Can you install windows 7 on an IBM x3250 M4 server?

Question

We are running an experiment on our available x3250 M4 Server for the purpose of trying to reach a client's requirement.

Basically they want Windows 7 running on the server.

I want to know if this is possible(without the use of VMWare of course) and how can we achieve this?

When I booted the installer in the dvd rom and finally clicked "Install Now", it displayed this screen:

"A required CD/DVD Drive device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disk, CD/DVD or USB Flash Drive, please insert it now."

Help would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Solution

Yes possible. Use the exact same process as for 2008R2 Server. Your server should have come with a Driver CD or installation preparation disc. If not, download the driver from IBM's website.

Comments

[kralyk]

Only caution would be that you won't get far with IBM support since it isn't on the supported OS list for the server. So if a drive dies, etc. then think about what you'll say before you call. :)

[Kevin]

Hi Chris, Do I have to download all the drivers from the IBM site?

[Kevin]

Oh..I managed to use IBM ServerGuide, and when it is time to insert the installation cd I put in the Windows 7 installer and it is now currently installing. :D I think this might just work. Thank you.

[Kevin]

Just an update... I've first installed windows 7 using the 64 bit installer..but then it won't boot to desktop and just keeps on rebooting during the "Starting Windows" thingy.. so i decided to install a 32 bit installation...and it worked perfectly fine. An SM Bus Controller Driver was missing and all I did was install the intel chipset utility program and it everything is ok afterwards. Installation of Windows 7 in IBM System X servers, as Chris suggested, is done using the ServerGuide. Just also make sure that you already had RAID configured before installation :) Thanks again Chris!