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Server startup problems

Use this information to solve problems with booting your server after POST.

Table 1. Symptoms and user actions for server startup problems.

Table with one spanned column at the top and two other columns with headers that provides information about symptoms and user actions to solve server startup problems

  • Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem is solved.
  • See Parts listing, System x3850 X6 and x3950 X6 Type 6241 to determine which components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units (FRU).
  • If an action step is preceded by (Trained service technician), that step must be performed only by a Trained service technician.
SymptomAction
Server hangs during boot.Look for the UEFI/Post code on the server LCD display panel and contact Support and provide this number for further assistance.
The embedded hypervisor flash device is not in the boot list.
  1. If the server has recently been installed, moved, or serviced, or if this is the first time the embedded hypervisor is being used, make sure that the device is connected properly and that there is no physical damage to the connectors (see Removing a USB embedded hypervisor flash device and Replacing a USB embedded hypervisor flash device).
  2. Check the Lenovo ServerProven web site at the Lenovo ServerProven website to validate that the server supports the embedded hypervisor device.
  3. Use the Setup utility to make sure that the embedded hypervisor device (USB key) is in the startup sequence. From the Setup utility, select Start Options.
  4. See the documentation that comes with the optional embedded hypervisor flash device for setup and configuration information.
  5. Check Lenovo Support web site at the Lenovo Data Center Support website for any service bulletins related to the embedded hypervisor and the server.
  6. Make sure that all other server software is running without problems to ensure that the server is working properly.
The external USB device is not recognized.
  1. Make sure that the proper drivers are installed on the standard I/O book. See the documentation that comes with the USB device for information about device drivers.
  2. Use the Setup utility to make sure that the device is configured correctly.
  3. If the USB device is plugged into a hub or the console breakout cable, unplug the device and plug it directly into the USB port on the rear of the standard I/O book.
  4. Run the DSA USB diagnostic tests.
The server resets (restarts) unexpectedly.
  1. Check the IMM event log for messages associated with the restart event and resolve the issue. Some correctable errors require that the server reboots so that it can disable a device, such as a memory DIMM or a microprocessor to allow the machine to boot up properly.
  2. If the server restart occurs during POST, and the POST watchdog timer is enabled (select System Settings --> Recovery --> System Recovery --> POST Watchdog Timer in the Setup utility (see Starting the Setup utility to see the POST watchdog setting). Make sure that sufficient time is allowed in the watchdog timeout value (POST Watchdog Timer). If the server continues to reset during POST, see the UEFI/POST error codes and the DSA diagnostic test results.
  3. If the server restart occurs after the operating system starts, disable any automatic server restart (ASR) utilities, such as the Automatic Server Restart IPMI Application for Windows, or any ASR devices that are be installed.
    Note
    ASR utilities operate as operating-system utilities and are related to the IPMI device driver. If the reset continues to occur after the operating system starts, the problem might be with the operating system; see Software problems.