Dell Pro Slim
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I am using Fog 1.5.9 and a bzImage files with kernel 6.1.32 as this what we needed for our HP Z G9 workstations. I later changed it the FOS of 2025-07-15
We are testing a new computer, a DellProSlim computer, model qcs1250, which are new demo model. using an Intel Rapid Management Driver.
These have 3 options in the UFEI/BIOS under storage for Windows to boot from
RAID Mode
AHCI/NVMe Mode
Disabled.Dell Had the “RAID Mode” as default and AHCI/NVMe will not let us boot the drive. The RAID mode is the default and is the mode that Windows 11 boots from.
We attempted to even just register the computer in fog, but the FOS would halt and not do anything. I updated the bz image from release 2025-07-15 and it would at least get to a point where it had an error of not detecting the NVMe drive.
I did a work around to switch it to “AHCI/NVMe mode” and it worked and I could register and capture the image and the FOS kernel would detect it. I had to swithc it back to “RAID Mode” to boot Windows 11 again for a single drive.
I can try the latest FOS kernel of 31 July, but I have a feeling this is a long standing issue with the linux kernel used.
Is there a BZ image we can try that has this Intel RAID stuff in it to try? Otherwise I can get this set up with Windows 11 from scratch or some registry hacks so we can leave it on AHCI mode.
If anyone else has these gen of Dell computers would be good to know.
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@mrowand We’ve been trying to figure out exactly what to do using the MB Raid methods to detect a disk.
While there are seemingly some configs that will take motherboard RAID in a format that is detectable to kernels, there’s not one option I’ve been able to find (as of yet) that will do this natively.
Unfortunately, the solution is your secondary option (at this point) -> Set SATA mode to AHCI and either reinstall Windows 11 on the AHCI mode, or perform your Registry hacks.
Believe me, I’d much prefer to have the kernels just detect the MB raid modes.
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Dear Tom,
Thanks, and this is what I figured. At least I can pxe boot it and capture the image now, if I switch it to “AHCI/NVMe” mode, and switch back to “RAID” mode to boot the single NVMe drive.
I made this known so we can reach out to Dell and possibly have this changed as it actually doesn’t need this “RAID” mode.
Also we still have to disable secure boot on any computer either HP or Dell to get the pxe boot to work.
We did manage to use FOG to capture a RAID from an HPE DL380 Proliant Gen10 RAID controller and use that to load Windows Server 2022 now, so it does seem the kernel is the issue here on this intel motherboard RAID.
Regards,
Matt
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@mrowand How did you manage to boot from the network with this computer? I’ve already made several changes in the BIOS, but it doesn’t recognize Fog. I have other old computers that clone normally, but I can’t get this one to work. I’m on version 1.5.10.1733. What did you change in the BIOS to make the boot work?
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Hello!
Do you have Secure Boot enabled?
I worked with this Dell Machine about 6 months ago and don’t have it with me now.
So here it goes.
- Ensure secure boot is disabled. You will need to re-enable it for Windows 11 to work.,
- You need to ensure your SATA mode setting is set to “AHCI”. - If you have “RAID” selected (which was the default from the Dell Machines I tried) it will not work.
- If you have legacy IPv4 PXE booting that would work best, newer computers no longer have a legacy PXE boot, but use UFEI IPv4 PXE booting. Check if that is enabled.
Otherwise, check what bzImage files you are using. The bzImage files have the linux kernel drivers which I think I used the latest stable ones I could find. These are placed in /var./www/html/fog/service/ipxe
There are 4 files in there which need to be there
bzImage
bzImage32
init.zx
init_32.zxOr others depending on what CPU architecture your machines use. These are available on the following URL
https://github.com/FOGProject/fos/releasesI found that some work better than others as the FOG project is maintaining their FOS releases and adding computers. It is possible that one you are using simply does not have the drivers for the PC you are using. I would back up these files before updating these to ensure your older machines can PXE when updating your FOS (fog OS).
Matt
