2300 ESM Issues

Question

I am having trouble getting a flash of the ESMfor a Dell PE2300 (service tag - fgwvt ).

I first attempted to use Server manager to update the BIOS and ESM - but the option for BIOS was grayed out.

So I used the boot disk that Mark mentioned in another post and booted to an A prompt.

Bios worked fine - version a14.

Then I rebooted and attempted the ESM - it erased it then failed during the flash. Rebooted "Embedded Server Management Not Found." message on reboot.

So I boot to an A prompt (It hangs after the above message for almost an hour then goes on booting) and try again smflsh /f. It warns "API is not available" "ESM is missing". Shows the version on the flash utility -then exits with failed message. ????

How do I get it to take? I have disconnected all cables for the backplane and rebooted till I get past the ESM message (though I did not wait an entire hour for it to finish). I have done likewise with the jumper to reset the settings on the motherboard.

Any ideas - I am stummped! Also - any idea why it hangs so long after seeing no ESM?

Robert

rgillis70 · Answer

UPDATE:

Still unable to flash the ESM. I allowed it to boot clean and it came up into NT4. Of course - Server Management tools were now very limited (only showed the storage system) as the ESM was not present. Tried running the flash from a command prompt. No good.

Just shut it down, disconnected all cables (including the CD and floppy) and reset the jumper. Rebooting the machine now to get into setup and see if there is anything there - should take about 1/2 hour to get to setup.

Very wierd - it runs - but the boot time is incredible - and still does not allow me to update the ESM.

Anybody have something like this?

rgillis70 · Answer

Update 2:

Finished with Setup Boot.

Reconnected all cables - reset the jumper to the "off" position. Now rebooting again to a DOS boot disk.

Hopefully when it comes up this time it will handle the ESM flash.

Any other ideas?

rgillis70 · Answer

Failed again. Flashed BIOS to A15. Rebooting - See if it will take the ESM flash this time.

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi Robert, Usually when a flash fails in the middle of the process, it is unrecoverable and the backplane and / or motherboard will have to be replaced. This is one time I hope I am wrong ....

rgillis70 · Answer

Me too!

That would really bite since this is not under warranty. How would I tell which needs replaced? ANy danger in letting it go as is? It still will boot and run the OS - I don't know if it is cost effective to replace the motherboard or backplane on this system. ( system FGWVT).

Thanks for the reply.

rgillis70 · Answer

Thanks for your help. I will try one more day to get it up - then see what we do with it. Thanks again

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Since the system will still boot and run, I would suspect the backplane first. I do not see any harm in running it as is, except you will not get any ESM reporting.

FYI, the part numbers are:
motherboard - 906DM
Backplane - 1170D

Dell spare parts can be reached by phone at 1-800-357-3355

rgillis70 · Answer

Mark

I replaced the backplane today. However on the first boot it stated still that the ESm was not present. Is this normal after replacing the backplane? Do I simply boot to the floppy and flash the ESM - or do I do the BIOS again as well. (currently at a15). Or is this a sign that the Motherboard also needs replacing. (In which case the cost hardly makes it worthwhile)

It will take an hour + to boot so I just was not sure what I should do next.

Thanks for all your help.

rgillis70 · Answer

Thanks Mark.

Just tried flashing - same result as before on this new board.

So I will shut her down and check the cable - I have another 2300 that I can swap the cable with to test later on.

"fingers crossed "

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi,

It is normal after replacing the backplane or removing the cables, to see a "ESM Firmware Out of Date" message, but usually not an "ESM not present"

I would definately recommend flashing the ESM and also checking the ESM cable (the 20 pin cable) and pins very carefully. If this cable is defective or has a poor connection, the "ESM not present" message may appear.

rgillis70 · Answer

Tried the new cable - No go.

Rebooting now - gonna run the diagnostics and see if they will shed any light on where the issue is.

I will post once completed - thanks for the directions Mark - hopefully this can be resolved.

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi,

Neither of these items apply to your PowerEdge 2300. The peripheral bay backplane mounts under the CDrom on some systems and holds 2 extra hard drives. The PSPB test is also invalid on the PowerEdge 2300.

The only thing short of replacing the motherboard I can think of, is to check the pins carefully on the backplane cable for one bent.

rgillis70 · Answer

Ok I run diagnostics and get the following (under the "Other" test)

All the tests related to ESM2 come back ok except as follows:

#1) ESM2 PB Backplane Sensor Check Failed

Perhiphial Bay Backplane not present

#2) PSPB Test - Did not find 2 power supplies ( I assume ok as I do not have dual power supplies?)

Any thoughts on what these mean?

tonydodd · Answer

I am having the exact same problem with my 2300.  Any ideas on a resolution.  I was working just fine untill I got the bright idea to update the firmware on the ESM.  Now I guess I have a boat anchor!

rgillis70 · Answer

Nope no solution yet. The motherboard replacement will run wel over 400 so for now my boss is just leaving it as is.

PowerEdge Hardware General

2300 ESM Issues

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