Keyboard problem on server install

[tim55]

I am reinstalling Windows 2003 server onto an HP Proliant ML115 after some disk failures. I have tried two PS2 keyboards and two USB keyboards and get exactly the same result:

The server boots up and I can navigate through the BIOS no problem. The server then boots into the install CD and into the blue screen part of the process. If I press F6 then it will ask for RAID drivers etc. and if I press F2 it will take me to the ASR, all of which shows that it is responding to the keyboard.

After the loading files part, I get to the Welcome to Setup page and have the option to select Enter to install, R to Repair and F3 to Quit, a page I have seen a hundred times. However, at this point it does not respond to the keyboard at all.

I am stumped. How can it not respond to the PS2 keyboard at least is one question but more importantly, how can I proceed with the installation?

Thanks.

 

[goombawaho]

Does the CAPS lock or NUMlock buttons work at that point to turn the little lights on the keyboard on/off?
You're not connected to a KVM switch correct - straight to the server via keyboard cable?

Very strange and frustrating. Here's what I would do, in order
1. Reset BIOS to default values, then go in and reset everything like you want it. Try to reload and check K.B.
2. Update BIOS if any, reset BIOS to default and do #1 again.
Latest BIOS Version: 2007.12.12 (A) (28 Jan 2008)

This doesn't make much sense to me. Couldn't be something like a corrupted server install CD??? Do you have a different one to try?

 

[tim55]

Thanks for the reply.

Would you believe it, it's a corrupt install disk! I just tried to install using a 2003 SBS disk and it worked fine.

It's a proper disk, with all the holographic design on it and definitely came with the server, although 2003 was pre-installed on delivery so these disks may never have been used before. However, the Product Key sticker is on the server box.

FYI, no, the CAPS lock and the NUM Lock keys do not work with the original disk.

Unfortunately, we have no other 2003 server disks available, so where to go from here? I could install 2003 SBS and stop after the 2003 bit and before it continues with the SBS bit but I don't like this option as it confuses the whole Product Key and licensing issue.

I have contacted Microsoft who say that they cannot help, I need to contact the supplier of the server. The actual supplier is no longer in business so I have rung HP Business Support and ended up in a call center with someone who barely speaks any English, let alone has a clue what to do!! Unbelievable service from HP!!!

So anyone got any ideas as to where I go now?

Thanks.

 

[goombawaho]

You can try Ebay for a CD only, though technically nobody is supposed to sell the software without hardware. But for software that old, I'm sure Microsoft could care less. You COULD buy an old broken server that came with the OEM media to be 100% legal.

I'd bet that Craig's List would yield someone willing to let you "borrow" it.
You can ask a buddy for a copy of the CD or to borrow it. You're kind of in a bad place.

 

[tim55]

Luckily, a mate of mine has the disks I need and he will be in his office in an hour, so I will go over and get them. Hopefully, his disks will work!

Thanks for the help.