Which Open Manage download do I need?

Check out the downloads for your system it will note what you need.

Limit the driver download screen with the "category" drop down, select Systems Management to see only OMSA / Management Devices / related items.

I would review all downloads and their version numbers though as what i have found is the server install cd may not have the newest / correct OMSA version on it, it simply is there to ease your install /. server setup, if the OMSA provided is indeed older then the downloadable Managed Node then you should delete the OMSA it puts on your system (via the icon it dumps on your desktop after your initial system install) then download the Managed Node OMSA from your systems download screen and install that instead.

Also, you should download the diagnostics program and fully test you system to verify it is all good.

You MUST clear out the logs first though, easiest way to do this is via your DRAC (at least for x6xx systems it is needed and the DRAC is the easiest way to do it, i am not sure for x9xx systems). In my systems if there is an error in the log (usually is with that amber light) the testing program will pick that up and report false errors.

Also, do check out and download firmware for your system and make sure it is all up to date.

I believe the steps for that is (when you have no OS installed and driver install timing is of no concern)

1. BIOS
2. Embedded Systems Management (ESM)
3. Additional Devices (RAID, DRAC, ETC...)

Hopefully a Dell Rep will pop in here and verify all that.

So then the actul install / setup of OMSA is:

1. Install OS via the Dell CD ISO - Installation and Server Management 
2. Once installed and the OS is booted, run the "delete installaion files" as the version waiting to be installed is 5.2, not the up to date version.
3. Update your OS fully
4. Download and install Dell OpenManage Server Administrator Managed Node (it's v5.3.x.x)
   OR install CD ISO - Dell Systems Console and Agent if you do not want a full Server Administrator PRogram installed locally as i believe this Console/Agent CD will allow you to connect via IT Assistant/Management console on a different system, the agents facilitate the communications.
5. Download and run the Dell CD ISO - Dell Systems Build and Update Utility
   just to see how you are looking across the board (version wise, making sure everything is up to par)

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE CDS ARE, they seem to be very similar, maybe the build contains more updates (firmware/bios wise) vs the install cd which maybe geared more towards quick OS install and drivers. Look into these to see what is best for you!!! : )

Dell CD ISO - Installation and Server Management (this is what i use for x6xx generation models of poweredge)

Dell CD ISO - Dell Systems Build and Update Utility

hope that helps : )

PS i am assuming you will be using windows btw.

Clay2k, thanks for the responses.

So based on your info there, if I already have the OS installed and fully updated with all SPs and updates from MS, should I start with number (4) and work down?

When you are talking about DRAC, are you talking about an extrenal card that you purchase seperately?

If so, I don't have one of those.

Won't OM show what errors are causing the amber light and allow you to clear it?  I thought that was how I did it with my old Dell server.

---

@snkscore wrote:

When you are talking about DRAC, are you talking about an extrenal card that you purchase seperately?

 

If so, I don't have one of those.

 

Won't OM show what errors are causing the amber light and allow you to clear it?  I thought that was how I did it with my old Dell server.

---

usually it is either built in, a daughter card for a specific proprietary socket on your motherboard or a PCI card that needs to go into a specific PCI slot (same bus as the video card).... but you have the newest generation so i believe you actually would have the card built in... you need to look into that on your own (the Server Administrator Product will find and install/set it up for you (though i believe you need to have the drivers in place first... you have no unknown items in your device manager right?) ).

I think though, the requirements for DRAC4/5 cards are different (less requirements) as they have better more flexible/able chipsets with various needs built in (instead of relying on what bus they are on, what services the OS has installed etc...) so you really just need to find out what DRAC works in your system and if it is in there and then if it is installedc correctly... again it may be built in and just works, i dunno.

and as far as the diagnostics and clearing the logs, i was coming from a no-OS / bare metal cleanup and full burn-in testing prior to installing an OS / actually using the unit. Make sure the brakes work before you drive the car!!!   : ) 

PLEASE REMEMBER I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH NEWER DRAC 4/5 PRODUCTS SO I COULD BE A LITTLE OFF : )

DRAC = DELL REMOTE ACCESS CARD. It's basically a web server that directly communcated with your embedded system chips and helps you maintain the unit. They also allow you to redirect the console (video keyboard mouse as if you were sitting at the unit) to the web gui via java applets.

I'll have them press the i button and see if it turns back to Amber.

Right now, the message on the scrolling display says

"PowerEdge 1900 E1217 5V Pwr Gd"

Does that mean anything to you?

Thanks for posting!  I think there is an important detail that was missed, "Recently, a Dell 1900 server had an amber light on it.  After a reboot it changed to a blinking blue light."

A solid blue light means the error was fixed.  A blinking blue light means somebody pushed the Identify Button, which is marked with a letter i inside a circle.  Push that button and if it goes back to flashing amber you have a problem.  If it changes to solid blue, you don't.

Also, read the LCD display and see what goes scrolling past.  That will give you useful information to help troubleshoot the server.

I think that is a power problem on the system board.  Have you added any expansion cards to the system?  If so, pull them out and start the system, then see if that helps.  While you're in there make sure you don't have any loose connections.

PS did you clear those logs and run a full diagnostic yet?

run diagnostics off a bootable cd/floppy; unselect floppy, cd/dvdrom, video tests and set it to continue on errors, set it for unlimited loops, set it for no interactive tests and let the thing test itself for at least a day (prefer 3 days), i never use a new or used product without burning it in myself.

it means nothing to me, in fact i read it as Power Good but, it does mean somethng to a manual (although this is from a 2970 manual; http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pe2970/en/hom/HOM0MREN.pdf)

Seems you have a busted part, might as well call them and see what it takes to replace it.

E1214
E1216
E1217
## PwrGd Specified voltage regulator has
failed.
See "Getting Help" on page 147.

--- From Page 147---

Getting Help
Technical Assistance
If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps:
1 Complete the procedures in "Troubleshooting Your System" on page 115.
2 Run the system diagnostics and record any information provided.
3 Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist, and fill it out.
4 Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support at support.dell.com for help
with installation and troubleshooting procedures.
For more information, see "Online Services" on page 147.
5 If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, call Dell for technical assistance.
NOTE: Call technical support from a phone near or at the system so that technical support can assist you with
any necessary procedures.
NOTE: Dell’s Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.
When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the
call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell
Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.
For instructions on using the technical support service, see "Technical Support Service" on page 148 and
"Before You Call" on page 150.
NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S.
Call your local Dell representative for information on availability.