Win SRV 2012\2012 R2 Legacy boot limitations EX-IVB platform - IBM Systems

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H212700

Symptom

Attempts to install Microsoft Server 2012 or 2012 R2 on EX IvyBridge CPU based servers in Legacy mode, will fail with errors related to I/O device unavailability.

The system will load the Operating System (OS) up through the files installation to media phase. The file load bar indicator will complete, but then the system errors on the following issue:

Windows has encountered a problem communicating with the device.

This error can be caused by unplugging a removable storage device such as an external USB... or faulty hardware such as a hard drive or CD-ROM drive that is failing...

Info: An unexpected I/O error has occurred.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

• Flex System x880 X6 Compute Node, type 4259, any model
• Flex System x880 X6 Compute Node, type 7903 , any model
• System x3850 X6, type 3837 (4-socket, 3-year warranty), any model
• System x3850 X6, type 3839 (4-socket, 4-year warranty), any model

This tip is not software specific.

This tip is not option specific.

Solution

This behavior is still under investigation.

It is unclear whether or not a fix will be needed or this will become a permanent restriction.

Workaround

While a workaround has been identified, it should be noted that the process negates very specific advanced security functions of Microsoft Server 2012\2012 R2. The IBM recommendation based on support limitations for both Microsoft and IBM is to only use this workaround under circumstances where Legacy functions are the only supported environment for a specific platform.

To Enable Legacy Boot:

1. While system is posting, select F1 (setup) from the UEFI Menu.
   
2. Select System Settings.
   
3. Select Security.
   
4. Select Trusted Platform Module.
   
   Under TPM Settings, Select Disable, Press Enter.
   (A full system restart is necessary to activate change)
   
   
5. Use Esc key to return to Main Menu.
   
6. Select the Boot Manager Option.
   
7. Under Primary Boot Sequence, Select Add Boot Option.
   
8. Select Generic Boot Option.
   
9. Select Legacy Only.
   
10. Use Esc key to return to Primary boot Sequence.
    
11. Select Change Boot Order.
    
12. Press Enter to highlight Boot Order.
    
13. Highlight Legacy Only, Use 'Shift +' key combination to move selection to top.
    
14. Press the Enter key.
    
15. Select Commit Changes and Exit.
    
16. Use Esc key to return to Main Menu.
    
17. Select Save Settings.
    
18. Select Exit Setup.
    
19. Press 'y' to restart system.
    

System will now install in Legacy Mode.

Additional information

IBM System x Servers supporting the IvyBridge EX type CPU platforms, as listed, support the latest Secure Boot Platform Initiatives from Microsoft to ensure the latest in hardware security on UEFI based servers.

As of Microsoft Server 2012 which utilizes Secure boot functionality on UEFI implemented systems, Legacy boot functions are now deprecated and will be unavailable in future Microsoft Server releases.

Following the release of Microsoft Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 (which utilize Secure boot functionality on UEFI implemented systems), Legacy boot functions are now deprecated and will be unavailable in future Microsoft Server releases.

IBM strongly recommends that Legacy Boot installation scenarios are not used. Installing in Legacy mode negates all hardware security features. This is in accordance with the support stance of Microsoft on systems of this type. These and future Operating Systems should be installed in UEFI mode to enable all advanced features.