[OpenIndiana-discuss] booting HP xw8600 from ISO

[Harry Putnam]

Mark <mark0x01 at gmail.com> writes:

> 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.

Hah... and so I have.  But is there any reason to prefer one of the
settings that work over the other.

Either:
  Separate IDE Controller–offers standard SATA supports (four ports
  only).
(The one I used)

Or:
  Combined IDE Controller–makes the SATA controller look like an IDE
  controller and offers best IDE compatibility (two ports only).

For example: Does the second one above leave more usable sata ports?