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Server 2950 and NV Components
Hello, newbe here
I have a Dell PowerEdge 2950 that I have to clear three areas of NV Ram, I downloaded the Statement of Volatility, and these are the sections:
1. Server Firmware, Optional Embedded ROMB) Memory
Checking Dell's pages, I see a NVRAM_CLR Jumper, remove this jumper, boot and that should do it?
2. Server (Embedded) Storage Controller Cache Memory, Battery Backed volatile RAM
Checking Dell's pages, To clear Storage Controller Cache Memory, Remove the Controller RAM Chip and Battery. Boot the server, CTRL-M for SCSI controllers (PERC 3, PERC 4) or CTRL-R for SAS/SATA controllers (PERC 5, PERC 6 and newer controllers) depending on the controller installed, wait five minutes while in the CTRL menu to allow contents of cache to purge, reboot back to controller BIOS. Dell also recommends re-flashing and BIOS / Firmware in the server.
3. Server Video Memory DDR SDRAM
Cannot find anything on this
This is the actual wording from the web site SOV, can anyone confirm the steps to clear these 3 areas of NV RAM?
Thank you, Bruce
1. Server Firmware (Optional Embedded ROMB) Memory
Details
Size:
32KB NVRAM, 4MB Flash
Type: [e.g. Flash PROM, EEPROM]:
NVRAM, Flash
Can user programs or operating system write data to it during normal operation?
NVRAM data can be changed during
normal operation
Purpose? [e.g. boot code]
Controller Firmware & configuration data
How is data input to this memory?
Loading flash memory requires a vendor
provided firmware file and loader
program which is executed by booting up
the system from a floppy or OS based
executable containing the
firmware file and the loader. System
loaded with arbitrary data in firmware
memory would not operate.
How is this memory write protected?
The flash chip is software write protected
Remarks
2. Server (Embedded) Storage Controller Cache Memory (if not present/applicable, N/A is shown under details)
Details
Size:
256MB
Type: [e.g. Flash PROM, EEPROM]:
Battery Backed volatile RAM
Can user programs or operating system write data to it during normal operation?
Yes
Purpose? [e.g. boot code]
Data Caching
How is data input to this memory?
Normal Operation
How is this memory write protected?
No
Remarks
3. Server Video Memory
Details
Size:
16MB
Type: [e.g. Flash PROM, EEPROM]:
DDR SDRAM
Can user programs or operating system write data to it during normal operation?
Yes
Purpose? [e.g. boot code]
Graphics Buffer
How is data input to this memory?
Normal Operation
How is this memory write protected?
No
Remarks
theflash1932
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November 18th, 2015 20:00
Why do you "have to" clear all of these? Some of this is completely unnecessary or is a sign of other issues.
1. This I can see - it has valid uses. Set the jumper to CLR, then boot up the system - you will see a message that the NVRAM jumper is installed. At this point, you can power off, unplug, and put the jumper back in its original location.
2. Yes, there might be very rare situations where you might need to do this, but only if the system has no OS and the cache is not cleared on subsequent reboots, and even then it is more likely because of bad RAID memory or battery than cache needing flushed. On newer controllers, you can do this from the controller BIOS.
3. This is cleared on every reboot - there is NO valid reason for data to be kept "alive" in the video RAM. If you are super concerned, power down, remove power, hold power button down for 10 seconds.
b.15101r.14944a
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November 19th, 2015 07:00
While I agree this is overkill, this is a requirement
theflash1932
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November 19th, 2015 12:00
For what? I've never heard of such a requirement in all my experience with HIPAA, PCI, etc.