IBM xSeries 235 - Has anyone else had this many problems?

[vegita]

Hi, I'm new to these forums so please bare with me. I'm "building" a server for the company I'm working for, and they've decided to go to IBM Servers from HP Servers. Anyway I've never built an IBM Server up before. I had 2 bad sticks of memory right out of the gate. I'm not sure I have the RAID Controllers configured properly. I was able to install Windows 2000 Server, but I have an unknown device. And to top it all off I've installed an IBM Tape Drive and Tapeware, and the drive hangs when I try to format a tape. So long story shot here are my questions:

1). Any tips on configuring the RAID Controllers (On-Board) would be appreciated.

2). Has anyone run into Unknown Device Issue with this server and Windows 2000 Server, or does anyone have an idea what it might be?

3). Has anyone had any issues with Tapeware and IBM Tape drives.

To make a long story even shorter......HELP! Thanks in advance for any assistance you are able to offer.

 

[victorv]

hi,

a) Which mothod of installation have you used ?

A) server preinstalled and you have customized.
B) using CD coming with server
C) starting from 0 booting from W2K CD.

b) In CDs coming with server, there is one for RAID.
However you cat get it from internet.
At BIOS level, pre BOOT, there is an option (Ctrl-?
or F? ) to configure RIAD array by its BIOS.

c) If you right click in unk devices, what address
are used in Memory Range ?

bye

 

[vegita]

I used a CD that came with the server, ServerGuide I believe it's called, and did a NOS installation that way. I tried installing direct from the Win2K server CD, but I couldn't see the HDD on the primary RAID Controller. As for Memory Range Addresses, it doesn't seem to be using any resources so I can't tell. This is the info I get in device manager:

Device Type: Other Devices
Manufacturer: Unknown
Location: On Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System

 

[victorv]

hi,
The way you have used is the easiest, and I have used
the first time I have installed Netfinity.

Now I prefer start directly from W2K CD, to avoid extra
partitions in disk, and in general I want know what is
installed on a server: for example, I want know if DNS server is installed or not, WINS, mail, ecc: its longer
but gives me more control to the system.

To install from CD, you have to get, before install, the
drivers for RAID. Go in internet at

http://www.ibm.com

then
support
Personal computing
Server
leave server in box 1
choose x235 in box 2
choose machine type (only 8671)
choose the model
( you can find it on the label in front of the machine,
or at bios level, F1 at boot, in some panel).


In the page, you find the exact machine configuration eccept
add on (extra memory, maby tape, and so on)

If you don't find raid driver, click
"Device driver file matrix" on the right
select x235, Server Raid, v4.84
Choose Microsoft Windows (5.1)
download the .exe relative to you (probably 01r1024) .

download it in c:\temp\xyz and run: it creates
a floppy.

Boot your server by W2K CD and press F6 when it ask you
for special devices. After some time, the installation
ask you Floppy: instert and GO !

Probably some other devices (nic) may not be found:
follow the same technic.


About unk device, probably you can find it pressing
Reinstall Driver and scanning one of CDs coming with server. (or something from internet).
However, if the driver are not Digitally signed, be
careful: if the system is going don't install them.

A time I have installed a "...automatic restart..."
founding a driver that was unknown: all OK, but in
an application, always in the same point,
I had a "blue screen" . Deinstalled it no more problem!

bye

 

[xgeek]

Hi,

The unknown device you're getting is most likely for the Integrated System Management Processor. Go to the PCCO web site and download the W2K driver (filename : 71p8899.exe) and your troubles will be over.

 

[vegita]

Actually I had the same idea! I did end up contacting IBM Support and got some good info about the Tape Drive, and I've got replacement memory coming. All they could suggest about the unknown device however was to install all the latest drivers....go figure. I have done a complete reinstall of the Windows OS using the Windows CD, which I agree is the best way to do it. Thanks again for the help. It is much appreciated.

 

[catorze]

The x235 supports Alert Standard Format (ASF). To get rid of the unknown device, download the ASF.INF from IBM's site:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/qtechinfo/MIGR-43364.html

and follow the instructions in the README.