Urgent help with Windows Install on Poweredge 1950

Question

Hello,

I am trying to install Windows server 2003 R2 on a Dell Poweredge 1950, with a SCSI array using two 250GB hard drives.

The issue I'm having is that upon installing Windows it informs me it cannot see any hard drives at all.

I know they are there and Windows 2003 is meant to have the SCSI drivers in it's installer already and I've used a Floppy to provide them manually but it still fails.

Please help me I need to get this installed.

Jason

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

The 1950 does not support SCSI (so drives must be SATA or SAS) and it has a backplane that is integral to the system's design (must be there), so the backplane must connect to some sort of controller. The 1950 only supports the PERC 5/6 and the SAS 5/6. If you have a CTRL-C option during POST, then you have a SAS 5/6. The SAS 5/iR and the SAS 6/iR both support RAID (the SAS 5/i does not - no 'R'), and both support non-RAID (meaning drives can be utilized individually - not in a RAID array, when left unconfigured).

You will need to make sure you are using this driver:
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/2684/DriverDetails?DriverId=FF6F6&FileId=2731105692&DriverName=Dell%20SAS%205%2FiR%20Integrated%2C%20SAS%205%2FiR%20Adapter%2C%20SAS%206%2FiR%20Adapter%2C%20SAS%206%2FiR%20Integrated%2C%20SAS%206%2FIR%20Integrated%20Blades%2C%20v.1.28.03.01%2C%20A06

Minimum SAS 5 FW package version: 00.10.51.00.06.12.05.00
Minimum SAS 6 FW package version: 00.25.45.00.06.22.02.00

If your controller firmware is very old, you will need to use this one:
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/2684/DriverDetails?DriverId=NY69C&FileId=2731100031&DeviceId=9623&DriverName=Dell%20SAS%205%2FiR%20Integrated%2C%20SAS%205%2FiR%20Adapter%2C%20SAS%206%2FiR%20Adapter%2C%20SAS%206%2FiR%20Integrated%2C%20SAS%206%2FIR%20Integrated%20Blades%2C%20v.1.24.04.00%2C%20A04

Minimum SAS 5 FW package version: 00.10.51.00.06.12.04.00
Minimum SAS 6 FW package version: 00.20.43.00.06.14.08.00

Alternatively, you could use the installation utility ... it walks you through setting up RAID and installs all needed drivers along the way. Your 2003 media will have to have SP2 on it though.

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/2684/DriverDetails/DriverFileFormats?DriverId=NF1CT&FileId=2731102793

jbthenext · Answer

Ok I have check it has a SAS 5/i Controller.

jbthenext · Answer

The server doesn't support RAID or have PERC it is simply SCSI with 4 x 2.5' drive bays. There are two drives in identical types and both are 250GB in size. In the SCSI configuration screen that you open using Ctrl+C on the POST screen I see them both and they are in an array.

theflash1932 · Answer

You must do TWO things in order for Windows Setup to be able to see the drives on a PERC controller (you didn't mention PERC, but I am assuming, given the issue you are having):

1. Configure RAID in the CTRL-R configuration utility for the PERC 5/6. You will see the prompt to enter CTRL-R during POST as the PERC loads. There you will configure AND Initialize your RAID 1. As the PERC's do not support non-RAID, you must configure RAID before installing your OS ... if you don't configure RAID first on a PERC, Windows Setup will not see a drive, even if you do have the correct drivers.

2. After configuring RAID, then you must load the RAID driver at the F6 prompt during Windows setup (or integrate the driver into your installation media using the likes of nLite).

jbthenext · Answer

Thank You so much, now that I look back it I can't believe I missed that driver. I am very grateful you have saved me a lot of frustration.

theflash1932 · Answer

No problem :) Take care.

PowerEdge HDD/SCSI/RAID

Urgent help with Windows Install on Poweredge 1950

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