Slow Server Startup

[James_473]

I have two HP Proliant DL740R servers, one with 2 processors and 4GB memory and the other with 4 processors and 32GB memory. Both are loaded with Win2003 server and minimal applications SQL Server/Cognos/IIS in addition to standard windows installation. Neither are used for anything other than database/reporting work. The 4GB memory machine will reboot in about 10 mintues, the 32GB machine takes 1 hour and 15 mintues or more to reboot. A review of the event log for the system shows the server shutting down at 11:30 (last event) and restarting at 12:45 (first event) with nothing else in between. Is there built in diagnostics that might account for the larger memory machine being so slow to restart?

Thanks,

James K.

[Roger Faucher]

James:

Do you have all the latest 'stuff' from here:

http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/locate/69_5292.html

Have you applied all the patches/fixes from Windows Update website?

If yes to each of above, I would try resetting the BIOS settings to defaults and rebooting.

Make a great day!

Roger

[Norman_21]

James,

Do you have the /3GB Switch in the boot.ini file. For servers with more than 4GB RAM it's recommended to add the switch to reserve it for the Windows OS. Refer to these links:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;291988

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316739

Does the delay during the boot occurs with the GUI or before you get to the GUI?

[James_473]

I believe the delay occurs before the GUI starts, however all maintenance is done with remote administration and not physically on the machine. The machine is located in a seperate area. This is a preliminary look at the problem and if the suggestions I get here and other forums don't pan out I'll have to get more aggresive in pursuing the problem, which means scheduling time to actually sit in the server room with the machine.

Thanks for all the help,

James.

[Ron Kinner]

Sounds like the 32G machine is testing every single byte. Check the BIOS setup and see if there is an option for Quick boot or some way of bypassing the full memory check.

Ron

[Norman_21]

James,

With remote administration connection, you won't be able to see the complete reboot process so it'll be a good idea to schedule sometimes to deal with the Server physically.
Ron suggesstion may be right on the spot but if it's not the case then add the /SOS switch to watch the drivers during boot up process. Perhaps one of them is causing the delay but most likely your problem is related to HW?

Also, you may consider booting the server with the "Enable Boot Logging" option from the Advanced Options Menu by pressing F8 when you reboot your server. Then just examine the log file.

Hope this help

[James_473]

I went down and watched the machine cycle. It fully cycled in 16 minutes. Unfortunately I'm not positive which change made the difference. I changed the swap space from 32GB to 4GB and added the /PAE switch to the Windows boot.ini file. I have a feeling it was the swap size, we have a requirement to wipe the swap file space during shutdown and I suppose it could take it a while, but 75 minutes seems a bit much for 32GB of swap space.

Thanks to everyone for giving me hints at what to check out. I have a second identical machine that I will play with and if I find the exact culprit I'll post back.

Thanks again.

James K.

[Norman_21]

James,

I believe the switch did the trick!

and since this is your first post, please read about the points assignment:
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/helptips.do?#28


Thanks

[James_473]

Thanks to everyone who helped. I'm not real up on the points system yet so I hope I don't offend anyone. I gave 5 points to everyone who responded because they took the time to respond and slightly more to the one I thought pointed me in the closest direction. Thanks again for all the help.

[Norman_21]

No offence at all Brother!
Glad your problem is solved anyway.

No points here please