IBM Eserver xSeries 455 Installation guide

xSeries 455 FAQ
Hints and Tips
ERserver


xSeries 455 FAQ
Hints and Tips
ER s e r v e r


Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information
in “Notices,” on page 35.
Second Edition (April 2004)
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2004. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
xSeries 455 documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Major components of the xSeries 455 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Features and specifications of the xSeries 455 . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Chapter 2. Hints and tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Error messages and indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Ethernet controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Firmware updates and recovery process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Keyboards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Light path diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Microprocessors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
PCI hot-plug expansion slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
PCI hot-plug features with the Linux operating system . . . . . . . . . .20
Power supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Remote Supervisor Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Resource CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
ServeRAID adapter installation requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Supported options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Support telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Wake on LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Chapter 3. Getting help and technical assistance . . . . . . . . . . .33
Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Using the documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Getting help and information from the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . .34
Software service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Hardware service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Appendix. Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Edition notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 iii

iv xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips

Chapter 1. Introduction
The information provided in this document is based on technical observations, and
it is intended to supplement the IBM
®
Eserver
™
xSeries
®
455 documentation that
comes with the server. The topics are arranged alphabetically to help you find the
information.
The latest versions of the xSeries 455 documentation is available in Portable
Document Format (PDF) from http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
xSeries 455 documentation
The xSeries 455 documentation includes the following documents:
v Installation Guide
This printed document contains instructions for setting up your server and basic
instructions for installing some options.
v Option Installation Guide
This document is in PDF on the IBM xSeries Documentation CD. It contains
detailed instructions for installing, removing, and connecting optional devices that
your server supports.
v Safety Information
This document is in PDF on the IBM xSeries Documentation CD. It contains
translated caution and danger statements. Each caution and danger statement
that appears in the documentation has a number that you can use to locate the
corresponding statement in your language in the Safety Information document.
v Rack Installation Instructions
This printed document contains instructions for installing your server in a rack.
v Hardware Maintenance Manual and Troubleshooting Guide
This document is in PDF on the IBM xSeries Documentation CD. It contains
information to help you solve problems yourself, and it contains information for
service technicians.
v IBM Eserver xSeries 455 User’s Guide
This document is in PDF on the IBM xSeries 455 Documentation CD. It contains
general information about the server, including information about features, how to
configure the server, and how to get help.
v IBM Eserver xSeries 455 Planning and Installation Guide
This document is in PDF and is available for download from
http://www.ibm.com/redbooks/.
You can obtain up-to-date information about the xSeries 455 server and other IBM
server products at http://www.ibm.com/eserver/xseries/.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 1

Complete the following steps to check for updated documentation and technical
updates:
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
2. In the Learn section, click Online publications.
3. On the ″Online publications″ page, in the Brand field, select Servers.
4. In the Family field, select xSeries 455.
5. Click Continue.
Before you begin
Read the following information before you use the hints and tips in this document:
v Review the “Safety information” and “Handling static-sensitive devices” sections
in the documentation that comes with the server. These guidelines will help you
work safely while working with the server or options.
v Back up all important data before you make changes to disk drives.
v For a list of supported options for the xSeries 455, go to
http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/compat/.
v Verify the following server components and connections:
– All adapters, boards, fans, power supplies, and internal devices are fully
seated and connected correctly.
– All cables and cords are connected securely to the server and to any installed
optional devices.
– Each drive bay contains either a drive or a filler panel.
– Each unoccupied PCI-X slot contains an expansion-slot cover.
– Power supplies are installed in both power-supply bays.
– Both power cords are connected to the power supplies and to an ac power
source.
– For redundant and hot-swappable operation, the power supplies are
connected to 200-240 V ac. The power supplies are hot-swappable and
redundant only at 200-240 V ac.
– All microprocessors are the same type and have the same cache size and
clock speed.
v
Verify the server installation:
– There is sufficient space around the server to allow the cooling system to
work properly.
– The top cover is closed during normal operation. For proper cooling, do not
leave the cover open for more than 15 minutes.
– The rack into which you plan to install the server has perforated doors.
v
When you replace a hot-swap drive, wait 15 seconds after removing the
defective drive before you install the new drive.
2 xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips

Major components of the xSeries 455
The following illustration shows the major components in the xSeries 455 server.
Note: The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from the hardware.
Retention
bracket
DIMM
Microprocessor
Microprocessor
baffle
Hard disk
drive
VRM
DIMM
access
doors
Fan 4
Fan 3
NOTE:FORPROPERAIRFLOW, REPLACEFANWITHIN2MINUTES
FRONTOFBOX
NOTE:FORPROPERAIRFLOW, REPLACEFANWITHIN2MINUTES
FRONTOFBOX
Fan 1Fan 2
Hot-swap
power supply
DVD-ROM
drive
Bezel
Power
module
EMC shield
Thumbscrews
Chapter 1. Introduction 3

Features and specifications of the xSeries 455
The following table provides a summary of the server features and specifications.
Microprocessor:
v Intel
™
Itanium 2 1.3 MHz or higher,
depending on server model
v 3 MB (minimum) Level-3 cache
v 200 MHz front-side bus (FSB), at two
data transfers per cycle, yielding a 400
MHz system bus (minimum)
v Support for up to four microprocessors
v XceL4
™
Server Accelerator Cache: 64
MB
Note:
Use the Configuration/Setup Utility
program to determine the type and speed
of the microprocessors in your server.
Active Memory
™
:
v Minimum: 1 GB
v Maximum: 56 GB
v Type: 2-way interleaved PC2100, ECC
DDR SDRAM, registered DIMMs only
v Supports 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB dual
inline memory modules (DIMMs)
Drives
standard:
DVD/CD-RW: IDE
Expansion bays:
v Two removable media bays (one
DVD/CD-RW preinstalled)
v Supports up to two internal Ultra320
SCSI hard disk drives
Active
™
PCI-X expansion slots:
Six 64-bit Active PCI-X expansion slots:
v Two 66 MHz PCI-X slots
v Two 100 MHZ PCI-X slots
v Two 133 MHZ PCI-X slots
Cooling:
Four hot-swap fans
v Two 150 mm x 51 mm fans
v Two 150 mm x 38 mm fans
Acoustical noise emissions:
v Declared sound power, idle: 6.5 bels
v Declared sound power, operating: 6.5
bels
v Bystander sound pressure, idle: 49 dBa
v Bystander sound pressure, operating: 49
dBa
Power supply:
Two power supplies: 550 watts at
100-127 V ac or 1050 watts at 200-240 V
ac (hot-swappable and redundant at
200-240 V ac only)
Video:
v Integrated ATI RageXL video
v PCI bus interface
v Compatible with SVGA
v 8 MB SDRAM video memory
Size
(4 U):
v Height: 17.5 cm (6.9 inches, 4 U)
v Depth: 71.3 cm (28.1 inches)
v Width: 44 cm (17.3 inches)
v Maximum weight: 54.3 kg (120 lb),
depending on your configuration
Integrated functions:
v Broadcom 5704 10/100/1000 dual port
Ethernet controller
v Light path diagnostics
v One external and one internal Ultra320
SCSI port (dual-channel integrated
controller with RAID capabilities)
v Remote Supervisor Adapter (service
processor)
– ASM interconnect (peer-to-peer)
port
– Ethernet port
– Serial port
v IDE controller
v RXE Management Port
v RXE Expansion Ports
v USB ports
v Serial port
v SMP Expansion Ports
v Wake on LAN
®
Environment:
v Air temperature:
– Server on: 10° to 35°C (50.0° to
95.0°F). Altitude: 0 to 914 m
(2998.7 ft)
– Server on: 10° to 32°C (50.0° to
89.6°F). Altitude: 0 to 2133 m
(6998.0 ft)
– Server off: -40° to 60°C
(-104° to 140°F). Maximum altitude:
2133 m (6998.0 ft)
v Humidity:
– Server on: 8% to 80%
– Server off: 5% to 100%
Heat output:
Approximate heat output in British thermal
units (Btu) per hour
v Minimum configuration: 854 Btu (250
watts)
v Maximum configuration: 2646 Btu (775
watts)
Electrical
input:
v Sine-wave input (50-60 Hz) required
v Input voltage low range:
– Minimum: 100 V ac
– Maximum: 127 V ac
v
Input voltage high range:
– Minimum: 200 V ac
– Maximum: 240 V ac
v
Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA)
approximately:
– Minimum: 0.250 kVA
– Maximum: 1.3 kVA
Notes:
1. Power consumption and heat output
vary depending on the number and
type of optional features installed and
the power-management optional
features in use.
2. These levels were measured in
controlled acoustical environments
according to the procedures specified
by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) S12.10 and ISO 7779
and are reported in accordance with
ISO 9296. Actual sound-pressure
levels in a given location might
exceed the average values stated
because of room reflections and other
nearby noise sources. The declared
sound-power levels indicate an upper
limit, below which a large number of
computers will operate.
4 xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips

Chapter 2. Hints and tips
This chapter contains installation and troubleshooting hints and tips related to the
xSeries 455 server. This information is intended to supplement the xSeries 455
documentation (listed on page 1).
Device drivers
Related topics:
v “PCI hot-plug features with the Linux operating system” on page 20.
v “Resource CD” on page 30.
The Resource CD that comes with the xSeries 455 server contains the following
device drivers:
v Ethernet device driver
v Debug port and debug support EFI device drivers
To
download the latest Active PCI, Advanced System Management, and Ethernet
device drivers for the xSeries 455 server, go to http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
Drives
DVD/CD-RW drive
The xSeries 455 server supports up to two CD-ROM drives, or two DVD-ROM
drives, or a combination.
v If you have only one IDE device, it must be installed in the right removable-media
bay.
v A CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive can be installed in either removable-media bay.
Hot-swap hard disk drives
The xSeries 455 server supports up to two internal Ultra160 or Ultra320 SCSI
hot-swap hard disk drives. The internal hard disk drive bays are connected directly
to the integrated LSI 1030 SCSI controller. To help ensure signal quality, do not mix
drives with different speeds and data rates. Always install either two Ultra160 drives
or two Ultra320 drives.
Attention: Before you hot-swap a drive, make sure that it is defective. If you
partially or completely remove a good drive instead of a defective one, your server
might lose data.
Using the diskpart utility to clear a drive
Complete the following steps to use the diskpart utility:
1. Start the server.
2. Select EFI Shell from the EFI Firmware Boot Manager.
3. Make sure that the media or file system (fsx:) where the diskpart utility is
located is visible to EFI.
4. Type the following EFI command to start the diskpart utility:
diskpart
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2004 5

5. Type the following EFI command to view the list of drives that can be modified:
list
6. Type the following EFI command to select a drive to partition:
select x
where x is the number of a drive listed in step 5.
7. Use one of the following procedures to clear data from the partition:
v To clear all data from the partition:
a. Type the following EFI command:
clean
b. Respond to the prompts as follows:
y
$C
v To clear all data from the partition and overwrite the disk with zeros:
a. Type the following EFI command:
clean all
b. Respond to the prompts as follows:
y
$C
The process of clearing data from the partition might take a while.
Additional commands are available to create MBR or GPT structures and
partitions on the cleared disk. Use the EFI Help command to view a list of the
available commands. (Type help at the EFI prompt.)
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to work with another drive or type the following command
to exit the diskpart utility:
exit
If you created a system partition using the diskpart.efi utility, you can use the
efifmt.efi utility to format the partition. To view the syntax for the format
command, type the following EFI command from the EFI shell:
efifmt
Error messages and indicators
Related topics:
v “Firmware updates” on page 8.
v “Light path diagnostics” on page 12.
v “Power supplies” on page 27.
v “Remote Supervisor Adapter” on page 27.
v “Remote console numeric keypad behaves unpredictably” on page 29.
v “System Health Web page lists intelligent I/O expansion unit fan failures” on page 29.
v “Troubleshooting” on page 31.
Messages appear after a service processor flash update
Description: One or both of the following messages might appear in the event log
after a service processor flash update:
Service Processor not configured for static partition.
Recover Service Processor not configured for static partition.
Solution: No action is required. You can ignore these messages.
6 xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips

Service processor logs system complex powered up and down
messages during a system reset
Description: During POST, the xSeries 455 System Abstraction Layer (SAL) code
can reset the system if it detects a potential initialization problem. If this occurs, the
service processor might identify the reset as a power-off and power-on event, and
then log messages similar to the following messages might appear in the event log:
1 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:38:53 System Complex Powered Up
2 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:37:34 System Complex Powered Down
3 SAL/EFI 03/21/03 18:18:20 System initialization
4 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:08:53 System Complex Powered Up
5 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:07:34 System Complex Powered Down
The logged messages are normal and will vary, depending on the operating system
in use. Windows
®
Server 2003 normally logs the following messages when you
restart the server using the Start→Shutdown procedure.
1 SAL/EFI 03/21/03 18:18:20 System initialization
2 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:08:53 System Complex Powered Up
3 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:07:34 System Complex Powered Down
4 SAL/EFI 03/21/03 18:18:20 Cold reset request
SuSE normally logs the following messages after you log off and restart the server:
1 SAL/EFI 03/21/03 18:18:20 System initialization
2 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:08:53 System Complex Powered Up
3 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:07:34 System Complex Powered Down
4 SAL/EFI 03/21/03 18:18:20 Warm reset request
When you press the reset button on the front of the server to reset the server, the
following messages are logged:
1 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:08:53 System Complex Powered Up
2 SERVPROC 03/21/03 18:07:34 System Complex Powered Down
When ac power is removed from the server, the Remote Supervisor Adapter can no
longer function. When this occurs, an entry might not appear in the event log
indicating the loss of ac power.
Solution: No action is required. These messages are informational only and do not
affect server operation.
Microprocessors report soft corrected errors
Description: Unlike IA-32 microprocessors, Itanium 2 microprocessors using the
Intel Machine Check Abort architecture might report soft corrected errors to the
operating system, such as microprocessor cache soft errors.
v Linux users might find occasional reports of corrected errors when they view the
Linux error log.
v Windows users might see that a machine check event LED on the remote
console device is lit, indicating that an error condition was reported to the
Windows error log. Upon examination, you might find occasional entries in the
event log of corrected errors reported by microprocessors.
Solution:
Occasional soft correctable microprocessor errors are normal and can
occur at any time with any operating system. These errors are handled with error
correcting codes and other mechanisms, and server operation is not affected.
Chapter 2. Hints and tips 7

Ethernet controllers
Related topics:
v “Resource CD” on page 30.
v “Wake on LAN” on page 31.
For device drivers and information about configuring the integrated Ethernet
controllers, see the Resource CD that comes with the xSeries 455 server. For
updated information about configuring the controllers, go to
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
Firmware updates and recovery process
Related topics:
v “Creating a backup copy of the nonvolatile EFI variables” on page 28.
v “Restoring the nonvolatile EFI variables” on page 28.
v “Remote video graphics look incomplete in Linux” on page 31.
Firmware updates
IBM will periodically make firmware updates available for the xSeries 455 server.
Firmware updates for the xSeries 455 server are available from
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
Note: UpdateXpress does not provide support for the xSeries 455 server.
The update package will contain a zipped file and an ISO image. The zipped file
and ISO image will contain xSeries 455 updates for the following firmware:
v System Abstraction Layer Extensible Firmware Interface (SAL/EFI) code
v Service Processor Drawer Management Controller (SP-DMC) code
v Diagnostic code
The
method you use to update the xSeries 455 firmware depends on the operating
system in use:
v If you are using the Windows Server 2003 operating system, see “Creating an
update directory when using Windows Server 2003” for more information.
v If you are using the SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 (SLES8) for the Itanium
Processor Family (IPF) operating system, see “Creating an update CD when
using SLES8” on page 9 for more information.
Creating an update directory when using Windows Server 2003
If you are using the Windows Server 2003 operating system, use the instructions in
this section to create an update directory on the EFI system partition; then, see the
readme.txt file in the root directory, under EFI.
Complete the following steps to create the update directory:
1. Log on to the server with administrator privileges.
2. Open a command prompt.
3. Type the following command to gain access to the EFI system partition:
mountvol d: /s
8 xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips

where d is any available drive letter. You now can access the EFI system
partition as you would any other system drive.
4. Create a directory on the EFI-system-partition drive (d:) to store the firmware
update files.
5. Go to the IBM support site at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/; then, download
the update package for the xSeries 455 server to the directory that you created
in step 4.
6. Extract the xSeries 455 update package into the directory that you created in
step 4.
Notes:
a. When you extract the files, be sure to maintain the folder structure.
b. Detailed instructions for updating the firmware are provided in the readme
file in each code-specific folder.
7.
Shut down the operating system; then, restart the server to the EFI shell.
8. Change to the file system (fsx:) that corresponds to the EFI system partition;
then, change directories to the update directory.
9. Follow the instructions provided in the package readme.txt files to install the
firmware updates.
Creating an update CD when using SLES8
If you are using the SLES8 operating system, use the instructions in this section to
create a firmware update CD from the ISO image; then, see the readme.txt file in
the root directory of the firmware update CD, under EFI.
Note: Detailed instructions for using the CD to update the firmware are provided
with the code in each code-specific subdirectory.
The Linux IDE ATAPI CD-ROM device driver uses SCSI emulation for CD read and
write operations. If a boot option to enable IDE-SCSI emulation was not included
during the installation process, you must add the boot option to the elilo.conf file. In
most cases, the IDE DVD/CD-RW drive in the xSeries 455 server is the first IDE
device. To enable the IDE-SCSI emulation, add the following boot option to the
stanza for the kernel you are booting:
append="hda=ide-scsi"
For example, the kernel might have the following stanza:
image=/vmlinuz
label=linux
root=802
initrd=/initrd
append="console=ttyS0,115200n8, console=tty0"
After it is modified, the stanza appears as follows:
image=/vmlinuz
label=linux
root=802
initrd=/initrd
append="console=ttyS0,115200n8, console=tty0 hda=ide-scsi"
Restart the server.
Complete the following steps to create the CD:
Chapter 2. Hints and tips 9

1. Type the following command to verify that the IDE-SCSI device driver is loaded;
then, review the list of modules currently loaded and look for ide-scsi.
# lsmod
2. If the IDE-SCSI device driver is in the list, go to step 3. If the IDE-SCSI device
driver is not in the list, type the following command to load the IDE-SCSI device
driver:
# insmod ide-scsi
3. Type the following command to determine the SCSI bus, target, and lun
parameters for the DVD/CD-RW drive in the server:
# cdrecord -scanbus
Data similar to the following example is displayed:
scsibus0:
0,0,0 0) ’IBM-ESXS’ ’ST318305LC !#’ ’B244’ Disk
0,1,0 1) ’IBM-ESXS’ ’ST318305LC !#’ ’B244’ Disk
0,2,0 2) *
0,3,0 3) *
0,4,0 4) *
0,5,0 5) *
0,6,0 6) *
0,7,0 7) *
0,8,0 8) ’IBM ’ ’25P3495a S320 1’ ’1 ’ Processor
scsibus2:
2,0,0 200) ’HL-DT-ST’ ’RW/DVD GCC-4160N’ ’0012’ Removable CD-ROM
2,1,0 201) *
2,2,0 202) *
2,3,0 203) *
2,4,0 204) *
2,5,0 205) *
2,6,0 206) *
2,7,0 207) *
4. Insert a blank, writable CD into the DVD/CD-RW drive; then, type the following
command to copy the firmware update from the xSeries 455 ISO image to the
CD:
# cdrecord -v dev=b,t,l ISO_image_file
where ISO_image_file is the name of the xSeries 455 ISO image file, b is the
SCSI bus, t is the SCSI target, and l is the SCSI lun for your DVD/CD-RW
device.
5. Use the instructions that come with the ISO image to install the firmware
updates.
Recovering SAL/EFI code
If the SAL/EFI code becomes damaged, such as from a power failure during a flash
update, you can recover the SAL/EFI code using the SAL/EFI code-page jumper
(J28 on the I/O board) and the Recovery program on the Resource CD that comes
with the xSeries 455 server.
Complete the following steps to recover the SAL/EFI code:
1. Insert the Resource CD into the DVD/CD-RW drive.
2. Shut down the server; then, turn off the server.
10 xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips

3. Disconnect the cables and power cords from the rear of the server.
Attention: When you handle static-sensitive devices, take precautions to
avoid damage from static electricity. See the documentation that comes with
the server for details about handling these devices.
4. Remove fans 3 and 4.
5. Locate the SAL/EFI code-page jumper (J28) on the I/O board.
123
Jumper (J28)
6. If there is a jumper on J28, move the jumper from pins 1 and 2 to pins 2 and 3
to enable the SAL/EFI backup code page. If there is no jumper, add one to J28
pins 2 and 3.
7. Replace fans 3 and 4.
8. Reconnect the cables and power cords to the rear of the server.
9. Restart the server and follow the instructions on the screen. Within 2 minutes,
the drive activity LED on the DVD/CD-RW drive flashes several times,
indicating that the recovery flash image is being read. If the LED does not
flash, repeat this process using a different CD containing the recovery flash
image.
If the LED still does not flash, you might need to have the I/O board replaced
to correct the problem. Call for service.
10. When the drive activity LED stops flashing, wait at least 5 minutes for the flash
update to be completed.
11. Remove the Resource CD from the drive.
12. Repeat steps 2 on page 10 through 5. Then, continue with step 13.
13. Move the jumper on J28 to pins 1 and 2 to return to the normal startup mode.
14. Replace fans 3 and 4; then, close the covers.
15. Reconnect the cables and power cords to the rear of the server.
16. Restart the server.
Note:
You also might have to update the SAL/EFI to the current level. See
“Firmware updates” on page 8 for more information.
Remote update of SAL/EFI code using the service processor might fail
Description: While the SAL/EFI code is being updated remotely using the service
processor, the update might fail and the following message might appear in the
error log: Flash of BIOS (I32) via LAN failed for USERID ... Failed due to
incorrect checksum.
Solution: In the unlikely event that this problem occurs, retry the remote update.
Chapter 2. Hints and tips 11

Changing the startup order
Use the following instructions to change the order in which the EFI Firmware Boot
Manager attempts the startup options.
1. Select Boot Option Maintenance.
2. Select Change Boot Order and use the following commands:
Type D to lower the option in the startup order.
Type U to raise the option in the startup order.
3. Select Save Settings to NVRAM to save the startup order.
Keyboards
Related topics: “Remote console numeric keypad behaves unpredictably” on page
29.
The TrackPoint
®
keyboard is not supported on the xSeries 455 server.
Integrated mouse does not work
Description: The integrated mouse on the TrackPoint keyboard does not work in
the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI).
Solution: The TrackPoint keyboard is not supported on the xSeries 455 server. If
you want to use a mouse with the EFI, use a standard USB mouse.
Repeat characters appear
Description: When the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) is used, the repeat-key
sequence occasionally is initiated incorrectly.
Solution: In the unlikely event that this problem occurs, you can backspace over
the repeated characters; then, type the characters that you want.
Initial keystrokes not recognized
Description: If the keyboard remains idle for 30 minutes or longer when the
Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) is used, your initial keystrokes might not be
recognized when you start typing again.
Solution: Type a few characters; the keyboard will respond correctly.
Light path diagnostics
You can use the light path diagnostics panel to identify the possible cause of a
problem. The light path diagnostics panel is inside the drawer on the right front of
the server. If the system-error LED on the front of the drawer is lit, press on the
front of the drawer to open it and view the LEDs on the light path diagnostics panel.
Additional LEDs to help you isolate and identify a failing device are on the top of
the server and on various boards and devices inside the server.
See the IBM Eserver xSeries 455 Hardware Maintenance Manual and
Troubleshooting Guide for more information.
12 xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips

Memory
DIMM installation
See the ServerProven
®
list at http://www.ibm.com/pc/compat/ on the World Wide
Web for a list of memory modules you can use with the xSeries 455 server.
Review the following guidelines before installing additional memory in the xSeries
455 server:
v The xSeries 455 server supports 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB DIMMs, for a
maximum of 56 GB of system memory. The server supports 2.5 V, 184-pin,
PC2100, ECC DDR SDRAM, 133 MHZ DIMMs.
v The xSeries 455 server comes with a minimum of two 512 MB DIMMs, installed
in slots 1 and 14.
v When installing additional DIMMs, you must install two DIMMS at a time. Each
DIMM in a pair must be of the same size and technology to ensure that the
server will operate correctly.
v When using memory mirroring, you must install two pairs of DIMMs at a time.
The four DIMMs in each set must be identical.
v You can replace a failed DIMM while the server is on, provided that you have
enabled memory mirroring and that you have installed all DIMMs in the sequence
to support memory mirroring.
See the IBM Eserver xSeries 455 Option Installation Guide on the IBM xSeries
Documentation CD for complete memory-installation instructions.
POST reports incorrect amount of installed memory
Description: POST reports less memory than the amount of memory installed in
the server.
Solution: To correct or isolate the problem, complete the following procedures:
v Verify that the installed DIMMs are supported on the xSeries 455 server.
v Reseat the DIMMs and VRMs to make sure that they are correctly installed and
fully seated in the connectors.
v Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program, make sure that the DIMM
connectors are enabled.
v Make sure that the DIMM configuration of port 1 is identical to the DIMM
configuration of port 2 before you enable memory mirroring. If the memory-port
configurations are not identical when you enable memory mirroring, the server
will disable the connectors associated with the unmatched DIMMS.
Microprocessors
Related topics: “Microprocessors report soft corrected errors” on page 7.
Microprocessor installation and replacement requirements
Attention: To avoid irreparable damage to the microprocessor, processor-board
assembly, or other server components when you install additional microprocessors
or replace existing microprocessors, observe the following guidelines:
v The socket for the Itanium microprocessor has a locking mechanism that is very
difficult to see when the microprocessor assembly is in place. Before you attempt
to seat a microprocessor in the socket, be sure to become familiar with the
Chapter 2. Hints and tips 13

socket locking mechanism. Use the hex wrench that comes with the
microprocessor to lock and unlock the socket. As you rotate the hex wrench,
observe the position of the locking flag. Also note the resistance of the locking
mechanism when it is in the locked position. Forcing the locking mechanism
beyond the locked position might damage the microprocessor socket.
Note: Using a flashlight might improve the visibility of the locking flag.
Unlocked Locked Locking
flag
v Follow the installation instructions that come with the microprocessor option
verbatim. Failure to do so might result in damage to the server, the
microprocessor, or both.
v Follow the microprocessor removal instructions that come with the
microprocessor and in the xSeries 455 Hardware Maintenance Manual and
Troubleshooting Guide. Failure to do so might result in damage to the server, the
microprocessor, or both.
v To ensure proper server operation, always install microprocessors that are of the
same type and have the same cache size and clock speed.
Microprocessor testing
During startup, POST performs basic functionality tests on each installed
microprocessor, and each microprocessor performs its own built-in-self test (BIST).
If you suspect that an installed microprocessor is failing, complete the following
steps:
1. Shut down the server; then, turn off the server.
2. Restart the server.
3. Watch the monitor to see whether POST reports any microprocessor errors.
14 xSeries 455 FAQ: Hints and Tips