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R620 iDRAC firmware updates
Hello, I'm looking for some advice.
I have a pair of R620s which hasn't been upgraded for quite some time. Current key versions are, BIOS Version 2.2.3 and iDRAC Firmware Version 1.57.57 (Build 04). One of these machines I attempted an upgrade using Lifecycle Management of uEFI Diagnostics and BIOS. The upgrade failed on the uEFI Diagnostics, never attempted the BIOS update. The server rebooted and now the iDRAC is unresponsive with a SWC0700 error. Google shows the usual fix is a MotherBoard replacement.
My question being, upgrading from an iDRAC version and BIOS that old, is it safe to upgrade directly to the latest versions. Should I upgrade one before the other, or apply older versions incrementally so it's not such a huge leap. This is my second machine that has been bricked with the iDRAC error and will need a MB. Obviously I am anxious anytime I need to perform firmware updates.
Any other advice on the best method of applying these upgrades? Lifecycle, Update DVD, other.
As I type this ftp.dell.com is down. Thanks,
Thanks,
I applied the first BIOS update from 2.2.3 to 2.4.3. Windows showed this as being a success, the system rebooted, during POST the server shows configuring memory and then reboots. iDRAC show an error in the log of CPU1 and 2 IERR. We've done the minimum POST with no luck. iDRAC shows the BIOS is still at 2.2.3.
I've tried upgrading and downgrading through the iDRAC.
I replaced CPU with known good CPU's as well. I don't feel this is the problem. Memory was changed to known good memory as well.
Any other suggestions?
DELL-Chris H
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Posted December 6th, 2018 08:00
Glydeen,
What are you seeing if you try the next update? Being the same BIOS, or the iDrac update?
DELL-Chris H
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Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services
#IWork4Dell
Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!- The machine was dead at that point. We had to go the route of a MB swap. Question, is ftp.dell.com down. I haven't been able to reach it for 2 week, maybe a little more. I've tried from work and home with no luck. On the machines with older firmware, I'm kinda out of luck using the LCC if I can't get to the ftp server. (Or at least easily).
edwardmartin755
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Posted December 12th, 2018 23:00
I have recently tried to login into the Netgear router login and tried to make changes from there and upgraded the router. You can easily update the router and get to know about the changes that can be made in the router.
DELL-Rey G
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Posted December 17th, 2018 21:00
Glydeen, were you able to get the downloads you wanted?
DELL-Chris H
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Posted December 3rd, 2018 07:00
Glydeen,
No it is not advisable to jump to the very latest update from a considerably older version. It can actually cause issues to the motherboard as seen. The recommended pattern in updating is to start with the BIOS, then iDrac and Lifecycle Controller, then raid controller, but when I say that i don't mean that you just walk the BIOS up, then the idrac. What I mean is that when you start with updating, you will update the BIOS with one within a couple updates of your version (or if marked Urgent) then after that update completes you would then run the older iDrac update, then the controller. After that then you start again with BIOS, iDrac / LCC, then raid controller on the next jump towards current, but try not to jump more than 3 updates ahead and never miss an Urgent.
I am currently seeing the FTP as up, but it does have intermittent issues. You can also download and use the Server Update Utility, but be sure it isn't trying to jump to the latest version, as it will default to that.
That should keep you from having issues.
Hope this helps answer your question.
DELL-Chris H
Social Media and Communities Professional
Dell Technologies | Enterprise Support Services
#IWork4Dell
Did I answer your query? Please click on ‘Mark as Accepted Answer’. ‘Thumbs up’ the posts you like!