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KEYBOARD LOCK-UP with BIOS 42A on PC SERVER 325/330



Subject: KEYBOARD LOCK-UP with BIOS 42A on PC SERVER 325/330
PC Server RETAIN TIP (updated):

     Record number:       H162710
     Device:              D/T8640
     Model:               M
     Hit count:           UHC00018
     Success count:       USC0000
     Publication code:    PC50
     Tip key:
     Date created:        O98/02/11
     Date last altered:   A98/03/25
     Owning B.U.:         USA


Abstract: KEYBOARD LOCK-UP with BIOS 42A on PC SERVER 325/330

SYMPTOM:

No keyboard response after rebooting any PC Server 325/330 upon flashing to BIOS 42A and disabling "Virtual Wire I/O APIC mode" in CMOS.

PROBLEM ISOLATION AIDS:

All the following must be true for this TIP to Apply:



FIX:
  1.  Download the Following diskette images (as required) from the  IBM Website:

     "PC Server 325 (8639-EJ0, ES0, ESV, RS0, EM0) and  IBM PC Server 330(8640-ES0, ES2, ESS, EM2, EMR)  BIOS flash update diskette version 45A"

     "PC Server 325 (8639-EJ0, ES0, ESV, RS0, EM0) and  PC Server 330(8640-ES0, ES2, ESS, EM2, EMR) EISA configuration  diskette version 6.10."

     These images are available at the IBM Website at URL:

    http://www.pc.ibm.com/files.html

    Note: select the corresponding Readme files listed with  a code image to view, print, or download for application  details specific to the image.
     The diskette images are self-extracting executable files  that prompt for a blank diskette.

  2.  Depress and hold down both Mouse buttons while powering  up the system. Do not release the Mouse buttons until  System POST completes. This will reset the CMOS settings  to the default values allowing the keyboard to operate  normally. When Post completes, the System will beep once  and reboot. Upon completion of boot, power down the system.

  3.  Insert the System BIOS flash ver 45A or higher, power up  the System and follow the on-screen prompts to Flash the  System BIOS to the latest level.

  4.  Configure the System via CMOS as required.

  5.  Reboot the System using the EISA Configuration Diskette  ver. 6.1 (or Higher), adjust the total System memory setting  with respect to the actual total memory in the System. This  will ensure that NetWare can use all the installed Memory in  the System. Configure any EISA / ISA adapters in the System.


WORKAROUND:
  1.  Download the Following diskette images (as required) from the  IBM Website:

     "PC Server 325(8639-EJ0,ES0,ESV,RSO) Recovery Diskette for BIOS V42A"

     "PC Server 330(8640-ES0,ES2,ESS,EM2) Recovery Diskette for BIOS V42A"

     "PC Server 325 (8639-EJ0, ES0, ESV, RS0, EM0) and
      IBM PC Server 330(8640-ES0, ES2, ESS, EM2, EMR)
      BIOS flash update diskette version 45A"

     "PC Server 325 (8639-EJ0, ES0, ESV, RS0, EM0) and
     PC Server 330(8640-ES0, ES2, ESS, EM2, EMR) EISA configuration  diskette version 6.10."

      These images are available at the IBM Website at URL:

    http://www.pc.ibm.com/files.html

    Note: select the corresponding Readme files listed with  each code image to view, print, or download for application  details specific to each image.

     The diskette images are self-extracting executable files  that prompt for a blank diskette.

  2.  Insert the CORRECT Recovery diskette into the System Floppy  drive, then power on the System. The recovery program will  reset the CMOS settings to default including the "Virtual I/O  APIC mode" settings. Upon completion, power down the System  and remove the Recovery Diskette (the Keyboard will now  function the next time the System is powered up).

  3.  Insert the System BIOS flash ver 45A or higher, power up  the System and follow the on-screen prompts to Flash the  System BIOS to the latest level.

  4.  Configure the System via CMOS as required.

  5.  Reboot the System using the EISA Configuration Diskette  ver. 6.1 (or Higher), adjust the total System memory setting  with respect to the actual total memory in the System. This  will ensure that NetWare can use all the installed Memory in  the System. Configure any EISA / ISA adapters in the System


--- OR ---
  1.  Power off the system and disconnect the power cable.
  2.  Move the Processor and the VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) to  their second sockets respectively.
  3.  Connect the power cable, insert the ver. 45A BIOS Flash  diskette (or higher) into the Floppy Drive, power up the  System, the keyboard will now function. Follow the on-screen  prompts to Flash the BIOS.
  4.  Power down the Server after the System reboots upon  completion of the BIOS Flash.
  5.  Remove the Power Cord, then move the processor and VRM  to their original sockets respectively, then reinstall the  Power Cord.
  6.  Configure the System via CMOS as required.
  7.  Reboot the System using the EISA Configuration Diskette  ver. 6.1 (or Higher), adjust the total System memory setting  with respect to the actual total memory in the System. This  will ensure that NetWare can use all the installed Memory in  the System. Configure any EISA / ISA adapters in the System.


Detail:

This problem is specific to single processor configurations when after applying BIOS Version 42A, the keyboard will lock-up during the next system boot IF the "Virtual Wire Mode" is disabled in the CMOS. Disabling the "Virtual Wire Mode" is required IF the system will be running NetWare. BIOS 42A has been removed from the IBM BBS and Website, BIOS Versions 41A and 34A (34A specific for use with NetWare) have been posted back on the IBM BBS and Website until Ver. 45A BIOS is fully tested and available. This problem does not exist if running Dual Processors.


NetWare is a trademark of Novell Inc.


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