A (simple?) computer question.. - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Sirius1963 · 07-15-2008, 11:13 AM

Here's a quiz for all the geeks out there.

What is the fastest (boot time wise) way to get the MAC address from a PC with no OS on it?

I'm working on a new way to image new PCs and I need the MAC address to put the new image on. Right now I have a boot disk with WinXPE on it, but that takes about 5 minutes to boot up. Is there an easier way?

SgtWKPII · 07-15-2008, 11:16 AM

Look in the CMOS/set up

Slaytex · 07-15-2008, 11:21 AM

I know that when you are in a DOS prompt you can type: ipconfig/ and get a lot of your network settings and commands for other options (IP addresses and such) I'm not sure if that helps or not.

Sirius1963 · 07-15-2008, 11:21 AM

Tried the CMOS. It's a new Dell, mostly Latitude D630, but other models also.
Can't find it there.

FunkyD · 07-15-2008, 11:37 AM

Do you not have DHCP running?

Sirius1963 · 07-15-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slaytex

I know that when you are in a DOS prompt you can type: ipconfig/ and get a lot of your network settings and commands for other options (IP addresses and such) I'm not sure if that helps or not.

I tried that, you can't run it from DOS. (not the one I have anyway)

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkyD

Do you not have DHCP running?

Running on what? we use DHCP on the network, but the new machine has a blank drive.

robinsre · 07-15-2008, 11:46 AM

I'd use a LiveCD or LiveDVD version of Linux like Mepis or Ubuntu, boot into that, and locate it from there.

Pltybx · 07-15-2008, 01:17 PM

How about looking on some of the Dell labels attached to the PC/Laptop? FCC requires the MAC address to be viewable on the exterior.

east_stingray · 07-15-2008, 03:17 PM

Like was said above: the wireless card or 10/100 controller will have a sticker with the mac address on it. If you can't figure it out that way, I'd use a Ubuntu or Knoppix live CD.

Gravel · 07-15-2008, 03:49 PM

Geeks

07-15-2008, 11:13 AM	#1
Sirius1963 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pacific NorthWET (Seattle) Posts: 1,113	A (simple?) computer question.. Here's a quiz for all the geeks out there. What is the fastest (boot time wise) way to get the MAC address from a PC with no OS on it? I'm working on a new way to image new PCs and I need the MAC address to put the new image on. Right now I have a boot disk with WinXPE on it, but that takes about 5 minutes to boot up. Is there an easier way? __________________ You don’t win anything in a gunfight, you just get to keep what you have. The loudest sound in the world is a “click” when you need a “bang.” The second loudest sound in the world is a “bang” when you were expecting a “click.”

07-15-2008, 11:16 AM	#2
SgtWKPII XDTalk 15K Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Camano Island, Warshington Posts: 18,706 Blog Entries: 19	Look in the CMOS/set up __________________ The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. ~Thomas Jefferson

07-15-2008, 11:21 AM	#3
Slaytex XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Charlotte Posts: 199	I know that when you are in a DOS prompt you can type: ipconfig/ and get a lot of your network settings and commands for other options (IP addresses and such) I'm not sure if that helps or not. __________________ XD-40 Tactical AR-15 w/ too much to list Mossberg 500 USA Edition

07-15-2008, 11:21 AM	#4
Sirius1963 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pacific NorthWET (Seattle) Posts: 1,113	Tried the CMOS. It's a new Dell, mostly Latitude D630, but other models also. Can't find it there. __________________ You don’t win anything in a gunfight, you just get to keep what you have. The loudest sound in the world is a “click” when you need a “bang.” The second loudest sound in the world is a “bang” when you were expecting a “click.”

07-15-2008, 11:37 AM	#5
FunkyD XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 304	Do you not have DHCP running? __________________ - Funky D in Sweet Home Alabama 08 Springfield XD-9 08 Kel-Tec PF-9 88 Remington Fieldmaster 572 85 Browning BuckMark Ancient 22 Long/Mag Revolver

07-15-2008, 11:46 AM	#7
robinsre XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 2,803	I'd use a LiveCD or LiveDVD version of Linux like Mepis or Ubuntu, boot into that, and locate it from there. __________________ Zeroth law of thermodynamics : If you have 1 six pack of beer and your neighbor brings 4 beers over, you will each end up drinking only 5 beers. First law of thermodynamics : There's no such thing as a free beer. Second law of thermodynamics : Even if there was such thing as a free beer, you couldn't drink it all anyway. Third law of thermodynamics : The colder it gets, the less beer you will have.

07-15-2008, 01:17 PM	#8
Pltybx XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 708	How about looking on some of the Dell labels attached to the PC/Laptop? FCC requires the MAC address to be viewable on the exterior. __________________ "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." - The Solo

07-15-2008, 03:17 PM	#9
east_stingray XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,262	Like was said above: the wireless card or 10/100 controller will have a sticker with the mac address on it. If you can't figure it out that way, I'd use a Ubuntu or Knoppix live CD.

07-15-2008, 03:49 PM	#10
Gravel XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bellingham Washington Posts: 2,152	Geeks __________________ Those who trade liberty for security have neither. McCain/Palin '08

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