VMware Cloud Community
iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

ESXi 4.(0 and 1) on HP ML330 G6 doesn't see CD/DVD drive

I have an HP ML330 G6 and the factory DVD drive is not recognized by ESXi 4.0 or 4.1.  I can install it fine but when I launch vShere client and go to create a new VM it says "Non Detected" in the CD/DVD drop down box for the Host.  I tried 4.0 and 4.1 with the same results.  I can install it using the DVD drive however.  Also, I can use a USB DVD drive to install and then it will recognize that one and still not the built in drive.  I checked the hardware compatibiilty guide and this box is fully supported as far as I could tell.  I also tried the HP ESXi iso for 4.1 with the same results.  I haven't found any other discussions similar to this anywhere.  Any ideas?

Thanks.

Reply
0 Kudos
14 Replies
a_p_
Leadership
Leadership

Welcome to the Community,

that's interesting. Usually you can boot from the CD-ROM and then during installation it fails. What type/model of the CD-ROM drive do you have in the server? If you have another one that fits into the server, try replacing it to see whether the drive itself causes the issue.

see also http://communities.vmware.com/message/1669663

André

Reply
0 Kudos
LarryBlanco2
Expert
Expert

Yup,

I have come across this as well with some ML's.

It is due to the sata controller not being recognized by ESXi.  It becomes useless basically.  You wll need to use iLO.

Larry B.

Reply
0 Kudos
iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

Use iLo for what?

Reply
0 Kudos
iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

Andre - I actually had that problem initially with the HP provided ESXi 4.1 disk.  I have since upgraded the BIOS on the server and now I can install ESXi using the onboard DVD drive.  Seems like if it can use the DVD drive to install then it should be recognized after it's installed, no?  Doesn't it use the correct sata controller driver during the install?

Reply
0 Kudos
LarryBlanco2
Expert
Expert

To mount an ISO on to the host.

Or you can update the BIOS and see if that works.

Larry.

Reply
0 Kudos
iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

I can install ESXi using the DVD drive.  The problem is after when I'm trying to load up guest OSs VMWare says there are no CD/DVD drives on the Host system.

Reply
0 Kudos
LarryBlanco2
Expert
Expert

I actually meant to mount an ISO on the host.

U can get the OS iso from Microsoft.  Plus it'll be easier to do it that way anyways.

No need to go to your server and load up the CD or DVD.

Larry B.

Reply
0 Kudos
a_p_
Leadership
Leadership

I just found this on the HP forum. Maybe worth a try.

ML350 ESXi Can't access host CDROM

André

iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

Interesting...I'll check this out when I get in tomorrow.  Seems plausible.

Reply
0 Kudos
LarryBlanco2
Expert
Expert

I still don’t get why you want to use the ESXi host CD/DVD to load up your OS.

Use the vCenter Client and mount your ISO or use your desktop CD/DVD drive.

1. Create your VM.

2. Power it up.

3. Use the “Connect/disconnect CD/DVD device for your virtual machine”

4. Either select your local desktop CD/DVD or use and ISO from your network.

5. Enter the VM. “Click inside the VM Console”

6. Press CTRL-ALT-INS.

When the VM reboots it’ll boot off the CD/DVD.

Larry B.

Reply
0 Kudos
iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

Larry - I get what you're saying but then you have to squeeze several Gigs of ISO throug an IP network with all that overhead.  I certainly could do this, and I have, as well as create the DVD as an ISO and upload it to the datastore but reading and writing an OS on a single drive isn't the best way to go.  Really I just want this to work how it should.

Andre - On my ML330G6 I don't have an option to change SATA from Enhanced to Compatibility mode.  I am looking to see how to do this on this server though but haven't had much luck.

Reply
0 Kudos
iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

Any other ideas?  I suppose I can't open a support case with VMWare without buying support huh?

Reply
0 Kudos
DSTAVERT
Immortal
Immortal

If you don't have the option to change the drive to IDE / Compatibility mode then use an external USB CD/DVD. Keep checking the HP site for firware updates.

-- David -- VMware Communities Moderator
Reply
0 Kudos
iptman201110141
Contributor
Contributor

So I went back and forth with HP for the past 3 weeks and finally they replaced my DVD-ROM drive with a drive with a different P/N and sure enough it works.  Must have been a firmware issue or something with the drive that came with it from the factory.  Apparently they knew about it though.

Reply
0 Kudos