Unable to PXE Boot DL380 G5 servers previously used with Linux OS

[Pete Rowswell]

Hi,
Im trying to PXE boot from Onboard 1 Ethernet port on a DL380G5 server. It was previously used for another purpose running Linux. The server currently has NO Operating System.

On checking the Cisco switch port the connecting port shows Link but NO MAC address. The port also shows NO incoming packes.

It appears this port is NOT broadcasting any traffic whatsoever.

It was suggested that a previous teaming of the interfaces when running Linux may have caused the port to get confused and does not know its Mac Address...

Any suggestions please?

[Johan Guldmyr]

Hey, if you go into BIOS on the server can you see the MAC address in there on the first screen?

If not, maybe clearing the NVRAM might help out.

Maybe the Cisco Switch has some special functionality/settings on the ports for the teaming? Have you tried other ports on the switch?

[Ali]

Hi Pete,

If Network card with PXE option displayed on the post and when you initiate PXE it tries to connect to PXE server, then NIC seems to be working fine.

You need to check cisco ACLs and modify the settings if required.

from the server end, you may power drain the server (shutdown the server, disconnect all the cables including power and network, take out hdd and other external devices)

replug everything and switch ON the server to see whether NIC MAC is displayed in Cisco software.

thanks,
Aftab