Server 2008 R2 install on old 2003 Server

[Harry_Greatorex]

Hi Guys,

 

I am trying to install Server 2008 R2 on an old Dell poweredge 840, but there is a problem. When i boot onto the install disc, i get some kind of I/O error (please see attached image). So i cannot boot off the disc, and for obvious reasons, i cannot just run the setup.exe as it is 64 bit. Is there any fix for this?

 

Edited June 4, 2014 by Harry_Greatorex
Added attachment

[Michael]

The only solution is to setup a workstation as a temporary server (if you only have the one 2003 Server), transfer all FSMO roles, backup data and then wipe 2003 Server completely and install 2008 R2 as new on the Dell Poweredge 840.

 

As for the I/O message, can you boot from any other Server OS disc, such as 2003 x64 or 2008 x64?

[Harry_Greatorex]

The server isn't a DC. Its been sitting in a cupboard since october as it is an old webserver - unused. Theres no data on it so was just hoping i could wipe it and put 2008R2 on it. The boot disc just errors on startup.

[Michael]

You could try a USB optical drive, in case it's the integrated one.

[Harry_Greatorex]

Hm, i have a USB drive, but no power lead for one! It seems quite an old one so requires a 5v power plug in addition to the USB, doesn't look like i can use it.

[SHimmer45]

rack or pedestal ?

 

either way id pop the cover off and see if there is a spare SATA/IDE port to plug a DVD drive into if you havent got a USB drive

[Oaktech]

is it even 64 bit architecture?

[Harry_Greatorex]

@Oaktech i assume so as i can boot a Server 2012 R2 disc in the server absolutely fine!