Enterprise[TM] Classic (3500, 4500, 5550, or 6500): flash-update failure puts the system in a condition where it will not pass POST.

Asset ID:	1-72-1004444.1
Update Date:	2009-12-02
Keywords:

Solution Type Problem Resolution Sure

Solution 1004444.1 : Enterprise[TM] Classic (3500, 4500, 5550, or 6500): flash-update failure puts the system in a condition where it will not pass POST.

Related Items


Sun Enterprise 4500 Server
 Sun Enterprise 5500 Server
 Sun Enterprise 3500 Server
 Sun Enterprise 6500 Server

Related Categories


GCS>Sun Microsystems>Servers>Midrange Servers

PreviouslyPublishedAs
206138

Symptoms
In some cases, flash-update could core-dump and place the system in a condition where it will not pass POST.
This can happen if someone installs a substantially down-rev version of the flashprom and it usually causes most if not all of the cpu/memory pcbs to fail POST.

If there is a good cpu/memory pcb available, use it along with the following steps to fix the failed cpu/memory pcbs.

Resolution
Recovery Scenario
After power has been restored to the system, turn the power key switch to the "On" position.

The following scenario requires that there be another working board of the same type installed in the system. In this scenario, the flash PROM on board 3 recovers by copying the flash PROM image from board 0.

1. Connect a serial port cable to port A and to either a terminal or a Sun workstation.

2. Set the serial port at 9600 baud, 8-bit word, no parity, and 1 stop bit.

3. Remove the board(s) that has the corrupted flash PROMs.

4. Turn the power key switch to the On position.

The system responds with the message:

-------------------
Hardware Power ON
-------------------

5. Wait 15 seconds and type s on the keyboard terminal or the tip window connected to the serial port.

The system responds:

-----------------------------------
0,0'>
*** Toggle Stop POST Flag = 1 ***
-----------------------------------

This message shows that POST (Power-On Self-Test) has recorded your request to stop after its tests are completed. When POST stops, it displays its options menu:
---------------------------------------------
0,0Extended POST Menus
0,0Select one of the following functions
0,0     '0'       Return
0,0     '1'       Reset
0,0     '2'       Peek/Poke device
0,0     '3'       Environmental Status
0,0     '4'       Test Menus
0,0     '5'       State Dump
0,0     '6'       Frequency Margining
0,0     '7'       Display System Summary
0,0     '8'       Display Fatal Reset Info
0,0     '9'       Scan System Board Ring
0,0     'a'       Set Memory Test Megs
0,0     'b'       Print SIMM Info
0,0     'c'       Focus CPU
0,0     'd'       CPU State
0,0     'f'       fcopy
0,0     'g'       System Power Off
0,0     'h'       Bounce Patterns
0,0     'i'       Focus I/O Board
0,0'>
---------------------------------------------

6. Type f to select fcopy.

-------------------------------------------
Command == f
0,0Flash PROM Copy Menu
0,0Select one of the following functions
0,0     '0'       Return
0,0     '1'       Copy
0,0     '2'       Verify
0,0     '3'       Display Version
0,0     '4'       Activate System Board
0,0'>
Command =='>
-------------------------------------------

7. Plug in the board with the corrupted flash PROM. Be sure its power LED comes on.

8. Type 4 to select Activate System Board.

The system prompts you to enter the board number in hexadecimal notation from 0 through 9 and "a" through "f".
In the example below, board 3 is entered as the board to be activated.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Command == 4
0,0Input board number in hex (`0' thru `9' and `a' thru `f')
?3
0,0'>
0,0Flash PROM Copy Menu
0,0     '0'       Return
0,0     '1'       Copy
0,0     '2'       Verify
0,0     '3'       Display Version
0,0     '4'       Activate System Board
0,0'>
Command =='>
---------------------------------------------------------------

9. Type 1 to select Copy.

Respond to the prompts for source (where to copy from) and destination (where to copy to) board numbers in hexadecimal notation.
In the example below, board 0 is entered as the source and board 3 is entered as the destination:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Command == 1
0,0Input board number in hex (`0' thru `9' and `a' thru `f')
0,0'>
        from board? 0
        to board? 3
0,0    Mfg code 04, Dev code a4
0,0Erasing prom at 000001cc.f8000000
0,0Copy prom at 000001c0.f8000000 to prom at 000001cc.f8000000
0,0................................
0
-----------------------------------------------------------------

When this completes you will get the same menu as is step 8 above.

10. Type 3 to select Display Version.

The system responds by showing all PROM versions in the system.

11. Turn the power key switch to the Standby position. Wait 15 seconds.

12. Repeat steps 4 through 11 for any additional pcbs with the same POST problem.

13. Follow the procedure to attempt the flash PROM updating process again.

Product
Sun Enterprise 6500 Server
Sun Enterprise 5500 Server
Sun Enterprise 4500 Server
Sun Enterprise 3500 Server

flash-update failure, POST, failure, POST failure
Previously Published As
17767

Change History
Date: 2009-11-24
User Name: Josh Freeman
Action: Refreshed
Comment: Refreshed document per ESG Content Team effort.
Date: 2006-01-19
User Name: 95826
Action: Update Canceled
Comment: *** Restored Published Content *** SSH AUDIT
Version: 0
Date: 2006-01-19
User Name: 95826
Action: Update Started
Comment: SSH AUDIT
Version: 0

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