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        - Sun Proprietary/Confidential: Internal Use Only -
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                        FIELD INFORMATION NOTICE
                  (For Authorized Distribution by SunService)

FIN #: I0427-1

Create Date: Sep/21/98

Keywords: 

Failure to remove power cables from E250 System Board may result in NVRAM corruption.

Top FIN/FCO Report: No

Products Reference: E250 NVRAM Corruption

Product Category: Server / System Board

Product Affected: 

Mkt_ID   Platform   Model   Description           Serial Number
------   --------   -----   -----------           -------------

Systems Affected
----------------

A26-AA     A26      ALL     E250 SERVER BASE CONFIGURATION  -   
A26-AA-R   A26      ALL     E250 SERVER BASE CONFIG (RACK)  - 


X-Options Affected
------------------

   -

Parts Affected: 

Part Number   Description             Model
-----------   -----------             -----
501-4681-0X   ASM,PCB,0MB,MTHBD,E250    -

References: 

BugId:  4168782
MANUAL: 805-3389-10 Sun Enterprise 250 Owner's Guide
DOC:    805-3399-11 Sun Enterprise 250 Product Notes

Issue Description: 

Since the introduction of the Enterprise 250, there has been an
increase in the number of reports resulting in NVRAM corruption 
during the system board replacement procedure.  Example shown
below:

 Before removing the NVRAM module:  hostid# 809F756E
 "from the faulty system board"

 After installing the NVRAM module: hostid# 6F77FDEF
 "on the replacement system board"

Upon further investigation, the NVRAM of an E250 (location U2706)
will lose data (hostid, ethernet address, ...) if the NVRAM chip
is changed (swapped) while the system is OFF but still plugged 
into an outlet and the power cable connectors on the mother board
have NOT been disconnected.

Implementation: 

---
        |   |   MANDATORY (Fully Pro-Active)
         ---    
         
  
         ---
        |   |   CONTROLLED PRO-ACTIVE (per Sun Geo Plan) 
         --- 
         
                                
         ---
        | X |   REACTIVE (As Required)
         ---

Corrective Action: 

From the E250 server product notes: 

Before removing or installing the NVRAM module on the main logic
board, be sure to disconnect all 4 cables from the the main logic
board.  When the power switch is in the Standby mode, DC voltage 
(5 Volt Stand by) is still present on the main logic board. Removing 
or installing the NVRAM under these conditions could corrupt the 
information stored in the NVRAM module and adversely affect
operation of the system.  To avoid this problem, make sure that you
disconnect ALL cables from the main logic board before handling
the NVRAM module.

NOTE: The Enterprise 250 mother board is static-sensitive and a
      grounding wrist strap kit MUST be used when handling the
      board.

Comments: 

The NVRAM module is not a FRU'ed item and you would need to order 
a  replacement mother board if NVRAM corruption is encountered.

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Implementation Footnote: 

________________________

i)   In case of MANDATORY FINs, Enterprise Services will attempt to contact   
     all affected customers to recommend implementation of the FIN. 
        

ii)  For CONTROLLED PROACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services mission critical sup-   
     port teams will recommend implementation of the FIN (to their respective 
     accounts), at the convenience of the customer. 


iii) For REACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services will implement the FIN as the need  
     arises.

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