Server USB Boot & RAID Controller Access

Server Boot Methods:

USB Boot and RAID Controller Access

When working with servers, especially during initial setup or maintenance, you'll frequently need to boot from USB devices and access RAID controller configurations. This guide tries to help cover the essential methods for both operations across different server platforms.

Booting from USB on Servers

Universal Methods (Works on Most Servers)

Boot Menu (Recommended)

During server startup:

• F11 - Most common boot menu key (Dell, HP, Supermicro)
• F12 - Alternative boot menu key (Lenovo, some IBM)
• F8 - Some older systems
• ESC - Some ASUS and newer systems

Steps:

1. Power on the server
2. Watch for the initial POST screen
3. Press the boot menu key repeatedly during startup
4. Select your USB device from the boot menu
5. System will boot directly from USB

BIOS/UEFI Setup

Access keys:

• F2 - Most common (Dell, HP, Intel boards)
• DEL - Many Supermicro and custom builds
• F1 - IBM/Lenovo ThinkServer
• F10 - Some HP systems
• ESC - Some newer UEFI systems

Steps:

1. Enter BIOS/UEFI setup during boot
2. Navigate to "Boot" or "Boot Options"
3. Change boot priority to USB first
4. Save and exit (usually F10)

Server-Specific Methods

Dell PowerEdge Servers

• F11 - Boot Manager (recommended)
• F2 - System Setup (BIOS)
• F12 - Network boot (PXE)
• Ctrl+Alt+D - Dell Lifecycle Controller

Dell iDRAC Virtual Media:

• Access iDRAC web interface
• Go to Virtual Console → Virtual Media
• Map ISO file as virtual USB
• Boot from virtual media

HP ProLiant Servers

• F9 - System Utilities/ROM-Based Setup
• F11 - Boot Menu
• F12 - Network Boot

HP iLO Virtual Media:

• Access iLO web interface
• Navigate to Remote Console → Virtual Folders
• Insert virtual media
• Set boot order to virtual USB

Supermicro Servers

• DEL - BIOS Setup
• F11 - Boot Menu
• F12 - Network Boot

IPMI Virtual Media:

• Access IPMI web interface
• Go to Virtual Media
• Mount ISO/USB image
• Configure boot priority

UEFI vs Legacy Boot Considerations

UEFI Boot:

• Supports larger drives (>2TB)
• Faster boot times
• Secure Boot capability
• May require specific USB formatting (FAT32)

Legacy BIOS:

• Better compatibility with older systems
• Simpler configuration
• Works with MBR partitions
• Some USB tools only work in legacy mode

USB Preparation Tips:

• Use reliable USB 3.0+ drives for faster installation
• Format as FAT32 for UEFI compatibility
• Use tools like Rufus, Etcher, or dd for creating bootable media
• Test USB on another system first

Accessing RAID Controllers During Startup

Hardware RAID Controllers

Dell PERC Controllers

Access Methods:

• Ctrl+R during POST (most PERC models)
• F2 → Device Configuration → RAID Controller
• Ctrl+H (some newer PERC models)

PERC Models:

• PERC H310, H710, H730, H750 → Ctrl+R
• PERC H330, H730P, H840 → Ctrl+R or F2 menu

HP Smart Array Controllers

Access Methods:

• F5 during POST (P-Series controllers)
• F8 during POST (older controllers)
• F9 → System Configuration → Smart Array

Smart Array Models:

• P212, P410, P420, P440 → F5
• P800, P400 → F8
• Newer Gen10+ → F9 → System Configuration

LSI/Broadcom MegaRAID

Access Methods:

• Ctrl+H during POST
• Ctrl+M (some older models)
• F2 → Advanced → PCIe Configuration

MegaRAID Models:

• 9260, 9280, 9361, 9460 → Ctrl+H
• Older 320x series → Ctrl+M

Adaptec RAID

Access Methods:

• Ctrl+A during POST
• Look for "Press Ctrl+A for Adaptec RAID Configuration"

Software RAID Controllers

Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology)

Access Methods:

• Ctrl+I during POST
• F2 → Advanced → Intel RST
• Available on many motherboards with Intel chipsets

AMD RAIDXpert

Access Methods:

• Ctrl+F during POST
• F2 → Advanced → AMD RAIDXpert Configuration

RAID Controller Access Tips

Timing is Critical

• Watch POST messages carefully
• Key combinations must be pressed at specific moments
• Some systems show prompts for only 2-3 seconds
• If missed, restart the server and try again

Common POST Sequence

1. Power-on → RAM test
2. Storage controller initialization → RAID prompt appears here
3. Network initialization → Network boot prompts
4. Boot device selection → OS boot begins

Troubleshooting RAID Access

If RAID prompt doesn't appear:

• Check if RAID mode is enabled in BIOS
• Verify RAID controller is properly seated
• Some systems require RAID drivers to be loaded first
• Check if controller has failed or needs firmware update

Multiple RAID Controllers:

• Each controller may have different key combinations
• Access them in sequence during POST
• Document which controller manages which drives

Server Management Interface Access

Out-of-Band Management

Dell iDRAC:

• Web interface for virtual media and RAID management
• Can configure RAID without entering controller BIOS

HP iLO:

• Integrated Lights-Out management
• Remote RAID configuration capabilities

Supermicro IPMI:

• Web-based server management
• Virtual media and basic RAID functions

Best Practices

Before RAID Configuration

1. Document existing setup - Note current RAID levels and drive assignments
2. Backup data - RAID changes can destroy existing data
3. Check drive compatibility - Ensure all drives are supported
4. Update firmware - Both RAID controller and drive firmware

USB Boot Preparation

1. Test USB media - Verify on another system first
2. Check boot mode - Ensure UEFI/Legacy settings match your needs
3. Disable Secure Boot - May interfere with some installation media
4. Enable USB ports - Some servers disable USB ports by default

Common Issues and Solutions

USB Not Recognized:

• Try different USB ports (prefer USB 2.0 for compatibility)
• Check if USB is enabled in BIOS
• Verify USB media is properly formatted
• Try different USB creation tools

RAID Controller Not Accessible:

• Verify controller is installed and detected
• Check BIOS settings for RAID mode vs AHCI
• Ensure proper timing during POST
• Update system BIOS if necessary

Multiple Boot Options Confusion:

• Document your specific server model's key combinations
• Create boot priority lists for your environment
• Use server management interfaces when available
• Keep USB boot media and RAID configuration separate

Conclusion

Mastering server boot methods and RAID controller access is essential for effective server administration. Each server manufacturer has slightly different approaches, but the core concepts remain consistent. Always consult your server's documentation for model-specific details, and practice these procedures in a lab environment before performing them on production systems.

Remember: timing is everything when accessing boot menus and RAID controllers. Watch the POST sequence carefully and be ready with the correct key combinations at the right moment.

Created & Maintained by Pacific Northwest Computers

Pacific NW Computers

www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers

www.pacificnwcomputers.com