I am evaluating the ESX server 3i installable version 3.5.0 build 82664 on a Dell poweredge 2950 with bios version 2.2.6. Initally during the installation I had problems with the server accepting input from the keyboard, though I did mangage to reboot and install it.

After installing it, at first I was able to use F2 (I had to reboot a few times) to get into the configuration menus using F2. Now for some reason I can not get in at all, even with a reboot, the system ignores keyboard input. The VI client connects to the server with no problems and I am able to configure and run virtual machines.

I am able to run linux or access the Dell bios from the console keyboard without problems. The keyboard is a USB device which is the only type of keyboard supported by Dell for this server.

At first I suspect a problem with ACPI power management, but there is no config menu for this in the bios on this server.

Any ideas?

Nataraj