Cannot Install Windows Server 2008 to 80 GB SSD - Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation
I'm stumped and need help. I cannot get Windows Server 2008 with SP2 (64-bit) to install on an Intel X25-M 80 GB SSD. Attempts to select the disk for install report that "Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation" I have already referenced http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927520 and confirmed the following:
Method 1: Verify that the partition is compatible with Windows
>> The drive is unpartitioned.
Method 2: Update the drivers for the hard disk controller
Method 3: Provide the correct drivers for the hard disk controller
>> Using the on-board SATA controller in IDE mode. No additional drivers available.
Method 4: Examine the Setupact.log file to verify that the partition is active
>> Wasn't able to find this file where the KB article says it is. I did find a file with the same name in another location but there was no reference to the partition in the log file.
Method 5: Check for firmware updates and for system BIOS updates
>> Running 2HD SSD firmware; BIOS is one version old however the release notes state that the new BIOS only updates support for 4 processors, none of which are installed/in use on this system.
Method 6: Verify that the system BIOS correctly detects the hard disk
>> It does
Method 7: Use the Chkdsk.exe utility to check for problems
>> Haven't ran this... I assume I'd have to partition and format the drive first before running chkdsk... doesn't feel like the problem to me though.
Method 8: Use the Diskpart.exe utility to clean the disk, and then run Windows Setup again
>> I have cleaned the disk using this method, I even used diskpart to create a new NTFS formatted partition and marked it as active before attempting to select it with the installer to no effect.
I am at a total loss as to what to do next. Suggestions?
Hardware Config
==============
Intel X-25M 80 GB SSD
Intel Server Board S5000PSL
>> On board SATA connected to DVD-R/W and SSD (IDE Mode)
Intel® RAID Controller RS2BL080
>> For RAID Storage (6 SAS drives); doesn't matter at this stage
Method 1: Verify that the partition is compatible with Windows
>> The drive is unpartitioned.
Method 2: Update the drivers for the hard disk controller
Method 3: Provide the correct drivers for the hard disk controller
>> Using the on-board SATA controller in IDE mode. No additional drivers available.
Method 4: Examine the Setupact.log file to verify that the partition is active
>> Wasn't able to find this file where the KB article says it is. I did find a file with the same name in another location but there was no reference to the partition in the log file.
Method 5: Check for firmware updates and for system BIOS updates
>> Running 2HD SSD firmware; BIOS is one version old however the release notes state that the new BIOS only updates support for 4 processors, none of which are installed/in use on this system.
Method 6: Verify that the system BIOS correctly detects the hard disk
>> It does
Method 7: Use the Chkdsk.exe utility to check for problems
>> Haven't ran this... I assume I'd have to partition and format the drive first before running chkdsk... doesn't feel like the problem to me though.
Method 8: Use the Diskpart.exe utility to clean the disk, and then run Windows Setup again
>> I have cleaned the disk using this method, I even used diskpart to create a new NTFS formatted partition and marked it as active before attempting to select it with the installer to no effect.
I am at a total loss as to what to do next. Suggestions?
Hardware Config
==============
Intel X-25M 80 GB SSD
Intel Server Board S5000PSL
>> On board SATA connected to DVD-R/W and SSD (IDE Mode)
Intel® RAID Controller RS2BL080
>> For RAID Storage (6 SAS drives); doesn't matter at this stage
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Hi Dave,
That's actually what I tried first. When in AHCI mode, booting to the Server 2008 CD hangs on the "Microsoft Corporation" screen where the green bar just continually scrolls across the bottom of the screen. After waiting about 20 minutes to boot I gave up and googled the problem which suggested switching to IDE mode. Once switched the installer would then launch (resolving that problem) but then presented the problem I am having now when I actually tried to perform the install.
That's actually what I tried first. When in AHCI mode, booting to the Server 2008 CD hangs on the "Microsoft Corporation" screen where the green bar just continually scrolls across the bottom of the screen. After waiting about 20 minutes to boot I gave up and googled the problem which suggested switching to IDE mode. Once switched the installer would then launch (resolving that problem) but then presented the problem I am having now when I actually tried to perform the install.
Hmm. I'm sure you want to be in AHCI mode if at all possible. Is the motherboard BIOS updated to the most current version? Do you have a conventional SATA hard drive you can try in place of the SSD just to see if Windows at least gets started with the install when a drive is in AHCI mode? If a hard drive works but the SSD doesn't I'd suspect a compatibility issue with the SSD and that motherboard.
Intel manual for that mobo (if you don't already have it): ftp://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/d38960006_s5000datasheet.pdf
Intel manual for that mobo (if you don't already have it): ftp://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/d38960006_s5000datasheet.pdf
ASKER
Troubleshooting and Repair Log (TSR):
Disconnected cables from SAS enclosure to RAID card (RAID card still installed)
Attempted installation on drive as unpartitioned space; creating a partition using the GUI and using the CLI. No affect.
Disconnected cables from SAS enclosure to RAID card (RAID card still installed)
Attempted installation on drive as unpartitioned space; creating a partition using the GUI and using the CLI. No affect.
ASKER
Hi Dave,
I don't have a SATA drive on me today; but I'll be sure to bring one with me tomorrow to give that a try. As for the system BIOS it is one version old however the release notes state that the new BIOS only updates support for 4 processors, none of which are installed/in use on this system. The SSD firmware is current.
I don't have a SATA drive on me today; but I'll be sure to bring one with me tomorrow to give that a try. As for the system BIOS it is one version old however the release notes state that the new BIOS only updates support for 4 processors, none of which are installed/in use on this system. The SSD firmware is current.
Having the same issue on a S5000VSA with normal Sata drives: Tried: Different Drives, Drivers, AHCI, Diskpart, latest Bios.
Server 2003 installs without issues.
Interested to hear what other experts have to add.
Olaf
Server 2003 installs without issues.
Interested to hear what other experts have to add.
Olaf
Sorry, you mentioned the bios before. I would update it anyway just on general principles. Maybe it contains undocumented changes.
ASKER
Hi Dave,
I agree about the BIOS update. Unfortunately when booting to the Intel Deployment Assistant disc to do a BIOS update...
1. If allowing it to download the latest drivers it downloads an old version.
2. If attempting to map a network location no matter what I try I get an access denied (tried connecting to a workstation share, a server 2003 share, all sorts of accounts (username with and without domain both in slash form and @ form, changing slash direction on the share names, etc.)
3. If updating from USB it claims I don't have one plugged in regardless of if I plug it in before its on, afterwards, etc.
I am planning to try again tomorrow when I bring a handful of different USB memory sticks with me in case for whatever reason it just doesn't like this one.
I agree about the BIOS update. Unfortunately when booting to the Intel Deployment Assistant disc to do a BIOS update...
1. If allowing it to download the latest drivers it downloads an old version.
2. If attempting to map a network location no matter what I try I get an access denied (tried connecting to a workstation share, a server 2003 share, all sorts of accounts (username with and without domain both in slash form and @ form, changing slash direction on the share names, etc.)
3. If updating from USB it claims I don't have one plugged in regardless of if I plug it in before its on, afterwards, etc.
I am planning to try again tomorrow when I bring a handful of different USB memory sticks with me in case for whatever reason it just doesn't like this one.
ASKER
TSR Log
Put on-board controller back into AHCI mode.
Attempted to install windows again with cables from SAS enclosure to RAID card disconnected.
>> Waited 8 minutes at "green scrolling bar"; HDD light stayed on solid entire time. Powered off system.
Removed RAID card entirely (leaving AHCI on for on-board controller) and attempted to boot once again to installation DVD.
>> Waited 8 minutes at "green scrolling bar"; HDD light stayed on solid entire time. Powered off system.
Set system back to IDE mode for further tests with no RAID card installed.
Put on-board controller back into AHCI mode.
Attempted to install windows again with cables from SAS enclosure to RAID card disconnected.
>> Waited 8 minutes at "green scrolling bar"; HDD light stayed on solid entire time. Powered off system.
Removed RAID card entirely (leaving AHCI on for on-board controller) and attempted to boot once again to installation DVD.
>> Waited 8 minutes at "green scrolling bar"; HDD light stayed on solid entire time. Powered off system.
Set system back to IDE mode for further tests with no RAID card installed.
Intel firmware update for that drive:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Solid+State+Drives+and+Caching&ProductLine=Intel®+High+Performance+Solid+State+Drive&ProductProduct=Intel®+X25-M+Solid+State+Drive%2c+80GB+SATA+II+2.5in%2c+MLC%2c+High+Performance
Latest greatest updates for the motherboard:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Server+Products&ProductLine=Intel®+Server+Boards&ProductProduct=Intel®+Server+Board+S5000PSL
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Solid+State+Drives+and+Caching&ProductLine=Intel®+High+Performance+Solid+State+Drive&ProductProduct=Intel®+X25-M+Solid+State+Drive%2c+80GB+SATA+II+2.5in%2c+MLC%2c+High+Performance
Latest greatest updates for the motherboard:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Server+Products&ProductLine=Intel®+Server+Boards&ProductProduct=Intel®+Server+Board+S5000PSL
Sorry, had to split this up.
I suspect you're using outdated Intel utilities (correct me if I'm wrong). I'd go straight to the latest of everything.
I'd remove the RAID board for now and leave it out until you get the SSD going (if it can be made to work).
Another option might be to connect only the SSD to the RAID board, by itself, and see if you get any further. This is to find out if the problem is the SSD & mobo compatibility, or if the SSD is possibly at fault. Process of elimination.
I suspect you're using outdated Intel utilities (correct me if I'm wrong). I'd go straight to the latest of everything.
I'd remove the RAID board for now and leave it out until you get the SSD going (if it can be made to work).
Another option might be to connect only the SSD to the RAID board, by itself, and see if you get any further. This is to find out if the problem is the SSD & mobo compatibility, or if the SSD is possibly at fault. Process of elimination.
Placing a SSD behind a RAID controller is just asking for trouble. Not only are there incompatibility issues with vast majority of them, but also, you'll almost always take a performance hit. (a huge hit)
So take the RAID out of the equation. Most likely they simply won't work together
So take the RAID out of the equation. Most likely they simply won't work together
diethe, my point was to just try it and see if it gets off the ground at all. The SSD is inappropriate for use with a RAID controller full-time and I didn't suggest that as a solution, only as a troubleshooting step, process of elimination. As you say it may not work at all but if the install at least starts, it tells us the SSD itself isn't dead.
ASKER
Good morning everyone. Thanks for the responses last night. Let me get you up to speed as to what is happening this morning.
1. With my new memory stick I was able to update the BIOS from 99 to 101.
>> Still unable to boot the system in AHCI mode; nor select the drive for installation when in IDE mode or using the embedded RAID with the disk setup as a single drive RAID 0 array.
1a. The Intel SSD already has firmware 02HD, which is the latest firmware for this drive and did not need to be updated.
2. In a chat with Intel last night they indicated that the system might not boot in AHCI mode when the network cards are not both plugged into a switch and/or disabled. I tested by plugging all ethernet jacks (2 onboard, 1 RMM) to a switch as well as disabling in the BIOS however system still hung on install.
3. Intel also suggested trying the install with the onboard SATA ports in RAID. As mentioned in 1 I tried that to avail.
4. I didn't have a copy of Windows 7 on me this morning so I downloaded Windows Hyper-V Server (as it is based on Server 2008 R2 which is in turn based on Win7). I was able to boot the system in AHCI mode and install the OS to the SSD without incident confirming the SSD is working properly and is able to have an OS installed to it.
I think my next step is going to be to re-try the Hyper-V installation in IDE mode to see if I get the same error or if it completes successfully. If it causes the same error I feel that the solution might be found in getting Windows Server 2008 to boot with the controller in AHCI mode. I do have the AHCI drivers for Server 2008... but is there a way to force the installer to use them pre-boot ... prior to the hang? It's acting as if the installer looses access to the DVD drive half way through boot due to not having the correct AHCI drivers to read from the disc once the boot is passed off to the Win PE environment. Unfortunately as this is prior to the "Load Drivers" screen I'm not sure what to do about that... Perhaps attempting to create a Server 2008 bootable USB is the answer?
Any further advice, and reflections on my "shots in the dark" are greatly appreciated.
1. With my new memory stick I was able to update the BIOS from 99 to 101.
>> Still unable to boot the system in AHCI mode; nor select the drive for installation when in IDE mode or using the embedded RAID with the disk setup as a single drive RAID 0 array.
1a. The Intel SSD already has firmware 02HD, which is the latest firmware for this drive and did not need to be updated.
2. In a chat with Intel last night they indicated that the system might not boot in AHCI mode when the network cards are not both plugged into a switch and/or disabled. I tested by plugging all ethernet jacks (2 onboard, 1 RMM) to a switch as well as disabling in the BIOS however system still hung on install.
3. Intel also suggested trying the install with the onboard SATA ports in RAID. As mentioned in 1 I tried that to avail.
4. I didn't have a copy of Windows 7 on me this morning so I downloaded Windows Hyper-V Server (as it is based on Server 2008 R2 which is in turn based on Win7). I was able to boot the system in AHCI mode and install the OS to the SSD without incident confirming the SSD is working properly and is able to have an OS installed to it.
I think my next step is going to be to re-try the Hyper-V installation in IDE mode to see if I get the same error or if it completes successfully. If it causes the same error I feel that the solution might be found in getting Windows Server 2008 to boot with the controller in AHCI mode. I do have the AHCI drivers for Server 2008... but is there a way to force the installer to use them pre-boot ... prior to the hang? It's acting as if the installer looses access to the DVD drive half way through boot due to not having the correct AHCI drivers to read from the disc once the boot is passed off to the Win PE environment. Unfortunately as this is prior to the "Load Drivers" screen I'm not sure what to do about that... Perhaps attempting to create a Server 2008 bootable USB is the answer?
Any further advice, and reflections on my "shots in the dark" are greatly appreciated.
ASKER
Windows Hyper-V Server 2008 R2 also installs in IDE mode. Attempting to create a bootable Windows Server 2008 USB stick now...
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Sounds like you worked it out. :)
ASKER
The suggestion to attempt to install Windows 7 that came from another colleague outside of this thread led me on the path to the correct solution. That said, the people on this thread that helped out still deserve recognition for their assistance in the troubleshooting process. Points awarded accordingly.
ASKER
Method 3: Provide the correct drivers for the hard disk controller
>> Using the on-board SATA controller in IDE mode. No additional drivers available.
The motherbaord is an Intel Server Board S5000PSL if that helps.