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Hugo Garcia
Asked: 2011-07-02 10:40:32 +0800 CST

Problems booting an IBM Server with ServerRaid 4Lx

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I have an IBM server xSeries 205 with a ServeRaid 4Lx on it that after a power faliure refused to boot. it presented a error message during ServerRaid BIOS boot phase stating:

ServeRAID? ,Slot1, Status: Controller register test failed, test number 01

after this message a few seconds later the server hangs completly

on the IBM support site i found this:

Controller Reg. test failed. Test Number:
Explanation: The adapter or embedded controller failed the register test, where is the register number and is the test number. Action: Reseat the adapter. If the problem persists, replace the PC ServeRAID Adapter.

I flashed the controller again with the latest firmware and the problem persisted, then i ordered a new Controller and replaced it and the problem is still there.

i found a work around. After this error messages appear i can restart the server (CTRL+Alt+del) and the next time it boots everything works fine.

Can any one help me out finding the source of the problem or how i can solve it?

Things that i have tried to solve the problem:

 - Updated BIOS of Server and Controller
 - Switched PCI Slots
 - Replaced ServerRaid Controller with brand new
 - Unplugued all scsi wires and tested the boot sequence

thanks very much for your time

boot ibm ibm-xseries

3 Answers

  1. If the card is plugged into one of the two slots on the PCI extender, consider moving it to the slots on the main board. It may not be getting enough power early enough in the boot cycle to perform its POST. Changing the slot it is in could help. If the system is lightly loaded with cards, try and have the slot next to it unused, as well.

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  2. Best Answer

    Check the syslog in the linux distro else

    If

    • you tested your ram
    • you tested the card in another server
    • your CPU still works without errors (syslog in linux)

    You might want to conclude you could have a problem on your motherboard.

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  3. I finally solved the puzzle, the problem was because a power surge that fried the Mainboard... i didn't give any attention first, but on closer inspection the condensers on the motherboard where all leaking and some of them exploded.. i'm surprised this thing even booted.

    any way, thanks every one for the help.

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