Windows Server 2003 can't find RAID array during install on Dell PowerEdge 2850

windows-server-2003 raid installation dell-poweredge

6,127

You will need the RAID driver. When you boot from the Windows installation CD it will ask you to press F6 for drivers. Hit F6 and have your RAID driver available on a floppy.

At this point you should see your configured array and be able to install or partition as necessary.

Since you do not have a floppy drive, the only other way to get drivers loaded is to slipstream them into the installation, and burn a new install CD/DVD. Check out nLite to get this done.

Or, install Server 2008, which will most likely have the driver in it's list.

EDIT: As others have mentioned, you could also use the Dell recovery disc that came with the server, or order one from Dell.

6,127

cvista

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Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

cvista almost 2 years

I'm trying to install Windows Server 2003 Web Edition on a Dell Poweredge 2850.

I've configured the RAID following these instructions:

http://lists.us.dell.com/pipermail/linux-poweredge/2007-August/032551.html

However - when i hit enter to install from the windows install media - it just says it can't find the disks. Is there anything above and beyond what is mentioned in that post or should this just work ?

[edit] This was sorted using a streamlined driver install as suggested by DanBig - thanks guys :)
- Vick Vega about 13 years
  
  Every server manufacturer provides their own CD/DVD for such installations, IBM - SERVERGUID, HP - SMARTSTART, Dell - don't recall the name. Just download it from manufacturer's website.
- cvista about 13 years
  
  I'm trying out Dell OpenManage - this is not as easy as the HP server i installed this morning!
- Vick Vega about 13 years
  
  Maybe, however documentation available on the DELL's site on how to use it.
cvista about 13 years

floppy... yeah... about that!! :s any other way of getting the driver in there?
DanBig about 13 years

You may be able to slipstream a new installation disk with the driver, but thats about it. Unless windows has the driver available on the disk, it will only look to a floppy.
cvista about 13 years

what about burning it to a cd and swapping it out during install?
DanBig about 13 years

Nope, needs to be found during the scan of the installation CD, and if not found there, will only go to floppy.
DanBig about 13 years

It would probably be quicker to bogart a floppy drive from a nearby desktop machine than bothering with anything else.
cvista about 13 years

that's the issue - i dont have a floppy, nor a machine witha floppy :(
DanBig about 13 years

See the edit. Unfortunately, its slipstream or nothing.
Holocryptic about 13 years

Places like best buy sell USB floppy drives and floppy disks. You can get them for around $50 USD.
cvista about 13 years

going for 2008 :)
Andrew Rice about 13 years

Is there a Dell server setup CD? That usually bypasses all this floppy disk razzmatazz.
cvista about 13 years

nah - trying with openmanage now... i'll rpt bck :)
DanBig about 13 years

The openmanage CD isn't going to help you install the OS...
DanBig about 13 years

If it contains the server assistant, it will help. Some openmanage cds only have the management software on them.