PE2800 DRAC video output problem

Hi there,

I think we have to treat this as a system that's not passing POST, if you're not seeing the BIOS screen, either through DRAC, through onboard video or using a PCI video adapter. If it's okay, can you answer the following for me?

1. Do you get any error codes on the front LCD panel?
    
2. Does the amber light on the front of the system flash?
    
3. Can you take the system down to the minimum to POST? To do this, make sure that only the following are installed:
   
   
   • System Board
   • Processor
   • One stick of memory in DIMM1-A or DIMM1-B
   • Power supply
   • Riser
   • Control panel (power button - only required if the last power state was off)
   
   This link will help you when you try to remove any components: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pe2800/en/it_en/p1778c60.htm#wp1052329
   
   
4. Can you also try resetting the server BIOS. To do this, you'll need to know where the NVRAM_CLR Jumpers are, please see the following: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pe2800/en/it_en/p1778aa0.htm#wp1047182
   
   To clear the BIOS, please follow these steps:
   
   

1. Power the system off
2. Unplug power to the system
3. Identify the NVRAM_CLR jumpers, you should see that the jumper is set to pins 2 and 3 - remove the jumper and place on pins 1 and 2.
4. Plug power to the system
5. Power system on.
6. Once POST completes, power system off
7. Unplug power to the system
8. Move jumper back to pins 2 and 3 and switch system on. The BIOS should be cleared.

The only error code displayed on the front LCD panel is the intrusion detection error.

Front amber light does not flash.  Rear amber light flashing, however.

We did attempt to take it down to the minimum to POST as suggested. Still no video.

The only beeps was two quick single beeps after approximately 3 minutes.

We also cleared the NVRAM.  No change in video.

Tried rcresetcfg on the DRAC. No change in video.

Lastly, we removed the DRAC and now there is no video signal on the internal or additional PCI video card.  Card was tested in another machine.

By removing the additional PCI video card, the video is back to the original striped grey flashing

screen.

Any other suggestions?

The rear amber light that's flashing is more than likely to be the server's NIC, but just to make sure, can you confirm that the rear amber light is not situated next to the power cable?

Also, just to make sure it's not a memory issue, can you try another known working memory stick in slot DIMM 1-A or DIMM 1-B?

Lastly, if you have another PowerEdge 2800 available, are you able to try swapping components (like the power supply, processors, risers, etc...)?