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sectorz
Contributor
Contributor

Installing Server 2008 with HP OEM Media - "This system is not supported platform"

I'm trying to install Server 2008 Standard on my ProLiant DL160 running ESXi 3.5.

I've been using ESXi for awhile now and have purchased HP servers with Windows Server media before but this is the first time purchasing Server 2008. When I try installing, once the initial file copy is completed and the server reboots I get an error saying:

This system is not supported platform

HP Support was useless on this issue; I'm pretty sure the installation is trying to see the bios to make sure it's running on a ProLiant server before installing but ESXi doesn't pass that data to it and the installation fails.

Any suggestions? I'd rather not try and deal with an RMA process with Server 2008 and then have to buy the retail version.

Thanks!

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21 Replies
Smiddie
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

You can try what is suggested in the following topic http://communities.vmware.com/thread/162241

Regards,

Raymond

Regards, Raymond
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sectorz
Contributor
Contributor

I actually saw that post already but adding that line in ESXi had no effect.

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cromle
Contributor
Contributor

I'm having the exact same problem. Any progress on this?

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Stangobien
Contributor
Contributor

I'm having the same issue ! Anyone had succes ?

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Goodspd
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi,

It's Windows 64bit ??? Did you enabled Virtualization in BIOS-> Advanced Options?

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If you found this information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful". Thanks!!!
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Stangobien
Contributor
Contributor

First time i got, windows setup error. After that I enabled Intel VT en Execute Bit.

I'm trying to install SBS2008 (x64) and i choose Windows server 2008 x64 template.

Setup stops with a HP logo showing "This system is not supported platform".

The problem is HP ROK searches for HP BIOS.

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Dave_Mishchenko
Immortal
Immortal

Did you add this to the VMX file for the VM - SMBIOS.reflectHost = "true" ?

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cromle
Contributor
Contributor

The SMBIOS.reflectHost = "true" did not solve the problem for me.

But I did actually figure out a way around this problem.

I downloaded w2008Server trial iso from microsoft.com, installed it with the serials supplied with the HP OEM media.

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Stangobien
Contributor
Contributor

yes i tried, without success !

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Stangobien
Contributor
Contributor

Thanks cromle, i have a SBS 2008 trial DVD and i just installed with that using the product keys i have !

It works.

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Alfs29
Contributor
Contributor

Hello,

I have the same problem. HP DL360 G5 with HP OEM Windows 2008 Standart.

Same message .... platform not supported.

Adding string SMBIOS......=true didn't help.

I have ESXi 3.5 U3. Intel VT in BIOS is enabled.

Please advise.

Option to use MS W2K8 trial with HP OEM software key is not a licensed option i guess :((((

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Stangobien
Contributor
Contributor

I don't know how it is with the server 2008 std. trial CD. But the SBS 2008 trial DVD is just a normal OEM DVD and if you give a correct product key it just install a normal OEM instead of the trial.

So just try it with that option, i don't see why this would be a license problem.

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Alfs29
Contributor
Contributor

It worked with MS 2008 Std. TRIAL + HP OEM key ar described

but im not sure about legal side of this operation Smiley Happy

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Stangobien
Contributor
Contributor

Legally there is no problem, you used OEM media and OEM key. The HP OEM media just has the advantage that you don't have to activate thanks to the HP BIOS lock !

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Alfs29
Contributor
Contributor

Nope .... you are wrong about activation .... it has to be activated anyway Smiley Happy

Anyway, thanks for your response.

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Stangobien
Contributor
Contributor

Just to say that SMBIOS.reflect = TRUE works in ESXi (Vsphere) 4.1 with HP ROK 2008 R2 std

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BretBrutlag
Contributor
Contributor

I can confirm that the SMBIOS.reflectHost fix works for HP OEM W2k8 R2 DataCenter edition

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andybross
Contributor
Contributor

according HP server you should use this variable : SMBIOS.reflectHost = TRUE
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=110&prodSeriesId=...

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hiredgeek
Contributor
Contributor

I ran into this when I converted an HP Workstation. Its weird but looks like someone went through the trouble to create an utility, it worked for VMware Workstation.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/11152-VMware-Workstation-(Multi-Brand)-Bios-Installer

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