Mark <mark0...@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? _______________________________________________ openindiana-discuss mailing list openindiana-discuss@openindiana.org http://openindiana.org/mailman/listinfo/openindiana-discuss
