Member Avatar for TraderX

Ok, not really a tech guy, so hoping I can get some help around here.

I was able to get my hands on a Z400, and thought I would install Windows Server Essentials. But after talking with someone, they stated they heard there will be issues installing. They didn't have much info, but sounds like it was driver related.

I know it will take Windows 8, but was REALLY hoping to use it for Windows Server Essentials. Has any one had any experience with this? And know how to over come this.

I don't have Windows Server Essentials in hand yet, so not sure what to search on, but wanted to get a jump on the possible problem to be ready

Any help would be great.

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Short, practical summary: because the Z400 is a workstation with drivers that were supplied for Windows 7/8-era Windows, a Z400 that already runs Windows 8.1 is a good candidate for Windows Server Essentials (the 2012/2012 R2 family uses the same driver model as Windows 8/8.1). That makes ’s comment correct in principle: collect the 64‑bit drivers for the Windows 8/8.1 era and you’ll often be able to use them on the Server Essentials install. (gerhart01.github.io)

Pre‑install checklist (prepare before you boot the Essentials media): confirm you have the 64‑bit Essentials SKU you intend to install; download the latest Z400 BIOS/firmware and the chipset/storage/network drivers from HP (use HP’s drivers page and HP SoftPaq tools where available) and save them to a USB stick. If HP doesn’t publish a Server SKU, use the vendor/Windows 8 drivers listed for the Z400 (chipset, SATA/RAID, Broadcom NIC, and video). Updating BIOS first reduces installer surprises. ()

Drivers to prioritize and where they bite you: the installer will fail to see disks or NICs if the mass‑storage or NIC driver isn’t present—common culprits on Z400s are Broadcom network drivers and LSI/other RAID drivers. Put chipset + storage (SATA/RAID) + NIC drivers on the USB stick first; grab LSI MegaRAID packages if the box has a RAID card. (us.driverscollection.com)

Quick install/troubleshoot workflow: boot the Essentials media, proceed to the “Where do you want to install?” screen, click Load Driver (or press F6 on older prompts) and point to the USB driver folder so setup can see the target disk. If Load Driver won’t help, inject the drivers into the install image (DISM) or install Windows 8.1, extract drivers from Device Manager (by hardware IDs), then retry server install with those drivers. Prefer WHQL/signed drivers to avoid signature enforcement issues. ’s plan to test with 8.1 first is a sound way to collect working drivers before committing to Essentials. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for mechbas

Patience, determination, a healthy bank account, and LOTS of caffine. I know that seems really dumb but there's more truth in it than is there at first glance.
Long ago some one else put it another way, "Put your best foot forward". It seems you already have.

Member Avatar for jjorgensen626

Don't have exp with this specifically however if windows 8 worked with it, the driver base is similar for Windows Server Essentials. Let us know.

Member Avatar for TraderX

Will do. I haven't taken the time yet to do this (haven't bought Essentials yet), but I am positive it runs on 8.1 Windows.

Hope to start this in about 3 weeks... stay tuned.

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