Windows Server 2008 on DELL PE 2950

Hi guys. Here is another question that I have.

I'm not sure if to install 2008 or 2008R2 on this machine. From what I've read, R2 comes only in x64 and it's supposed to be a lot better than 2008 or 2008 SP2. Now, the problem is that we cannot mess with the applications we use and we don't want to have any problems with them on 64-bits. Usually I know that operating systems with 64-bit architectures support software that runs on 32-bit. Did I got it wrong or I can try installing R2 without being afraid that some applications will be compromised?

Thanks again guys! : )

32 bit software should function just fine, in most cases, especially if produced by a major company; software produced by small firms may need tweaking  . Biggest issue I have had is the directory structure/directory permissions are different from 2000/2003. You may need to modify the user permissions  (write permission) to either the directory or particular files in the folders 32 bit programs are installed to, and possibly folders the user needs to access for temp/configuration files, under the \user directory, the software producer or a google search should be able to point the way. Also you may need to modify the compatibility mode in the properties of the programs icon. Overall, even if you need to modify as above, R2 64 bit is the way to go, as you will not be limited as to memory use in the future, and R2 has a few nice features over the original 2008 64 bit release.

I ran into this problem myself, and a coworker recommended
going to the download page on http://Support.dell.com.  Under “System Management,” download the Dell
Systems Build and Update Utility ISO and burn it to DVD.  This will create a hidden partition of the
drivers you’ll need to install R2.  Also
download the ISO for “Dell Windows OS Drivers Deployment” – you will need this
in the installation process.  Go from the
Dell Systems build DVD to the Dell Windows OS Drivers CD to your Windows Server
2008 R2 DVD.   Good luck -

Hi there,

Just download the 2.24 version and test it on your server :)

Hi - sorry to barge in on a thread.

I have a 1950 with Server 2008 x64 and my Open Manage says that my 6/i driver needs to be:

Minimum Required Driver Version2.24.00.64

but is currently 2.13.

Is this true?

Jeff

"Is this true?"

Yes ... you said it says it, right? :)

Newer versions of OMSA require a minimum driver/firmware level to function 100% as designed, AND it just a good idea to keep it up to date to prevent "preventable" issues.

I would suggest updating the BIOS and ESM/BMC, then the PERC driver (does it also show your firmware out of date?).

BIOS:

ftp.dell.com/.../PE1950_BIOS_WIN_2.7.0.EXE

ESM/BCM:

ftp.dell.com/.../1950_ESM_Firmware_XCVN0_WN32_2.50_A00.EXE

PERC Driver:

ftp.dell.com/.../SAS-RAID_Driver_M4F88_WN32_2.24.0.64_A03.EXE

PERC Firmware (if needed):

ftp.dell.com/.../SAS-RAID_Firmware_W83M2_WN32_6.3.1-0003_A14.EXE

Other devices you should look into updating:  HDD and NIC.

Hello Dell Gurus and Masters can you please help me to install Windows 2008 R2 Enterprise x64 on Dell Power Edge 2950 III (Black Face Plate not the gray as it is depicted some where  on this forum)? I have Windows2003 R2 Enterprise server running on this machine. I already moved the app out of this server so no worries of loosing data.

Current Configuration:
BIOS Version 2.5.0
Exp. RAID Controller 2 LSI Logic
PERC 5/i Integrated FW Package 5.2.1-0067
Dell Open Manager Assist 8.10
BroadCom NetXtreme II Ethernet Boot Agent 4.44

Issue: We cannot boot the machine from the USB Thumb Drive or from the DVD with 2008 ISO image. I can only boot from the original 2003 Server R2 Enterprise Edition DVD or the DELL Installer Server Management V 5.2.0 A0 CD.  I suspect the BIOS is outdated. Is that correct?

Appreciate if you can provide me detail steps if I need to update BIOS or other Controller Drivers on this to recognize the new 2008 drivers etc.

Thank you

Sansun S.

BIOS is out of date, but only by a version or two ... definitely won't make any difference for this issue.

Let me just ask ... you can boot the 2003 CD and the ISM CD, but not the 2008 DVD ... are you sure you have a DVD drive?  They were not yet "standard" when the 9G servers were shipping.

As for the USB - assuming you prepared it correctly (sorry) - make sure USB is enabled with BIOS support in the BIOS Setup (F2), then put the USB in the system and power on (or reboot) and boot to the BIOS.  There/then you should have the option to raise the priority of the USB device in the boot/HDD sequence.

It is clearly printed on the fascia of the tray that it is DVD rom .

Following are the settings Inside the BIOS setup (F2) :

Boot Sequence ....................[shows only 3 options]
1.SATA CD-ROM device Port B,
2.Hard Drive C:,
3.Embedded NIC 1MBA v4.4.4 slot 0500.

Integrated Devices:
User Accessible USB Ports ..... All Ports On
Internal USB Port ..........On
Embedded GB NIC1 ....... Enabled with PXE

Any way to exchange the Embedded GB NIC1 boot option for USB Port ?

Appreciate any help..

Did you power on WITH the USB key in a slot?  If it is not there when the system comes on, it will not be available in the boot sequence.  Do you have a HDD sequence option too?

Flash1932 you may be right and I also noticed that its only recognize and boot from the USB Flash drive created with the Dell's USBKeyPrepF6

tool. Upgrading the BIOS went smooth from 2.5 to 2.6.1 and then to 2.7.0 without any glitch. Thought I have not noticed any obvious difference before

and after the BIOS flash except the version#.

What other firmware/driver upgrade I have to do to prepare this for a 2008R2 install?

System firmware should be updated together:  BIOS, then ESM/BMC, PERC, NIC, HDD, DRAC.

Also, depending on your RAID controller, you will need to configure RAID PRIOR to attempting to install Windows.

(Maybe you only used the F6KeyPrep utility as a test, but you will not need that for a 2008R2 install.)