How to save the OEM partition when installing ESXi?

[pavel-a]

My Dell PowerEdge has a preinstalled disk with an "OEM partition".

In the included documentation I could not find what is on this partition.

Now, when installing ESXi 5.1 from a CD, it detects that something is on the HDD and prompts to delete it.

Is it possible to skip deletion of this partition and tell the ESXi setup to just leave it in place?

Thanks,

Pavel

[weinstein5]

There really is no need to keep the OEM partition - typically this partition will contain a recovery cd to reinstall the base OS that came with the machine along with system diagnostics

[krishna_v78]

As a workaround install ESXi 5.1 on usb drive.

[pavel-a]

Alas... the installer does not see USB drives, or does not consider them as installation target.

-- p.

[ssumichrast]

On our HP servers the USB port shows up on the system as iLO Media.  Is it coming up as being DRAC by chance?  May have to enable USB booting support on urge system before it shows up.

[pavel-a]

Well, I've let the ESXi installer to format the whole disk and erase the OEM partition. No problems  for the time being.

Thanks to all people who replied.

- p.