How to Perform a Mikrotik Netinstall 'netinstall mikrotik'

Introduction

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Performing a net install on your Mikrotik router can be an essential step when trying to restore its configuration or replace it entirely. This article will walk you through the process of completing a successful net install using the built-in features available in most modern operating systems and compatible hardware.

Prerequisites

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Before proceeding with this guide, ensure that:

1. Your PC is connected via Ethernet cable (not Wi-Fi) to Port 1 on your Mikrotik router.

2. All other network interfaces are disabled on your PC, including LAN, Wireless, Virtualbox etc.

3. You have a spare Ethernet cable available for connecting the PCs together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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### Step 1: Prepare Your Router

#### A) Disable Firewall

Firstly, log into your Mikrotor's web interface and navigate to Firewall > Filtering Rules. Find any rules that match the following criteria:

* Chain: `=` filter`

* Action: not equal (`!`) to `accept`

Click on each rule matching these conditions and click the Delete button.

#### B) Connect PC to Port 1

Plug one end of your Ethernet cable into a free Ethernet port on your PC, then plug the other end into Port 1 (usually marked with an icon resembling a small computer or has the label 'ether1' or something similar depending upon model) on your Mikrotor.

#### C) Disable Other Network Interfaces

Now navigate to IP > Interface in your router's web interface and find all interfaces except for `ether1`:

* Click on each one

* Untick the box next to Interface Type: (this will disable it)

* Save Changes when prompted

### Step 2: Configure PC Networking Settings

#### A) Set Static IP Address

Open up your Windows Device Manager or equivalent networking tool on your PC.

- Double-click on `Local Area Connection` and select `Properties`.

- Click on Internet Protocol Version4 (TCP/IPV4)`, then click the Advanced button.

- Select `Edit...`

- In the window that opens:

* Set IP address: `192.168.88.3`

* Subnet mask: `255.255*.*0` (`255.255.255.0`)

* Default gateway: `192.168.88.1`

#### B) Run NetInstall

Now, locate the Netinstall executable file (usually in your downloads folder or wherever you downloaded it to). Double-click on this file and follow any prompts until you reach a screen with several options.

### Step 3: Select Boot Method & Enable PXE

Select `Netboot` as the boot method from the drop-down menu. Make sure that Boot Server Enabled is checked alongside it, then click Next to proceed.

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You have now successfully set up your PC and router for a net install of Mikrotik's operating system! Simply power cycle both devices (reboot by pressing & holding the power button if necessary), connect them via Ethernet cable as previously described, and you should see the PXE boot menu appear on your monitor. Follow any further instructions displayed there to complete the installation process.

Netinstall mikrotik