What should a technician do if the server cannot boot from a USB storage device for OS installation?

When a server cannot boot from a USB storage device, reconfiguring the boot order is often the most straightforward and effective solution. The boot order determines the sequence the system follows to look for bootable devices. If the USB storage device is not set as a primary boot option, the server will attempt to boot from other installed devices, like the hard drive, which may not contain the operating system.

By accessing the server's BIOS or UEFI settings, the technician can change the boot priority, ensuring the system recognizes and attempts to boot from the USB device first. This is crucial because many systems are configured by default to prioritize internal drives over external ones.

While copying the source files to a CD might seem like a potential alternative, it can be impractical, especially if the server lacks a CD drive or if the installation process is better suited for USB due to larger file sizes. Installing the latest USB device drivers may help in some situations but is not typically necessary for a basic boot process, as the BIOS/UEFI manages USB devices independently. Updating the BIOS firmware is also less common for resolving this boot issue unless there are known compatibility problems with certain USB devices; it is generally more complex and time-consuming than simply adjusting the boot order.