Server crashes and reboots 1

[deisehun]

I have a Dell Poweredge 2450 Windows 2000 SP4 Server.

Twice in the last six days, the server has restarted of it's own accord and come straight back up.

The only entry in the Event log is "The previous system shutdown at 8:30:26 AM on 5/10/2007 was unexpected"

The server has the latest Firmware, Bios etc & Windows security updates.

Nothing has changed that I am aware of.

There is no .dmp file

Any ideas?

Thanks..

 

[itsp1965]

If there was no bluescreen logged, and the time the reboot occurs is not consistent, you may want to check to see if you have a faulty component like memory, power supply that would cause this behaviour
Certain firmware releases can cause this issue too (not only on Dell machines). It could be possible there is a heat/power threshold that is being monitored which can cause to shutdown if it goes beyond the threshold. If you have a mgmt processor installed on the server, log on to check to see if there are any h/w alerts being logged

 

[pronet74]

Also check your windows update to make sure it doesn't install the updates and reboot your server automatically. I had this problem awhile back.

 

[pronet74]

Though it sounds like a power issue. Make sure your server is on a good UPS system.

 

[itsp1965]

Remember what was indicated in the original post;

"The previous system shutdown at 8:30:26 AM on 5/10/2007 was unexpected"

Windows Update would have added an event to the System Event Log indicating that it rebooting

 

[deisehun]

Thanks for the replies.

It isnt a Windows Update, as I have it set to Download the updates & I'll install them.

The Server is connected to an excellent UPS - it's not that.

How can I check to see if it's a faulty component?

 

[itsp1965]

First off when booting up your server go into to Setup and check the h/w logs (assuming you don't use a remote mgmt card)for errors
Next run diagnostics on the server (Dell must have a diagnostic tool for their servers)
Go to Dell Support to find out if there are any issues with the firware/updates you have recently applied

 

[dpazuk]

This is also happening to me.

I am running 2000 Server SP4 on a generic box server and in the last two days I too have had my server shut down without warning with the same error message.

Each time it occured between 6 and 6:30 AM EST.

I spoke with another tech and he indicated that it could have something to do with APC's Powerchute software. I was told to remove it and see if that works.

Are you running the server with an APC UPS unit and running powerchute?

They once had an issue with their software before.

Good Luck!

 

[dpazuk]

In my case, after checking my UPS, I found that the battery indicator is now red, indicating the battery needs replacing.

I really didn't notice it until I took a closer look.

I am hoping that this is what triggered the server to shut down.

 

[deisehun]

I'm running APC Powerchute too - did you check the logs?
When I checked the logs for that Server, the UPS shutdowns correspond to the shutdowns I posted about here:

05/10/2007 08:42:03 Communication established with Environmental Monitoring Card
05/10/2007 08:42:03 Battery is discharged
05/10/2007 08:42:03 Communication has been established
05/10/2007 08:41:52 PowerChute Network Shutdown version 2.2.1 started


-------------------

Have you had an issue with it since you removed the software?

 

[pronet74]

I had a very weird error now that you mention it. It was a result of the APC Parachute software along with Symantec Anti-Virus I believe. It was causing the server to do weird things.

The problem only occured on windows 2000 server. I just ended up removing the parachute software.

 

[itsp1965]

In some previous version of APC powerchute there was an issue with Java (if I recall) which was causing random reboots. You may want to verify the version of PowerChute you are currently running and check the APC website for issues. Removing the app in most cases resolves the prob

 

[lb63640]

We had a problem like this because of a failed internal CPU fan causing internal heat buildup.