ProLiant 5500_SmartStart Error Code: 13 - Spawn Error

[Wesley W.D. Summers]

I get Error Code:13 when trying to boot from the SmartStart CD (v4.80).

I have read the ONLY item I can find in the knowledge base at the following URL:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/askkcs/issg/300_0_17037298_3651210.html

I have checked the memory, and they all have Compaq stickers on them. I have tried 3 different banks of 256MB (4x64), and 1 bank of 512MB (4x128), as well ast 1GB of memory (2 Banks of 4x64 and 1 bank of 4x128). This does NOT resolve the problem.

I have also booted from the System Configuration diskettes (v2.58A) described at the following URL:
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=393047

Unfortunately, I the hard drives attached to the Smart Array 3200 don't function correctly, because the utility can't create a System Configuration partition on the Mirrored array.

The System Bios is: P12 04/02/1999

What do I have to do to be able to create a ProLiant 5500 System Partition on a Mirrored array on a Smart Array 3200 controller?


Regards, Wesley.

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Wesley,
As per my knowledge you cannot create a system partition once the system is built without it. Well of course if you intend to start from scratch then you can run system erase first and swapp the position of first hdd atleast and choose the assisted method of installation. Please make sure you recreate the server profile diskette which you are asked for during the Smart Start installation. If someone else has any novel ideas I would like to know.

Regards,

[Wesley W.D. Summers]

Thanks for the reply Sunil, but I think there is some confusion here.

1 - The ProLiant 5500 has NOTHING on it.
2 - I have a Smart Array 3200 (ROM version 4.06) installed
3 - I am using SmartStart v4.80

The first thing SmartStart tries to do is CREATE a System Configuration Partition. However, it can't because there are no arrays configured.

So, using ACU I have configured an array (Don't ask how - you don't want to know!), then rebooted the SmartStart CD.

SmartStart can 'see' the array, it just can't write to it.


Regards, Wesley.

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Wesley,
The first thing I would suggest you do is update the Firmware for the controller and here is the link to upgrade it:

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/14694.html

Even though you would be asked for 4 floppies but just make the very first one 'cos you don't need the rest. After flashing it please let me know the results.

Regards,

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Wesley,
Before you start reloading the system with Smart Start, could you please bring the amount of RAM below 1GB as well??

Thanks,

[Wesley W.D. Summers]

OK, the BIOS is now flashed to Nov/08/2000, and the Smart Array 3200 is flashed to v4.50. I have removed memory, leaving only 256MB (4x64MB) of RAM installed.

I booted the SmartStart v4.80 CD, and I still get "Error Code:13 Spawn Error"


-----
Since SmartStart v4.80 is a bit old, I have created the 4 diskettes for the last version of the System Configuration Utility (SCU) - v2.58A.

I have a single drive attached to the Smart Array 3200 that is configured as a RAID 0 Logical drive.

When I boot the System Configuration Utility, there is NO System partition, and it says "An error occurred while trying to access the fixed disk."

I then installed a Smart-2/P controller, and defined a Single disk Logical drive to that, and the same problem occured when I booted with the SCU diskette. The SmartStart CD still says: "Error Code 13: Spawn Error".

When I try to use the SCU to run the Array Configuration Utility (ACU), it expects me to have bootable diskettes with the ACU on it, but I'm blowed if I can find a version that produces bootable diskettes.

So, now I have the latest version of the various ROM software, and the last(!) version of the SCU. The SCU can't 'see' the Array's Logical Drive, so that I can create a partition on it. The SCU expects the ACU to be on Bootable diskettes, but I can't find any on the HP site.

I think I am REALLY confused by all this.


Regards, Wesley.

[Sunil Jerath · Accepted solution]

Hello Wesley,
Since you have only HDD attached to the array controller, have you tried running system erase and then retrying the smart start process?? If not then start by running the system erase and select the Assisted method of installation. Also please email me your contact info at sunil.jerath@hp.com.

Regards,

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Wesley,
Here are a few similar spawn error messages alongwith their resolutions:

1. Problem Description
Error : " Spawn error - Path or file not found for win.com. An unrecoverable error occurs during the SmartStart execution, code error 13 "

Solution:
Change the IDE cable setting to the CD ROM to master/slave setting and not cable select.

2. Problem Description
Error : " Spawn error - Path or file not found for win.com. An unrecoverable error occurs during the SmartStart execution, code error 13 "

Solution:

1. Verify the part numbers on the memory. Replace the memory with the original memory if it's 3rd party.
2. Memory to minimum configuration and retest. Replace with spares if valid Compaq memory for this server.

3. Problem Description
Error : " Spawn error - Path or file not found for win.com. An unrecoverable error occurs during the SmartStart execution, code error 13 "

Error during Smart Start Installation

Cannot boot on Smartstart

Solution:
Perform an erase of the system with the floppy made through DiskBuilder

Please try these and let me know.

Regards,

[Wesley W.D. Summers]

I tried changing the CD-ROM drive jumper setting to MASTER, but no improvement.

Then I used the System Erase Utility, and everything WORKS PERFECTLY now!

The SmartStart CD is now running the Assisted Install.


-----
I would like to say 2 things to you Sunil:
1 - Thanks SOOOOO MUCH for persisting with this problem, and coming up with a resolution.
2 - I'm SOOOOO GLAD I purchased a computer with the kind of SUPPORT HP provide.

It is Sunday evening in Australia (But it's the wee small hours on Monday where Sunil is), and despite being halfway around the world you have solved my problem!

Sunil, you have my SINCERE GRATITUDE for your work today. I hope my glee has helped make working on the weekend worthwhile for you.


Kindest regards, Wesley.

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Wesley,
Thank you very much for your kind n encouraging comments. I am glad all worked out perfect for you. Please do not hesitate to drop a line if I could of any further assistance.

Regards,

[Wesley W.D. Summers]

One last thing, after using the Server Erase Utility, you will need a 'Server Profile Diskette' (SPD).

If you don't have one, then Janine Bertolo has the answer when on Jan 10, 2003 at 18:12:07 GMT she said:

A blank text file named SPD.INI on a floppy is all you need for a Server Profile Diskette.

Use any text editor to create it and there you have it!

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Wesley,
Here is the link to download it just in case you have any troubles creating one:

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/7453.html

Regards,

[Rossoneri]

I have the exact same problem. But what is "diskbuilder" ?? Where do I get this erase diskette? ?
I have SmartStart version 5.5 -

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Kim,
Here is the link for System Erase:

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/17918.html

The second link is for system configuration:

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/13227.html

Regards,

[Rossoneri]

Thank you - it is working fine after the erease Disk.

Maybe I should open a new topic - but after I have choosed to install Windows 2000 server and it is working fine ... until Windows 2000 are to find the system setup .. I can not push or move anything with my keyboard or mouse .. so I can`t continue with the installation .... I have installed Windows 2000 server, by help of smart start ...

Any ideas what to do ? .. I have tryed to restart, but no mouse and keyboard are working .... It was working fine during the smartstart cd setup

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Kim,
Are you using a remote inside board in the server?? If the ans is yes then try reseating it. Otherwise also check the system bios and see if it needs to be updated. Please let me know how you make out.

Regards,

[Rossoneri]

I don`t know what you mean with remote side in the board ?.

I am running Bios version P09 - it`s back from 1998 as far I can see, because it is standing afterwards the "P09"

I there a new bios version ?

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Kim,
You did mention in your earlier posting that you have a similar problem as Wesley but you never stated as to which type of server do you have. Could you please post a separate message rather then we go through the same everytime.

Regards,