PCServer704 - System BIOS

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Document ID: GKEY-3H4CHE

PCServer704 - System BIOS

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System BIOS

The system BIOS is stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) in a flash EPROM device. You can easily update the BIOS without replacing the device.

A BIOS update always updates Setup, the onboard Video BIOS, and the SCSI BIOS. Language files will be overwritten by a BIOS update. If a custom language file has been created for the system, you must flash in the custom file again after updating the BIOS. The user binary area is untouched by a system BIOS update.

System BIOS Normal Update Procedure: To update the system BIOS, do the following:

1. Copy the files from the BIOS Update diskette to a bootable DOS diskette.
2. Insert the bootable diskette into drive A; then, reboot the system. The update process starts automatically after the system reboots.
3. Follow the displayed prompts, including a final reboot.

Note

Updating the BIOS does not clear CMOS. If you need to clear CMOS and reset nonvolatile memory to the factory defaults.

System BIOS Recovery Procedure

The recovery operation automatically updates the main system BIOS only. Video is not initialized, and the keyboard is disabled. Because there is not screen display, you will need to listen for the following audible status signals.

Audible Beeps

Description

1

Signals beginning of recovery process; process takes 2 to 4 minutes.

2

Signals successful completion of recovery process with no errors.

4

System could not boot form the diskette. Diskette may not be bootable.

Continuous series of low beeps (like a buzz)

Any or all of the following causes:
-The wrong BIOS recovery files are being
used Configuration switch allowing BIOS
Recovery mode is in the wrong position.
- Configuration switch allowing BIOS Write
to flash memory is in the wrong position.
- One or more system BIOS FMUP files
are corrupt or missing.

Note

If the BIOS of an add-in board is mapped to any part of the E0000H range, you must either map it to another area before beginning a recovery procedure or physically remove the board from the system.

To run the BIOS recovery procedure, do the following.

1. If you have not already done so, copy the BIOS Update diskette files to a bootable DOS diskette.
2. Power-off the system.
3. On the system board, move the J6A1 BIOS Recovery jumper from pins1 and2 to pins2 and 3. See 'BIOS Recovery Jumper (J6A1)— .
4. Insert the Flash Memory Update diskette (the bootable DOS diskette you copied the update files to) in drive A; then, power-on the system. You will hear a single initial beep that is part of the normal system start-up process.
5. You will hear two beeps when the process is successfully completed. If the process is not successful, you will hear a different beep pattern. Refer to the preceding table.
6. Make sure the diskette drive activity light is off. Power-off the system.
7. At J6A1, remove the BIOS Recovery jumper from pins2 and 3, and place it back on pins1 and 2.
8. Remove the FMUP diskette from drive A.
9. Power-on the system and check the BIOS version number against what you intended to flash in.

Search Keywords

Hint Category

BIOS, Hardware Maintenance Information

Date Created

15-05-97

Last Updated

01-06-98

Revision Date

29-05-99

Brand

IBM PC Server

Product Family

PC Server 704

Machine Type

8650

Model

Various

TypeModel

Retain Tip (if applicable)

Reverse Doclinks
and Admin Purposes

Note
	Updating the BIOS does not clear CMOS. If you need to clear CMOS and reset nonvolatile memory to the factory defaults.

Audible Beeps	Description
1	Signals beginning of recovery process; process takes 2 to 4 minutes.
2	Signals successful completion of recovery process with no errors.
4	System could not boot form the diskette. Diskette may not be bootable.
Continuous series of low beeps (like a buzz)	Any or all of the following causes: -The wrong BIOS recovery files are being used Configuration switch allowing BIOS Recovery mode is in the wrong position. - Configuration switch allowing BIOS Write to flash memory is in the wrong position. - One or more system BIOS FMUP files are corrupt or missing.

Note
	If the BIOS of an add-in board is mapped to any part of the E0000H range, you must either map it to another area before beginning a recovery procedure or physically remove the board from the system.

	Search Keywords
	Hint Category	BIOS, Hardware Maintenance Information
	Date Created	15-05-97
	Last Updated	01-06-98
	Revision Date	29-05-99
	Brand	IBM PC Server
	Product Family	PC Server 704
	Machine Type	8650
	Model	Various
	TypeModel
	Retain Tip (if applicable)
	Reverse Doclinks and Admin Purposes