Bootblock not write protected? DL320s

[MGManess]

Got through loading Windows Server 2003, updated, all the goodies. Server sat powered down and unplugged a few days on my bench due to other projects.

Today I plug it in and turn it on to continue working and now during the POST, I get a message:

Bootblock not write protected
- System Halted!

Any ideas?

[Víctor Cespón]

Can you try a clear CMOS? This seems to be related to server BIOS.
System maintenance switch
On page 47 of
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00805737/c00805737.pdf

[MGManess]

Cleared CMOS.

Only difference is it runs a memory scan before stopping with the same error.

While I had the case open, I noticed a blue thumbscrew floating around on the system board. It belonged on the backside of the drive cages. Also found one of those pop out sheetmetal blanks lying on the system board.

Those problems resolved, still the same error.

I also noticed that I don't get the startup screen options to press F10/F12 for the setup like I do on my 4 other DL320s.

[KarloChacon]

hi

Bootblock not write protected
- System Halted!

In the System board there is jumper or spot labeled JP16 (located toward the bottom of the system board)

I don't know why sometimes those jumpers are missing or bad seated (maybe vibration)

So check if the the jumper is there or bad seated.

So put a jumper on both pins in case is missed if no seat the jumper properly

regards

[KarloChacon]

well try that and let us know

regards

[MGManess]

I found JP16 right next to the battery?

It's a 3-pin jumper. I moved the jumper from pins 2/3 to pins 1/2 and the system would not boot. The internal health LED would flash red 3 times, then green, then repeat.

Moved the jumper back to pins 2/3 and am back to the same Bootblock error.

[KarloChacon]

hi

ok can you compare that JP16 position with th e others Dl320s that you have?

regards

[MGManess]

Jumper positions. These are all consistent across all my DL320s.

JP1 - Open
JP2 - Closed
JP3 - Open
JP4 - Open
JP5 - 1/2
JP6 - 2/3
JP8 - 1/2
JP9 - Open
JP10 - Open
JP11 - Open
JP12 - 1/2
JP13 - Open
JP14 - Open
JP15 - 2/3
JP16 - 2/3
JP18 - Closed

I'm getting the Bootblock error in the same place in the POST I would expect to see the initialization message for the ILO module. Could the problem be with the ILO?

[KarloChacon]

ok

NVRAM cleared.
Jumper was checked it.

What if you try reseating components?

What if you try minimum configuration? 1 Proc, 2 memories no PCI cards, ....

Regards

[MGManess]

Looks like whatever was failing finally did.

System no longer powers on.

Vendor on the way for warranty service.

Thanks for your help.

[mike-b]

I just developed the same problem on one of our Dl320 g5's . It appeared after I connected the battery to the P400 raid controller while the server was up. the message appeared in the next boot. I followed the same steps, reset bios...etc. nothing worked.

Replaced the raid controller with another P400 off the shelf and we're back and running.