ESXi on IBM xseries 336 (reboot during install)

[Jonass]

Hi,

I try to install ESXi (first 4.0 and after 3.5) on my IBM xseries 336, but it reboot during the install.

Just like here :

"The install gets to the point after loading (?) install.tgz and then

pauses for a while with the message:

Booting: MBI=0x00010108, entry=0x00100212

and then reboots."

I try to update the BIOS to the last version, but it don't change anything.

Same problem with 3.5 and 4.0 version of ESXi.

I saw that certain persons installed esxi 4.0 on a xseries 336, so it's possible.

Anyone have an idea about how to solve this problem ?

Thank you !

PS : sorry for my English language

[golddiggie]

If it really is a x336 system ([x336 HCL listing|http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?action=search&deviceCategory=server&productId=1&advancedORbasic=advanced&maxDisplayRows=50&key=x336&release[]=-1&datePosted=-1&partnerId[]=43&formFactorId[]=-1&filterByEVC=0&filterByFT=0&min_sockets=&min_cores=&min_memory=&rorre=0] then I'm not at all surprised you cannot install. The newest ESX release listed is 3.0.3 u1... If that's not the actual system, then post up the full model designation so we can better help you.

The Ultimate White Box site lists the x336 as having just one person (or one entry at least) running ESX 3.5 and ESXi 3.5... That's not to say your hardware is identical to the one tested. Things like the RAID controller, NIC's, etc. all factor into being able to install VMware ESX/ESXi...

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[Jonass]

It's an xseries 336 (8837).

In fact I added some RAM to the server :

When I remove it (I have just tried) I can install ESXi 3.5.

Is there a solution to use this RAM ?

[golddiggie]

Looks like that RAM isn't truely 100% compatible with the server...

I prefer to use memory purchased through Data Memory Systems since they have 100% xSeries 336 8837 compatible memory listed.

VMware VCP4

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[Jonass]

According to this :

I should take the references 73P2866.

If I take this it will be 100% compatible, right ?

[golddiggie · Accepted solution]

It has the highest chance of working properly... Just make sure that where ever you get it from has a good return policy in case it doesn't...

VMware VCP4

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