Server won't install OS

Compaq system bios D14 (01/08/2003)
Compaq Ultra3 Bios 3.02.01
2001 Adaptec


Dual core 2.3 GHz
4GB RAM
2 Internal Fans
1 External Fan
2 PMM's (Processesor memory modules)
1 PCI-E 64bit-wide SCSI HDD Smart Array Adapter [space for 6 drives]

6 SCSI drives [38.2 GB]
1 IDE Seagate HD 40GB
1 Dvd Writer

Boots cmos fine.
Memory check works.
Dual cpu's are found. Correct frequency speed.
F9 for Bios Settings.
All settings are optimized default. IDE HD is found.

Boot sequence
1. IDE HD
2. CDROM
3. PCI-E SCSI Smart array adapter
4. Floppy Drive

I copied files to IDE HD from windows xp disc (I also tried vista and windows 7)
The problem is when the windows disc wants to reboot it reboots then starts up but does not automatically continue setup.
It states that the server is currently configured for windows.NT/2000.
I went into bios settings and changed OS selection to other OS (and also tried OS/2)
Yet still it boots and instead of continuing installation tries a 'PXE NIC' Boot [then searching for DHCP connection.]
I have tried changing boot sequence, reinstalling the disc again then changing the OS selection every way I can yet it still refuses to continue the installation using the IDE HD.
I've tried using different IDE HD's. I've also tried to boot without the Smart Array PCI-E adapter still yet it changes nothing.
The motherboard has no damage i'm aware of, the server has never been dropped, in fact for it's age, is in nice condition.
No dust Build up,
There isn't much else I can do. No one in my class for Polytech can figure it out.
Any ideas?

Is there something stupid i'm doing?  

Sorry if double post isn't allowed..

But I may try installing windows 2000 or .NT  as the OS selection in the Bios states as options.

Or even an ubuntu live CD could be the way to go, since my PC actually picks up the HD, this may be a good workaround.

the Optical Drive should be <before> the HD in the boot order.

for some reason it's falling back on trying to boot from the network. You could disable that feature.

the Optical Drive should be <before> the HD in the boot order.

for some reason it's falling back on trying to boot from the network. You could disable that feature.

I have changed the boot sequence to every possibility I can and it does not change the effect.

Also the PXE/NIC boot or whatever it is, I can disable it, but then it skips booting from the network then says 'system disk error'.
I know with system disk error, it's indicating that the HD has either no system files to boot from and/or means that it is not configured for the server pc. also that the boot sequence needs to be rearranged. As I mentioned before I have changed around the boot sequence in many different ways previously.

Also I booted the recovery console from the windows disc to..
FIXMBR
and
FIXBOOT

Yet It still refuses to boot.

I'm at my whits end with this server. There really is nothing I can think of.
The jumpers are all set correctly, everything is plugged in correctly.
It seems so strange.

[Moderator]

2 things here...

1) Why are you not booting to an OS CD to facilitate a proper install on this machine ? ?
2)What drive are you intending to install to ? ? 1 of the SCSI drive araay ...or the 40G.

The system disk error is because the installation is not completing upon re-boot and you have no proper OS install...

At any rate BC is correct...boot to network should be temporarily disabled until the OS is installed properly...
It's not needed.

1) Why are you not booting to an OS CD to facilitate a proper install on this machine ? ?

I Explained this. I have tried this.

2)What drive are you intending to install to ? ? 1 of the SCSI drive araay ...or the 40G.

'I copied files to IDE HD from windows xp disc'

The IDE drive.

The system disk error is because the installation is not completing upon re-boot and you have no proper OS install...

Yeah? I've mentioned that. And It was a proper installation.

At any rate BC is correct...boot to network should be temporarily disabled until the OS is installed properly...
It's not needed.

I also mentioned this.
Did you actually read my post?
Sorry but it seems like you haven't

'I copied files to IDE HD from windows xp disc'

Woah... you're serious? you just pretty much XCopied the disk contents to a hard drive and expected that to work? It doesn't and it won't.

FIXBOOT and so forth won't work to fix it since the CD doesn't boot to a Windows XP system until after it copies most of the files to the HD and restarts the machine.I suspect it uses some sort of custom boot sector.

[Moderator]

Did you actually read my post?
Sorry but it seems like you haven't

Guess i could say the same.

Quote from: Badserver
'I copied files to IDE HD from windows xp disc'

The IDE drive.

You cant install an OS from the same HDD the install files are written to...

Quote from: patio on Today at 06:42:43 PM
The system disk error is because the installation is not completing upon re-boot and you have no proper OS install...

Yeah? I've mentioned that. And It was a proper installation.

It never finished it's work after the re-boot...so it can't be a proper install...

If in fact you want to install to the IDE the SCSI array should be disconnected...
Then the install should be done properly by booting to the XP CD and letting it complete.
Once everything is up and running then you can add the SCSI array and all necessary drivers afterwards....

Okay I'll try state my problem again,

When I said I copied the os files to the HD, I meant..

I booted the OS installation disc, and I partitioned the HD and the disc then COPIES the OS files to the HD.

Now the problem is, after it copies the files it needs to reboot. Right?
Well my server reboots, but it does not continue installation, it just boots the disc again.

and like I said before I've tried different ways of booting from optical drives, to Hdd's.

sorry if my post seemed vague.

[Moderator]

Dis-connect the SCSI araay...
Eliminate the network boot option and try again...

I have to ask....after the CD runs the install and then does the reboot do you see a note that says something like....Press any key to boot from the CD......

If you do are you pressing a key?

Dis-connect the SCSI araay...
Eliminate the network boot option and try again...

Tried and failed..

I have to ask....after the CD runs the install and then does the reboot do you see a note that says something like....Press any key to boot from the CD......

If you do are you pressing a key?

Umm yes I do press a key.
And then I've tried waiting, which also does not start installation correctly..
meh. It's pretty messed up.

Format the drive and start the server install.....

when you get to the reboot and see the note "Press any key to boot from the CD...." Do not hit any key. Just let the machine go....

What I think is happening is it does the first half of the install and does a reboot. By you hitting a key it starts the install over. If you do not hit a key the machine starts the second half of the install.....which needs the CD to be left in the machine.

So the bottom line is wipe the machine clean by formatting it and start the install and let it reboot. Don't hit any key...just let it go. It should boot from your hard drive and read and install the rest of the files from CD.

You should be doing this without any other items in the machine like patio said...unplug the SCSI and anything else except the CD and the IDE hard drive.


Good luck...

I think you nailed it Spoiler. I was having the same thought. The only time you need to press a key when you see that message is the very first time you install the os from the cd. After the first reboot you no longer press a key because you do not want it to boot from the cd again. You want it to boot from the hard drive instead. Even though you may have the hard drive set to boot first, if the pc detects a cd and asks you to press a key you are bypassing that. You are stuck in an endless loop of your own doing. However, I don't think you need to wipe the drive and start over since you already have the files copied to it. Just don't press a key. But if you want a fresh new install then wipe it.

PS - I just noticed he hasn't replied in about 4 days so I guess that solved his issue.

No sorry spoiler I don't think I made myself understood.

When you say do not press any key when it brings up the 'press any key to boot from cd'

Clearly, I already know that.

It then boots from HD like said but the thing is it refuses.
fullstop.