CPQ DL350 G1 initialization 2

[ElmerWFudd]

I bought a Compaq DL380 G1 server and blank drives. When I power on, after 5 seconds I get a Compaq Proliant banner, then RAM check OK, processors check OK, Smart array drive configuration, and then: non-system or disk error. I have the latest smart Start CD in the drive. I also tried it empy. and then with Win NT server 4.0. Still: non-system or disk error. I am stuck at this point, and power off the server.

 

[burtsbees]

quote...
"Honestly it just says "Integrated Smart Array Controller V1.42 - Initializing" "

Hardware RAID

Burt

 

[blister911]

This thread is a bit confusing, but because it was started by ElmerWFudd, I'm trying to stick to one issue at a time. If MrPatRyan is also having a problem, then it should be a new thread. I was referencing the comment made by Elmer on 13 Aug 07 9:15.

Quote: Smart Array 5i recognizes drives; defined RAID 1 ... I tried to load Windows NT. It starts ... sees IDE, but not the SCSI RAID, or SCSI at all. Asks for insert disk for any other controllers (I no got).

 

[burtsbees]

You are right! I agree---should be separate thread. My apologies.

Burt

 

[blister911]

No problem, we're all out here trying to help.

 

[MrPatRyan]

I suppose I could start a new thread - but it looks like elmer and I are having the same issue.

I now have a floppy drive on my desktop and have created a system erase floppy. My dl380 will boot from floppy and run the system erase utility.

It STILL does not boot from any Smartstart CD nor a Windows CD (it does try to boot from a VMware cd, which tells me it is checking to boot from cd at POST. VMware OS will not install because of other HCL issues).

Is there a way I can create a set of floppies that will lead me to being able to install Windows 2003?

Thanks All.

 

[ElmerWFudd]

Eureka! I have found my problem. All SmartStart CD copies given to me, and all I created, were not bootable due to my CD drives' inability to make real ISO copies. I downloaded freeware, ImageBurn, or something like that. It told me that the CD spindle I got at Fry's was all junk. I bought some Memorex at WalMart and made a successful copy of my downloaded SS 5.50. It works! I only stepped back to this machine to format a floppy, as it wants one to record a profile on. Thanks again for the crosspost, you may have the same issue?

I will install Windows NT first. Then start again with Linux on separate drives.

 

[MrPatRyan]

Elmer, thanks for the solution! I used ImagBurn to do a verify between the SmartStart.ISO and the CD I created on my desktop PC. There were errors. It turns out it was the GQ brand blank CD's I was using (GQ is supposed to stand for great quality, what a laugh). I used my same CD drive with Memorex brand blanks and my dl380 now boots to SmartStart.