topic Gen8 Proliant server major problem and more problems :) in Servers - General

Gen8 Proliant server major problem and more problems :)

MichiganBB — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:39:24 GMT

I have an older HP Proliant server.
First problem is the onboard SAS controller appears to have failed!   (HP Smart Array P420i Controller)
Is this common?
In the ILO I see "No Smart Array Controller Found"
I tried factory resetting/defaulting the bios and the ILO.
I also pulled out the Smart Array cache card and left that disconnected for now.
Is this any kind of known or common issue?
And any known fixes or did the chip truly just die?
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Now the other problems for entertainment:
When you first turn on the server it hangs on the first dignostic screen for 10-15 minutes before proceeding to boot.   No errors or issues are reported here but it hangs a VERY long time.
Not sure if this is somehow due to the controller issue.
If I install a windows OS on an Intel SATA port (bypassing the SMart controller) the Smart controller is seen but is
in an error state "I/O error" Error 10 unable to load driver status.
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Next problem is I want to update firmware using the ILO including updating the ILO.
However I cannot find a .bin file for the ILO to actually update the ILO from the ILO.
It is explained in documentation that you can do this, but I cannot find an update file in the right format to do this.
The HP downloads only include windows and Linux exectables to update firmware.
How do I actually update the firmware from the ILO using it's web interface?
The usual frustrations and lack of information expected.

Thanks for any pointers and -yes I know this is old.
But feel free to tell me it's an old server if that makes this more fun. HAHA

Re: Gen8 Proliant server major problem and more problems :)

MichiganBB — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 00:45:39 GMT

For reasons I cannot explain - the Smart Controller suddenly started working or became visible.
Not sure if this is temporary or intermittent.
Meanshile I updated the ILO to the latest Jul.2022 version via the Windows utility.
Very annoying as I could not figure out how to find or download the direct .bin file for this and accomplish this
via the ILO itself.
The website makes no sense that it does not offer a download for this, yet intructions say to do it and that it can be done.
Looks like I will do ALL of the available updates via Windows 2012 R2.
Frustrating for sure.
But nonethesless it's getting done.
We will see if the Smart Array fails again after all the updates and such.

Re: Gen8 Proliant server major problem and more problems :)

MichiganBB — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:37:33 GMT

Problem came back again.
It worked across a number of reboots and power cycles but now just after updating the power controller firmware and rebooting the problem is back.
15 minute hang frozen at "Power and Thermal Calibration Complete" stage like it was soing before.
I've updated everything except the Smart Array Controller firmware...
And now ... I can't
Unless it magically shows up again in the future.
Should have done that first.

Re: Gen8 Proliant server major problem and more problems :)

MichiganBB — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 01:44:36 GMT

In this state WIndows device manager shows "device cannot start (code 10)" "An I/O adaptor hardware error has occured".
If it ever comes abck agin I'll try driver and firmware update.
It no longer shows up in the (now updated) ILO either.
-Steve