This page explains how to use to install a new operating system on a Dell server (PowerEdge). It contains tutorials to use the Lifecycle Controller to deploy an operating system.
The OS Deployment feature in the Lifecycle Controller helps to install an operating system with the correct drivers in a few steps. The OS Deployment wizard allows an administrator to deploy:
The list of Dell-supported operating systems changes based on the driver packs updated on the system. To update the drivers, download the latest OS Driver pack that is associated to your server.
Compatible and supported Operating Systems for PowerEdge can be checked on the Dell Support Matrix.
Operating System manuals and installation guides can be found on Dell.com/OperatingSystemManuals.
If the operating system is installed without using Lifecycle Controllers, some drivers are missing and must be manually installed.
How to Install the Operating System on a Dell PowerEdge Server
This article explains how to use the OS Deployment feature to install or reinstall a supported operating system on a server.
This guide works for all supported operating systems. In most cases, Windows Server, RedHat, SUSE, and CentOS are supported. For more support information, reference the Dell Support Matrix.
To install VMware ESXi on a Dell Server, it is recommended to boot directly on the Dell Customized Image.
For more information, reference Dell EMC Customized Image of VMware ESXi Availability and Download Instructions.
For a remote installation, consider the following two articles:
When deploying an operating system without using the OS Deployment feature, the RAID Controller drivers may not be in the installation wizard. As a result, no available partition is displayed during the installation.
How to manually load the PERC Drivers during Windows 2003, 2008 or 2012 installation is explained in Dell PowerEdge: How the load the PERC Drivers during Windows 2003, 2008 or 2012 installation.