Boot-problem with DL380 G4 (P51)

[Janne Ojaniemi]

I'm running in to a problem where the server freezes during boot if I have an USB-floppy connected to the machine. the problem is almost 100% identical to the problem described here: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?locale=en_US&taskId=110&prodSeriesId=397634&prodTypeId=15351&objectID=PSD_EL041005_CW01

There are few differences though. That page says that the problem exists in systems witb system ROM dated prior to 8/26/04. On my machine, the ROM is dated 8/26/04, so that shouldn't be the problem. Also, in that site is said that problem exist when the USB-device is plugged to the USB-port in the back of the case. In my case, it's plugged to the port in the front of the machine. if I unplug the USB-floppy, system works like it should. But it freezes with the floppy plugged in.

Some could say that my problem is a different from the one mentioned in the website I linked to. But the symptoms are otherwise identical. Firmware-update might solve the issue, but I need floppy to do so (which doesn't work). And I can't install OS (W2K3 Server) either, since it needs floppy-supplied drivers during the installation.

If I run the firmware-update tool, and plug in the floppy after it has started, it seems like the system discovers the floppy since the lights on the floppy-drive light up for a second. But when I try to install a new firmware from the floppy-drive, the system does not find it.

Is there a way to work around this issue? Another floppy-drive perhaps? The model I'm using is Samsung USB Floppy Drive model 321U/HP (HP spare 254304-001). If firmware-update is the only way, what would be best way to do it (the system doesn't have OS yet)?

[Oleg Koroz]

You can take from other server if available: Floppy Drive Internal or move Hard Drives with O/S and Install Online rom flash from 12/2004.
Try USB Drive Key
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/platforms/usb-support.html

[Janne Ojaniemi]

Well, moving HD's from one server to another is not really an option right now. I did notice the USB Drive Key. Does it work with all USB drives, or do I need a specific HP product?

[Rob Leadbeater · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes you can boot off a non HP USB Pen Drive to do firmware updates.

Cheers,
Rob

[Oleg Koroz]

Utility
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/21621.html

Try to use what is available for you right now if something goes wrong, you always can get certified one from

http://h30094.www3.hp.com/product.asp?sku=2561898&jumpid=oc_R1002_USENC-001_256MB%20HP%20Drive%20Key%20II

[Janne Ojaniemi]

I managed to solve the problem. I created a bootable USB-key and upgraded the firmware. After the upgrade, the floppy started to work.

Thank you all for your help.

[Janne Ojaniemi]

closing the thread