Hi,

Did you upgrade the System BIOS and ESM Firmware prior to installing Windows Server 2003?

Also the Perc 2/si driver and firmware should be at the latest revision on Dell's website:

System BIOS, PowerEdge 2450, A09
FileName: 2450-A09.exe [485 KB]

ESM Firmware, A42
Filename: a42cust.exe (397 KB)
Note: Extract the files to a DOS bootable floppy disk. Boot the server to this floppy disk, and run smflsh.exe.

Adaptec Perc 2/si, Firmware, PowerEdge 2400, v.2.8.0.6089, A12
FileName: PE2400-280_6089.exe [1 MB]

Adaptec Perc 2/si, 2/qc, 3/si, 3/di, Driver, Windows Server 2003, v.2.8.0.6085, A05
FileName: w2k3-2806085.exe [259 KB]

Thanks for using the Dell Community Forums!

Hi Mark,
I upgraded the BIOS and ESM firmware (did it a week ago, did it again today) but i am not able to upgrade/install Perc 2/si driver and firmware because it says that the controller doesn't exist.So i have tried the first two upgrades as mentioned in your message but couldn't do the next 2 as required controller is not recognised.

I am now installing a fresh copy of 2003 server to restart the whole process. Lets see how it ends up.

Thanks a lot for your valuable input and i will keep you posted as soon as i am done with the new installation.

Message Edited by circatatech on 07-26-2004 11:50 AM

Hi,

If the controller is not reccognised, we need to check to see if a) if it is installed correctly and b) if it is enabled in the System BIOS.

This document will show the location of the Perc components and where to check in the System BIOS.
Activating the Dell PERC 3/Si

Thanks
Mark

Hi,

There is no RAID controller or RAID Hardware Key installed in the server. I guess, i have to ask you some other workaround.
The only controller listed is ADAPTEC AIC-7899 SCSI BIOS V25306.
I keep getting the Blue Screen with error messages and alomost every time a new message but it always refers to some hardware change/new installation issue.

Any HELP will be truly appreciated.I am kindda running close to my deadline for server testing so any quick help wil do good !

Message Edited by circatatech on 07-26-2004 06:57 PM

Hi,

Since you do not have the raid controller installed, the Windows Server 2003 Operating System should have the lastest driver for all the PowerEdge 2450 devices included natively.

This brings the question, do you have any non-Dell components / additions?

First remove any non-critical PCI cards, extra memory, external peripherals, etc. Then I would recommend removing, inspecting and reseating ALL connections; processors, memory, data cables, power connections, etc. Pay particular attention to bent pins or scarred / damaged cables.

If the problem is resolved, try adding one device back at a time, until you find the failure.

If the problem is not resolved please document the error message(s) exactly as shown, hopefuly I will be able to find the cause.

thanks
Mark

Hi,

I have only one other suggestion, if this does not work, I would say the embedded video controller on the motherboard is bad. Dell has never tested any 3rd party video cards in PowerEdge Servers, so I have no advice on selection.

Clear the NVRAM via the ISA_CLR jumper on the motherboard, then enter the System BIOS and reset to the default settings. Check the section on System Board Jumpers in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide. Once this is complete, enter the System BIOS. Light the 3 keyboard LED's (Caps lock, Num lock and Scroll Lock). Hold the ALT key down and press the E key. The system should beep once. Then hold the ALT key down and press the F key.

You will then need to re-enable the Raid Controller, reset the time and turn off any unused peripherals, such as the parallel port, serial ports, etc. Then reboot the system.

Thanks for using the Dell Community Forums!

ok. I have done exactly as instructed and managed to install Win 2003 without fail.The installation hung for a few hours but i left it overnight and it continued in the morning.

Now, the frequency of error messages/blue screen has come down considerably. I have received two blue screens so far since yesterday compared to 8-9 before.

The blue screen again refers to Video Adapter and recommends disabling any BIOS shadowing etc. (there is no such option when i get into the BIOS). The driver it refered to both times is AGIRAGED.DLL.

I am off to buying a new PCI video card as i have already changed my monitor as well.

What do you think MARK.

ok .. let me try this too.

Thakyou very much for your help. I will post the result tomorrow.

Oh well .. i am back after like 2 weeks.

I was testing the server for the past 2 weeks. I have changed the VGA card and things looks very much in control but ...

every 3-4 days the server goes down again and usually its only one error message with the blue screen. The error refers to win32k.sys or win32k.dll (one of these,sorry, dont remember exactly).Only twice i got the blue screen without any reference to any file.

I checked Microsoft KB nd they have some issues posted with Win 2000 but not Win 2003. Just wondering if someone happen to know about this thing.

Message Edited by circatatech on 08-13-2004 11:07 AM