Server won't install OS

Sorry for double post
but your info was correct spoiler as was everyone elses
It's just the whole continuing to install the OS after it has copied the needed install files then reboots. That area just seems to be my server downfall.

I know your not meant to press anything, as I've installed many Os's on different machines. So I'm a bit confused as to why after It states the 'press any key..' etc. it refuses to continue, it just states booting from hard disk then says the whole non operating diskette Sh**.

Ok, if the "press any key" was not it then...

Have you tried swapping out the ide cable to make sure it's not faulty? Did you do a full format in the windows setup or just a quick? Do a full so it checks the hd for any possible problems. Also check for any bios updates to the mobo. Last but not least check with MS site to see if the mobo is even supported for the os you are trying to install. Since the raid on it sounds like it used to be a server then perhaps it's not meant for non server os. I know you tried to install win2k but if you have access to win2k server or win2k3 try that as well.

Have you tried swapping out the ide cable to make sure it's not faulty?

Nah I've tried many IDE cables they're all functional since they work on other pc's.

Did you do a full format in the windows setup or just a quick?

I've tried both.
My Server cuts out because of overheating sometimes when i'm doing a full format so i'm sitting there with my gf's hairdryer that has a cold function since there isn't anymore room for fans. Friggin hillarious  Anyway.. back on topic 

Also check for any bios updates to the mobo.

They've pulled the plug for support for this modo years ago unfortunately I've got the latest update I'm sure.

Last but not least check with MS site to see if the mobo is even supported for the os you are trying to install. Since the raid on it sounds like it used to be a server then perhaps it's not meant for non server os. I know you tried to install win2k but if you have access to win2k server or win2k3 try that as well.

I'll try getting windows 2000 server off my tutor at course and try that version.
-crosses fingers-

cheers dude

Have you tried another hard drive?

Yep

I haven't seen this suggested yet, but I had the exact same issue with an HP server, Compaq and HP I believe are one and the same now so this may well apply.
What I had to do was download and create a bootable CD of the "SmartStart" utility, boot from that and go through a setup routine before I could install an OS.
I haven't double checked if this will apply to you (lack of a left thumb currently makes using a computer somewhat difficult) but it may well be what you are looking for, I hope so

P.S. sorry if I'm treading on anyone's toes here, I don't tend to like coming in partway through a thread.

[Moderator]

Where's your left thumb ? ?

            

Most of it is still attached but a large chunk got grated into a customer's computer.  I lost a fairly large amount of blood in the process and over the next day or so.
I'm awaiting the support call ... "I just turned my new system on, and chunks of thumb flew out with a spray of blood.  Is this normal?" "Why is my case red, I thought it was black?"

[Moderator]

Ouch ! !
Sorry to hear that.....hope it heals up proper for you.

You are going to have to get a copy of the smartstart software. This loads the drivers and configures the hardware to except the OS. The system stops because some driver is not being loaded. The smartstart setup builds a partition with files that are like a CAB file for Microsoft. These files are used as needed to load the drivers for the hardware.

You can check out some information here.....

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/smartstart/index.html

 Calum's post rang the bell for me.

The default in the system BIOS is to boot from the array controller. This needs the driver partition that the smartstart CD installs.

Okay sounds reasonable.


Do I have to buy it...
I have money, it's just, ugh.
Paying for stuff online... lol. I'm cheap.

Hmm ... I know I had a link to download Smartstart from HP, free of charge ... I just seem to have misplaced it.
I'll go hunt for it and post it as and when I find it.

Sorry, I was not able to spend time on reading all the posts, just give me the details of ur server and i will try to resolve this issue.

its a product of HP rite. Now u just need to format the HDD and download HP smart start 8.4 verrsion from hp website first boot into the server using that cd... here is the link... 
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=344318&prodTypeId=18964&prodSeriesId=345557&swLang=8&taskId=135&swEnvOID=1113

download the cd based on ur requirement.