Dell PowerEdge R720 stuck on configuring Memory

Hello.

You might have to find some on-site to perform some procedures. The first thing you will have to do is to power down the server and disconnect the AC power cables for about 5 min then press and hold the power button for about 15 sec. This will drain the system flea power. Next set the system BIOS to default by clearing the NVRAM using jumper cables on the system board. Move the cable to NVRAM_CLR position and power on the system. Afterwards, again power off the system and return the jumper cable to the original position and power back the system. In case that the system does not go past Memory Configuration, bring the system to minimum to POST configuration with the following components:

• One Power Supply
• Control Panel (for power button functionality)
• Working cable connection between control panel and system board
• One Processor (CPU) in socket CPU1 (minimum for troubleshooting)
• One Memory Module (DIMM) installed in socket A1
• Riser 1 & Riser 3

Power ON the server and if successfully POSTS, power down the system and replace the components one at a time. Ensure that all USB devices including mouse and keyboard are disconnected.

Hi There

Is there anyway to bypass the configuring memory?

I reseated CPUs and the processors but its still an issue.

ANy suggestions please?

Peter

Hi

Just to add to my previous post. 

I moved the CPUs around and the fault was still CPU1 error, so I am sure the actual CPU is still OK. I reset the memory and power supplies, did the 30 second power drain.

The machine is still stuck on configuring memory..

Dell support was no help.

Could it be a motherboard issue?

Peter

Hi

Usually the server seems to boot up after a few hours, today is not one of those days though.. scratching around some more I noticed this in the LifeCycle Log..

Its seems the System is doing a hard reset every minute..

2016-07-28T22:07:55-0500 RAC0703
Requested system hardreset.
2016-07-28T22:07:55-0500 SYS1003
System CPU Resetting.
2016-07-28T22:07:45-0500 USR0030
Successfully logged in using root, from 192.168.2.36 and GUI.
2016-07-28T22:07:11-0500 RAC0703
Requested system hardreset.
2016-07-28T22:07:11-0500 SYS1003
System CPU Resetting.
2016-07-28T22:07:11-0500 VME0005
Virtual Console session exited.
2016-07-28T22:07:11-0500 USR0032
The session for root from 192.168.2.36 using Virtual Console is logged off.
2016-07-28T22:06:33-0500 RAC0703
Requested system hardreset.
2016-07-28T22:06:32-0500 SYS1003
System CPU Resetting.

I am not aware of a way to bypass "configuring memory, please wait" message except memory testing. Try accessing the iDRAC Web interface and review the hardware logs for more and speffic information

reboot the server. After that tapping esc couple of times did the trick and it hasn't got stuck at that point since (rebooted a couple times warm and cold).

Fantastic! Let us know when you have any more issues.

Hi

That did not work for me sadly.

This is what I have done so far, I removed everything except DIM A1 and CPU 1, its stuck on the same thing, I replaced CPU 1 and it still stayed on configuring memory. I replaced the DIM, same story.

One thing i need to mention, the BIOS update failed, its still on 2.0.19, I did upgrade it from Windows, it said successful but after booting I see in the iDRAC its still the old version.

I tried upgrading via the iDRAC but it fails with no error.

The bugger is now once I booted it I have to wait about 8 - 12 hours for it to eventually boot.

Besides throwing it in the sea, does anyone have any other suggestions?

Peter

Same thing on PowerEdge R730 and the sad thing is that Dell Support is so poor.

Example: 

• One Power Supply
• Control Panel (for power button functionality)
• Working cable connection between control panel and system board
• One Processor (CPU) in socket CPU1 (minimum for troubleshooting)
• One Memory Module (DIMM) installed in socket A1
• Riser 1 & Riser 3

Power ON the server and if successfully POSTS

Hope to fix it buy !!! Why when that sell don't they give it and hope to get payed or the support department to go to work and hope to get payed.

Find a professional solution. 

Aom-hom,

To start, Riser 1 and 3 are not part of the required hardware for the R720s Minimum to POST, so you can remove them for testing. After that I would power down the server, remove the power cables, and then hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power. Afterwards then open the cover of the server and locate the NVRAM_CLR jumper on the motherboard, located near the connection point of the power supplies. Once found move the jumper over and then power on the server to complete clearing the NVRAM, and once done then power back down and restore the jumper to its original location. Once complete reinstall the power cables, but wait 2 minute before you power the server. 

Let me know what you see.

Dear All,

 I test thi follow

• One Power Supply
• Control Panel (for power button functionality)
• Working cable connection between control panel and system board
• One Processor (CPU) in socket CPU1 (minimum for troubleshooting)
• One Memory Module (DIMM) installed in socket A1
• Riser 1 & Riser 3

       It's not work, It show screen "Configuring Memory..."