Can't install Windows Server 2016 on PowerEdge 2950

When I performed I PXE boot I changed the boot order as necessary, to boot of the NIC card. I then changed the boot order to boot off USB.

If you go from PXE to USB, you would need to change the boot order, as well as disable PXE booting from the NIC in the BIOS. 

Hi Chris,

I tried to install Server 2012 and got the same result. The installation process was stuck on the Windows for 2012 server also.

Kind Regards

Zak

Zakmk96,

I issue is likely due to the fact that the 2950 isn't a supported server with Server 2016. The highest OS I am showing supported on the 2950 is Server 2012. 

The issue I have encountered is that the server fails to boot from Network, USB or even CD it just stalls at the Windows loading icon and I have left it overnight before and still no change this issue was happening both prior and after I rebuilt the RAID array (RAID 5) on the server.

You can update (or downgrade) the BIOS from bootable media - doesn't have to be an installed OS.

magesh - I haven't tried 2016 yet, but Server 2012/R2 run just fine on the 2950 with the latest BIOS code.

The issue I have is that my 2950 has no OS whatsoever, so I can't run any exe's.

I have tried multiple times through the 2.7 bios to boot server 2012 R2 but every time it will get stuck on the windows logo spinning circles ...

Then I decided to downgrade bios through dos USB ...downgraded to 1.5.1 then booted the Server 2012 R2 the loading files took way longer and the setup continued ...then I formatted the USB made a bootable 2016 server then install went fine ....

Though theflash1932 help me out with this ....can u able to install video driver in Server 2012 R2

ZAKMK96-- I ll let you install Windows 2012 R2 in Your PE2950, Follow these Steps

1.Goto downloads.dell.com/.../

2.Find the file called [ PE2950-010501C.exe ] Download it 

3.Download Rufus 

4.Insert your PenDrive and select create bootable Media using Freedos Option

5.After Rufus completes the process

6.Copy the File into PenDrive  [ PE2950-010501C.exe ]

7.Boot your server with the Pendrive and you will be in a DOS prompt

8.Type PE the starting of the file name and hit TAB the file name automatically comes then hit Enter

9.BIOS downgrade will happen

10.You can install any OS u want like [2008,2012,2016,ESXI 5.5 , Centos Etc ]

Please let me know if it Works for you ...

Hi,

I tried using the steps you provided and ran into a road block. I got the error message " The BIOS image does not support the current hardware configuration. Flash update is aborted".  Is there something I need to do before I can downgrade?

Did the downgrade in effort to install 2012 r2. After reboot, I have no video. Reseated all cards and memory. Still no luck. Any suggestions. Powers on and fans kick in, light blinking, drives solid green lights, no Video.

Dave

Hi, did you find a solution to no Video issue?

Thanks.