When installing NT - Unable to find any physical devices

[Ayman Altounji]

I am in the process of installing Windows NT4 Server on an ML350 with a smart array 431 (64-bit) Controller on 4x9.1gb drives configured as one logical unit. However, during the install stage NT setup does not find any other devices except for an IDE Controller. Tried multiple SmartStart configurations, Manual Setup and assisted setup and still no luck.

[Ayman Altounji]

First connect all your hard disks with array controller.

Start your installation with smart start CD upgrade your server with latest rampaq (if required) then select erase system configuration so that smart start erase old configuration files (if any). After erase complete it will ask you to power off. Power on the system, insert the smart start CD and then select assisted installation to install NT. I am sure you will success.

[Ayman Altounji]

The first thing you want to check is to make sure your array controller is set to boot before your IDE controller. If you enter setup while the server is posting, while scrolling through the menus, this option should be displayed. Once setup is correctly configured you shouldn't have any more troubles.

[Ayman Altounji]

You must set the boot controller order in the system BIOS. If the smart array controller is going to be the boot device, it must be listed as 1st in the BIOS configuration. Save the new hardware configuration to CMOS.