IBM 7013-J40 fails to boot

[dietz]

Hi all,

We have an IBM 7013-J40 that fails to boot. We attempted to bring up in normal mode one of the first messages we receive is " NO VALID FLASH FIRMWARE ! ". It attempts but fails to find a boot device and stops at
" system unable to IPL". In SERVICE mode pretty much the same sequence of events except it will only go to the NETWORK BOOT main menu. No service menus are offered. This menu has 4 selections.

1. Select boot device
2. Select languages
3. Send test transmission ( PING)
4. Exit

Selection 1 shows default boot devices however n boot devices are listed. Hence our problem. It will also not ping any known IPXs.

A little more background: Prior to the latest issues we were not able to boot however we were able to access the MAINTENANCE MENU. While in the MAINTENANCE MENU we were not able to show or select a boot device. Our thoughts at the time was that the Firmware was corrupted and that a battery disconnect would do the trick. As stated above this did not resolve our issue but most likely compounded the issue.

Our thoughts are that we need to redo the Firmware however we are unble to locate a copy. Can anyone help??
Any thoughts are welcomed...

Dietz

 

[petertp6]

In my experience, your firmware was lost,
the reason should be battery for NVRAM reached its' end of life,
I suggest you replace battery before you update firmware to J40.
IBM has removed J40/J50 firmware from WEB,
but you are a lucky guy, I have a copy of lastst version,
I can send it to you.
but I can not guarantee any thing about this firmware,
I just downloaded and save it, I am still not use it yet.
PLS leave your e-mail, file size about 1.5 MB.

 

[dietz]

Thanks for the reply,

At this point the machine is rendered useless so what do we have to lose other than time. We have contacted IBM about the firmware and got a song and dance about purchasing a hardware maintenance contract for a few grand and then they might send someone out to fix it. hmmm its an obsolete test box that we engineers play on and management is going to fork over a few grand... Can you say boat anchor !!! We will be more than happy to try out your firmware load. Where might I ask did you find it and which version if known?

Thanks again,
diederik@cmhcsys.com

 

[petertp6]

In the mean time, PLS you check your mailbox.
I download it in IBM offical web when J40 was popular -- 3 or 4 years ago.
Its' version is lastst IBM had ever release.

 

[arvibm]

Hi dietz,

U can download the microcode from :-

http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload

for server.but before upgarding the microcode first read the instructions carefully.in Readme file ibm has mentioned step by step instructions to upgrade ur microcode.
If u still face any problem then let me know.

arvind

 

[arvibm]

Hi dietz,

U can access the information directly from here also:-

http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload//smp0951.html

regards

arvind

 

[dietz]

Many thanks to Petertp6. The system is back and operational. The firmware load that Petertp6 sent worked great. We had further issues with the hardware and had to reseat several cards however all is well. As for the IBM site, it has the information just no code. According to IBM you have to pay for this firmware update. How nice is that ??? Anyhow we have it thanks to petertp6 and are willing to share just for the asking.

 

[petertp6]

I am happy to heard you have solved your problem!
It's a reward to someone like me.
Let's keep go on to share what we know with others!

 

[donnorush]

petertp6:

do you have the microcode for RS/6000 Model 7013-595?

Many thanks.

My box is now in the same stage as Dietz.

In service mode: the LCD error code is: 306

Flash Utility ROM is attempting IPL from Flash Update media device.

In normal mode: the LCD error code is: 302

Flash Utility ROM: User prompt, move the key to the service position in
order to perform an optional Flash Update. LED 302 will only appear if
the key switch is in the secure position. This signals the user that a
Flash Update may be initiated by moving the key switch to the service
position. If the key is moved to the service position then LED 303 will
be displayed, this signals the user to press the Reset button and select
optional Flash Update.

 

[mrn]

Do you have SSA disks attached?

Mike

"A foolproof method for sculpting an elephant: first, get a huge block of marble, then you chip away everything that doesn't look like an elephant."

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