Can't flash bios on Proliant 800 error flash erase failed

[Sergio Cardone]

I am trying to update the bios on a proliant 800/200 to the latest version but it fails everytime it starts to erase the bios and aborts, error "Flash erase failed".

Tried different floppies without success. Don't see any settings for bios update where that might be disabled. Any ideas?

[Janine Bertolo]

Hi Sergio;

You can try doing an emergency ROM flash by opening all the dip-switches on the system maintenance switch on the server systemboard.

You will find the location of the switch on the inside cover label of the server.

With all the switches open, boot to the floppy with the ROM image and let it go.

It can take a long time, and if your NVRAM is the problem it may completely fail, so you should use some caution.

As this machine is no longer under warranty, you'd have to pay for a replacement system board if the flash fails the NVRAM.

This procedure is only recommended as a last resort.

Hope that helps,

Janine

[Sergio Cardone]

What's the different between the emergency Rom Flash and regular flash. If it fails, can we reflash to the old bios revision? Not sure why it won't erase during the regular bios upgrade unless there is an issue with the NVRAM. We have flashed the bios on the machine before.

[Janine Bertolo]

An emergency ROM flash "forces" the image onto the NVRAM (sorry, that's the best technical explanation I have for you at the moment)

You're right - there is no problem unless there is an issue with the NVRAM.

If your NVRAM chip is corrupted in some way, the emergency ROM flash can push it over the edge and completely fail is.

If that happens, the NVRAM fails and you will no longer be able to boot the server. A back-rev of the ROM would not be possible in that circumstance.

You'll have to decide whether it's worth the risk before applying the flash, unless you have warranty coverage on the board.

Janine