Windows installer can't find HP DL 380 server hard disk

This is a very frustrating but common problem when building a new server. You un-box and boot up the sparkling new machine, connect your virtual media to a windows ISO and begin the installation. However when you get to the disk selection dialogue Windows can't find the disk.

You spend the next 30 minutes searching the HP website for SATA pre-installation drivers and none of them work, until you find the most simple solution to the problem.



The Solution

Luckily for us, HP has been including these drivers on-board for some time now.

1. Fire up the server and jump into BIOS. 

2. Select Advanced Options. 

3. Select Advanced System ROM Options.

4. Select Virtual Install Disk.

5. Select Enable.

 

6. Save and exit BIOS.

Next time you fire up that Windows installation, windows will magically see that new Raid 10 array you just created.