Dell EMC Server Stucked at "Loading BIOS Drivers..."

Hi,

I'm unsure of the server model, hence I'm providing a general troubleshooting for you to try. 

For such issue, you may need to try clear the NVRAM. 

1. Power off the server to change NVRAM jumper to 1-2, then power on the server.
2. The bios boot up progress could still stop at loading bios drives, please power off the server and change back NVRAM jumper to default 2-3. 
3. Power on the server and then check if bios boot up is complets.

If it fails, try removing all components and do minimum to POST component in the server. Eg, 1 Memory, 1 CPU, 1 PSU, Mainboard, Controll panel. And turn on the server to check the issue. 

If none of the above troubleshooting helps, you will need to replace the mainboard ideally. If you have an alternate CPU, you can try replacing to narrow down the root cause. 

I have an R640 which has this problem if the TPM 2.0 module is installed. If I remove the TPM module it works fine (well, except for an unrelated defect, which is why I ended up with it).

I bought the TPM module on eBay, in hopes of enabling this machine to run Windows 11.

I bought another TPM module, from a different eBay seller, and the R640 booted fine -- but I had mistakenly bought a TPM 1.2 module, instead of TPM 2.0. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0.

So I bought yet another TPM module (this time 2.0!) from a different eBay seller, and with this new TPM module installed the system once again freezes at "Loading BIOS drivers" (with no dots).

So I removed the TPM module, booted Windows 10, and updated the BIOS from 2.11.2 to 2.20.1, reinstalled the TPM module, and tried again. No joy.

So I removed the TPM module, booted Windows 10, and updated the iDRAC from 3.30.30.30 to 7.00.00.00, reinstalled the TPM module, and tried again. Still no joy.

iDRAC access works fine, and I can see the frozen boot screen on the virtual console. But there are no interesting log entries or other clues, as far as I can see.

I've run out of obvious things to try. Does anyone have any good ideas?

Note: Windows 10 runs fine on this machine, and according to Microsoft's "PC Health Check" the only thing it lacks to run Windows 11 is the stupid TPM 2.0 module.

In fact: does anyone have Windows 11 running on an R640, and does anyone have an R640 running with a TPM 2.0 module installed?

Marco B, I didn't ask whether Dell "supports" Windows 11 on that machine. I know that Dell doesn't bother to test workstation versions of Windows on PowerEdge servers. Windows 10 isn't "supported" by Dell, either, but it works fine.

Microsoft's tool says that Windows 11 would support the machine if it has a TPM 2.0 module.

The problem is that the machine won't run at all with a TPM 2.0 module installed. It doesn't get as far as trying to boot any OS.

Among the things I've tried which didn't help:

* Updated the BIOS from 2.11.2 to 2.20.1
* Updated the iDRAC from 3.30.30.30 to 7.00.00.00
* Cleared the NVRAM
* Reduced system to minimum configuration (one DIMM, one CPU, no storage, no adapters, no risers, etc.)

Hey,

I just encountered this problem myself and the solution was very simple. The error was caused by the TPM module being inserted upside down. After flipping the TPM module (DELL PN label facing down), the system booted right away.

Dell R740XD "Loading BIOS Drivers" Hang - Troubleshooting Guide

I recently encountered this issue on my R740XD after installing three NVIDIA A5000 GPUs. While testing power draw and heat, the system hung at "Loading BIOS Drivers" - something I'd never experienced before adding the GPUs.

Root cause: The auxiliary power connector to the GPUs wasn't fully seated (about 5mm gap). After properly reconnecting it, everything booted normally. This reminded me of a previous incident where partially seated RAM caused the same issue.

Theory: During the "Loading BIOS Drivers" stage, the BIOS attempts to initialize each component. If something is partially connected, it can hang indefinitely at this screen.

1. Reseat all components
- CPU, RAM, GPUs, storage drives, PCIe cards, and all power connectors
- Ensure everything clicks/locks firmly into place

2. Verify power capacity
- Confirm your PSUs can handle the total power draw
- A5000s draw significant power - calculate your total system requirements

3. Check component compatibility and connections
- Verify all devices are supported by your motherboard
- Ensure components are in the correct slots (GPUs in appropriate PCIe slots, RAM in correct channels)
- Check for reversed or misaligned connections
  Note: Unsupported devices or incorrectly placed components can prevent POST

4. Clear NVRAM
- Reset system configuration data

5. Minimal boot test
- Strip down to essentials: one CPU, minimum RAM (one stick), one PSU
- Boot and test
- Gradually add components back one at a time to isolate the problem
  Note: If issues persist, test suspected bad components in another machine. Also try clearing both NVRAM and CMOS - a misconfigured BIOS can stall boot
- If problems continue, swap in known-good CPU and RAM to rule out motherboard failure

6. Reinstall BIOS firmware via iDRAC
- iDRAC should remain accessible even when the system won't boot

Accessing iDRAC if you don't know the IP:

Static IP:
- Connect your laptop directly to the iDRAC port
- Run tcpdump listening on RFC1918 ranges (10.x, 172.16.x, 192.168.x) to identify the IP

DHCP:
- Connect iDRAC port to your home router
- Check connected devices for "idrac-xxxxxxxxxx"

Default credentials (if not previously configured):
- Username: `root`
- Password: `calvin`
- You'll be prompted to set a new password on first login

Follow Dell's video guide for BIOS reinstallation via iDRAC.

7. After BIOS reinstall, return to step 5

8. Physical inspection
- Check for bent CPU or RAM pins
- Look for anything creating unintended contact to ground
- Thoroughly clean the motherboard with compressed air and a soft brush
- Return to step 5

9. If all else fails
- If you're still stuck at "Loading BIOS Drivers" after all these steps (highly unlikely), the motherboard is probably failed
- RMA if under warranty, otherwise replace

My Resolution

Following this process, I discovered my auxiliary power connector was slightly disconnected. Properly seating it immediately resolved the issue. This is typically a simple fix - thoroughly check all connections before assuming hardware failure.