[OpenIndiana-discuss] booting HP xw8600 from ISO

[Mark]

On 21/07/2014 7:11 p.m., Harry Putnam wrote:
> Setup:
>
>     Hardware: HP xw8600 2x Xeon (5470) 3.3 Ghz - 32 GB ram
>     (goal was to get past whatever prevents oi iso from working when
>     hdw is in default settings.)
>
> I've already posted a lament about not being able to boot this
> hardware from install ISO and instead being dropped into a maintenance
> mode where key commands such as `format' are not available.
>
> I didn't know enough to try to `fix' whatever was the problem from the
> maintenance mode.
>
> I resorted to diddling around with the HP xw8600 bios.
>
> I discovered that changing the sata emulation mode at
>
> (on the bios initial screen)
>
> Storage >
>        Device configuration << NOT HERE >>
>        storage options << under this heading>>
>
>     [...]
>     Sata emulation
>     [...]
>
> That option offers three ways to setup the sata controller
> It is defaulted to `RAID+AHCI'.  But on that setting or trusty ISO will
> not boot into a usable situation.  Dropping instead into a lame
> maintenance mode.
>
> So, turning that option off by selecting either of the other two (below)
>
> [...]
>
>    [Note: copy past from HP xw8600 manual -ed HP]
>
> ,----
> |   SATA Emulation—Sets the SATA emulation mode with the following options:
> |
> |    RAID + AHCI–both the RAID and AHCI OPROMs execute. This emulation
> |    mode is the default and offers the best performance and most
> |    functionality.
> |
> |    Separate IDE Controller–offers standard SATA supports (four ports
> |    only).
> |
> |    Combined IDE Controller–makes the SATA controller look like an IDE
> |    controller and offers best IDE compatibility (two ports only).
> `----
>
> [...]
>
> I have some misgivings about either of the other two but discovered
> that the installation ISO will boot normally under either.
>
> I've currently set it to `Separate IDE Controller' but could use some
> advice as to what is best to do here.

You have done what most of us do, tried the available options in the 
appropriate area.

>
> I'll continue the install assuming, that bios setting can be changed
> if necessary without having to install all over again.
>
> Hopefully someone experienced with this server (HP xw8600) will be
> able to advise me about this item.

This issue is seen if the dvd drive isn't working after the kernel is 
running. I have seen it many times.

The boot loader gets the kernel and base drivers and part of the OS into 
memory, and that usually works.

Then it needs the kernel and drivers to recognize the sata controller 
and drive to mount and access the rest of the system files, which is 
where it failed.


The 'cure" is to try all bios settings affecting the dvd drive, which is 
what you have successfully done.

I have in the past resorted to IDE drives, or booting from USB drives, 
which can be even more problematic to try to resolve the problem.



So well done, you have made it a few rungs up the experience ladder.


Mark.