Re-imaged Proliant ML350 will not boot OS

[David Crew]

I cannot get the server to boot after installing new hard drives.

We are using Acronis True Image Enterprise Server 9.1.

Here is what has taken place:

The server is an HP Proliant ML350 with a Smart Array 641 array controller and running Windows 2000 Server.

The server originally had a RAID 0+1 array consisting of two 36.7 SCSI drives, with two partitions as C and D. The C partition was 8 GB and contained the OS. The D partition was storage.

I used a boot disc (Ultimate Boot CD for Windows) in conjunction with the Acronis plugin to successfully make an image of the entire drive (partitions C and D). The image was saved to a USB hard drive.

I powered-down the server, removed the two 36.7 drives, and installed three new 147 GB SCSI drives. I booted the server using HP's StartSmart disc. I configured the new array as RAID 5. I powered-down the server.

I booted the server using my boot disc and ran Acronis True Image. I successfully restored the image to the new drive - creating two partitions - C and D as before, with C containing the OS files and D as storage.

When I restarted the server, it will not load Windows. The start-up sequence proceeds normally until I reach the point where it is looking at the hard drive for something to boot. I see only a black screen with a blinking cursor.

The on-board ROM utility confirms that the array is set up correctly and that the drives are working correctly. With my boot disc, I can open a file manager and see that the data has been correctly written to the drive.

It's important to note that the only things that have changed are the hard drives and the RAID configuration. The old config was two drives at RAID 0+1 and the new config is three drives at RAID 5.

What is preventing the server from booting Windows? Any help is appreciated.

[ArneLovius]

I wonder if the partition is marked as active ?

[David Crew]

Yes, the boot partition is marked active.