Windows OS on FlexFlash

[mbaker33]

Hi there,

I have a C240 M3 that was previously used to run ESX and has since been repurposed and will run Windows 2012 R2.  I was hoping to run the OS from the SD card slots, but it appears that isn't an option since FlexFlash does not support a partition large enough for a Windows OS.  I am trying to see if there is a work around for this, or if there is a bit that can be flipped in some low level config that might allow me to use a 128 GB SD card in the slots and run Windows from them.

Thanks,

Mark

[Kirk J]

The flexflash controller will not let you partition larger than what it is programmed to.

I don't think Microsoft actually supports booting from SD cards (show up as removable media) at this point anyway.

Thanks,

Kirk...

[mbaker33]

Thanks Kirk,

I was afraid that would be the case, but I had to ask.

Mark

[ranumala]

hi just checking is it still same that windows is not supported to install on flexflash sd cards. i do have 2x60G configured in mirror mode but windows installer is not able to detect that flexflash virtual drive.

[Kirk J · Accepted solution]

Windows versions including Windows 2016 do not want to install to 'removable' media.

SD cards generally have mediocre performance at best, and have very short lifetime write cycle compared to regular harddrives or SSD drives.  There are some workarounds/hacks that I have seen people use to get it to install, but none that Cisco is going to support or endorse.

This is more of a case of 'Windows doesn't support installation to removable media' than a 'does Cisco Flex-flash support Windows'........

Thanks,

Kirk...

[ranumala]

Thanks for your reply Kirk.