Netserver LH+ cant boot after bios update

[Eggimann]

I have a Netserver LH+ 5/155 and added some memory. After the reboot the system showed a failure in the cmos ram checksum. While trying to fix this with the original CD (Netserver Navigator) I reinstalled the bios (Version 4.05.12 PE).
Since then the system is not booting any more. It stops at the splash screen "Phoenix bios....Pentium 166"
I tried to remove memory but that does not help either.

Any sugestions how to repair the bios?

[Greg Carlson · Accepted solution]

Hello,

4.05.12PE is not the latest BIOS available for the LH Plus. Go to this link to download the latest BIOS 4.05.15PE ** save the files to your desktop and then double click on them to extract them to floppy. Both the BIOS and ECU files will create bootable diskettes. http://h20004.www2.hp.com/keeper_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix50453.html

You won't be able to flash the BIOS however if your stopping in POST just after CPU's banner. I would try to Clear the CMOS with what is switch 3 on the system board first. Turn switch three to the Off position for Config Valid and boot up. If you get a message saying your configuration has been cleared then power the server back off and turn switch 3 back to on. Then boot to the BIOS diskette 4.05.15PE and then boot to the ECU to save your configuration and make sure it is set how you want.

I would also replace the system battery as that server is definately old enough to have a dead battery as well.

If this doesn't resolve it you'll need a new CMOS chip. Hopefully clearing CMOS will restore your boot.

** Side Note ** make sure that you are at base memory, no card (Eisa or PCI) and when you clear CMOS you will need to reinstall .cfg files for any Eisa Cards)

Good luck,
Greg

[Eggimann]

Thanks for your information. I've tried it, but no success. The system still stops at the processor message.
I also downloaded the new bios and burned it on an external prommer. The interestin thing is, that the checksum of the currently installed bios is corresponding to the value which is printed on the label; thereefore I assume, the bios is correct. What test is executed after the CPU discovery? Could it be some problem whith the RAM (but I have only installed the original HP DIMM).
Maybe you have somme other tricks, which I could try.

Peter

[Greg Carlson]

Memory rules on the LH+ allow memory to be added one by one so try booting with only a single stick of memory and also try another memory slot. If there is still no change boot the server with no Eisa/PCI cards, single Dimm( try multiple dimms 1x1) remove keyboard, mouse, floppy, cd-rom and hdd's. If this allows you to boot past cpu then add components back one by one until you determine the failed component.

Make sure you leave switch 3 Config valid to Off during this troubleshooting. Were you able to successfully clear the config on the last round of TS?