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Kernel mode displayed for blade server

The advanced management module Web interface will display kernel mode on the vital product data (VPD) panel for a blade server when the advanced management module is able to communicate with the service processor on the blade server, but the blade server firmware has a problem. This error will typically occur after updating the firmware for a blade server. In addition to the kernel mode error, the event log will typically display service processor communication errors for multiple blade servers in the BladeCenter S chassis.

Problem​

The advanced management module Web interface displays kernel mode on the VPD panel for a blade server. The event log may also display service processor communication errors for other blade servers in the chassis.

Important
Do not attempt to update the firmware for a blade server that has kernel mode errors until instructed to do so.

Investigation​

Perform these steps to resolve the problem:
  1. Examine the advanced management module event log and verify how many blades are reporting service processor communication or kernel mode errors.
    1. Remove all blade servers reporting either error.
    2. Verify that no errors exist on other blade servers or I/O modules. If other errors exist, resolve them before proceeding.
  2. Install one blade server into the chassis and update the service processor firmware to the version desired using the Web browser of the advanced management module.
    Note
    You cannot use a boot diskette when the blade is in this state. Also, do not use any scripts or other tools to update the service processor firmware because they might have caused the problem.

    Another option is to consider updating the version of service processor firmware because service processor communication errors are sometimes resolved in updated service processor firmware.

    To update the service processor firmware from the advanced management module:
    1. Go to the IBM® BladeCenter® software and device drivers Web site . Under BladeCenter device driver file matrices, select the appropriate blade server.
    2. Download the file for the blade server.
      Note
      Consider downloading the README file as well. The README contains additional installation instructions.
    3. Extract the image to diskette (puts the *.pkt files on the diskette). The packet file is on the second DOS diskette.
    4. Log in to the advanced management module Web interface and click Blade Tasks > Firmware Update .
    5. Click Browse and select the *.pkt file from the diskette.
    6. Click Update and follow the prompts to complete the update process.
    Important
    Do not attempt to switch the control of the media tray to another blade server during this process.
  3. If the blade server works after the firmware update, repeat the same process for all the blade servers having service processor communications or kernel mode errors. Remember to insert only one blade server at a time.
  4. If the problem persists, contact IBM support.