As part of my evaluation of Windows Server 2012 I needed to install the operating system on an old Dell PowerEdge 1950. As this server is old I decided not to use the Dell System Build and Update Utility DVD and instead chose to install Windows from a USB flash drive as it’s much faster than using a DVD.
In order to install from USB, obtain an ISO file containing the Windows installation files. Next, download and install the Windows 7 USB/DVD tool http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool . Start the tool and follow the wizard to extract the ISO files onto a USB drive of 4GB or greater and make the USB drive bootable.
When starting the server I selected the BIOS boot order and selected the USB flash drive, but received a boot error. In order to enable USB boot, enter the BIOS and change the USB Flash Drive Emulation Type to Hard Drive. Reboot and USB boot will work.
Richard Skinner 
Cheers for this, I have been scratching my head this morning trying to get it working! Worked perfectly on a PowerEdge 2950. 🙂
Hi Jon Gaul ,
Can you explain , how ‘ve u done the installation ?
I meet a problem durin installation (USB Boot)
Windows 2012 r2 ask me “load driver for disk ”
I ‘ve raid 5 on PE 2950.
Have u met this problem ?
Thx
Dom
I booted from a USB stick. The drivers for the Dell PERC were included within Windows. I didn’t have to provide any additional drivers during installation.
Ok thx for your answer..
I fixed the problem.
In BIOS , you have to enable INTEL virtualization mode ,
W2K12 R2 uses WOW64 , i ‘m not sure but it’s a type of emulation….
In sum..
That ‘s OK for me ,W2k12 r2 installed on Dell PE 2950
Bye
Dom
It worked on my Dell Power Edge 2950! I changed the USB Flash Drive Emulation Type to “Hard Drive” as instructed. It wouldn’t work when the USB Flash Drive Emulation Type was “Auto”