Windows 2003 x64 fails to boot after memory upgrade

[cchayre]

I am working on a server upgrade for an IBM x236 series server, where I am adding a 2nd 3.2Ghz (800Mhz FSB) Xeon processor and an additional 4 GB of ram (to make 8GB total). I am running into a bit of an issue after installing the hardware. Both the 2nd processor and RAM are being recognized by the bios, but the server hangs indefinately when first trying to load Windows. You can see the hard drives attempt to seek and load the OS, but nothing happens.

To try and resolve this issue, I tried removing the 2nd processor, but it still hung at the same spot. This leads me to think that the conflict is somewhere between Windows Server 2003 x64 and the RAM that I am trying to install. I was understanding that x64 stnd edition could handle 8gb of ram, per Microsoft specs.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions as to why Windows would fail to load?

 

[TheLad]

Have you tried just using the new 4Gb of memory in the server to ensure that the new memory is not faulty?

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[Zelandakh]

x64 standard supports up to 32GB of RAM. Remove the RAM and test. Rule out some kind of hardware problem.

Swap out the old RAM for the new RAM. 4GB should boot fine as it is the same as it was essentially.

As TheLad says, could be duff RAM.

 

[drummelhart]

you need to look at the CAS rating in the BIOS Settings. If it says non-ECC, you will need to search for that memory. If not then, you will need to find the correct jumpers allowing this change to happen on the motherboard.

 

[cchayre]

the old RAM was already left out of the equation with this upgrade. The new RAM is an identical spec match to the old, the only difference being that each chip is 2gb rather than 1gb.

any other thoughts?

 

[TheLad]

So when you say in your original post you have an additional 4Gb of RAM, you have actually replaced all of the existing memory in the server with 4 x 2Gb DIMMs to make your total of 8GB?

Search the link below for DIMM and check to make sure your new memory is the correct type:

http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/xseries_old/x236.html#Upgrades

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[Zelandakh]

Maybe the mobo BIOS doesn't support 2GB chips?

 

[wahnula]

Maybe the mobo BIOS doesn't support 2GB chips?

My thoughts exactly. You have not yet ruled out either the CPU or RAM...I would target my troubleshooting at finding out which is the problem, like inserting the 2nd CPU and splitting the old RAM between the 2 CPUs. If this works, you will know the new RAM is bad...if not, then the CPU, socket, or configuration is bad. Once you boot into Windows for the first time, look under Computer in Device Manager. If you see "ACPI PC" (99% chance) then you should be good to go. You might need a second reboot to use the CPU, but Step One remains finding out if it's the CPU or RAM causing the issue.

This shows the PC types:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;309283

You might also nose around the BIOS for any setting involving dual-CPU configuration.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[drummelhart]

yeah what I said, yet a little vague. You have to check the motherboard settings with the BIOS settings

 

[cchayre]

the motherboard is recognizing both the CPU and memory fine---that is what I don't understand. They both register in the POST with no issue.

The CPU should be able to be ruled out as I pulled the 2nd CPU, and still see the issues with the memory installed.

The memory itself is the same rating, specs and manufacturer as was what was originally installed. It is not the official IBM memory, but I don't see why Windows would have issue with it if the BIOS is recognizing it fine.

 

[PScottC]

Do you have a exotic switches in your boot.ini (/3gb, etc...)? For x64 your shouldn't have any.

Are you running the latest firmware in all of the components of the server? There may be a known hang issue resolved by the latest and greatest.

PSC

Governments and corporations need people like you and me. We are samurai. The keyboard cowboys. And all those other people out there who have no idea what's going on are the cattle. Mooo! --Mr. The Plague, from the movie "Hackers

 

[arrow483]

I have the same kind of problem. I am trying to load Win2003 x64, but it refuses to boot from CD. Tried on another machine, it won't boot this CD either. Tried Win2008, boots fine. Downloaded a fresh copy of Win2003 x64 from the MS License site - it won't boot either. No errors - just ignores the CD.

 

[victorv]

hi cchayre ,

which are Model-Type of your x236 Server ? ( 8841-??? )

Which level of BIOS ?

ciao
vittorio