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Enterprise Server 2003

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by klk

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Must a RAID array be set up BEFORE installation of Enterprise Server 2003, or can the array be set up after installation is complete?

9 replies

by Member 30634329

I assume you are talking about Windows 2003 Server Enterprise?
I also assume you are talking about a physical RAID array on a server.
The answer is yes, you should configure the RAID array prior to formatting and installing the server OS.

by klk

Yes, it's Windows 2003 Server Enterprise. The reason I asked is because there is a RAID1 configuration, but when it comes time to install the OS, "No bootable drive" or it just won't copy the files over.

Thanks for the quick answer! I appreciate it.

by Member 30634329

Sounds like the RAID controller may not be included in Windows 2003 setup. First, determine the make and model of the RAID Array Controller and download the drivers to floppy, bootable CD, or USB (depending on your server hardware).

Press F6 when Windows Setup is starting up to load third-party RAID drivers. Then it will prompt to insert the disk with your drivers on it. Then it will load them and be able to recognize your array.

by Former member

Do it before makes sense but you can do it after, but you must put the operating system on another hdd, when all is finished then you can copy it over to the raid array. I presume this will be RAID 1?.

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.

by klk

Yes, the drivers have been loaded, several times. I wish it was that obvious, but unfortunately, not.

Thanks for the suggestion!

by Member 30634329

Can you give more information about the errors you receive and when they come up?
When you boot from the Windows Setup CD, and load the 3rd party RAID drivers, does it allow you to set up your install partition? Or is this where you get the "no bootable drive" error?
Are you getting any errors at POST about your RAID controller? Also, since servers can have more than 1 controller, some servers require you to specify the boot controller in the BIOS.

by scott_heath

Can you tell us what make\model the RAID controller is? When booting you have to get into the config for the card to set up the array, so check out the settings. See if you can run a diagnostic on the logical drive that has been created.

Cheers,
Scott

Visit my blog @
http://scottisageek.spaces.live.com/

by klk

Turns out, it was the controller. Popped a new one in, and all is as it should be!

I just want to say thanks to all for everyone's help.

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