Proliant ML570 BIOS Crash

[Jeff Duncan_1]

I performed a firmware update on my PC from a CD image that I got from the Smart Start 7.01 bundle off the HP web site. I ran the update and it said everything was successful. I then rebooted and now I get nothing but a blank screen. Is there a way to reset the bios back to factory settings or replace the CMOS? I am having a hard time finding information on the HP web site and I would appreciate any help I can get.

Thank you

[JohnWRuffo · Accepted solution]

Jeff:

Let me make sure, this is a ML570 Generation 1? If it is not then you need the G2 bios:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/21212.html

Have you already tried to update the bios again ( http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/17420.html ) Yes... again but with a diskette.

Let me make sure, this is a ML570 Generation 1? If it is not then you need the G2 bios:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/21212.html

If you have tried again and the diskette install still does not apply, then do the following:

Power off the server and open the server up.

1. Set configuration switches 1, 4, 5, and 6 on the system maintenance switch block to ON to enable disaster mode.
2. Insert the new bios diskette in the floppy.
3. Power on the server. The keyboard, mouse and monitor are all inactive.
4. The server will make 2 long beeps, to indicate that it is in Disaster Recovery Mode, and you should insert the ROMPaq diskette.
5. The server reads the diskette for the latest ROM image.
Note: If the diskette is not in place, the system continues to beep until a valid ROMPaq diskette is inserted.
6. The ROMPaq diskette will flash the system ROM.
7. If the flash is sucessful, then the server will issue a series of beeps in an assending order.
8. After successful completion of this process;
a. Power down the server
b. Reset configuration switches 1, 4, 5 and 6
c. Power up the server as usual.

Hope this gets you back to running! Let us know if you don't get the bios re-flashed?
-john

[Nathan Gervais]

Hi Jeff

Heres something you can try.

Download the latest bios from the net here is this a G1 or G2 make sure you know which one you have before you continue.

ML570G1 : ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/sp23501-24000/SP23653.exe
ML570G2 : ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/sp28001-28500/SP28214.exe

Create the bootable diskette from the floppy. Then on your system board you will see a bank of 6 Switches (G1) or 8 Switches (G2). Regardless of how many there are, turn on Switch 1,4,5, and 6 and then insert the Floppy into the server and power it on.

There will be no video and you should see the floppy light come on and start to read. After a minute or two you will hear a series of ascending beeps indicating that the flash has started to program .. then after it is finished you will hear a series of descending beeps indicating the flash has finished. At this point it is safe to power down and turn the switches back and power on. Hopefully your server will post.

If you do not get any beeps but you see disk activity on the floppy give it about 15minutes power down and throw the switches back and test

Hope it helps.

[Nathan Gervais]

John's too quick for me :)

[JohnWRuffo]

as you can see... my cut and paste job could be better.

Jeff:

Let us know if you still have troubles? -john

[Jeff Duncan_1]

I downloaded the ML570 BIOS copied and created the floppy image. I then put the switches into disaster recovery mode. I turned it on (no beeps) it ran the floppy for a minute or so and stopped (again no beeps) I waited 1 hour and turned it off. I moved the switches back turned it on and got nothing but a blank screen again. I then removed all the pci cards and tried it again. I still get nothing. Any other suggestions?

[JohnWRuffo]

Jeff:

I have experiencd this before and it is generally not good.
The peripheral board, where the bios is located, needs to be replaced.
http://partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/showphoto?partnumber=101951-001

Contact HP Warranty support and get a replcement. If you do not have warranty or maint on the system, it will run about $480.00.

[JohnWRuffo]

Before you go down the road of buying any hardware, contact HP tech support and ask them if there are any other processes for ROM recovery.