So I went to install a quick test ESX server on an IBM xseries 346. Of course right during the install it reboots… ok what just happened. The second time I catch it an unexpected NMI 4000: something

Well a quick google search brings me here http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1015661

Easy enough right update the BIOS. Well followed the link the KB to here

http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-57074&brandind=5000008

Of course trying to boot off of that CD cause an NMI error!!! gah

So an hour later I last ditch effort try the floppy method…. can you imagine I actually found one. Anyways, after the floppy BIOS update ESX will now install grrrr… why does it have to be so hard sometimes.