Unable to access BIOS menu on Dell PowerEdge R730xd

Question

Hello there.

When doing initial setup on a recently acquired PowerEdge R730xd, I encountered the following error:

I am unable to make any selections for the BIOS menu (F2, F10, F11, F12). My selection is highlighted, but there is no further indication of any activity (e.g. "Entering xxx..."). The system then proceeds to the BIOS for the RAID controller (PERC H730 Mini).

I have tried the following to narrow down potential causes:

- using different wired keyboards on different ports to eliminate hardware issues

- pressing the keys at different speeds at different times

- resetting via the NVRAM jumper

- power cycling the server

I ended up removing the RAID controller and was able to access the selections. However, the system threw errors about backplane connectors not being connected, and when I reconnected the RAID controller, the error persisted and any settings made were lost.

The system is in minimum configuration for POST. The CPU and RAM have been tested on other devices and are good. There are no error indicators on the front panel. The BIOS version is 2.5.5. I can't access iDRAC, because the IP address is not set.

I am unsure of how to proceed, and would welcome any input.

DELL-Young E · Accepted Answer

Hello, to purchase the part and have it replaced, it is best that you get in touch with the local support. Please visit https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us and tell them you want to purchase the controller.

Respectfully,

DELL-Marco B · Answer

Hello, Can you try to connect the RAID controller but start the server without hard drives? It seems that problem may come from RAID disks or controller. Thanks

user_e78b6a · Answer

Hi, the system was already running without drives.

user_e78b6a · Answer

I replaced the controller with a H330, and the issue went away. I was also able to reproduce the issue when installing the H730 in a R630, which means it was most likely the controller.

May I know if there is any way to fix the H730? Thanks.

Package: 25.5.5.0005

FW: 4.290.00-8334

BIOS: 6.33.01.0_4.16.07.00_0x06120304

Boot block: 3.07.00.00-0003

The battery status is optimal.

user_e78b6a · Answer

Hi there, so the only option is a replacement of the controller?

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hello, not that I know of. Again you can ask the local support, but I am positive they will say the same. Respectfully,

user_e78b6a · Answer

Noted, thank you very much for your help.

PowerEdge Hardware General

Unable to access BIOS menu on Dell PowerEdge R730xd

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