Loading SATA RAID Driver During Win 2003 Server Install

[Don_McHugh]

I'm installing Windows Server 2003 SBE on a M110 G3. I'm using a USB floppy drive to install the RAID driver. I'm able to load the RAID driver after pressing F6. However, a little later on in the install, Windows asks me for the driver one more time from floppy drive A. But now, Windows does not recognize my USB floppy drive and won't let me proceed. Any ideas?

[raadek]

Yes, my ideas were expressed here:
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=1026238
& there:
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=1021686

It looks like this embedded SATA RAID really sucks...

Rgds.

[Don_McHugh]

I don't seem to be having the exact problem you describe. I'm able to install the Adaptec driver by pressing F6. However, a little farther down the Win installation, it asks for the same driver in the A drive. Only Windows does not recognize the USB floppy with the driver!

[Michael Richter]

its a know issue/fact!

the only way to install without troubles ist:

1. install with an org. HP USB Floppy Drvie (ask HP which is recommended)

2. installe with the USB Drive Key Utility
(no longer supported, but may it helps,try different USB Sticks)
--> http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/23839.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

3. Use for example: www.nliteos.com and create your own installation CD and insert the SATA Raid Driver

4. Install via PXE

5. Do not use the SATA HW Raid (think thats no solution)



If u find more ways to install, keep me up to date


Cheers
Michael

[Igor Karasik]

Don,
see if this thread help
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?threadId=1004186

"Windows 2003 install gets to the stage where it asks you how you want to partition the RAID array. When you chose that, it again asks you the the driver disk"
Similar problem ?

And second option: slipstream SATA drivers into Windows 2003 CD
http://unattended.msfn.org/unattended.xp/view/web/36/

[Don_McHugh]

Thanks to all who offered help! I finally got the drivers slipstreamed into the install CD. Works just fine now. Seems like this is an HP/Microsoft conspiracy.:)

[Terri Harris]

Someone may have already pointed this out (in a referenced URL) but...there are some USB floppy drives that exhibit this behavior during a Windows 2000 or 2003 setup/install. Typically the external floppy will work just fine at the hardware level (such as booting from a floppy). There is some conflict with the USB floppy drive and Microsoft Windows setup with certain USB floppy models.
FYI: When you need to specify a OEM drive (like an HP driver), it is normal for Windows to ask "twice". The first time you are asked for the driver there is no partition created yet - the driver is loaded into memory. After the desired C: partition is created and formatted, the driver is requested a second time so it can be written to the drive partition.