1600 can not boot but, cd-rom light flashes

[susantci]

I have a 1600 I am trying to set up as a test server. It was working two months ago as a win2k server. Now I took the old drives out. Put different drives in.

I am trying to use the internal SCSI controller now and I wasn't before. I tried using the SMART-2 I had in there. That didn't work either. I re-seated all the cages and the memory and most of the connectors.

Taking the cd-rom out does not work. Swapping it doesn't work. I tried clearing NVRAM but I am not sure I did it right because I don't get any video.

I am tearing my hair out over this and my project is behind schedule. HELP!!! Susan Hebel, MASE, CNE
Senior Network Engineer
TCI Systems, Inc.

http://www.tcisystems.com

 

[diamondlod]

Here are the steps to follow. I had to do this more than once on our 1600s and DL380 G1s...be sure to follow all of the steps in order.

1. Unplug the server
2. Wait one minute
3. Plug in the server
4. Disconnect floppy and CD cables
5. Wipe the NVRAM
6. Start the server
7. Let it boot to an error
8. Power down the server
9. Reconnect floppy and CD
10. Reboot

The symptoms you describe are all a sign of the NVRAM having bad data, which is unfortunately too common on the 1600s (and the DL380 G1s).

I'll keep an eye on the thread to see if that worked.

 

[susantci]

I did that about 3 times before it actually worked. I found the info on the Compaq site. But it didn't seem to be working. Then for some reason it did work. I have no idea what happened??!! But it is working now.. Thanks. Susan Hebel, MASE, CNE
Senior Network Engineer
TCI Systems, Inc.

http://www.tcisystems.com

 

[susantci]

Well it is not working again. I removed the processor cage to get to the memory. I wanted to install another module but I didn't have the same one so I put the cage back. I also installed another hard drive in to the top bay area. I followed the instructions again and now it won't boot at all. Even with the cables unplugged!!!
UGh!!!

I reseated both cages twice.

I pulled the battery jumper off and unplugged it. Hopefully it will be better by morning. I need this server. Susan Hebel, MASE, CNE
Senior Network Engineer
TCI Systems, Inc.

http://www.tcisystems.com

 

[diamondlod]

Sounds like the NVRAM is corrupting...

You did the best thing by leaving it off for an extended period. If you are still stuck and believe it is a component, let me know and I'll see if I can scare up some replacement components to try and help troubleshoot it.

I've been there many a time...

 

[susantci]

I am ok now. I found a cable that was unplugged from the power backplane. It is up and running.... for now Thanks Susan Hebel, MASE, CNE
Senior Network Engineer
TCI Systems, Inc.

http://www.tcisystems.com