Windows server 2003 hangs on setup is starting windows

[d4rky]

I am attempting to install windows server 2003 on two of our compaq proliant ML530 servers here.

I have used the compaq Smart Start CD to build the array and create the logical drive.

Both machines have Compaq Smart array 5300 controllers with 3 * 18Gb raid 5 disks. Both installs hang at exactly the same point where the dos screen says "setup is starting windows".

I have tried this with the inbuilt drivers for the 5300 controller and with the latest ones from the HP site, both have the same effect.

Has anyone come across this before?

 

[ereid99]

I am having the same problem. Did you find a solution for this?

Thanks

 

[swabs]

have you rebooted in safe mode?

When in safe mode you can run the command msconfig. Then in that command you can select only the vital services to start. Alot of times an update to a 3rd party app or service will cause problems.

 

[ereid99]

Well its a fresh install of Windows so there is no safe mode option at this point.

I did some more digging and came up with this though and it appears to be working.

Source:

http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/...44746&admit=-682735245+1129834737877+28353475

1. Boot the server using the SmartStart CD version 5.5 and run the System
Erase Utility.
2. Power cycle the server when prompted.
3. Boot the server using the SmartStart CD.
4. Select the Manual Configuration.
5. Select the Operating System as Windows 2000 Advanced Server.
6. Now the Primary Operating System will be set to Windows 2000 in the
System Configuration Utility (SCU). Save SCU and select "continue with
SmartStart".
7. Follow the onscreen instructions and continue the Windows 2003 Operating
System installation (insert the Windows 2003 CD in the CD-ROM drive when it
prompts for a Operating System CD)

Eric