Dell PowerEdge 1655MC Technical manual

www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Dell™ Systems
Information and Firmware
Update
7W186et1.fm Page 1 Thursday, October 31, 2002 4:13 PM

Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you
how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury,
or death.
____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2002 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
ReproductioninanymannerwhatsoeverwithoutthewrittenpermissionofDellComputerCorporationisstrictlyforbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, PowerEdge, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Computer
Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and
names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names
other than its own.
November 2002 P/N 7W186 Rev. A01
7W186et1.fm Page 2 Thursday, October 31, 2002 4:13 PM

Contents 3
Contents
Updating the System BIOS From Diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Updating the System BIOS With Dell OpenManage Server
Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Updating the System Management Module Firmware . . . . . . 1-3
Updating the KVM Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Updating the System Management Module KVM Firmware . . 1-5
Globally Updating the Server Module KVM Firmware . . . . . 1-6
Individually Updating the Server Module KVM Firmware . . . 1-6
Updating the Network Switch Module Firmware. . . . . . . . . 1-7
Setting Up the Remote System Serial Connection Baud Rate . . 1-7
Configuring the Network Switch Module . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Updating the Diagnostics Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Updating the Loader Component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Updating the Runtime Component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Replacing the Server Module Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Using the USB Diskette and USB CD Drives . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Using the System Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Using the System Management Module to Manage the
Server Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
System Management Module Time Issues . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Web Console Displaying Incorrect Date/Time . . . . . . . . 1-14
Setting the System Management Module's Time . . . . . . . 1-15
Logging Out of a Network Switch Module HTTP Session . . . 1-15
7W186ey1.fm Page 3 Thursday, October 31, 2002 9:51 AM

4Contents
Integrated Mirroring Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Replacing a System Board When Mirroring Is Enabled . . . . 1-15
Replacing Hard Drives in a Mirrored Configuration . . . . . . 1-16
Online Diagnostics SCSI Controller Test Issue When Using
a Linux Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
SCSI Device Errors During System Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Using a Dell-Branded Logitech PS/2 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Figures
Figure 1-1. Attaching the Drive Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Figure 1-2. Steps for Updating KVM Firmware . . . . . . 1-4
Figure 1-3. Network Switch Module Jumper
Update Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Figure 1-4. Opening and Closing a Server Module . . . . 1-12
Figure 1-5. Replacing the System Battery . . . . . . . . 1-13
7W186ey1.fm Page 4 Thursday, October 31, 2002 9:51 AM

Information and Firmware Update 1-1
This document provides updated information on the following topics for your system:
• Updating the system BIOS from diskettes
• Updating the system BIOS with Dell OpenManage™ Server Administrator
• Updating the system management module firmware
• Updating the KVM firmware
• Updating the network switch module firmware
• Replacing the server module battery
• Using the USB diskette and USB CD drives
• Using the system diagnostics
• Using the system management module to manage server modules
• System management module time issues
• Logging out of a network switch module HTTP session
• Integrated mirroring issues
• Online diagnostics SCSI controller test issue when using a Linux console
• SCSI device errors during system boot
• Using a Dell-branded, two-button Logitech mouse
Updating the System BIOS From Diskettes
Each server module has a USB port on the front of the server module that allows you to
connect a USB diskette drive. The drive is used to configure the server module, to run
diagnostics, and to update the system BIOS on the attached server module.
NOTE: The USB port can be used only with the USB diskette drive or USB CD drive
supplied by Dell. The USB port will not operate properly with any other USB device.
1From a remote system, connect to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com,
select the BIOS version that you are updating to, and follow the instructions for
downloading the BIOS file and creating diskettes.
2Attach the drive shelf to the front of the system (see Figure 1-1).
Ensure that the drive shelf rests on the center handles of the server modules. If it is
placed in the center, you can attach one of the USB drives to any server module.
7W186eb1.fm Page 1 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-2 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Figure 1-1. Attaching the Drive Shelf
NOTICE: The USB diskette must be placed on the drive shelf during operation. The drive must
be horizontal and level to operate properly.
3Place the drive on the shelf and connect the drive to the server module whose BIOS
you want update.
4Insert the BIOS diskette and reboot the server module.
Follow the prompts on the screen from the BIOS update utility.
5Repeat step 2 through step 4 for each server module.
6After the BIOS update is completed for all the server modules, remove the drive and
the drive shelf. Do not connect the drive during normal system operation.
Updating the System BIOS With Dell
OpenManage Server Administrator
Dell OpenManage Server Administrator runs on each server module. You must connect to
each server module and then launch Dell OpenManage Server Administrator.
drive shelf
USB diskette
drive
7W186eb1.fm Page 2 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

Information and Firmware Update 1-3
NOTE: You must be logged into the system with administrator privileges to update
your system BIOS.
1From the Dell Support website at support.dell.com, select the BIOS version that you
are updating to and follow the instructions for downloading the BIOS file to your
server module.
2Start a Dell OpenManage session.
3From the Server Administrator home page, click the System object.
4Click the Main System Chassis object.
5Click the BIOS object.
6Click the Update object.
7Follow the instructions to select the BIOS update, validate the update file, and
perform the update.
Updating the System Management Module
Firmware
You can also update the system management module firmware using the Web interface or
the Racadm utility. See your Embedded Remote Access/MC User’s Guide and the online help
for more information.
1Set up your remote system as a TFTP server.
2On your remote system, download the firmware image from the Dell Support website
at support.dell.com to the TFTP server's root directory.
3Log into the system management module. See your Embedded Remote Access/MC
User’s Guide for details.
4In the serial command line, type racadm fwupdate -g -a <ipaddress> -u
-f filepath\firmimg.cm1, where <ipaddress> is the TFTP server's IP address.
NOTE: The IP address of the TFTP server can be found by typing ipconfig at the DOS
command prompt.
5After the firmware update is complete, the system management module will
automatically reboot.
7W186eb1.fm Page 3 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-4 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Updating the KVM Firmware
Updating the KVM firmware on your system is a two-step process. The first step requires
you to connect your system to a remote system using the null modem cable that came with
your system and update the system management module. The second step requires that
you log into your system and push the KVM update to all of the server modules. Figure 1-2
illustrates the two-step process for updating the KVM firmware.
Figure 1-2. Steps for Updating KVM Firmware
First: Connect the remote system to the system
management module and update the KVM
firmware on the system management module.
Second: Log into the system and push the KVM
firmware update to the server modules.
7W186eb1.fm Page 4 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

Information and Firmware Update 1-5
Updating the System Management Module KVM Firmware
1Ensure that the system is powered on.
2Connect the remote system to your system management module using the null
modem cable that came with your system.
See the System Configuration Guide for information about connecting and configuring
your remote system.
3On the remote system, create a wupdate directory.
4Download the wupdate.zip file from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com to
the directory that you created in step 3.
5Unzip the wupdate.zip file in the wupdate directory.
6From the wupdate directory, double-click wupdate.exe to access the firmware update
utility dialog box.
7In the dialog box, click the desired language.
8Click the COM port of the remote system that you connected to the system
management module in step 2.
9Click Load.
A terminal login dialog box is displayed.
10 In the terminal login dialog box, type your system management module user name
and password.
11 Click OK.
The firmware update procedure begins. When the firmware update is complete, the
system management module firmware reboots the KVM circuitry of the management
module.
NOTE: When the system management module firmware reboots the KVM circuitry, the
video is turned off momentarily, but is automatically restored.
After the KVM firmware is updated on the system management module, you must log into
your system to update the KVM firmware on the server modules. To update all the server
modules in your system, see "Globally Updating the Server Module KVM Firmware." To
update individual server modules, see "Individually Updating the Server Module KVM
Firmware."
7W186eb1.fm Page 5 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-6 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Globally Updating the Server Module KVM Firmware
1Ensure that all server modules are powered on.
When the server module is on, the power-on indicator is solid green.
2Press <Print Screen> to display the On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting
(OSCAR) menu.
3From the OSCAR menu, click Commands.
4From the Commands dialog box, click Blade Status.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the system, do not turn the power off once the update process
has begun.
5From the Blade Status dialog box, click Update to begin updating all of the server
modules.
As a server module is being updated, the green dot on the OSCAR menu indicating
that the server module is powered on turns amber. After the server module has been
updated, the dot turns back to green and the update process begins on the next server
module.
Individually Updating the Server Module KVM Firmware
1Ensure that all server modules are powered on.
When the server module is on, the power-on indicator is solid green.
2Press <Print Screen> to display the OSCAR menu.
3From the OSCAR menu, click Commands.
4From the Commands dialog box, click Display Versions.
5From the Version dialog box, click Blade.
6From the Blade Selection dialog box, highlight the appropriate server module and
click Version.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the system, do not turn the power off once the update process
has begun.
7From the Blade Version dialog box, click Load Firmware to begin the process of
updating the selected server module.
As the server module is being updated, the green dot indicating that the server module
is powered on turns amber. After the server module has been updated, the dot turns
back to green.
7W186eb1.fm Page 6 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

Information and Firmware Update 1-7
Updating the Network Switch Module
Firmware
Three firmware components are associated with updating the network switch module
firmware. You need to update only the new components. Before updating components,
compare the versions from the Dell Support website at support.dell.com with the versions
loaded on the network switch module. You can verify the component version on your switch
module by typing show version from the command line interface (CLI).
NOTE: All three of the firmware components (loader, diagnostics, and runtime) of the
network switch module can be updated by connecting the RJ-11–to–serial cable that
came with your system to the RJ-11 connector on the switch module. However, only
the runtime component can be updated using either the RJ-11 connector or the
10/100/1000 BASE-T uplink ports. It is recommended that the runtime component be
updated using the uplink ports connected to the remote system (TFTP server).
Setting Up the Remote System Serial Connection Baud Rate
This procedure is used for initially setting the serial connection baud rate for the remote
system. However, step 2 through step 8 are referenced in each of the component update
procedures.
NOTE: These procedures assume that you are using Hilgraeve's HyperTerminal Private
Edition 6.1 or later. If you are using other terminal emulation software, see the
documentation for that software.
1On your remote system, click the Start button, point to Programs→ Accessories→
Communications, and then click HyperTerminal.
2From the Connection Description dialog box, enter a name for the new connection.
3On the HyperTerminal toolbar, click Disconnect to disconnect the serial connection
to the network switch module.
4On the HyperTerminal toolbar, click Properties.
5From the Properties dialog box, click Configure and set up the COM port as follows:
aSet Bits per second to 9600 (default).
bSet Data bits to 8.
cSet Parity to None.
dSet Stop bits to 1.
eSet Flow control to None.
6Click OK to return to the Properties dialog box.
7W186eb1.fm Page 7 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-8 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
7Click OK to return to the HyperTerminal window.
8On the HyperTerminal toolbar, click Call to connect the serial connection to the
network switch module.
9Press <Enter> to access the network switch module's remote console.
Configuring the Network Switch Module
Before you can update the three firmware components, you must enable the switch module
by moving the jumper.
1Remove the network switch module.
2On the switch module, move the jumper to pins 2 and 3. See Figure 1-3 for the
location of the switch module jumper.
3Install the network switch module.
NOTICE: Do not connect the RJ-11–to–serial cable to a phone line connector. Connecting the
cable to a phone line connector could damage the remote system.
4Connect the RJ-11–to–serial cable that came with your system to the RJ-11 connector
on the network switch module and to a serial connector on a remote system.
Figure 1-3. Network Switch Module Jumper Update Position
7W186eb1.fm Page 8 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

Information and Firmware Update 1-9
Updating the Diagnostics Component
1With the RJ-11–to–serial cable connected to the network switch module, reset the
switch module by unplugging the switch module and then reinserting it.
2During POST, press <Esc> to enter the diagnostic mode.
If you wait too long and your operating system begins to load let the system complete
the load operation, and then repeat step 1 and step 2.
3Ty p e 0(zero) for image update.
4Change the remote system's baud rate to 115200 (see "Setting Up the Remote System
Serial Connection Baud Rate").
5Click Send to access the Send File dialog box.
6Select Xmodem protocol.
7Browse and select the file diagxxx.bix, where xxx is the version of the diagnostics
component.
8Click Send to download the file.
The download takes approximately 30 seconds.
9After the download is complete, press <d> to update the diagnostics component.
10 Ty p e diag for the filename.
11 After the update is complete, change the remote system's baud rate to 9600 (see
"Setting Up the Remote System Serial Connection Baud Rate").
12 To update other components, press any key to continue, and proceed to "Updating the
Loader Component" or "Updating the Runtime Component."
If you are not updating any other components, remove the network switch module and
move the jumper back to pins 1 and 2 (default).
NOTE: If you do not move the jumper back to pins 1 and 2, you will not be able to use
ERA/MC console redirection to log into the network switch module.
Updating the Loader Component
1With the RJ-11–to–serial cable connected to the network switch module, reset the
switch module by unplugging the switch module and then reinserting it.
2During POST, press <Esc> to enter the diagnostic mode.
If you wait too long and your operating system begins to load let the system complete
the load operation, and then repeat step 1 and step 2.
7W186eb1.fm Page 9 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-10 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
3Ty p e 0(zero) for image update.
4Change the remote system's baud rate to 115200 (see "Setting Up the Remote System
Serial Connection Baud Rate").
5Click Send to access the Send File dialog box.
6Select Xmodem protocol.
7Browse and select the file loaderxxx.bix, where xxx is the version of the loader
component.
8Click Send to download the file.
The download takes approximately 10 seconds.
9After the download is complete, press <l> (lowercase L) to update the loader
component.
10 After the update is complete, change the remote system's baud rate to 9600 (see
"Setting Up the Remote System Serial Connection Baud Rate").
11 To update other components, press any key to continue, and proceed to "Updating the
Diagnostics Component" or "Updating the Runtime Component."
If you are not updating any other components, remove the network switch module and
move the jumper back to pins 1 and 2 (default).
NOTE: If you do not move the jumper back to pins 1 and 2, you will not be able to use
ERA/MC console redirection to log into the network switch module.
Updating the Runtime Component
NOTE: The runtime component can be updated using either the RJ-11–to–serial cable
or the 10/100/1000 BASE-T uplink ports. It is recommended that the runtime
component is updated using the uplink ports connected to the remote system (TFTP
server). See your network switch module documentation for more information about
updating the switch module firmware.
Perform the following steps to update the switch module's firmware using the
R-J11–to–serial cable.
1With the RJ-11–to–serial cable connected to the network switch module, reset the
switch module by unplugging the switch module and then reinserting it.
2During POST, press <Esc> to enter the diagnostic mode.
If you wait too long and your operating system begins to load let the system complete
the load operation, and then repeat step 1 and step 2.
7W186eb1.fm Page 10 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

Information and Firmware Update 1-11
3Ty p e 0(zero) for image update.
4Change the remote system's baud rate to 115200 (see "Setting Up the Remote System
Serial Connection Baud Rate").
5Click Send to access the Send File dialog box.
6Select Xmodem protocol.
7Browse and select the file runtimexxx.bix, where xxx is the version of the runtime
component.
8Click Send to download the file.
The download takes approximately 5 minutes.
9After the download is complete, press <r> to update the runtime component.
10 Ty p e runtime for the filename.
11 After the update is complete, change the remote system's baud rate to 9600 (see
"Setting Up the Remote System Serial Connection Baud Rate").
12 To update other components, press any key to continue, and proceed to "Updating the
Diagnostics Component" or "Updating the Loader Component."
If you are not updating any other components, remove the network switch module and
move the jumper back to pins 1 and 2 (default).
NOTE: If you do not move the jumper back to pins 1 and 2, you will not be able to use
ERA/MC console redirection to log into the network switch module.
Replacing the Server Module Battery
CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove and access
any components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for
complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer,
and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
7W186eb1.fm Page 11 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-12 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly
installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the
manufacturer's instructions. See your System Information Guide for additional
information.
1Remove the appropriate server module.
2Open the server module.
aOrient the server module as shown in Figure 1-4 so that the two captive screws are
on the left side of the server module.
bUsing a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the two captive screws that secure the front
panel to the server module (see Figure 1-4).
cSlide the left side of the server module backward approximately 12.7 mm
(0.5 inch) and rotate the two sides down to open the server module (see
Figure 1-4).
Figure 1-4. Opening and Closing a Server Module
server module
handle
server module
captive screws (2)
left side
right side
7W186eb1.fm Page 12 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

Information and Firmware Update 1-13
3Set the two sides of the server module on a flat surface.
4Remove the server module battery (see Figure 1-5).
While pulling the server module battery forward, pry the battery out of its connector
using a blunt, nonconductive object such as a plastic screwdriver.
5Install the new server module battery with the side labeled "+" oriented as shown in
Figure 1-5.
Figure 1-5. Replacing the System Battery
6Close the server module.
aInsert the tabs on the left side of the server module into the slots on the right side
of the server module and rotate the sides up.
bSlide the left side of the server module forward approximately 12.7 mm (0.5 inch)
(see Figure 1-4).
cUsing a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the two captive screws that secure the
front panel to the server module (see Figure 1-4).
7Install the server module.
Using the USB Diskette and USB CD Drives
The front of each server module has a USB port that allows you to connect a USB diskette
drive or USB CD drive. The drives are used to configure the server module and to run
diagnostics on the attached server module.
battery
battery socket
"+" side
7W186eb1.fm Page 13 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-14 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
NOTICE: If you are using the USB CD drive as the boot drive, you must use the Dell
OpenManage Server Assistant CD that came with your system as the bootable CD. Using a DOS
bootable CD created with CD burner software packages causes a non-system disk failure.
If you select a USB device as the first boot device in the System Setup program, do not
remove the USB device until the server module has completed the boot process. If you
remove the USB device before the server module has booted, the system locks up because it
is still looking for the USB device. This will be corrected in a future BIOS release.
Using the System Diagnostics
• When running the system diagnostics, the chassis service tag is displayed at the top of
the screen instead of the server module service tag. This will be corrected in a future
diagnostics release.
• When running the video diagnostics test from a remote terminal, the remote keyboard
functionality is lost. To regain use of the remote keyboard, restart the HyperTerminal
session.
Using the System Management Module to
Manage the Server Modules
If both of the system's power supplies are turned off, do not use the system management
module to manage the server modules. The Web console, serial interface, and Racadm
utility allow you to attempt to power on a server module even through both power supplies
are turned off. Also, the Web console reports that the power state for the power supplies
and fans is on. This will be corrected in a future firmware release.
When both of the system's power supplies are turned off, the system management module
reports that the power supplies have failed, and the system status indicator flashes amber.
System Management Module Time Issues
Web Console Displaying Incorrect Date/Time
If you logged into the system management module Web console and changed the time by
sending a setractime command using the serial interface or the Racadm utility, the next
time the Web console updates the Properties - Chassis Summary window, the login date
and time fields display incorrect data.
7W186eb1.fm Page 14 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

Information and Firmware Update 1-15
To correct the date/time fields:
1Log out of the Web console sessions that were in use before you sent the setractime
command.
2Log back into the Web console sessions and the correct login date and time fields are
displayed.
This will be corrected in a future firmware release.
Setting the System Management Module's Time
You must set the system management module's time as soon as possible after connecting
the system to AC power, resetting the system management module, or updating the
firmware. If the time is not set, all events that occur are reported with the boot time and are
placed at the top of the event log. After setting the system management module's time, all
events are reported with a time stamp in the order that they are received. This will be
corrected in a future firmware release.
Logging Out of a Network Switch Module HTTP
Session
When connected to the network switch module and using a Web console HTTP session,
you must log out and close the session when finished. The Web console does not time out
or automatically log you out.
Integrated Mirroring Issues
The known issues for integrated mirroring are discussed in the following sections.
Replacing a System Board When Mirroring Is Enabled
The integrated mirroring setup configuration is stored on the system board. If the
integrated mirroring option is enabled before replacing the system board, perform the
following steps:
1Replace the system board.
2Install the server module in the system, but do not turn the server module on.
3Insert the system board replacement utility diskette in the USB diskette drive.
4Connect the USB diskette drive to the server module and turn it on.
7W186eb1.fm Page 15 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM

1-16 Information and Firmware Update
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
5Press <Print Screen> to display the OSCAR menu, and then double-click the
appropriate server module.
6Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program, and select the Boot Sequence option.
Ensure that the USB diskette drive is first in the boot sequence.
7Save the changes and exit the System Setup program.
8Reboot the server module to run the system board replacement utility.
9When prompted, press any key to recreate the mirror and reboot the server module.
10 Remove the USB diskette drive.
Replacing Hard Drives in a Mirrored Configuration
If you replace a hard drive in a mirrored configuration and the new hard drive does not
automatically resynchronize, perform the following steps:
1Remove the faulty hard drive.
2Install the server module in the system without the new hard drive installed.
3Turn on the server module.
This allows the firmware to detect that the hard drive was removed.
4Turn off the server module and install the new hard drive.
5Install the server module in the system.
6Turn on the server module.
During POST, the following message displays:
Logical Drive is Degraded
At this point, the hard drive begins to resynchronize.
Online Diagnostics SCSI Controller Test Issue
When Using a Linux Console
When you run the online diagnostics SCSI controller test from a Linux console, the LSI
driver for the SCSI controller sends a SCSI error report to the screen. This is for
information only and does not indicate an error. If there were an actual error, the operating
system would report an error.
7W186eb1.fm Page 16 Monday, October 28, 2002 4:37 PM