Netserver LH / LH2 bios replacement

[DJ Amps]

I have several non-booting netservers and have come to the conclusion that the BIOS is to blame.

I am getting an EISA config NVRAM bad - run config

then a successful memory test

system CMOS checksum error - run config

something about an upper segement limit and a code that flashes by too fast before the screen goes blank, and fails to seek a floppy.

I have replaced the system board three times, and the cpu and processor board twice. I get the same sequence and errors every time. I have even replaced the floppy drive as a last resort to fix the non-boot problem.

I have three bios chips from the machines and tried them all in each possible combination of CPU / System board. THis leads me to believe the chips are at fault... where may I obtain a known good BIOS chip?

-DJ

[Greg Carlson]

DJ,

You most likely don't have 3 bad BIOS chips unless they have ESD damage. Try to download and flash the BIOS, then enter the ECU to save and exit. That should resolve your issue. You can get the latest bios for the LH here:
http://h20004.www2.hp.com/keeper_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix50447.html
The LH Plus: http://h20004.www2.hp.com/keeper_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix50453.html
and the LH II: http://h20004.www2.hp.com/keeper_rnotes/bsdmatrix/matrix50452.html

Ciao,
Greg

[DJ Amps]

I have already tried getting in, but it is hopeless because there is no floppy seek. I have found a similar thread which recommends a new system board when booting is impossible, however I have replaced it three times now with the same errors each time -- which leads me to the BIOS.

-DJ

[Greg Carlson]

DJ,

All three of those boards are old enough that the system batteries are probably dead if they haven't yet been replaced. Clearing the CMOS with the Config Valid switch will set the server back to base which has floppy as a bootable device by default. Try replacing the system battery, Clear CMOS by turning switch 3 config valid to Off. Then Power off, turn switch back to On and then put the ECU diskette in to hopefully get into the EISA config utility. Or if you have the old Nav CD you could boot to the NAV and get to the EISA there as well.. Good luck,
Greg

[DJ Amps]

thanks for the quick responses. I will replace the battery(s) this afternoon and see what happens.

-DJ

[DJ Amps]

Installed new batteries -- there is no change. Still gives the same errors with each system board / cpu board / cpu / ram / bios combination I use.

I have five system boards, two cpu boards and cpu's, three bios chips, and two good batteries. Any combination of the above items produces the EXACT SAME RESULT. Resetting the bios with the config valid switch does nothing in any configuration. Even with the switch off the same successful ram test and error sequence appears, followed by a blank screen.

-DJ

[DJ Amps]

If all of any particular item is bad, i would place a logical bet the bios chips are to blame. Here is what I am getting, if it even helps...

bios version 4.04.22...... (standard message)
EISA configuration NVRAM bad - run util...
successful RAM test
UMB upper limit segement address F653
System Bios SHadowed
Video Bios Shadowed
system cmos checksum failed - run util...
blank screen (happens almost immediatly after the last line)

-DJ

[Theo Hill_1]

Try placing switch 1 in the on position and booting with the BIOS update floppy in the system. This should force the system to update the BIOS via the floppy.

[Nout]

neh, bugger.
had the same problem, until i ran the eisa config util. and the server i was configgin' had been rusting in the basement for over 8 years, no power. so can't be the friggin' cmos batt, or bad bios chips.
just flash the bios, run the eisa config, and it should all be working again.
the problem with my particular sys is my hpdac response: the hpdac on my server seems very flash-resistant. can't get it to work. anybody has any ideas?