IBM Support

ServeRAID CD v7.00 fails to boot in 16-way configuration - IBM eServer xSeries 445

Troubleshooting


Problem

The ServeRAID CD version 7.00 fails to boot in 16-way configuration of an IBM eServer xSeries 445.

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H182128

Symptom

The ServeRAID CD version 7.00 fails to boot in 16-way configuration of an IBM eServer xSeries 445.

The xSeries 445 fails to boot and shows a blank screen after trying to boot the system using the ServeRAID CD version 7.00. While booting to the ServeRAID CD to use the ServeRAID Manager, a message stating "You passed an undefined mode number", followed by: Press <RETURN> to see video modes available, <SPACE> to continue or wait 30 seconds.

If you press the <RETURN> key, a menu with different video resolution options is displayed. None of these video options will work If you Continue or wait 30 seconds, the default option is selected. All options will result in a blank screen with no further system activity.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM e(logo)servers:

  • an IBM eServer xSeries 445, type 8870, any model.
  • The system is configured with sixteen (16) processors.

The system is configured with the following option(s):

  • an IBM ServeRAID-4H Ultra160 SCSI Controller, option part number 37L6889, Field Replacement Unit (FRU)37L6892 (controller), FRU 37L6902 (cache daughter card), FRU 37L6903 (cache battery)
  • an IBM ServeRAID-4Lx Ultra160 SCSI Controller, option part number 06P5740, FRU 06P5741
  • an IBM ServeRAID-4Mx Ultra160 SCSI Controller, option part number 06P5736, FRU 06P5737
  • an IBM ServeRAID-6M Controller (128MB Cache), option part number 32P0033, FRU 13N2197 replaces 02R0985
  • an IBM ServeRAID-6M Controller (256MB Cache), option part number 02R0988, FRU 13N2198 replaces 02R0998
  • an IBM Cache Battery for ServeRAID 6M and 6i, FRU 71P8628.
Solution

This behavior is corrected in ServeRAID release version 7.10 (or higher).

Workaround

Instead of booting the system as a 16-way, force the system to boot into standalone mode by hitting the Escape (Esc) key at the eServer splash screen.

By booting each node on its own, its possible to boot into the ServeRAID CD version 7.00 from the node(s) containing the ServeRAID controllers to be configured. It's not always necessary to boot each node to the ServeRAID CD. Depending on your configuration needs, it may be possible to create a single logical drive to complete the installation of the operating system. Further logical drives may be created after installation of the operating system is complete.

 

Document Location

Worldwide

Operating System

System x Hardware Options:All operating systems listed

Older System x:Operating system independent / None

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Document Information

Modified date:
29 January 2019

UID

ibm1MIGR-56014

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