IBM System x3500

Server boot failure problem
Use the following procedure when the server fails to boot and there are no video
symptoms.
1. Do the Power Supply LEDs indicate an error?
v Yes - See “Power-supply LEDs” on page 137.
v No - Go to step 2.
2. Do the PCI LED or microprocessor LED indicate an error?
v Yes - Make sure there is a ServeRAID 8k or ServeRAID 8k-l installed in the
server.
v No - Go to step 3.
3. Reseat all system board connectors, cables, memory, and microprocessors.
Retest the server with the following minimum configuration:
v One microprocessor
v Two 512 MB DIMMs
v One power supply
v Power backplane
v Power cord
v ServeRAID SAS adapter
v System board assembly
Did the no boot symptom remain?
v Yes - Go to step 4.
v No - The problem has been corrected.
4. Remove all of the memory DIMMs installed in the server; then, restart sever and
check for the following:
v A memory beep error during POST.
v One or more fans running
Did POST generate a memory beep error and one or more fans are running?
v Yes - Most likely a video problem.
v No- Go to step 5.
5. Clear CMOS; then, retest the server. Did the memory beep error occur?
v Yes - Reinstall the memory DIMMs; then, retest the server.
v No - Go to step 6.
6. Reinstall the memory DIMMs in the server. Did the no boot symptoms remain?
v Yes - Go to step 7.
v No - The problem has been corrected.
7. Call IBM Service with the following information:
v The results you received while performing each step of this procedure
v A complete list of the hardware inventory of your server.
130 IBM System x3500 Type 7977: Problem Determination and Service Guide