How to configure TFTP Server in your Linux Machine (Debian), and how to solve Permission Denied Error (Error Code 2)

I personally use a Virtualized Kali Linux in my Windows 7 machine to do a lot of things. Primarily to do IT security analysis and research for the companies I work with. But mostly, I find maintaining a Linux machine in an image comes in handy for a lot of things: I can use the Kali/Linux machine as an tftp/scp server to backup devices;

So suppose you want to copy startup-config files from your Cisco to your laptop running a virtual machine of  Kali Linux, (Debian). Let us suppose further that your Cisco router/switch cannot do SSH otherwise, we'll just use scp which is safer, and does not need any further special configuration for Linux devices.

Here's how to do it:  

1. Make sure you have the Virtual Machine in Bridged Adapter to your WIndows 7 machine's ethernet adapter. I'm using virtual box so in my case, I have to create a bridged adapter first. In Virtuabox (not in the Guest OS or Virtual Machine's Window) click File >> preferences >> Network. Then under tha tabe Bridged Adapters, create at least one adapter. 
             

           Then , in your Guest / Virtual Machine, click Machine >> Settings >> Network >> choose bridged (not NAT). After which, you need to do an ifdown eth0 and ifup eth0 inside your Kali / Linux OS console.

** Bridging will not work when you hav eport-security configured in the switchport where the computer is plugged. This is the case in most enterprise networks. If you are doing this inside your office and you are not getting a DHCP IP address, you better ask your network engineer/corporate IT if port-security is enabled.

How to Install Windows 7 on a UEFI enabled Computer

We recently bought a Lenovo T-440s amd immediately loved it, except it came with a Windows 8 Professional, 64-bit. It had "downgrade rights" for Windows 7 Pro 64-bit. Unfortuantely, our corporate IT environment does not (yet) encourage Windows 8 especially in laptops nor desktops, so I really was obligated to downgrade it to Windows 7 Pro/Enterprise.

The T-440s is Windows 8 optimized and is UEFI and secure-boot enabled. As an IT professional, I am also interested in how UEFI works (later I'll write a blog after I successfully installed Kali Linux on dual-boot in a UEFI system) and if it indeed delivers to is promise. UEFI is explained in detail here. Microsoft also explains UEFI and how it is here.

Do note that UEFI systems behave differently depending on the model and brand of the computer. This how-to post is specifc to the T-440s. While the concept and the general procedures may be the same as with other laptops (i.e. Acer, Asus, HP, Dell, etc.) the behavior may differ slightly.

The Objective:  Install Windows 7 Professional 64-bit on a UEFI enabled Lenovo T-440s.

Before we begin, let us first discuss what are the differences between installing Windows OS in UEFI and in non-UEFI mode (aka Legacy Boot Mode)

1. UEFI installation of Windows 7 only works in 64-bit installations. 
2. UEFI does not work in Win XP. 
3. By default T-440s ships with Windows 8 and with UEFI and Secure Boot enabled. However Windows 7 normally is not for UEFI systems.  If your Lenovo Thinkpad T-440s ships with Windows 7, the settings may have been changed. 
4. The Lenovo Thinkpad T-440 does not have a CD/DVD Drive, you have to either attach a removable drive, or create a EFI-bootable Windows 7 USB Stick. 

Here's how:

1. Go to the BIOS Setup by rebooting your Lenovo Thinkpad T-440s then, repeatedly press F1 until you get to the BIOS Set-up Screen.