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2110
October 5th, 2018 12:00
T320 installing bare metal Windows Server 2016 hang up
Hi all, I am trying to install Windows Server Essentials 2016 on a T320. I am using a USB key as the boot media. Everything loads fine, until the computer restarts after the initial phase and then I get the windows logo screen. At first it is a high resolution screen then downgrades to a low resolution image with the circle of dots surrounding the windows logo and then nothing happens. If I do a cold restart at that point the installation fails and I have to start from scratch. I am thinking it's a driver issue? I cannot deploy Server 2016 through the LLC as it is not one of the available options, however Dell has certified Server 2016 as an option for T320. At installation, Server 2016 recognized the hard drive and all, no issues there. I have a Raid 10 array of SSDs with one VD already configured for OS deployment. I guess my only other option would be to install Server 2012 R2 and do an in-place upgrade to 2016? Any ideas from anyone would be welcome.
de109
6 Posts
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October 6th, 2018 14:00
Ok,
So after trying multiple things, here what worked: download the video Matrix driver from Dell (this is the one for my server, check your particular model):
https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=M3GR4&osCode=WS8R2&productCode=poweredge-t320
***during server 2016 install, press the button "load drivers" at the screen where you are picking what drive to install the operating system on and select the appropriate folder where you have video driver saved (I would recommend a USB drive). Pick the matrox video driver. After that everything went buttery smooth.
The frustrating thing is that this is a very simple issue to have a workaround, yet there is no mention anywhere in the Dell tech support documents, even though quite a number of 12th generation servers that have been certified as compatible with Server 2016 (I do remember somewhere in some obscure document a mention that the video card is an issue with server 2016, but there was no advice given). Better yet, Dell should just make Server 2016 an option in the lifecycle controller OS deployment ->it would make life easier for everyone since most other drivers are inbox with the server 2016 installation media. As well, check the device manager after install (right click on "this pc" on the desktop and select properties, then look in the upper left corner -> I had to manually install a number of drivers from windows update ->just right click on any devices that server 2016 did not recognize and pick update driver.
Cheers.
Daniel My
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6.2K Posts
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October 5th, 2018 14:00
Hello
I would minimize installed hardware. Disconnect the USB device that you used to install Windows when it restarts. Disconnect or remove any other hardware that is not necessary. You can find drivers on the system support page.
http://www.dell.com/support/
The video driver referenced in the other post you replied should be listed on the support page if one is available.
Thanks