I get through the first part of the install where the drive is partioned/formated and the files are loaded. However, after the reboot I will let it sit for hours and will not be able to access the server via ping, rdp, or http. I wondered there was some window open waiting for user itervention, so I hit enter on the keyboard and the server rebooted. I waited about an hour and still did not have access. I hit enter again and the server rebooted. I then waited just a couple of minutes until I didn't hear any HD activity and hit enter, and the server rebooted again. Any idea on what window might be open asking for a reboot?

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HP EX470 w/ Neo X2 6650e, 2GB, modified bios

Did you follow Alex's and Nigel's instructions for installing Vail to a MSS to the letter? Did you set up your installation thumbdrive as per the guide? Did you remove all other USB devices except for the installation thumb drive and the keyboard? Did you creat the ini file exactly as per the guide? Are you starting with clean disks? If so, then you may need to get a debug cable and attach a monitor so you can see what's going on.

Good questions from cavediver above. My top ideas:
- The disk is clean, every time you try the install
- Network cable is connected and server can get internet access
- Double-check the ini file config is correct

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Alex Kuretz
Remote Notification: Monitoring and alerting for your Home Server via email, Twitter, text message, RSS, push notifications, and on your Mac desktop
Have you tried our Add-Ins?

Yep to all. I've done it about a half a dozen times now. I even corrected some characters in cfg file in the event that it was case sensitive (I was trying anything at that point). I am using a WD drive, but I don't think it uses "Advanced Format". The only thing I have found is that some WD Green drives use AF, but the one I am using is a Blue (WD5000AAKS).

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HP EX470 w/ Neo X2 6650e, 2GB, modified bios

That drive should be fine. It's a long shot, but have you upgraded the CPU?

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Alex Kuretz
Remote Notification: Monitoring and alerting for your Home Server via email, Twitter, text message, RSS, push notifications, and on your Mac desktop
Have you tried our Add-Ins?

I think, given the problems you're having, without a debug cable and a monitor attached, it's going to be pretty difficult to diagnose your problem. I have one and was prepared to use it if necessary, but luckily didn't have to.

I too have this same issue EX470. I tested my usb unattended install on a Dell Desktop with the same HD. Just booted from usb and let it run. worked without issue on the dell. I clean the drive and put in back in the EX470 boot from usb. Its boots(light on usb flashes for about 30 seconds) then nothing. I do have an upgraded CPU but don ot have debug cable to see what is going on.

I have two log files under "$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther" that seem to indicate the the install went off without a hitch. Are there any Windows startup logs that I can look at?

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HP EX470 w/ Neo X2 6650e, 2GB, modified bios