:NConfig3.png]]
{{ Warning | The Client IP address must be unique! Don't use an existing IP address in your network, this also means that you should not use the computer's IP address as well. Use a completely different IP address from the same subnet. }}


When you have finalized the installation parameters, press the "Install" button to install RouterOS.  
* Connect your device to your computer using an '''Ethernet''' cable directly (without any other devices in-between), plug the Ethernet cable into your device's Etherboot port. Most commonly, RouterBOARD devices are able to use Netinstall from their first port (Ether1), or from the port marked with "BOOT".


[[Image:NetinstallC4.png]]


When the installation process has finished, press 'Enter' on the console or 'Reboot' button in the NetInstall program.


[[Image:NetinstallC5.png]]
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_18.png]]


====Cleanup====
{{ Warning | Some computer's have a network interface (especially USB Ethernet adapters) that tend to create an extra link flap, which is enough for Netinstall to fail to detect a device that is in Etherboot mode. In such case you can use a switch between your device and your computer or a router in bridge mode to prevent this issue. }}


1. Reset the BIOS Configuration of the RouterBoard to boot from its own memory.
* Power up your device and put it into [[Manual:Etherboot | Etherboot]] mode


[[Image:NetinstallC6.png]]
{{ Note | There are multiple ways how to put your device into Etherboot mode. Make sure you read the [[Manual:Etherboot | Etherboot]] manual before trying to put the device into this mode. Methods vary between different MikroTik devices. }}


2. Reboot the RouterBoard.
* Wait for the device to show up in Netinstall, select it and press '''Browse...'''


[[File:Netinstall_Win10_13.png]]
<br />
{{ Note | If the device does not show up in this window, then you can try closing the Netinstall application and opening it up again or try to put the device into [[Manual:Etherboot | Etherboot]] mode again. }}


====Reset RouterOS Password====
* Navigate to your '''Downloads''' folder (or wherever you saved your RouterOS packages) and press '''OK'''


Netinstall can be used to reset password of RouterOS by erasing all configuration from the router. Uncheck 'Keep Old Configuration' during Netinstall and proceed with standard procedure,
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_14.png]]


[[Image:PasswordReset.png]]
* Select your desired RouterOS version and press '''Install'''


{{Cont}}
{{ Note | If you downloaded RouterOS packages for multiple architectures, then Netinstall will only show the appropriate architecture packages for your device after you have selected it. All unsupported packages will not show up in this window after you have selected a device. }}
 
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_15.png]]
 
* Wait for the installation to finish and press "Reboot" (Devices without serial console have to be rebooted manually)
 
[[File:Netinstall_Win10_17.png]]
<br />
{{ Note | If the installation does not start (progress bar is not moving or no status is shown), then you can try closing the Netinstall application and opening it up again or try to put the device into [[Manual:Etherboot | Etherboot]] mode again. If you still unable to get Netinstall working, then you should try using it on a different computer since there might be an operating system's issue that is preventing Netinstall from working properly. }}
 
* You are done! Remove the device from power, remove the Ethernet cable, place the device back in your network and your device should be running properly now!
 
{{ Note | After using Netinstall the device will be reset to defaults (unless you specified not to apply default configuration). Some devices are not accessible through '''ether1''' port with the default configuration for security reasons. Read more about [[Manual:Default_Configurations | Default configuration]]. }}
 
=Properties=
 
<table class="styled_table">
<tr>
  <th width="35%">Property</th>
  <th >Description</th>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Routers/Drives</b></var></td>
    <td>list of system drives on which RouterOS can be installed and list of routers that were detected to be in [[Manual:Etherboot | Etherboot]] mode. When installing RouterOS on a drive, the drive is going to be formatted, make sure you have saved all information from that drive.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Make floppy</b></var></td>
    <td>used to create a bootable 1.44" floppy disk for PCs which don't have Etherboot support.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Net booting</b></var> (<em>yes | no</em>; Default: <b>no</b>)</td>
    <td>Used to enable PXE booting on your network, should be enabled and configured to have an IP address of your network in order for Netinstall to function properly.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Install/Cancel</b></var></td>
    <td>After selecting the router or drive and selecting the RouterOS packages below, use this to start or stop the installation.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>SoftID</b></var> (<em>Ready-only</em>)</td>
    <td>The Software-ID that belongs to the router. Use this ID to purchase a key for your device if required.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Key</b></var> (<em>use previous key | browse | get key</em>; Default: <b>use previous key</b>)</td>
    <td>Specify the licence key for your RouterOS device, use the previous key (if your device already has a licence key), apply the purchased key (if your device does not have a license) by selecting <var>Browse</var> or retrieve a key from your mikrotik.com account directly using a prepaid key, a deposit or credit card by selecting <var>Get key</var>, or leave it blank to install a 24h trial version (the device will not be accessible after the trial has expired).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Flashfig</b></var></td>
    <td>Launches the [[Manual:Flashfig | Flashfig]] utility, which can be used to apply a custom configuration on new devices easy and fast.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Keep old configuration</b></var> (<em>yes | no</em>; Default: <b>no</b>)</td>
    <td>Keeps the configuration that was on the router, just reinstalls the software (does not remove the current configuration)/</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>IP address/Netmask</b></var> (<em>IP address/Netmask</em>; Default: <b></b>)</td>
    <td>If set, then Netinstall will apply the specified IP address after installing RouterOS.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Gateway</b></var> (<em>IP address</em>; Default: <b></b>)</td>
    <td>If set, then Netinstall will apply the specified gateway address after installing RouterOS.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Baud rate</b></var> (<em>integer</em>; Default: <b>115200</b>)</td>
    <td>If set, then Netinstall will apply the specified baudrate for serial console after installing RouterOS.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Apply default config</b></var> (<em>yes | no</em>; Default: <b>no</b>)</td>
    <td>Applies default configuration on the device. If not selected and <var>Baud rate</var>, <var>Gateway</var>, <var>IP address/Netmask</var> and <var>Configure script</var> is not set, then the default configuration will be applied.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
    <td><var><b>Configure script</b></var> (<em>yes | no</em>; Default: <b>no</b>)</td>
    <td>If set, then Netinstall will apply a custom configuration script after installing RouterOS. The file must be in '''.rsc''' file format and must be produced by the [[Manual:Configuration_Management#Exporting_Configuration | export command]]. The configuration script will replace the device's default configuration and will be applied each time you reset your device back to the default configuration. Resetting the device without the default configuration is not affected. This behaviour can be reverted using Netinstall and by selecting <var>Apply default config</var>.</td>
</tr>
</table>
 
{{ Note | When using the <var><b>Configure script</b></var> option, it is suggested to introduce [https://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:Configuration_Management#Startup_delay delay] before configuration execution. }}


[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Manual]]
[[Category:Routerboard]]
[[Category:Basic]]
[[Category:Basic]]
[[Category:Install]]

Latest revision as of 12:53, 23 May 2022

Introduction

Netinstall is a tool designed for Windows operating systems to reinstall MikroTik devices running RouterOS (except for non-MikroTik x86 devices). Netinstall re-formats the device's disk and copies over fresh files on to the system's disk, this can solve multiple issues when your device is not working properly. Always try using Netinstall if you suspect that your device is not working properly.

Icon-warn.png

Warning: Netinstall re-formats the system's drive, all configuration and saved files will be lost. Netinstall does not erase the RouterOS license key, nor does it reset RouterBOOT related settings, for example, CPU frequency is not changed after reinstalling the device.


How to use Netinstall

Icon-note.png

Note: You must choose a version for the Netinstall. If you are not sure, then you can always select the version that is marked as Current (stable).


Icon-note.png

Note: You must choose a RouterOS version. You can always select the version that is marked as Current. You must also select the architecture (ARM, MIPS, SMIPS, TILE, etc...), but if you are not sure, then you can download the RouterOS package for ALL architectures, Netinstall will choose the right architecture for you.


  • Disconnect your computer from WiFi, Ethernet, LTE or any other type of connections!
Icon-warn.png

Warning: Netinstall will only work on one active interface on your computer, it is highly recommended that you disable any other network interfaces in order to be sure that Netinstall will select the right network interface.


  • Configure a static IP address for your Ethernet interface, open Start and select Settings:

Netinstall Win10 4.png

Icon-note.png

Note: Netinstall can run also on a local network, in such case you could skip setting a static IP address, but it is highly recommended that you set a static IP address if you are not familiar with Netinstall.


  • Open Network & Internet

Netinstall Win10 5.png

  • Select Change adapter options

Netinstall Win10 6.png

  • Right click on your Ethernet interface and select Properties

Netinstall Win10 7.png

  • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties

Netinstall Win10 8.png

  • Check Use the following IP address and fill out the fields as shown in the image below

Netinstall Win10 9.png

Icon-note.png

Note: It you have a working router, then you can use it and skip the setting up a static IP part of this tutorial, but it requires for you to know your LAN address since you will need to specify an unused IP address in your network for the Network boot server. For this reason it is recommended to apply a static IP address and follow this guide precisely, if you are not sure how to get these parameters out of your network.


  • Open your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the downloaded files) and extract the Netinstall .zip file to a convenient place

Netinstall Win10 1.png

  • Extract the files

Netinstall Win10 2.png

  • Run Netinstall.exe

Netinstall Win10 3.png

Icon-note.png

Note: If you followed the guide precisely, then you should not have any Internet connection on your computer, Windows 10 wants to verify all apps that it runs, but will not be able to do it since lack of the Internet connection, for this reason a warning might pop up, you should click Run.


Netinstall Win10 10.png

Icon-warn.png

Warning: Netinstall requires administrator rights, there should be a window asking for permissions to run Netinstall, you must accept these permissions in order for Netinstall to work properly.


  • Allow access for Netinstall in Public networks

Netinstall Win10 11.png

  • Configure Net booting settings and fill out the required fields as shown in the image below

Netinstall Win10 12.png

Icon-warn.png

Warning: The Client IP address must be unique! Don't use an existing IP address in your network, this also means that you should not use the computer's IP address as well. Use a completely different IP address from the same subnet.


  • Connect your device to your computer using an Ethernet cable directly (without any other devices in-between), plug the Ethernet cable into your device's Etherboot port. Most commonly, RouterBOARD devices are able to use Netinstall from their first port (Ether1), or from the port marked with "BOOT".


Netinstall Win10 18.png

Icon-warn.png

Warning: Some computer's have a network interface (especially USB Ethernet adapters) that tend to create an extra link flap, which is enough for Netinstall to fail to detect a device that is in Etherboot mode. In such case you can use a switch between your device and your computer or a router in bridge mode to prevent this issue.


  • Power up your device and put it into Etherboot mode
Icon-note.png

Note: There are multiple ways how to put your device into Etherboot mode. Make sure you read the Etherboot manual before trying to put the device into this mode. Methods vary between different MikroTik devices.


  • Wait for the device to show up in Netinstall, select it and press Browse...

Netinstall Win10 13.png

Icon-note.png

Note: If the device does not show up in this window, then you can try closing the Netinstall application and opening it up again or try to put the device into Etherboot mode again.


  • Navigate to your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved your RouterOS packages) and press OK

Netinstall Win10 14.png

  • Select your desired RouterOS version and press Install
Icon-note.png

Note: If you downloaded RouterOS packages for multiple architectures, then Netinstall will only show the appropriate architecture packages for your device after you have selected it. All unsupported packages will not show up in this window after you have selected a device.


Netinstall Win10 15.png

  • Wait for the installation to finish and press "Reboot" (Devices without serial console have to be rebooted manually)

Netinstall Win10 17.png

Icon-note.png

Note: If the installation does not start (progress bar is not moving or no status is shown), then you can try closing the Netinstall application and opening it up again or try to put the device into Etherboot mode again. If you still unable to get Netinstall working, then you should try using it on a different computer since there might be an operating system's issue that is preventing Netinstall from working properly.


  • You are done! Remove the device from power, remove the Ethernet cable, place the device back in your network and your device should be running properly now!
Icon-note.png

Note: After using Netinstall the device will be reset to defaults (unless you specified not to apply default configuration). Some devices are not accessible through ether1 port with the default configuration for security reasons. Read more about Default configuration.


Properties

Property Description
Routers/Drives list of system drives on which RouterOS can be installed and list of routers that were detected to be in Etherboot mode. When installing RouterOS on a drive, the drive is going to be formatted, make sure you have saved all information from that drive.
Make floppy used to create a bootable 1.44" floppy disk for PCs which don't have Etherboot support.
Net booting (yes | no; Default: no) Used to enable PXE booting on your network, should be enabled and configured to have an IP address of your network in order for Netinstall to function properly.
Install/Cancel After selecting the router or drive and selecting the RouterOS packages below, use this to start or stop the installation.
SoftID (Ready-only) The Software-ID that belongs to the router. Use this ID to purchase a key for your device if required.
Key (use previous key | browse | get key; Default: use previous key) Specify the licence key for your RouterOS device, use the previous key (if your device already has a licence key), apply the purchased key (if your device does not have a license) by selecting Browse or retrieve a key from your mikrotik.com account directly using a prepaid key, a deposit or credit card by selecting Get key, or leave it blank to install a 24h trial version (the device will not be accessible after the trial has expired).
Flashfig Launches the Flashfig utility, which can be used to apply a custom configuration on new devices easy and fast.
Keep old configuration (yes | no; Default: no) Keeps the configuration that was on the router, just reinstalls the software (does not remove the current configuration)/
IP address/Netmask (IP address/Netmask; Default: ) If set, then Netinstall will apply the specified IP address after installing RouterOS.
Gateway (IP address; Default: ) If set, then Netinstall will apply the specified gateway address after installing RouterOS.
Baud rate (integer; Default: 115200) If set, then Netinstall will apply the specified baudrate for serial console after installing RouterOS.
Apply default config (yes | no; Default: no) Applies default configuration on the device. If not selected and Baud rate, Gateway, IP address/Netmask and Configure script is not set, then the default configuration will be applied.
Configure script (yes | no; Default: no) If set, then Netinstall will apply a custom configuration script after installing RouterOS. The file must be in .rsc file format and must be produced by the export command. The configuration script will replace the device's default configuration and will be applied each time you reset your device back to the default configuration. Resetting the device without the default configuration is not affected. This behaviour can be reverted using Netinstall and by selecting Apply default config.
Icon-note.png

Note: When using the Configure script option, it is suggested to introduce delay before configuration execution.