Dell Lifecycle Controller loop after trying to boot into it once

Question

I have a problem with a Dell R320 server. I wanted to update my bios so i downloaded a Server Update Utility image. I read it somewhere that you need to enter Lifecycle Controller to upgrade your bios.

After i tried to boot into that, it hang, after 20-30 seconds it rebooted and since that i cannot boot the server into any other modes then Lifecycle Controller, it just keeps restarting.

Anyone met with this issue? How can I resolve the problem? Thanks in advance,
Mark.

rgrue · Answer

Boot to BIOS and then: iDRAC Settings -- Lifecycle Controller -- Cancel Lifecycle Controller Actions -- Yes

fredbollinger8807 · Answer

When stuck in a Lifecycle controller boot it does not give the option of booting into the bios

Dell- Maria J · Answer

Hello fredbollinger8807,

Could you please share server model, version of LCC and error you get when you try to boot into BIOS?

Please ask me if you have any questions,
Thank you
Maria Januszka
#IWork4Dell
Dell | Social Outreach Services - Enterprise

ionutjula · Answer

In order to get to the System BIOS, we first have to disable the LC. This can be done via racadm (via ssh).
racadm set LifecycleController.LCAttributes.LifecycleControllerState 0

Then boot to BIOS, go to iDRAC Settings, Lifecycle Controller, enable it, then select Yes to "Cancel LC Actions".

rgrue · Answer

I was working from the DRAC remote console where you can set what the next boot option will be. Set that to BIOS and then reboot.

fredbollinger8807 · Answer

I am having this issue with a PowerEdge r720 Bios revision 2.9.0. The issue started after I disable the firmware scan on reboot. The server goes through the post ethernet adapter configuration, raid configuration, and cpld version 103 firmware version 0001.0002 patch 0005 build 00A7, and stops at a black screen, and then restarts the boot cycle. The iDrac7 is not configured for remote access. I have tried to access the system setup, the lifecycle controller, and the UEFI boot manager and get the same results. I have tried leaving it unplugged for 10 minutes. It has brought me to a screen which I have the option of sticking F1 to continue or F2 to enter system setup and get the same black screen. I am stumped.

fredbollinger8807 · Answer

So I solved my own problem in an old-school manner. I got under the hood of the server and used the jumper to disable the password. I went that extra mile and popped the CMOS Battery. These steps reset the BIOS to default settings and I now have access to all BIOS level functions. However, I am finding that I once again have to set things the way I want them. So if you go to this extreme make sure you know what your BIOS settings need to be.

Dell-Martin S · Answer

Thank you for your feedback.   Regards Martin

lolix2 · Answer

@ionutjula​  That did the trick. Thanks !

renanmartins · Answer

@ionutjula​ Thank you Perfect explanation

markwiseman54 · Answer

@ionutjula​  Thanks, this worked.

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Dell Lifecycle Controller loop after trying to boot into it once

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