The System Serial Number is Not Available

[Sean P. McGlynn]

We are seeing "The system serial number is not available. Restoring the system seriol number... This process could take as long as 20 seconds" every time we boot our LH 3000 server. We've tried the utility provided in the thread found http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=314646&admit=-682735245+1127325229698+28353475
but are getting a "7811-0010-I2C Timeout" message. The same SN not available message persists.

Would anyone have any idea why we're getting the timeout, or the original message itself, or how to fix this?

Thank you for your time.

[Sean T. Craig]

Hi Sean,

There could be a few possible points of failure here but I would start with the front panel. Here's what you can try:

1. Download the latest BIOS version for this server and create the update diskette.
The latest versions are:
4.06.33 PT for the U2 model
4.06.04 RN for the U3 model
Updates can be downloaded from this page:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DriverDownload.jsp?locale=en_US&pnameOID=19611&taskId=135&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=50440〈=en&cc=us&swEnvOID=54

2. Boot the server to the update diskette and flash the BIOS. Be sure to watch for any errors in the process. This will help to identify the cause of the issue.

3. If the flash completes successfully, clear the CMOS. To do this without opening the server, press at start instead of to enter the CMOS. Go to the Exit tab and select "Clear System Configuration and Exit Setup".

4. Server will restart. Use to go back into the CMOS and press to load setup defaults and then to save and exit.

5. If the BIOS flash generated errors, record them. Pay particular attention to the Front Panel Controller update. If it fails, you may need to replace it.

6. Write back and let us know what happened. If there were errors, let us know. You may need to call Netserver Support at 1-800-474-6836 and say "Netserver". HP still provides free phone support for this model.

Best of luck,

Sean T. Craig Sr. C.E.T., M.C.P.