PowerEdge: 17G - Server Unable to Complete POST – Stuck at "HOST Boot in Progress"

System fails to advance beyond "Host Boot in Progress" during initialization.

 

In most of the cases, replacing the DC-SCM card has resolved the Issue.

iDRAC/BIOS issues and troubleshooting: Since the management port, iDRAC chipset, and BIOS architecture reside on the DC-SCM, troubleshooting to also be included for 17G platforms should be reseating of the DC-SCM card.

Before initiating a hardware replacement, ensure the following troubleshooting steps have been performed:

1. Perform a Flea Power Drain (Node Reset)
   1. Power off the system.
   2. Remove all AC power cables.
   3. Press and hold the power button for 15–20 seconds.
   4. Wait 1–2 minutes.
      Reconnect power and boot the system.
   5. This clears residual power and can recover DC-SCM initialization failures.
2. Check iDRAC Accessibility
   1. Attempt to access iDRAC via:
   2. Web GUI
   3. SSH
   4. RACADM
3. Reset iDRAC
   1. If accessible: Perform iDRAC soft reset: racadm racreset
   2. If unresponsive: Hold System ID button for ~15 seconds (if supported for iDRAC reset). Perform full AC power removal again.
4. Reseat the DC-SCM Module (If Hardware Suspected)
   1. Warning: Follow ESD precautions.
   2. Power off system.
   3. Remove AC power.
   4. Remove top cover.
   5. Locate DC-SCM module.
   6. Reseat: DC-SCM card
   7. Reassemble and retest.
      
   8. Check for:
      1. Bent pins
      2. Connector damage
      3. Physical debris
5. Replace DC-SCM (If Confirmed Faulty)
   • Consider replacement if:
     • iDRAC is completely non-functional
     • System consistently halts at “Host Boot in Progress”
     • Firmware recovery fails
     • SEL shows persistent DC-SCM hardware faults
     • Reseating does not resolve issue.