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Can't install server 2022 on HP ML350 G6 server

Anonymous
2024-01-15T23:52:35+00:00

HP ML350 G6 Server --- 128GB RAM --- 8-SAS 900 GB drives --- 2 CPUs with 4 core each

Have HP SmartStart 8.7 CD

To install OS (Windows Server 2022), the SmartStart CD 'requires' the original manufacturer's OS DVD which I don't have.

To install OS from a flash drive, the server only allows MBR formatting, rather than UEFI. This means the installation will be 32-bit. That's a problem because the RAID 5 partition is ~4T. The 32-bit installation downgrades the drive to 2T. The OS is installed as 32-bit, but the drives are not upgradable to 64-bit without wiping the entire drive. The SmartStart CD won't allow me to install the OS because I don't have an MS installation DVD, and the USB install only allows MBR (32-bit installation).

I have created a one-disk array and got the OS installed as 64-bit, (through a bunch of machinations) but when attempting to create an array on the rest of the drives, the system refuses to boot because the EFI partition isn't where the server is expecting.

I'm at a loss for what to do. Does any have ideas to help me out?

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Install Windows updates, features, or roles

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-16T02:22:59+00:00

    Hi Michael R.Emmert,

    firstly, it's important to note that the HP SmartStart CD is no longer supported by HP and has been replaced by the HP Intelligent Provisioning tool. This tool should be able to assist you with installing the OS without requiring the original manufacturer's OS DVD.

    Regarding the issue with MBR formatting, it's possible that your server's BIOS is not configured to support UEFI boot mode. You may need to check your server's BIOS settings and enable UEFI boot mode if it's available.

    If you're unable to enable UEFI boot mode, you may need to consider using a third-party tool to create a bootable USB drive with a 64-bit installation of Windows Server 2022 that supports MBR formatting.

    Regarding the issue with the EFI partition, it's possible that the partition was not created correctly during the installation process. You may need to recreate the partition and ensure that it's located in the correct location on the disk.

    Hope it helps.

    Kind regards,

    Lei

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