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DigitalAssasin
Contributor
Contributor

Can't install ESXi 3.5 Update 2 on Dell PowerEdge SC1420

After loading and before the installation process begins, the installer throws the following error:

Unsupported BIOS setting, CPUID is limited. Disable 'limit CPUID value' or 'Support legacy/NT4 OS'

I haven't found such an option in the BIOS of my server.

Is there a boot-option for the installer which disables the cpuid limit check?

Thanks a lot

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Jasemccarty
Immortal
Immortal

I had the same problem on a Dell Optiplex 620. The bios was A03, and didn't have a place to turn this setting off.

I updated the bios to the latesst (A11), and the setting appeared. I turned it off, and I was good to go.

Jase McCarty

http://www.jasemccarty.com

Co-Author of VMware ESX Essentials in the Virtual Data Center

(ISBN:1420070274) from Auerbach

Jase McCarty - @jasemccarty
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Dave_Mishchenko
Immortal
Immortal

Hi Jase, did you try both ESX and ESXi on the 620? Was there a SATA controller that was recognized and if so do you recall the model?

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Jasemccarty
Immortal
Immortal

I only tried ESXi 3.5 Update 2, but I can whack it if you want, and try ESX 3.5 Update 2.

Jase McCarty

http://www.jasemccarty.com

Co-Author of VMware ESX Essentials in the Virtual Data Center

(ISBN:1420070274) from Auerbach

Jase McCarty - @jasemccarty
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Dave_Mishchenko
Immortal
Immortal

Thanks OK - just want to update my list and make sure I have the right edition.

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DigitalAssasin
Contributor
Contributor

Hi Jase,

the latest available BIOS (A04) for my PowerEdge is already installed... other ideas?

Thanks in advance

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Dave_Mishchenko
Immortal
Immortal

Take a look at the nocheckCPUIDlimit option on this thread - http://communities.vmware.com/message/1012067#1012067

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DigitalAssasin
Contributor
Contributor

Hi Dave,

your link was great! Our ESX Server runs now properly. Only the Adaptec Raid-Controller isn't recognized -> disabled.

Thanks a lot.

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Dave_Mishchenko
Immortal
Immortal

Glad to hear that you have it working. Did you have to add a storage controller for the install then?

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agomezp
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

the post about instalation whith the "nocheckCPUIDLimit" work fine (for the instalation), but after the instalation, boot the system and this freeze when is "Loading module aacraid_esx30"

i have a PERC 320/DC supported (see http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vi35_io_guide.pdf ) , is this post talk about to disable the adaptec adapter , the question is in PowerEdge SC1420 i can not use my ESXi whith RAID-5 (provide for mi PERC 320/DC).

Tanks.

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agomezp
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

after wait a long time the system continue whit the boot process but this is stoped, the error reported is "PANIC: Failed to find HD Partition".

check the attachment image whith the screen.

Message was edited by: agomezp

if controller PERC is supported by vmware, is not posible run my PowerEdge SC1429 using my actual storage ( 3 Disk on Raid5 ) ?

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ElectroMN
Contributor
Contributor

Did you have to use a different RAID controller? I am in the same boat with a SC1420. I disabled the CPU Limit check but now it freezes when it tries to load the RAID driver (aacraid_esx30.o) My RAID card is the PERC320/DC, which from my understanding is one of only two that came with the SC1420.

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