# Alternative: Set Boot Order When CD-ROM Not Shown

## Problem
CD/DVD drive is attached, but CD-ROM doesn't appear in Boot Order dropdown.

## Solution: Use Boot Order Text Field

In Proxmox, you can set boot order by typing device names directly.

### Method 1: Edit Boot Order Field Directly

1. **Go to:** VM → **Options** tab
2. **Find:** "Boot Order" option
3. **Click:** "Edit" (or double-click)
4. **In the dialog, look for a text field** (not just dropdown)
5. **Type or enter:** `order=ide2;scsi0`
   - `ide2` = CD/DVD drive
   - `scsi0` = Hard disk
   - `;` separates devices (first = boot priority)
6. **Click:** "OK"

### Method 2: Use BIOS Boot Menu

If boot order can't be set:

1. **Start the VM**
2. **Open Console**
3. **When VM starts, press F2 or Delete** (during boot)
4. **Enter BIOS/UEFI settings**
5. **Navigate to Boot menu**
6. **Set CD/DVD as first boot device**
7. **Save and exit**

### Method 3: Manual Boot Selection

1. **Start the VM**
2. **Open Console**
3. **When VM starts, press F12** (boot menu)
4. **Select CD/DVD drive** from boot menu
5. **Ubuntu installer should start**

### Method 4: Verify CD/DVD is Actually Attached

1. **Hardware tab**
2. **Look for:** "CD/DVD Drive (ide2)"
3. **Verify it shows:** `ubuntu-24.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso`
4. **If missing or shows "Do not use any media":**
   - Click on it → Edit
   - Select ISO image
   - Click OK

### Method 5: Check Proxmox Version

Some Proxmox versions show boot order differently:

- **Older versions:** Text field where you type `order=ide2;scsi0`
- **Newer versions:** Drag-and-drop interface
- **If neither works:** Use BIOS boot menu (Method 2)

## Quick Test

1. **Start VM**
2. **Open Console**
3. **Press F12** when VM boots
4. **Select CD/DVD** from boot menu
5. **If Ubuntu installer appears:** Boot order is working, just needs to be set as default

## Troubleshooting

**CD-ROM still not in boot order:**
- Verify CD/DVD drive exists in Hardware tab
- Check it's not set to "Do not use any media"
- Try removing and re-adding the CD/DVD drive
- Refresh the Options tab

**VM won't boot from CD even with F12:**
- Verify ISO file isn't corrupted
- Check CD/DVD drive is properly attached
- Try a different ISO or re-upload it

**Boot order field is read-only:**
- You may need to stop the VM first
- Or use BIOS boot menu method