Partition Magic and DOS Boot USB: A Guide to Setting Up Your Server

In this article, we'll explore the world of server setup and configuration, focusing on a specific challenge that many administrators face: setting up a server with a new motherboard. We'll delve into the details of partitioning, bootable devices, and active partitions, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you overcome common obstacles.

The Challenge

Imagine having a Proliant DL360 Gen 9 server with four SSDs in a RAID 10 configuration. Everything seems perfect until the motherboard dies, requiring replacement. You swap out the old board for a new one, only to find that your Windows installation is unable to boot. The dreaded 'no bootable device' error message appears, leaving you scratching your head.

Understanding Partitioning and Bootable Devices

Before we dive into the solution, let's take a step back and explore the basics of partitioning and bootable devices.

In a typical setup, an operating system (OS) needs to be installed on a primary partition. This partition is marked as active, indicating that it contains the OS files necessary for booting. The boot sector, created by the OS, is located at the beginning of this active partition.

When you try to boot your server, the BIOS searches for a bootable device in the following order: floppy, CD-ROM, hard drive, and network. If it can't find a bootable device, you'll encounter the 'no bootable device' error.

Setting Up Your Server

To resolve our challenge, we need to set up our server with the new motherboard and ensure that Windows boots correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

1. Check the BIOS settings: Enter your server's BIOS setup by pressing F2 or Del (depending on your motherboard). Look for the 'Boot' menu and ensure that the correct device is set as the first boot device.

2. Run Partition Expert: Download and install Partition Expert, a powerful tool for managing partitions. Right-click on one of the partitions and select 'Mark partition as active.' This will set the selected partition as active.

3. Use Disk Management: Alternatively, you can use Disk Management to set an active partition. Press WIN+R to open the Run box, type 'diskmgmt.msc,' and follow the prompts.

4. Check for bootable devices: In the BIOS setup, ensure that your server is configured to search for a bootable device in the correct order (floppy, CD-ROM, hard drive, and network).

5. Verify the boot sector: Check the boot sector of the active partition to confirm that it's valid.

Setting up a server with a new motherboard can be challenging, but by understanding the basics of partitioning and bootable devices, you can overcome common obstacles. By following these steps, you'll be able to set up your Proliant DL360 Gen 9 server with a new motherboard and ensure that Windows boots correctly.

Remember, when working with servers, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the underlying technology to avoid common pitfalls. With Partition Magic and DOS Boot USB, you'll be well-equipped to tackle even the most complex server setup challenges.

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