SBS 2011 on a ML350 G5!!!

I would probably use the SBS 2008 option if available since I think the main difference is Exchange which is 2007 is SBS 2008 and 2010 in SBS 2011

The SmartStart assisted installation offers SBS 2008 as an option, however when it asks for the OS disk it doesn't accept the SBS 2011 DVD as it looks for the SBS 2008 disk.

Has anyone done a manual install of SBS2011 on a none supported Proliant?

According to the following HP document when using Smart start 8.7 and SBS 2011 essentials select Server 2008 R2 (which is the underlying base O/S for SBS 2011. I would assume the same would be the same for SBS 2011 std.
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02867737/c02867737.pdf

The 8.7 Smart Start supports SBS 2011 for 100% sure, I have used this more than once.

You only need to have the 64 bit Smart Start 8.7 and not the 32bit, because SBS 2011 is only in 64bit it is only available on the 64 bit smart start version.

Here is a link with some additional information and the link to download the 8.7 64 bit ISO
http://www.tricksguide.com/hp-smartstart-cd-8-7-sbs-2011-released.html

Thanks ever so much for taking the time and your suggestions,
To RobWill: Tried this and the same story.
To ronnypot: SmartStart 8.7 does support for the 2 flavours of SBS 2011. But this doesn't seem to be an option when you present it with a ML350 G5 server. It seems SmartStart checks the server you are using and limits the number of os options it presents and subsequently checks the os dvd you are trying to install on the server. ... There is no option for sbs 2011.

I am now trying to do an install of SBS 2011 without the use of SmartStart and loading the raid and network card drivers manually.

cheers,

I assume you are not installing in a virtual environment? If so there are some steps to take in that case.

plain vanilla install on very physical machine.

smartstart cd is not entirely necessary for installing sbs 2011 on a none supported proliant server