9.3.1 Install hangs at Console Setup screen

[Chris Baldwin]

MB: Supermicro X11SAE-F
RAM: Crucial 2x 16GB unbuffered ECC (CT7983882)
Processor: Intel Core i3-6320 3.9GHz
Boot Device: TSSTcorp SATA DVD+/-RV
CDROM install to: MyDigital Super Cache2 mSATA 24GB SSD
FREENAS version: FreeNAS-9.3-STABLE-201509022158

I am attempting to install FreeNAS on new server hardware. I've been running 9.3 successfully on "unblessed" hardware for a while. I wanted more RAM for running Plex and other plugins so I decided to build a new server with more appropriate hardware. Perhaps I was being naive thinking that installing on a Supermicro board with a server chipset (Intel C236 ) and ECC RAM would be a slam-dunk like my previous build.

I burned the Installer to a CD, boot my machine from the CD, get past the GRUB screen to arrive shortly at the "FreeNAS 9.3.1-Stable Console Setup" screen and there the PC hangs.

I verified my media, tried a different CD drive, tried installing to USB key instead of SSD. I tried FreeNAS 9.2.1.6 (which I had lying around), I tried FreeNAS 10.2 Alpha. Same results every time. I also tried booting with the FreeNAS 9.3.1 USB Key that is running my current production server. That leaves me at a mountroot> prompt, with the PC hung.

I'm feeling pretty stumped by this problem. Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[solarisguy]

You have hardware that is too new...

I have no direct experience, but you might be able to proceed with the installation, after disabling all USB ports. (Unfortunately, I have no time to check whether you have a PS/2 keyboard port, and if you do not, you need to stay away from Skylake.)

 

[solarisguy]

Please read Skylake Caveats https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/skylake-caveats.39669/

 

[Chris Baldwin]

Yeah, it kinda feels like I'm on the bleeding edge. Clearly I did not do enough research before choosing my components. Painful lesson for me, at least in the short term. I 'll try to get it installed on the SSD on another box and see if I can move it over to the Skylake system. Probably like a long shot...

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

 

[Chris Baldwin]

So I installed FreeNAS 9.3 onto my SSD in another system, moved the SSD over to my new server and it booted OK. I have no keyboard control since USB doesn't work and my motherboard has no PS/2 port, but at first glance everything else seems to be working. This board has IPMI so I will see if I can get keyboard control through that...

 

[solarisguy]

With IPMI you should not be missing a directly attached keyboard

 

[Chris Baldwin]

Well, unfortunately IPMI does not give me keyboard control. I tried the embedded IPMI web server version as well as the Supermicro iKVM viewer. I can see the screen, but have no keyboard.

So now I'm asking myself if there are any other components that aren't working, what functionality do I lose if I don't have keyboard access to the server console, and how risky is it to run my home server in such uncharted territory?

 

[solarisguy]

Well, unfortunately IPMI does not give me keyboard control. I tried the embedded IPMI web server version as well as the Supermicro iKVM viewer. I can see the screen, but have no keyboard.

So now I'm asking myself if there are any other components that aren't working, what functionality do I lose if I don't have keyboard access to the server console, and how risky is it to run my home server in such uncharted territory?

You may want to open a separate thread, maybe someone has experience with your type of the board and IPMI

 

[Ericloewe]

Suggestions:

• Use the viewer's software keyboard
• Look for an option in BIOS like "legacy USB device support" and set it to on

 

[PacoAko]

Hi guys. Had this problem for a while now. Finaly solved it by installing FreeNas with a DVD. FreeNas installer won't detect any USB during installation, so you have to install it on a HDD...

If anyone has a better workaround, let us know

See ya!

My build :

CPU : Skylake Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700 CPU @ 3.40GHz
Mobo : Z170-k

 

[Chris Baldwin]

I found a good workaround for the lack of USB functionality with Intel Skylake systems. I dug up an old SIIG USB 2.0 + 1394 PCI adapter that I lying around. Works like a charm. My USB keyboard now works and the system boots and runs smoothly. I have not tried installing Freenas on a usb stick with this adapter, since I'm using an SSD, but I imagine it would work.

 

[PacoAko]

I found a good workaround for the lack of USB functionality with Intel Skylake systems. I dug up an old SIIG USB 2.0 + 1394 PCI adapter that I lying around. Works like a charm. My USB keyboard now works and the system boots and runs smoothly. I have not tried installing Freenas on a usb stick with this adapter, since I'm using an SSD, but I imagine it would work.

Nice work man!