VxRail: SYS198: Unable to communicate with internal iDRAC memory

Summary: iDRAC life cycle logs show error: SYS198: Unable to communicate with internal iDRAC memory.

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Symptoms

The error is encountered on boot or in the Lifecycle Logs of the iDRAC.

This error indicates that an internal iDRAC memory component is unresponsive.

Impact on iDRAC Functionality

The iDRAC has issues performing tasks that require a soft reset, including firmware updates.

However, the iDRAC continues to run, keeping logs and events.

  • Error message: SYS198: An internal iDRAC memory component is unresponsive
  • Location of error: Boot or Lifecycle Logs of the iDRAC

 

Cause

There is a memory chip that stores the boot state of the iDRAC and the iDRAC is unable to access this chip. This puts the iDRAC into this degraded state to protect itself.

This is not a hardware fault.

Resolution

A power drain of the server is necessary to allow the components to start back-up properly.
Schedule a maintenance window accordingly if needed.
  1. Put the node into Maintenance mode
  2. Shut down the node
  3. Unplug both power supplies for at least 5 minutes
    • This can be sped up slightly by holding down the power button for 30 s
  4. Plug back in the power cables
  5. Wait 2 minutes for iDRAC to fully boot up
  6. If the node does not power on, turn on the system and let it boot up fully

Affected Products

VxRail Appliance Series

Products

VxRail 460 and 470 Nodes, VxRail G Series Nodes, VxRail E Series Nodes, VxRail P Series Nodes, VxRail S Series Nodes, VxRail V Series Nodes
Article Properties
Article Number: 000041130
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 11 Jun 2025
Version:  5
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