FailSafe Boot Block ROM
The FailSafe Boot Block ROM allows for system recovery in the unlikely event of a ROM flash failure,
for example, if a power failure occurs during a ROM upgrade. The Boot Block is a flash-protected section
of the ROM that checks for a valid system ROM flash when the system is powered on.
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If the system ROM is valid, the system starts normally.
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If the system ROM fails the validation check, the FailSafe Boot Block ROM provides enough support
to start the system from a ROMPaq diskette, which will program the system ROM with a valid image.
NOTE: Some models also support recovery from a ROMPaq CD. ISO ROMPaq images are included
with selected models in the downloadable ROM SoftPaq. Recovery from USB devices is also supported
When the Boot Block detects an invalid system ROM, the System Power LED blinks red eight times,
once every second, followed by a two-second pause. Also, you will hear eight beeps that correspond
to the blinks. A Boot Block recovery mode message is displayed on the screen (some models).
To recover the system after it enters Boot Block recovery mode:
1. If there is a diskette in the diskette drive or a CD in the CD drive, remove the diskette and CD, and
power down the system.
2. Insert a ROMPaq diskette into the diskette drive, or if permitted on this workstation, insert a
ROMPaq CD into the CD drive. USB media such as an HP DriveKey can also be used.
3. Power on the workstation.
If no ROMPaq diskette or ROMPaq CD is found, you will be prompted to insert one and restart the
workstation.
If a setup password has been established, the Caps Lock light illuminates and you are prompted
to enter the password.
4. Enter the setup password.
If the system successfully starts from the diskette and successfully reprograms the ROM, then the
three keyboard lights illuminate. A rising tone series of beeps also signals successful completion.
5. Remove the diskette or CD, and restart the system.
The following table lists the various keyboard light combinations used by the Boot Block ROM (when a
PS2 keyboard is attached to the workstation) and explains the meaning and action associated with each
combination.
Table 3-2 Keyboard light combinations used by Boot Block ROM
Light State Description
FailSafe Boot
Block Mode
Keyboard LED Activity State/Message
Num Lock On ROMPaq diskette or ROMPaq CD not present, is bad, or drive not ready
Caps Lock On Enter password
Num, Caps,
Scroll Lock
Blink On in sequence,
one at a time—N,C, SL
Keyboard locked in network mode
Num, Caps,
Scroll Lock
On Boot Block ROM Flash successful.
Diagnostic lights do not flash on USB keyboards.
ENWW Desktop management 35
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