Server Headless Install and IPMI reset.

[TylerOfTrades]

I have one goal to install an iso and connect to it. I believe I have two solutions auto install an iso, or fix the impi to then install an iso. And both of them seem to have unexplained issues.

 

I recently bought a used server for fun and to practice on it. And have been trying to install Ubuntu server on it. My graphics card doesn't work with it. So I've been trying to do a headless install. I recently discovered about ipmi and tried connecting via that but it doesn't show in my router. I've confirmed all jumpers are set correctly and the right rj45 are being used. And then tried to use the VGA port for the ipmi and still no display.

 

I then tried to make a auto installer for the iso and managed to get the server to make a ssh server. I can get and ping the IP and attempt to login but it always responds with permission denied, please try again. Now to my knowledge, I'm very new to this and doing this as a hobby. The auto installer should be installed to the only storage device, a nvme m.2 in a pcei slot and stay there. But when I shut it down and took out the USB drive and reboot it. It doesn't start the ssh server.

 

 Now I recently wasn't confident my changes to the auto installers config were working so I changed what I believe to be the setting for the servers hostname. I plug in a new drive started it up, and it doesn't have the new name. So I believe for whatever reason the nvme boots when the USB is in, but doesn't when it's not. I also confirmed that the nvme is not completely broken, I put it in my motherboard m.2 and with a mint Linux thumb drive I saw it with some files on it. But when I put it in the pcie slot or a USBC enclosure I have it doesn't show on windows.

 

And since it boots the ssh server, I'm confident no components are damaged. There's no beep codes other than the wake up one. I've followed the motherboards manuel on troubleshooting to my best. And have tested with no ram and one ram, reset the CMOS. And I've run out of solutions. I've talked with who I bought the server from they said they've tested the motherboard and it was working. And I've asked supermicro for any info too. And I'm still lost.

 

I'm not a CS major, Im a mechanical engineer. This isnt my area of expertise, I'm going insane. I have a lot more respect for cse now. Because your tech is out to get you. 

 

Edit_1: I'm an idiot. I should've done this first. But I'm going to take the name and install Ubuntu server on it when it's in my main computer. Why did I choose to take the most difficult path possible?

 

Edit_2: The prior thought did not work for some reason. The nvme dosent want to boot for some reason. Now if anyone comes across this, the reason why my gpu wasn't working was because the motherboard prioritizes the onboard VGA output for reason. I disabled the vga with the jumper pin and ta-da it works. Now ive installed a 2.5" ssd as the boot and for whatever reason now the nvme wants to be the one booted on, in addition the 2.5" dosent see the nvme for whatever reason. So more problems. Also the IPMI was working the sellers just didnt reset it like they said they did.

 

Specs:

Supermicro x9dri-f rev. 1.11A

Ram 2x16GB Samsung PC3-14900R DDR3 1866 2Rx4

Cpu E5-2667v2 only one cpu

The graphics card I tried was a 1050ti.

Crucial P5 Plus 1TB Nvme m.2 ssd

 

Edited February 4, 2023 by TylerOfTrades
Possible Solution

[svmlegacy]

I have a very similar Supermicro X9 board, and I used the onboard VGA port to install Fedora without touching the IPMI. Keep in mind that the POST can take a very long time depending on the memory config.

 

I don't use the IPMI and don't have any suggestions for auto install there, but I have been able to use the board as a standard motherboard.