LP2000r onboard SCSI problem

[Joseph Heaton]

When I run the Netserver Navigator, the hardware inventory sees my hard drives correctly, but when I get to the point of installing the NOS, it says there are no hard drives installed. I'm assuming this is because the SCSI controller software is not installed/working? Can anyone help me out? I appreciate any assistance.

[Marino Meloni_1]

hi
first of all you need to know where are connected the disks, you have few possibilities, on one of the two integrated SYMBios SCSI controllers, or on the Netraid controller.
1- you can check entering in the bios of SCSI Controller if your hdd are well recognized, and test them , also at boot time a banner will indicate you if HDD are well ecognized.
2- If your hdd are connected on the netraid, then you need first to create a raid then initialize it. when your logical drive is done and it apear at boot time, then for the installation you have (during the installation) to load the right driver for netraid, after that the hdd wil be recognized

[Joseph Heaton]

When I open up the case, the SCSI cable is connected to the SCSI-A socket on the system board. When I boot up the server, there is never a time where it shows the SCSI bios, as in searching for attached SCSI devices. It goes through the memory check, sees the CD-ROM, gives a message saying "Dual-ready system initialized for single processor", then shows the system configuration screen, then goes blank and says "Operating System not found". Am I missing the software for the SCSI? If so, how can I get it?

Thanks,

Joe Heaton

[Marino Meloni_1 · Accepted solution]

hi
try to perform aclear Cmos, it may be that some conflict prevent SCSI controller to be active, you can do a clear Cmos or via the jumper on the moother board, or pressing F11 when asked to pres F2 at boot time, you will enter in the Server Bios and in the last windows, (where theer is "Exit and Save", you will found one more option that is reset config or something similar,
then exit and reboot, you will have a warnig with bad config, enter again in Bios with F2 and jus exit and save in order t adjust Cmos memory parity.
Yhen your controllers have to appear.

[Greg Carlson]

Joseph,

I'm assuming your installing 2000 or NT. Redhat will find the hdds. First check what Meloni pointed out for identifying the controller that your hdd is on. Most of the time when your NOS install fails to find the hard drive it is because you are loading the NOS native drivers. You need to download the HP drivers for both the Symbios and NetRaid controller and load those instead of the MS drivers. You can get the drivers here: Choose the appropriate model for your LP2000.

http://productfinder.support.hp.com/tps/ProductFinder?h_lang=en&h_tool=software&h_query=lp+2000

Ciao,
Greg

[Terri Harris]

Meloni is on the right track - if the Symbios SCSI controller and hard drives are not bannering during POST, you will NOT be able to install any operating system.
You do not see an option for Ctrl-C (Symbios SCSI utility) during POST? If not, clear the CMOS. If this does not work, contact HP Netserver technical support.

To clear the CMOS configuration.
a. Turn the server off and unplug it. Take the case off.
b. Locate the set of system switches on the motherboard.
c. Move Switch #4 CLEAR CMOS to the opposite position.
d. Power up the server. You will see a configuration error. The server will stop at this error.
e. Turn the server off, unplug it. Move Switch #4 back to the original position.
f. Power up the server. The BIOS program must be run to re-configure the server.

If the Symbios SCSI controller still does not banner during POST, flash the System BIOS on the LP2000r (even if current). The BIOS update is available here:

http://h20004.www2.hp.com/soar_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix50456en_US.html

If your LP2000r is 1.13 GHz or faster, use this web page:

http://h20004.www2.hp.com/soar_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix75195en_US.html

Netserver email support:
NetSrvTech_Support@hp.com

To get online and chat with tech support (Active Chat):
http://instantsupport.hp.com/euserv/jsp/hpinstantsupport.jsp

[Greg Carlson]

Joseph,

I lost the Symbios controller on my LP2000 once also. A very quick easy fix. Clearing CMOS and flashing BIOS alone did not resolve it. It needs the latest bios flash, once that is applied then boot to F2, then F9 to restore and F10 save and exit. That should resolve the issue for you.

Ciao,
Greg

[Joseph Heaton]

I've downloaded the latest bios update, which is an executable file. Now how do I apply this? By the way, clearing the CMOS worked like a charm. My coworker did the big Homer Simpson Doh! He said that is usually one of the first things he checks, but he just forgot on this one. Thanks to everyone for their tips.

Joe Heaton

[Theo Hill_1]

Run the exe file downloaded. It will prompt you for a blank formatted floppy. Follow the prompts until the diskette is made, then boot the server with the diskette in and follow the prompts.

[e4services]

SOunds to me that it is as simple as the SCSI channel A AND B being disabled in BIOS. That would explain why clearing would correct because the default is A enabled and B disabled.
Just a thought.

As for the BIOS Update, yes the download creates a boot disk that will flash the BIOS. Be sure to also download all the lastest drivers for you OS while you are at it and bring all the hardware BIOS and Drives up to date.

[Greg Carlson]

e4services,
There isn't anywhere in the bios to disable the SCSI A and B for the user. As far as I know that is.. I've looked through high and low and there are not that many options in this bios.

Ciao,
Greg