Installing Server 2k3 x64 on Dell PowerEdge SC430

[Fencer128]

Hi,

I've got a Dell PowerEdge SC430 with 2GB of RAM that I want to install an evaluation copy of server 2k3 x64 on. However, whenever I try I always get the same result.

At the end of the first part of text-mode setup, just before the drive partition/formatting options usually appear, the PC bluescreens with no specific information given.

I've tried different RAM, various BIOS tweaks and always get the same outcome. If I use server 2003 SP1 (32bit) then everything works fine.

I've downloaded the media twice and burnt it on two seperate machines using different media but with no joy. Am I missing something? The mobo doesn't have HW RAID, but could I need another mass storage driver?

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[stash]

Are you using the Dell server setup CD? That will ensure that you get the right drivers.

 

[Fencer128]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I've tried using the "Server Installation" CD, but with the same negative result.

Cheers,

Andy

 

[ND40oz]

When your using the Dell Open manage cd, it should ask you what version of the OS your installing and then take you from there. Are you getting to that point?

 

[Genx87]

Does the server install CD have Win64 drivers?
My guess is since you are using an eval copy of Win64 that the drivers that came with the server were for Win 2003 std 32.

 

[Fencer128]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. I get as far as the server assistant starting the install. Then when it asks for the OS disk it repeadedly asks me to resinsert it - I guess it doesn't like/recognise it. If I don't use the server assistant then I get the behaviour mentioned above.

I suspect the polblem of not having the right driver because the PC wasn't supplied with an OEM OS may be correct. I've got a USB floppy on order, and as soon as that arrives I'll try using the latest Intel E7230 chipset drivers at the text-mode F6 prompt. I can only hope that 32bit server 2k3 sp1 has native support for the chipset mass storage drivers and x64 doesn't. If that's not the case, then I'm stumped.

Cheers,

Andy

 

[stash]

Not having an OS with the machine shouldn't make a difference. I have that same machine and I ordered it without an OS. I used the server install CD and install 2003 x64 without any problems. It isn't the trial version, but that shouldn't make a difference.

Did I read your last post correctly, server assistance doesn't load fully? You might want to run the hardware diags.

 

[Fencer128]

Hi,

Ran all of the diagnostics several times without issue. Everything is fine for 32bit 2k3. 64bit 2k3 causes problems when server assistant asks for the OS disk (I don't have the PC to hand right now and I'm just remembering it from about a week ago).

It basically complains and says to insert the OS disk (when I already have). The only other thing I can imagine is that my new Lite-On drive has problems with all of the OS trial disks I've made. They do cause the drive to make some strange noises (unlike any other ISO I've burned). However, I've used different downloads/burners/PCs/media to make the disks, and it would then mean that Microsoft's ISOs are the issue - which I'm hesitant to believe.

Cheers,

Andy

 

[stash]

Hmm, it may be possible that the server install disk does not recognize a trial version of 2003 x64.

It probably is a mass-storage device issue. The drivers you need are on the CD or you can download them from dell. Definitely make a floppy wit the 64-bit storage driver when you floppy drive gets in and try installing straight off the 2003 CD.

 

[Fencer128]

Hi stash,

Can I just check my logic here? Assuming a mass storage driver is needed for the x64 install, If I use the server assistant then it will provide any necessary mass storage drivers at install time. Because the OS disk isn't recognised we're not getting that far. If you do a straight install then the mass storage drivers aren't present and the install bluescreens.

Have I got that straight?

Thanks,

Andy