HP Netserver LE CMOS Problem

[Alex Samorukov]

Hi. I have an old HP Netserver LE box. After upgrading hardware i cleared CMOS (by jumper) and when i rebooted PC it warn me about unconfigured bios. I downloaded diskette from the compaq support site with configuration util and created 2 disktetts. After loading from first diskete i get configuration program. When i changed all settings to correct one and tried to save info configurator said "actual system id dowes not match id in configuration file. data will not be saved" :((((
So, i can`t configure my server :((((
Please help me. If you have original configuration utility or if you now solution - please answer.

[Alicia White]

I am not familiar with the error you are seeing, but it may indicate that you are trying to update using the wrong utilities. Where did you get download those utilities that are you using to update the server? You downloaded the files from the Compaq site? Not an HP page?

The page to download the ECU and BIOS files for the NetServer LE is:
http://h20004.www2.hp.com/soar_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix50445en_US.html

To update the BIOS and ECU, follow these steps:

1. Run the BIOS update floppy
2. Clear CMOS using the system switch
3. Power system down, move "config valid" switch
4. Power system back on, you should see BIOS error indicating a problem with BIOS (expected)
5. Then power system off, move switch back
6. Power system back to boot to ECU floppy
7. Save settings in EISA Config Utility & reboot

Please, let us know if this works.

Good luck! :)

Alicia

[Alex Samorukov]

>The page to download the ECU and BIOS files for the NetServer LE is:
>http://h20004.www2.hp.com/soar_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix50445en_US.html
I downloaded my files from this location :(

>To update the BIOS and ECU, follow these steps:

>1. Run the BIOS update floppy
>2. Clear CMOS using the system switch
>3. Power system down, move "config valid" switch
What is "config valid switch"?
>4. Power system back on, you should see BIOS error indicating a problem with BIOS (expected)
>5. Then power system off, move switch back
>6. Power system back to boot to ECU floppy
>7. Save settings in EISA Config Utility & reboot
After saving i have an error "incorrect board number, data will not be written to CMOS" :(((

>Please, let us know if this works.
No :(

>Good luck! :)
10x.

Alicia

[Alicia White]

The "config valid" switch, I believe, is switch 3 of the DIP switches on the main system board. I do not remember where those switches are on the LE system board but, generally, the DIP switches are near the CMOS battery.

But, if this is one of the older systems that does not have DIP switches, I do not know which jumpers you would have to move in order to clear the CMOS. If you still have it, consult the Technical Reference Card that came with the server: that should tell you how to clear CMOS. Unfortunately, I could not find that information on HP's web site.

However, I did find a reference to an "unlock" switch on the LE system board, but, to be quite truthful, this sure sounds like it might be the way to clear CMOS on the LE from the PDF I found. See the instructions on page 29 of 126 of this PDF file (page 23 of the e-document):

http://h200001.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/lpn11785/lpn11785.pdf

It is a VERY large file (almost 3MB), so I have copied the directions to run HPUpdate utility on the LE below my signature.

If none of this is any help, call HP tech support. They should be able to tell you how to clear CMOS and update the BIOS/ECU.

Alicia


Excerpt from HP PDF file:


HPUpdate Utility and HP NetServer LE, LF

1. Set the BIOS switch in the computer to UNLOCKed.
2. Insert the HPUpdate Utility diskette in drive A.
3. Type A:\hpupdate or restart (reboot) the computer.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to perform the update.
5. LOCK the BIOS switch when you finish. If you need further information while you are using the utility, press F1 at the screen for which you need help.

CAUTION Although the HPUpdate Utility includes safeguards to protect the EEPROM from
damage, it is still possible to damage the computer's EEPROM if there is a loss of
power while the update is in progress. You will see a warning about this before the
update process begins.

If the update is in progress and there is a loss of power to the computer, replace the System Board for the computer.

If the HPUpdate Utility indicates that it has encountered errors during the update process, you will be requested to either retry or abort the operation. RETRY the update at least once before aborting the operation.

Aborting the operation damages the EPROM, and you will have to install a new System Board. However, as long as you do not remove power from the computer, you may still be able to use the computer until you receive the replacement System Board.

Using the Configuration Utility with the HPUpdate Utility

If configuration utility requests that you insert the HPUpdate Utility diskette into drive A, you do not have to restart (reboot) the system to use the HPUpdate Utility. The configuration utility will ensure a SAFE
environment before asking you to put the HPUpdate Utility diskette into drive A.