DL380 GEN 9 Wont boot

[gsxrman]

So I've had this issue for more than a year now, my DL380 GEN9 servers not booting after a power loss.  After power resumes the green LED on the front is flashing once per sec, and will so forever no matter how many times you press is.  To resolve, I'm left with taking out the CMOS battery for a few seconds, then re-inserting.  Now I’m forced to re-enter the Serial number and Product ID as they zero out if CMOS removed.  What is the deal?  Also I’ve seen sometimes where you leave unplugged for a while then plug in it seems to work.  I did however note that one of the CMOS batteries was a bit low, replace all batteries and still same thing happens after a power loss, so frustrating. Anyone see this before?

BTW System ROM is P89 v2.90 dated 4/29/2021 and ILO is 2.80.

[support_s]

System recommended content:

1. HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 Server - Hangs During Boot with Message “Memory Initialization - Complete”

2. ProLiant DL380 Generation 2 Server Maintenance and Service Guide

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[Moderator edit: Removed the broken link. Please refer to https://support.hpe.com/]

[gsxrman]

I clarified my issue, your solution indicates the system will boot up, whereas as I mentioned my systems will not. I’m left with a blinking green LED on the front panel only.

[Suman_1978]

Hi,

If the power led is blinking, it means, (Flashing green (1 Hz/cycle per sec): Performing power on sequence).

Further troubleshooting:
If I understand correctly, Server does not boot to OS, but does it POST (black screen with ProLiant logo)?
When the green led is blinking, can you login into iLO and check the IML Logs and Remote Console screen to check if there is any display or any error message on screen.
If you have installed any additional PCIe cards, can you remove them and test (instead of removing CMOS Battery).

Additional help can be found here, 
Document - HPE ProLiant Gen9 Servers - Troubleshooting Hardware Problems | HPE Support
Document - HPE ProLiant Gen 9 Troubleshooting Guide, Volume I: Troubleshooting | HPE Support

Thank You!
I work with HPE but opinions expressed here are mine.
Recent Support Video Releases

[gsxrman]

@Suman_1978 

Server will not post or do anything, just blinking green led on front panel.

[Suman_1978]

Hi,

If the Troubleshooting steps did not help, you may have to log a case with HPE Support.

Thank You!
I work with HPE but opinions expressed here are mine.
Recent Support Video Releases

[shaan1337]

@gsxrman  i also have exactly the same issue on a DL380 gen 9 since around 1.5 years:

- green LED blinks but nothing starts up (ILO is still accessible though)

- problem seems to occur when there is a sudden power loss (ungraceful shutdown)

- sometimes, it can start up if you leave the server alone for a certain period of time (few days/weeks) and then press the power button.

i initially thought the issue was the smart storage battery and replaced it - it seemed to have solved the problem for approximately 3 weeks but then after an abrupt power cut, the problem started again. now, after i've done a component test again, there is a "primary battery failure", so maybe it's still the issue (but is it normal for the storage battery to be damaged if there's a power cut after just a few weeks?)

is there a way to completely bypass the battery? (disconnecting it doesn't fix the issue)

ROM version at the time: original one, was never flashed (P89 2.00 if i remember correctly)

[shaan1337]

After further investigation the only predictable way I've found to get the server back up and running is to do the following:

- Unplug it from power

- Wait for 1 hour

- Plug it back

It appears to be a "flea power" problem - if you don't wait for enough time (e.g 5-10 mins) and plug it back, it won't start up. 

[chathuraw]

Hi , In case you have found that all the hardware components are working fine except the "Smart Storage Battery," maybe the below article about "Advisory: (Revision) HPE ProLiant Gen9-Series Servers - Servers May Stop Responding When the Smart Storage Battery Option Fails" will help you.

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05175070

[shaan1337]

Hi @chathuraw 

Thanks for the tip - unfortunately for me the issue persisted even after upgrading the iLO firmware to version 2.80

[MajorTom]

I had the same issue with a dl380 Gen9, iLO 2.82, BIOS v3.02. I unplugged it from power over night, then it powered up without problems. Anyway, it's a strange behaviour, had it only once and never before - and hopefully never again :-).

BR Tom

[DigBaddyH]

I've got this exact same issue with 2 of the 6 servers I just acquired.  Very annoying.  But you are right.  They will eventually boot if you take the power off of them for at few hours.  I've not timed it exactly.

[Beginner1]

Mine is flashing green and red lights at same time. If I remove the PSU for few hours and input back will it boot?