Install ESX 3.5 on DL360 G3 with HP smart Array 5i fails

[DaPrince]

Trying to install ESX 3.5 on an older server but it fails during the setup (both graphical/ text) at the 'Block Driver'-sequence. It starts with loading drivers, but stop at 'Loading CCISS'.

I tried the boot-image from VM-ware (ESX301-CCISS-2.4.66-55493) but same story.

Anyone got an idea what to do?

[alanrenouf]

Just a shot in the dark but have you applied all the latest firmware patches, this can be done via the HP formware update CD.

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[Texiwill]

Hello,

DL360G3s should load with no help from an outside source. With that in mind you will want to update the firmware on the system as alanrenouf stated. I had a slightly similar problem where 3.5 would fail to boot due to a downgraded ethernet adapter.... So update the firmware first, run diagnostics.. HPs and memtest86 for at least 48 hours then install the system.

Best regards,

Edward L. Haletky

VMware Communities User Moderator

====

Author of the book 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise: Planning and Securing Virtualization Servers', Copyright 2008 Pearson Education. As well as the Virtualization Wiki at http://www.astroarch.com/wiki/index.php/Virtualization

[DaPrince]

Ok, I'm really on my knees here. I tried to firmware upgrade the server with HP Smart Update Manager. But it keeps cycling through the Checking for installed Items and has been doing this for more than 16 hours (twice, first with HP Firmware CD upgrade 7.91 and then 8.0). See attaced image.

I then tried to install a simple Windows 2003 server without problem, just to ensure that there wasn't any issues with the hardware. But everything here seemed fine.

I have also attached the screen where the loading cciss driver stalls

I have no idea what to do now so any help is much appreciated.