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SupermanTB

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Windows Server 2003 installation, RAID driver error

I am reinstalling Windows Server 2003 on a DELL PowerEdge 2900.  I have a Perc 5ir (raid 5) on the machine.  I went to DELL's webpage and downloaded the appropriate drivers to a floppy.  When I boot to the CD, I hit F6 and install the appropriate drivers.  The Windows setup CD recognized the hard drive, I delete the appropriate partition, the drive formats and then I get an error message.  Directly after the formatting, the progress bar appears that would normally progress while copying files, although it never starts, the text at the bottom says copying files and then I get an error message saying

Insert the disk labeled:

DELL PERC5 and PERC6/CERC6 RAID Controller Driver (Server 2003 32 bit)

into drive A:

The floppy disk that I created is still in the hard drive.  

One other piece of information is that the RAID array that I'm installing this on is degraded.  I wouldn't think this would prevent me from installing the OS, but it's worth mentioning.  I have the replacement hard drive on it's way, but I'm trying to get the unit up ASAP.

Thanks
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willettmeister

Can you download the install ISO from the dell site?  It will install all the drivers you need and install windows for you.
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PowerEdgeTech
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Alternatively, you can use the System Build and Update Utility to assist in the installation ... you won't have to mess with any driver using this.  Your 2003 CD will need Service Pack 2 using this though (you can use nLite to integrate this as well):
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&releaseid=R298158&SystemID=PWE_2900&servicetag=&os=WNET&osl=en&deviceid=24134&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=4&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=36&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=447646
is your floppy drive built in or USB removable?  i had similar experience, for some reason certain brand of removable floppy drive will not work on different brand of server.
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ASKER

I'm creating the nLite bootable disk now.  I have a RAID 5, so the RAID 1/RAID 0 solutions isn't possible.

The floppy is removable.  I went through that same floppy brand issue in the past.  This one definitely works as I've used it many times.
Yeah baby................................I love that nLite.....I've been working on this all day and that fixed me up immediately!!!!!!!!!    I'm going to send those people a Christmas card.
Hey guys, I'm having more issues with this installation that I is somewhat related to this problem

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26917588/Windows-Server-2003-installation-looping.html

Here's the link if you'd like to have a crack at it.  Thanks.
Backing up to make a comment on the RAID 0 -> RAID 1 thing.  PERC controllers can also convert a RAID 1 to a RAID 5, so that same scenario would have worked.  Either way ... glad you got it.