Dell PowerEdge R640 BIOS Update Issue – Server Not Starting

Nesdae,

I would start with taking the server to its minimum to post configuration, which is removing everything from the server, internally and externally, but the following

One processor (CPU) in socket processor 1
One memory module (DIMM) in socket A1
Right control panel with cable
One power supply unit
System board

Once you do that then go ahead and power the server, if it posts normally then power back down and individually add the removed devices back until the issue reappears (identifying the cause of the issue), or until everything is reinstalled. If you reinstall everything and the issue doesn't reapper then it may be that there was a weak connection and reseating it resolved it. 

Let me know if this helps, and what you see.

@DELL-Chris H ​ 

Hi ,

Thanks for the detailed instructions.

I followed the "minimum to POST" steps exactly as you described, but unfortunately the issue still persists. Based on the behavior, I suspect the root cause is related to a BIOS update that was interrupted due to a power outage. Since then, the system has not been able to complete the POST.

As I mentioned earlier, the fans initially spin at a very low speed, and after about 30 seconds, they stop completely. iDRAC access remains available at all times, but I'm unable to initiate a BIOS update through iDRAC because it requires a reset to proceed, and the system can't perform the reset properly in its current state.

Please let me know if there's an alternative method to force a BIOS recovery or if there's a recovery jumper or procedure I can follow.

Appreciate your help!

What you can try is to clear the NVram, as detailed on the video here. Now if that doesn't resolve it then you may need to consider looking at the motherboard as the culprit. If you have other R640, you may want to try it with a known good board.

@DELL-Chris H ​ 

I followed the steps in the video, but the result didn’t change. I don’t have another R640 device on hand.
I would like to emphasize once again that my issue is caused by a power outage during the BIOS update of the R640, which caused the update process to be incomplete.
I do have access to iDRAC.

Are you seeing any errors being displayed? My concern is that the interruption to the update may have corrupted the bios on the motherboard.

@DELL-Chris H ​ 

There doesn't seem to be any visible error on the front panel or through iDRAC. It’s likely a BIOS issue. I think I need to reflash or reinstall the BIOS somehow. Could you advise me on how to proceed with that?

Without the server POSTing it isn't likely. You can try booting to the Live ISO and retrying the BIOS update, but with it not passing post I don't even think it will try to boot to it.

In the end this may require a replacement motherboard.

@DELL-Chris H ​ 
There's no display output on the monitor, so it seems like performing an update isn't really possible in this state.
Is there any way to intervene through iDRAC?

You can try going to the iDrac, then the Update and Rollback tab, then try running the BIOS .exe update from there. 

@DELL-Chris H ​ 

I tried that, but in order for the update process to start, the server needs to be reset. I can’t reset it through iDRAC—it gives an error. I even tried manually unplugging and plugging it back in, but the update still doesn’t start.

Ok, thank you. Lastly, you can try draining the flea power, but if it doesn't work then the only other option is replacing the motherboard. 

You drain the flea power by powering down, removing the power cables, then holding the power button for 20 seconds. then reinstall the cables, but wait 2 minutes before powering the server (allows time for idrac initialization). Then try powering the server, if no change then I think you need the motherboard.

Ah, that’s a tough spot to be in. It’s good that iDRAC is still working — that gives you a chance to recover it remotely. I’d suggest trying a forced BIOS recovery through iDRAC or using the Lifecycle Controller if you can access it. If the server isn’t POSTing at all, it might need a manual recovery step with a jumper or a recovery USB. Definitely worth getting Dell support involved if those options don’t kick it back to life. Hope you get it sorted out quickly!