Server crash - POST Error: 266-Non-Volatile Memory Corruption Detected

[Server-Support]

Hi Folks,

I've received this alert after hard resetting my server:

iLO 4 firmware:  2.74 May 08 2020
Server Model:  ProLiant Gen9
System ROM:    P89 10/21/2019

Error is shown by the BIOS boot:

POST Error: 266-Non-Volatile Memory Corruption Detected. Configuration settings restored to defaults. If enabled, Secure Boot security settings may be lost. Action: Restore desired configuration settings. Contact HPE if issue persists.

Integrated Management Log Severity: CAUTION

How to fix the issue above and what's the root cause?

Thanks.

[Ihaqueit]

Change the battery first, if issue persist, requesting you to log a case with the HPE Support Center for further troubleshooting and they would be able to help you out. 

[TVVJ]

Hello,

Refer to the HPE ProLIant Gen9 Troubleshooting Guide, section 'POST error messages > 200 Series', on page 58.

It indicates that to resolve the issue, please reset configuration settings different than the default settings. To do so, you may clear the server's NVRAM.

Reset the NVRAM to default using the BIOS utility, i.e. by pressing the F9 key during POST.

If the system will not boot, then use System Maintenance Switch, SW6, to reset the NVRAM.

A caution note while clearing NVRAM is that it deletes the configuration information. Refer to the server documentation for complete instructions before performing this operation or data loss could occur.

For more information, see the label on the server access panel or the relevant server user guide.

Regards,

[Moderator edit: Updated the link. You may also refer to https://support.hpe.com/]

[ManBha]

Hello,

1. please do reseat the DIMM and other components on the server

2. Please do restore to system default settings. [refer page 127]

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=c04398276

Thanks.

If you feel this was helpful please click the KUDOS! thumb below and accept the solution.

[Riadm13]

Hello,

Please can you give us more information on how to reset the NVRAM via bios ?

[Vinky_99]

Hello @Riadm13,

Good day!

The process for resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) or BIOS settings can vary depending on the specific server model and firmware version. HPE servers typically use the Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) management interface to access and configure BIOS settings.

[Vinky_99]

2/2

To reset NVRAM via the BIOS on an HPE server, you'll need to access the server's iLO interface. Here are the general steps:

>> How to access the iLO Interface>> Ensure that your server is powered on.
Connect to the server's iLO interface. You can usually access iLO through a web browser by entering the iLO's IP address into the address bar. The exact IP address and credentials should have been configured when the server was set up. You'll need administrative privileges to access the iLO interface.

>> Login iLO>>Navigate to BIOS Settings:  Within the iLO interface, look for the section or menu related to BIOS settings. The exact location and naming can vary, but it's typically found in the "Server" or "System" section.

>> Reset NVRAM: Within the BIOS settings in iLO, there should be an option to reset NVRAM or BIOS settings to default. This option may be labeled as "Restore BIOS Defaults" or something similar. Select this option.>> Confirm Reset >> Save and Exit

>> After confirming the reset, save your changes and exit the BIOS settings. The server may automatically reboot.

>> After the server reboots, access the BIOS settings via iLO again to ensure that the NVRAM/BIOS settings have been reset to default.
Please note that the specific menu names and options may differ based on your server's model and firmware version. Check your server's documentation, user manual, or the HPE support website for server-specific instructions and to confirm the procedure for your particular server model.

Performing a BIOS or NVRAM reset on a server should be approached with caution, and it's typically done when troubleshooting specific issues. Be sure to back up any critical data on the server and understand the potential consequences of resetting the BIOS settings.

Hope this helps! Let me know... 

[Riadm13]

Thank you , I will try it.

Just another question please, when I reset the BIOS or the NVRAM settings will the network IP of the server and iLO be reset and should I configure them again ?

[Vinky_99]

@Riadm13 

To answer your question, resetting the BIOS or NVRAM settings typically does not affect the network IP addresses assigned to your server or the iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) interface. These settings are usually stored separately from the BIOS configuration.

The network settings, including the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and iLO settings, are usually stored in the server's hardware settings or in the server's configuration, which is distinct from the BIOS settings.

After performing a BIOS or NVRAM reset, the network settings should remain intact unless you explicitly reset them during the process. The iLO interface, including its network configuration, should still be accessible using the same IP address and login credentials as before.

However, it's always a good practice to check the network settings after a BIOS or NVRAM reset to ensure that they haven't been affected. If you encounter any issues with network connectivity, you may need to reconfigure the network settings or investigate the cause of the problem, which may be unrelated to the BIOS or NVRAM reset.

In summary, resetting the BIOS or NVRAM settings should not automatically reset or affect the network IP addresses and iLO settings, but it's wise to verify these settings after performing a reset to ensure everything is working as expected.

Hope this helps!

[Riadm13]

Hello,

I've changed the bios battery and the leds become normal and the error 266 non volatil memory is fixed