Installing Windows 2003 server on DL320 with RAID

[Allan Romme]

Hey

We have a DL320 with 2x 160GB SATA, inkl. CD-ROM drive but no floppy.

I think we know have tryed everything to get a Windows 2003 server installed on this system.

I have tryed every solution I have found, but nothing works. How do I get Windows 2003 server on this server, when running with the Embedded controller and RAID 1.

We have even made a Windows 2003 install CD with the Adaptec SATA HostRAID inclued. And this work until first boot, then it goes to bluescreen after running Windows logo in 2 sec.

/Allan

[sandeep_raman]

Hello Allan,

Have you slipstreamed SP1 into the base 2003 server cd and checked?

SRH

[Allan Romme]

Hi

The cd I used to make the slipstreamed was a Windows Server 2003 Web Edition including SP1.

So I guess that is correct?!?

/Allan

[RGP]

Did you try Smart Start Assisted Installation after disabling the RAID? It works! Then you may try JBOD to RAID Migration / Software RAID

[Allan Romme]

I'am installing Windows 2003 server with out RAID (Embedded controller disabled) and it seams to work.

But I would like the RAID to work :o)

/Allan

[RGP]

Raid migration from JBOD to RAID 1 can be done without affecting the existing o/s (confirm customer has backup of data).

This has been verified in the lab with a single JBOD drive with o/s installed, and subsequent addition of another for purpose of migration. Steps are as follows...

JBOD to RAID 1
PROCEDURE
1-Press "Ctrl-A" after controller initialization

2-Choose "Array Configuration Utility" in the "Main Menu" choose "Configure Drives"

3-Press the "Insert" key when each drive is highlighted. This will put the drives in the box called "Selected Drives". Press "Enter" to complete the selections

Then a warning message will appear "Warning: Configuring the drives will erase all Array information from the selected drives, if that drive is part of an array. Arrays using any of these drives as members will be affected! Do you want to continue?(Yes/No):". Press "Y" to continue.

This will take you back to the "Main Menu".

4-Choose "Create Array". Press the "Insert" key when each drive is highlighted. This will put the drives in the box called "Selected Drives" Press "Enter" to complete the selections.

5-The "Array Properties" window comes up. Under "Array Type" choose "RAID 1(Mirror)". Label the Array under "Array Label". Under "Create RAID Via" choose "Build". "Select Source Drive" is the next box. Choose the drive with the data you want to keep on it. The following message will be displayed "Building the RAID 1 may take a half hour or more to complete. Do you still want to continue?(Yes/No):". Press "Y" to begin the creation of the RAID 1.

-Bear in mind that THERE IS NO OPTION LISTED to migrate arrays in this configuration, and is a likely source for confusion.The option to go from JBOD to RAID

Then the building process is going to take place and you are going to see a BUILDING in the array status

NOTE: HP recommends to start from scratch and eventhough you can migrate from Raid 0 to 1 by doing this HP doesn't support it, it could fail!!!

Anyways all the Best!!!
If this does not work, you may have to resort to software RAID.

[Christian Sporer]

Hi Allan,

did you already upgrade to the newest firmware? I installed Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition with the same setup as you mentioned without problems after upgrading.

Best regards,

Christian

[Allan Romme]

Hi Christian

Do you mean the raid controller firmware?
What version are you using?

/Allan

[Christian Sporer]

Hello Allan,

no I mean the system ROM which includes also some updates for SATA:

"Updated embedded Adaptec Software RAID firmware to version B2067. This firmware release corrects an issue where the RAID Option ROM would not properly enable the Drive Write Cache feature."

Download version 2006.06.30 B here:
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/25160.html

Hope that helps - it worked for me.

Best regards,

Christian

[Allan Romme]

Hi

Tha Adaptec controller are version 4.7-6 B2067.
So I don't think the update will help.

/Allan

[Greg Rickershauser]

I successfully loaded Win2003 with the SATA Controller disabled. I think I've successfully migrated it back to Raid 1 after enabling the SATA controller again and following the instructions by RGP, but now it won't boot again. Don't I still need to install the "Embedded SATA RAID Controller Driver for Windows 2000/Windows Server 2003"? Should I have installed that somehow from USB Floppy drive while the SATA controller was disabled? If so, how, when the SATA device doesn't appear?

[Hipolito Gonzalez]

Hey

Did you solve your problem?

i`m trying to do the same, install windows 2003 standard R2 in the DL320G4 server with an 250 Seagate RAID 1 Array and i only get blue screen of dead when windows start after 39 minutes of installation time.

could you help me please?

does the GRP method works anyway?
regards