"PXE-EA0: Network boot canceled by keystroke"

SYMPTOM

When being started, the PXE client comes up with the PXE copyright message and starts the DHCP / TFTP phase, but then displays the following error message:

PXE-EA0: Network boot canceled by keystroke

Depending on the PXE client's system setup boot device list configuration, the PC then either stops or tries to boot from the next boot device in the system setup boot device list.

CAUSE

The "PXE-EA0" error indicates that the PXE client was interrupted by a keystroke and thus instructed to cancel its operation. Commonly, there are two keys that can cause this behavior:

1. The "Esc" key
2. The "Ctrl-C" key combination

RESOLUTION

Do not press the "Esc" or "Ctrl-C" keys during PXE operation (u.e. during the PXE-induced DHCP and TFTP phases) if you do not want to abort the PXE process.

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