PowerEdge T430 halts on 'Loading BIOS Drivers'

Question

I have a Dell PowerEdge T430 server here that won't start up. Via the console, I can see it checks memory, then stalls on 'Loading BIOS Drivers.' Furthermore, the default IDRAC username and password isn't working (root/calvin). I've tried an NVRAM clear, as well as the password reset jumper. Attempting to reset the IDRAC module by holding down the info button has proven unsuccessful as well. BIOS version says 2.3.4 which appears to be old but obviously if I can't boot into the BIOS, I can't update it either.  System had 1 x 16GB memory module that I've tried replacing with two other compatible RDIMMS.   At this point I'm assuming the Motherboard is to blame but figured I'd check here for any other advice.

DELL-Charles R · Accepted Answer

Hello Devhux,

Can you provide some history on this server; Was it working and now it does not? If so what was done around the time this started?

You can find the default iDRAC password on the pullout luggage tag on front of the server.

You may be correct thinking motherboard. Let me put these troubleshooting steps, most you have done already, to see if you completed them thoroughly and if you have just check it off and move to next one:

drain flea power (shut down, disconnect power cables and Network cables, hold in power button 20 seconds with cords removed). After flea power drain, system has to set for 3 minutes for DRAC to reset without any power plugged in, then plug in NIC and power but wait 2 minutes before power on to give DRAC time to initialize.

Check results

Clear NVRAM - there is a map under the lid to show the jumper location. Shut down, Set jumper to the Clear position, power on and Post up to the jumper error, shut down and return to original location.

Check results

Minimum to post testing

The minimum components to allow the Dell™ PowerEdge™ T430 to complete POST are:

System board
One power supply unit (and for redundant PSU also the PIB)
CPU1 with heat sink (minimum for troubleshooting)
Single DIMM configuration with DIMM in socket A1
Control panel with cable (to power system on)

Remove anything not on the list: DVD, Hard drives, PERC controller, backplane, NDC, network card, any pcie cards…

While in there check for any bent pins on DIMM slots, CPU sockets, any other connectors

If it does not post then the issue is with one of those components.

If you get successful POST, put things back a little at a time until you find the faulting component.

Then update BIOS when you are able to post successfully.

Dell Server BIOS PowerEdge R430/R530/T430 Version 2.13.0

https://dell.to/2WOkRxE

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hi, thanks for choosing Dell. You said    'System had 1 x 16GB memory module that I've tried replacing with two other compatible RDIMMS' -> 1. let’s put this back to original. Then   Reset iDRAC configurations to defaults -Boot to F2 > iDRAC Settings > Reset iDRAC configurations to defaults -Save exit reboot to F2 -Boot to F2 > iDRAC Settings > Network.  -Configure IP, Subnet and Gateway. --Make sure the Connection you are using is selected:  Dedicated or LOM   3. The minimum components to allow the Dell™ PowerEdge™ T430 to complete POST are: System board One power supply unit (and for redundant PSU also the PIB) CPU1 with heat sink (minimum for troubleshooting) Single DIMM configuration with DIMM in socket A1 Control panel with cable (to power system on)

Devhux · Answer

Unfortunately, I can't even get into the BIOS. Pressing F2 repeatedly while booting doesn't help and still only gets to the 'Loading BIOS drivers' part. I also plugged in just the needed components with the original RDIMM only as well to no avail

Devhux · Answer

Yes I did try putting the original memory stick only in again. No change.

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hi Devhux, Also did you do #1 (putting back to original) as said in the first reply?

Devhux · Answer

Definitely appears to be CPU or Motherboard. I sourced out a replacement Motherboard so will try that. Thanks for the detailed troubleshooting steps.

Problem occurred when a PCIe network card was being added apparently from what I was informed.

kidalabama · Answer

Did you try replacement Motherboard ? Thank you.

Devhux · Answer

Yes I did. The issue was something with the old board as new one worked flawlessly. No idea what caused the problem with old board.

SMRLK · Answer

Hi,

I had the same issue with my Dell T130. I found a solution from variatech which really saved me.

Just unplug and hold down the power button, then power on. This simple trick solved Loading BIOS Drivers issue.

PowerEdge Hardware General

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