Installing Window 2012 R2 on a modern Dell Precision Workstation - No disks seen

Jason Chapman 31 Reputation points
2021-10-28T11:41:33.293+00:00

Hi,
I am in a bit of a fix and needed to spin up another HyperV host (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/592708/microsoft-exchange-transport-service-won39t-start.html).

Lead time on a server was far too long, so bought a precision workstation.
It has an M2 2280 x 512GB preinstalled with W10.

I need it to be running W2012 R2 on as the host.

After A LOT of messing around to work out how to get an ISO -> USB and boot when the BIOS has had legacy boot removed..... and realising that the installer will only get so far using the graphics card and then hangs (it has been a long a trying morning).

It now gets to: Standard install and custom. As I don't want it installing it in the same place as the W10, I select custom, but it can't find any of the 3 drives: the original M2, the 2TB one I have installed or the SATA 250Gb - all seen by the bios. Of course the Dell support portal won't give me relevant drivers. So what do I need to do / get?

I can see the Bios said Intel Raid (checked) or AHCI (corrected). I am thinking I should remove the Dell supplied Disk in case I really fry it, but it won't see any of the drives.
All except the dell one are fresh out of the wrapper - no formatting etc.

Help appreciated. Jason.

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
12,083 questions
0 comments
Accepted answer
  1. Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP
    2021-10-28T18:30:08.187+00:00

    The hardware may be too new for Server 2012. Might try installing Server 2016 or Server 2019

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

11 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP
    2021-10-28T17:49:36.513+00:00

    Install the chipset
    https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/precision-3450-workstation/drivers

    The chipset allows the operating system to find and use devices integrated into the mother board.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP
    2021-10-28T18:07:41.633+00:00

    Intel Chipset Device Software

    Its this one you'll need at a minimum.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP
    2021-10-28T19:27:30.367+00:00

    Is there a restriction on connections etc?

    Technically it shouldn't be a problem, legally probably not so much.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Limitless Technology 39,336 Reputation points
    2021-10-29T12:54:28.857+00:00

    Hello @JasonChapman,

    Thank you for your question and reaching out. My name is Prakash and I’d be more than happy to help you with your query.

    Please wipe out completely the Windows 10 Installation which is already installed on this workstation.

    Also, Please change the boot order first from USB then Second to Hard drive.

    Please also consider to reset BIOS to factory default and boot using Legacy mode.

    --If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments