IBM xSeries 345 Server -- F1 for Setup not working...

[Draetor24]

I just put together an IBM xSeries 345 server for an Exchange server. It POSTS fine and has a single short beep, runs through the BIOS for the RAID controller fine. The one thing that is bothering me is that it seems it does not recognize me hitting F1 for the BIOS setup. I've tried multiple times with 3 different keyboards.

I've tried without a mouse as well, just keyboard, VGA, and AC power. Anyone run into this before?

 

[catorze]

What kind of keyboard are you using? Is the server connected to a KVM? If so, what kind?

 

[Draetor24]

No KVM, PS/2 generic keyboard connected directly to the server's PS/2 port. The keyboard works, ctrl-alt-del reboots the server.

I contacted IBM and their going to replace the system board.

 

[catorze]

That's a little drastic. Have you tried loading the recovery BIOS? The exact procedure is in the HMM, but the short version is move the jumper at J34 from pins 1&2 to pins 2&3. When it boots, flash the BIOS to the current version and select to save the current version to the backup area.

 

[Draetor24]

The IBM Tech said he could flash the BIOS, but could not guarentee it to work. We had a client waiting for this machine a day before, so we had to get it out to him ASAP. So IBM suggested they just change the board. BIOS worked fine after that.