Booting FreeNAS USB Stick on R720xd - VincentSaelzler/HomeLab GitHub Wiki

Conjecture

I believe that if no other HDDs/USB Sticks/SSDs are detected, it will eventually boot from the FreeNAS USB.

To be clear, I mean no other HDDs/USB Sticks/SSDs. That includes non-bootable ones.

Full Set of Steps That Definitely Worked

Firmware 2.7.0

Remove all HDDs and USB Sticks

Go to lifecyclemanagement. Clear/Reset

Once Powered Off, Power On

There will be a power testing boot, and ultimately it will say no boot device

Power Off

Plug in BOOTABLE FreeNAS usb to FRONT panel

Don't push anything. It will try and boot via network, then boot from the FreeNAS USB

Once in installer interface, THEN open lid and insert USB drive that is target of installation.