DEC DIGITAL Server 9100 DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series
User’s Guide

Part Number: ER-M2XWW-UA. A01

Digital Equipment Corporation

January 1998

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a
commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.

Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that might appear in this
document.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such license. No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of
software or equipment that is not supplied by Digital Equipment Corporation or its affiliated companies.

Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set
forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at
DFARS 252.227-7013.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User’s Guide

Copyright 1998 Digital Equipment Corporation
Portions of this document contain material copyrighted by NCR Corporation, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.
All Rights Reserved.

Adaptec, the Adaptec logo, AHA, Altra, AVA, EZ-SCSISelect, and SlimSCSI are trademarks of Adaptec,
Inc. which may be registered in some jurisdictions.
IBM, AT, OS/2, and Micro Channel are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
DEC and the DIGITAL logo are registered trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.
Intel and Pentium-Pro are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
PhoenixBIOS is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
SIMM is a registered trademark of Wang Laboratories.
Windows, Windows NT, MS-DOS, MS, and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.

All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Microsoft Corporation’s license agreement
precludes copying, disassembling, or reverse compiling software programs, or making any backup copies
of the software programs. You are not authorized to copy program files, or use any backup diskette
(made for the purpose of data backup and recovery from serious Flash failures) on any other system.

Table of Contents

Preface

Who Should Read This Book ...........................................................................................................................v

How To Use This Book ....................................................................................................................................v

Conventions Used ............................................................................................................................................v

Related Publications....................................................................................................................................... vi

Chapter 1

Server Description

Warnings and Cautions ................................................................................................................................ 1-2

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents............................................................................................... 1-2

Typical Configurations................................................................................................................................. 1-2

Expanding the Server Configuration............................................................................................................1-3

System Features Summary ........................................................................................................................... 1-4

Chassis Back Features and Controls.................................................................................................................... 1-5

Chassis Front Features and Controls................................................................................................................... 1-6

SCSI Drive Status LED Descriptions............................................................................................................ 1-7

Front Panel Interface........................................................................................................................................... 1-8

System Board Sets ............................................................................................................................................ 1-10

Board Set for a Dual System Board Configuration...................................................................................... 1-10

Primary System Board Features.................................................................................................................. 1-10

Secondary System Board Features.............................................................................................................. 1-11

Configuration Restrictions for System Boards ............................................................................................ 1-12

Primary System Board Connector and Component Locations .....................................................................1-13

Secondary System Board Connector and Component Locations.................................................................. 1-14

Processor Boards........................................................................................................................................ 1-15

Processors.................................................................................................................................................. 1-15

Bus Termination Board.............................................................................................................................. 1-15

Memory ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-16

Add-In Board Slots .................................................................................................................................... 1-18

SCSI Controllers........................................................................................................................................ 1-20

External Primary System Board Connectors............................................................................................... 1-21

Peripherals........................................................................................................................................................ 1-22

SCSI-2 Hard Drive Bays ............................................................................................................................ 1-22

SCSI Drive Hot-Swap Backplane ............................................................................................................... 1-23

Ultra SCSI Drive Considerations................................................................................................................ 1-24

Removable Media Drive Bays .................................................................................................................... 1-24

Power System ................................................................................................................................................... 1-25

Power Supplies........................................................................................................................................... 1-25

Interlock Circuit......................................................................................................................................... 1-26

Power Distribution Backplane.................................................................................................................... 1-27

Controlling Access to Power On/Off .......................................................................................................... 1-27

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide iii

Contents

System Security Features ...................................................................................................................................1-28

Software Locks via the System Configuration Utility (SCU)........................................................................1-29

Software Locks via the BIOS Setup Utility..................................................................................................1-29

Using Passwords.........................................................................................................................................1-30

Service Philosophy.............................................................................................................................................1-31

Regulatory Statements and Warranty.................................................................................................................1-32

Safety Certifications....................................................................................................................................1-32

Emission/Immunity Certifications...............................................................................................................1-32

Warranty ....................................................................................................................... .............................1-33

Chapter 2

Installing and Removing System Components

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents .............................................................................................. 2-1

Tools and Supplies Needed .......................................................................................................................... 2-1

Warnings and Cautions................................................................................................................................ 2-2

Installing or Swapping a SCSI Drive in a Hot-Swap Bay .................................................................................... 2-3

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Protection ..............................................................................................2-3

No Need to Turn Off Power ......................................................................................................................... 2-3

When to Replace Drive................................................................................................................................ 2-3

Status LEDs................................................................................................................................................. 2-3

Installing or Swapping a Drive .................................................................................................................... 2-5

Removing and Installing Power Supplies............................................................................................................ 2-6

Removing a Power Supply ........................................................................................................................... 2-6

Installing a Power Supply ............................................................................................................................ 2-7

Chapter 3

System Security

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents .............................................................................................. 3-1

Cabinet Security Features ................................................................................................................................... 3-1

BIOS and Configuration Utility Security Features............................................................................................... 3-2

Enabling Security Features........................................................................................................................... 3-2

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents .............................................................................................. 4-1

Codes and Error Messages.................................................................................................................................. 4-2

Logging of Critical Events........................................................................................................................... 4-2

POST Terminal Error Beep Codes............................................................................................................... 4-2

POST Error Codes and Messages................................................................................................................. 4-3

Problems and Solutions....................................................................................................................................... 4-5

Resetting The System................................................................................................................................... 4-5

System Reset Checklist ................................................................................................................................ 4-6

Running New Application Software............................................................................................................. 4-7

After the System Has Been Running Correctly............................................................................................. 4-7

Additional Troubleshooting Procedures........................................................................................................ 4-8

Running System Diagnostics........................................................................................................................ 4-9

Specific Problems and Corrective Actions...................................................................................................4-10

...........................................................................................................................................................Index-1

Index

iv Table of Contents

Who Should Read This Book

This book is written for the person who installs and administers the server.

How To Use This Book

This book is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1: Server Description – provides an overview of the server and its components

• Chapter 2: Installing and Removing System Components– procedures for installing and removing

power supplies and hot-swapping a SCSI disk drive

• Chapter 3: System Security – provides information about system security

• Chapter 4: Troubleshooting – provides troubleshooting information (including error codes and some

common problems and solutions)

Conventions Used

The following conventions are used throughout this guide to help you understand the text.

Preface

Symbols

The symbol > is used in showing you how to select a menu item. For example, the entry System Config
Utils>Execute SCU instructs you to select the Execute SCU item in the System Config Utils menu.

Acronyms

The first time an acronym is used in a chapter, it is spelled out. Subsequent uses in the chapter show only
the acronym. For example, the first time “System Configuration Utility” is used in the chapter, it is shown
as System Configuration Utility (SCU). Later references to System Configuration Utility use SCU.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide v

Preface

Typography

In this document, special typefaces are used to distinguish certain kinds of information.

Courier

Used for operator entry, commands, and screen messages.

Bold

Used for utility names and for emphasis in instructions.

Italics

Used for document names, path names, and file names.

CAPS

Keys and buttons are displayed in capital letters.

“Quotes”

Used for chapter and section references within the guide and for menu selections.

Special Notices

This book may contain special notices to you, which are labeled and described below:

Warnings − Text marked as WARNINGS alert you to situations where personal injury is possible.

Cautions − CAUTIONS indicate situations where equipment damage or data loss is possible.

Important − Text marked as IMPORTANT notifies you of significant and consequential information.

Related Publications

For additional information, refer to the following books:

• DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System Software Guide

• DIGITAL Server 9100 Series Installation Guide

• DIGITAL Server 9100 Series Site Preparation Guide

• AMIDiag User’s Guide (available on the Quick Launch CD-ROM)

vi Preface

Chapter 1

Server Description

The server uses Pentium Pro symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) and peripheral component interconnect
input/output (PCI I/O) to provide unparalleled reliability, investment protection, scalability, and
price/performance.

The server provides superior processing and I/O power with support for four to eight Pentium Pro
processors, four PCI busses, and up to three onboard SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) busses for
the fastest application and network performance.

The server increases system availability through:

• ECC (Error Checking and Correction) memory

• Hot-swappable disk drives (“hot-swappable” refers to a component that you can replace with the

system power on)

• Hot-swappable redundant power supplies

• Redundant cooling

• Integrated server management hardware and software

By providing internal expandability up to 12 SCSI disk drives, 4 gigabytes (GB) of memory, 15 PCI slots,
and 4 EISA slots, the server provides world-class investment protection for even the fastest-growing
customer applications.

This server system is designed for use in applications where downtime must be minimized. To this end,
the server includes or has the option to include the following:

• Optional power system redundancy. In a system configured with the appropriate number of power

supplies for redundancy (two in some system configurations and three in others), the system continues
to operate with a single power supply failure.

• Self-contained, hot-swappable power supply units. Power supplies can be easily installed or

removed from the back of the chassis. If you have a redundant power supply configuration, you can
remove and install a power supply while the system is running.

• Easily accessible SCSI drive bays. The bays are accessible from the front of the chassis.

• Hot-swappable SCSI drive backplane. You can remove a failed drive and install a new drive

without turning the system power off.

• Failure monitoring. Hardware monitors (temperature and voltage) and software monitors to indicate

failures.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-1

Chassis Back Features and Controls

Warnings and Cautions

Overload condition, power supplies: The 625-watt power supplies are hot-swappable. You do not have

to turn the power off when removing or installing power supplies. However, if you remove a power supply

with the power on, your server must have a redundant power supply configuration. Otherwise, an overload

condition might occur and cause the system to shut down.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI), removable media bays: The system has four 5.25-inch half-

height bays accessible from the front. These bays are convenient for diskette, tape, and CD-ROM drives

(removable media). Because of the EMI generated by hard drives and the increased susceptibility to

electrostatic discharge (ESD), we do not recommend putting hard drives in the 5.25-inch half-height bays.

Hazardous conditions, devices and cables: Hazardous electrical conditions may be present on power,

telephone, and communication cables. Turn off the system and disconnect the power cord,

telecommunications systems, networks, and modems attached to the system before removing the covers

from the system.

Exceeding limits, accessory/option adapter boards: Accessory/option adapter board outputs may

exceed National Electrical Code (NEC) Class 2 or limited power source limits and must be installed with

the appropriate interconnecting cabling in accordance with NEC regulations.

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents

Refer to the “Preface” of this document for important information on how to use this book, terms and

conventions, and related documents.

When used in this chapter, the term “configuration utility” refers to the SCU (System Configuration

Utility). The “Configuring Your Server” section of Chapter 3 of the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System

Software Guide discusses how to use this utility in detail.

Typical Configurations

A typical configuration for a server with two system boards could include the following:

• 1 GB memory

• Six processors

• Three processor boards and one termination board

• Diskette drive

• Six SCSI hard drives in a RAID configuration (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

• Two SCSI drive backplanes

• CD-ROM drive

• Two 625-watt power supplies

1-2 Server Description

Expanding the Server Configuration

As server/client needs grow, you can expand the system by adding processors, memory, drives, and power
supplies. Following is a description of the expandability limits for the above components:

• The primary system board and the secondary system board have two slots each for processor boards.

Either a processor board or a bus termination board must be plugged into each processor board
connector.

• 4 GB memory board supports 16 DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) devices for a minimum

memory size of 128 MB up to a total of 4 GB of memory. Maximum of two memory boards for dual
system board configurations.

• The primary system board has four EISA and seven PCI slots for add-in boards. (The fourth add-in

board slot from the bottom is a shared PCI/EISA bus slot. The term “shared” indicates that there is a
PCI and an EISA slot accessible from one external add-in board slot.) The secondary system board
has eight PCI slots.

• Chassis can hold 17 drives: 12 hot-swap bays for 3.5-inch SCSI-2 SCA (Single Connector

Attachment) hard drives; four 5.25-inch half-height bays for removable media drives; one 3.5-inch
bay with diskette drive already installed.

• Chassis supports from one to three power supplies.

Chassis Back Features and Controls

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-3

Chassis Back Features and Controls

System Features Summary

The following table summarizes the features of the system.

Feature Description

Modular board set System is intended for use with a modular board set based on Pentium Pro

technology; it supports up to eight processors and up to 8 GB of memory.

Add-in board support Rail and back panel slots support up to 18 add-in boards.

3.5-inch diskette drive A 3.5-inch diskette drive is externally accessible.
12 locations for 3.5-

inch SCSI-2 hard drives

Hot-swappable
backplane

Four locations for
removable media drives

Power supply From one to three hot-swappable 625-watt auto-ranging power supplies are

Cooling fans Each power supply has an integral cooling fan. In addition, there are eight fans

Security

Software-related
utilities, setup

System management Inter-Integrated Circuit interface (I2C) for diagnostic and intra-chassis

Two backplanes each hold six 3.5-inch hot-swappable SCSI-2 hard drives (for
a total of 12 SCSI drives). The drive bays are secure behind a lockable metal
EMI door. You can swap drives in or out of the system with power on. The
array of drives allows easy setup of RAID applications.

A hot-swappable backplane is part of each 3.5-inch drive bay assembly for
SCSI drives. The backplane is designed for wide and fast SCSI-2 devices that
use the industry standard 80-pin Single Connector Attachment (SCA). Each
backplane consists of two rows of three drive connectors. A system may
contain one or two of these backplanes (supporting 6 or 12 drives).

Four externally accessible 5.25-inch half-height bays are available for diskette,
CD-ROM, and/or tape drives.

easily removed and installed. The server configuration requires a minimum of
two power supplies.

within the cabinet to provide cooling for boards and drives.

Mechanical

intrusion sensors (one on each side panel). A padlock loop and an intrusion
sensor (at the metal EMI door).

BIOS

administrative and user passwords, Password on Boot, Video Blanking,
Secure Mode Timer).

SCU

: Security Subsystems Group options available include, for example,
Lockout Timer, Secure Boot Mode, Floppy Write Protect, Reset/Power Switch
Locking).

For more information on system security, see “System Security” in this
chapter.

Diagnostic Partition, BIOS Setup Utility, System Configuration Utility (SCU),
SCSI

communication.

: Two metal padlock loops (at the back of each side panel). Two

: Security menu offers a range of security options (for example, setting

Select

 Utility.

1-4 Server Description

Chassis Back Features and Controls

The following figure shows the chassis back features and controls.

Chassis Back Features and Controls

A

Chassis Back Features and Controls

B1
B2
B3

C

D

E

A AC input power connector Single input for 240 volts
B Power supplies (3 shown)

B1 = Power supply 1
B2 = Power supply 2
B3 = Power supply 3

C Power supply status LEDs Status descriptions:

D Side cover padlock loops One on each side, at the back
E PCI slots Eight dedicated PCI slots (secondary system board)
F Keyboard PS/2-compatible 6-pin connector
G COM2 Serial port 9-pin connector.
H VGA VGA monitor 15-pin connector
I Mouse PS/2-compatible 6-pin connector
J COM1 Serial port 9-pin connector.
K LPT1 LPT1 25-pin parallel port connector
L PCI slots Six dedicated PCI add-in board slot locations (primary system board)
M PCI/EISA slot One shared PCI/EISA slot (primary system board)
N EISA slots Three dedicated EISA add-in board slot locations (primary system board)
O Knockouts Available to route SCSI signals to peripheral boxes

Two supplies:
Three supplies:

Green LED on Power supply is good.
LED off Indicates a power supply failure if the system is on.

High-end system (required for this server configuration)
High-end system (required for N+1 redundancy)

F

G

H

D

K

L
M
N

O

OM04357

I

J

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-5

Chassis Front Features and Controls

Chassis Front Features and Controls

The following figure shows the chassis front features and controls.

Chassis Front Features and Controls

A

EBFCHGDI

J

L

K

OM04358

A Activity light for 3.5-

inch diskette drive

B Ejector button for 3.5-

inch diskette drive

C Power on/off switch

(convex button)

D Reset switch (concave

button)

E LED status indicator:

Power-on, green

F LED status indicator:

Power-fail, yellow

G LED status indicator:

Fan-fail, yellow

H LED status indicator:

Drive-fault, yellow

I LCD panel Displays information about processor type. May be customized with user-

J Small bezel door Open panel to access removable media bays
K Front cover Cosmetic panel
L Large bezel door Open panel to access up to 12 hard disk bays

When lit, drive is in use.

Press to eject diskette.

Press to turn system DC power on or off. For system security, the power­off function can be disabled via the BIOS Secure Mode option.

Press to cause a hard reset to the system; the power-on self-test (POST)
runs. The Reset switch can be disabled via the BIOS Secure Mode option.

When lit, power is present in system (+5 Vdc). When off, power is turned
off or the power source is disrupted.

When lit, indicates either a power supply failure or an intrusion event
(removal of a cover with power on).

When lit, a fan has failed.

When lit, a SCSI drive has failed.

designated string (via the SCU).

1-6 Server Description

SCSI Drive Status LED Descriptions

You can pinpoint a faulty SCSI drive to remove by checking the status LEDs. The LEDs occur in sets of
three above each of the 12 drive bays. The following table shows the meaning of the status LEDs.

Chassis Front Features and Controls

SCSI Drive
Present, Power On

Green LED

On Off Off

On

Off Off On

On Off

Off Off Off

* Table assumes a SCSI host controller is installed to send SAF-TE (SCSI Accessed Fault-Tolerant Enclosures)

control signals to the drive fault LED.

SCSI Drive
Active

Green LED

Blinking

SCSI Drive
Faulty*

Yellow LED

Off

Slow
blinking

Description and Action If Needed

Drive is present with power.

Drive is present with power and is being accessed.

Drive CAN be replaced. Steady yellow fault light
indicates drive has a problem. Power to drive is
off.

Drive SHOULD NOT be replaced at this time. A
slowly blinking yellow fault light indicates a drive
that has just been replaced is in recovery mode
(drive array being rebuilt). Power to drive is on.

There is no drive installed in the bay or system
power is off.

Note: The DIGITAL Server 9100 series utilizes a Fault Reporting mechanism called SAF-TE (SCSI
Accessed Fault Tolerant Enclosure) for reporting hot-swap disk drive activity and status. All other
DIGITAL Servers as well as external Expansion Cabinets use the DIGITAL Fault-Bus for reporting of
hot-swap disk drive activity and status. The Mylex RAID controllers provide support for both types of
fault reporting and are shipped configured for SAF-TE when factory installed or DIGITAL Fault-Bus
when ordered as standalone options. A RAID controller can be configured for SAF-TE or Fault-Bus but
not both. Consequently, a RAID controller configuration with one channel connected to internal hot­swap disk drives (SAF-TE) and another channel connected to an expansion cabinet (Fault-Bus) is not
supported.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-7

Front Panel Interface

Front Panel Interface

The system front panel control board contains these components:

• Power and reset switches

• System speaker

• LED indicators for power-on, power-fail, fan-fail, and drive fault

• LCD character display

• Chassis intrusion alarm switch connectors

The LCD displays two lines of 16 characters each. You can modify the LCD display through the
configuration utility. The electrical interface is compatible with commercially available LCDs. For
information on customizing the LCD display, refer to Chapter 3 of the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series

System Software Guide.

The upper portion of the following figure shows the front panel control board as viewed from the front.
The lower portion of the figure shows the location of the board as installed in the chassis.

1-8 Server Description

Front Panel Control Board

MLNK

FAB C DE G H

I

Front Panel Interface

J

OM04366

A Signal from intrusion switch at back edge near power supply three; 3-pin, right-angle, latching-

style connector
B Power on/off switch
C Reset switch
D Power-on LED, green
E Power-fail LED, yellow
F Fan-fail LED, yellow
G Drive-fault LED, yellow
H Speaker
I Signal from intrusion switch at back edge near power supply one; 3-pin, right-angle, latching-style

connector
J Signal interface to LCD; 14-pin, straight-head connector
K Power to LCD; 3-pin, straight-head, latching-style connector
L Hard drive bay intrusion switch (from EMI door intrusion sensor)
M NMI switch (not a button switch; a recessed switch accessible through a small hole)
N Signal interface to primary system board; 40-pin, straight-head connector (pin 17 removed)

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-9

System Board Sets

System Board Sets

The “system board set” reflects the type and number of boards available for a particular configuration.

Board Set for a Dual System Board Configuration

The system board set for a dual system board configuration includes the following:

• Primary and secondary system boards

• Up to four processor boards

• One to two memory boards

• Bus termination board (required in any slot in which processor board is not installed)

Primary System Board Features

The following table summarizes the primary system board features.

Primary System
Board Feature

Multiple processor
support

Upgradable memory One slot for memory board, supporting up to 4 GB memory using 256 MB

Add-in board support Three dedicated EISA bus slots

SCSI controllers Two onboard SCSI-2 controllers; Ultra SCSI channel support (PCI-based)
BIOS Flash memory-based BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and Setup utilities
Intermodule connector Used to connect the primary and secondary system boards. A 266-pin

Video Integrated super VGA controller chip with 1 MB of video memory
External device

connectors

Description

Two processor board slots. Up to Four Pentium Pro microprocessors (two on
each processor board). Either a processor board or a bus termination board
must be plugged into the system board.

DIMMs.

Note:

System memory data coherency is maintained using a Line Status Table
(LST) SIMM on the system board. Whenever a memory board is resident, an
LST SIMM module must also be resident.

Six dedicated 32-bit PCI slots; dual (peer) bus architecture
One shared PCI/EISA slot

receptacle-type connector into which the secondary system board is plugged.

Onboard connectors for two serial ports, parallel port, PS/2-compatible
keyboard and mouse, and VGA monitor

Clock Real-time clock/calendar (RTC) chip
System hardware

monitoring

1-10 Server Description

Detects chassis intrusion and contains sensors for temperature, voltage, and
fan failure

Secondary System Board Features

The following table presents the secondary system board features.

System Board Sets

Secondary System
Board Feature

Multiple processor
support

Upgradable memory One slot for memory board, supporting up to 4 GB memory using 256 MB

Add-in board support Eight dedicated 32-bit PCI slots on secondary system board; dual (peer) bus

SCSI controller One onboard SCSI-2; Ultra SCSI channel support (PCI-based)
Intermodule connector Used to connect primary and secondary system boards. On the secondary

Description

Two slots for processor board slots. Up to four Pentium Pro microprocessors
(two on each processor board). Either a processor board or a bus termination
board must be plugged into the system board.

DIMMs. For an eight-processor system, both system boards must contain a
memory board with an equal amount of memory.

Note:

System memory data coherency is maintained using a Line Status Table
(LST) SIMM on the system board. Whenever a memory board is resident, an
LST SIMM module must also be resident.

architecture

system board, this is a plug-type connector which is inserted into the
intermodule connector receptacle on the primary system board.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-11

System Board Sets

Configuration Restrictions for System Boards

Certain restrictions have been defined for configuring the primary and secondary system boards to
optimize server performance.

Configuration Restrictions for the Primary System Board

Following are the configuration restrictions for the primary system board:

• The maximum number of PCI and EISA adapters you can install on the primary system board is 10,

in either of the following configurations:

– 6 PCI and 4 EISA
– 7 PCI and 3 EISA

• On the primary system board, either a processor board or a bus termination board must be plugged

into the second processor board slot.

• If you install a video controller adapter in one of the PCI bus 0 or EISA slots, the onboard VGA

controller is disabled. You must attach the monitor to the add-in video controller.

Configuration Restrictions for Both System Boards

Following are the configuration restrictions that apply to both system boards:

• For systems with up to seven processors, the memory board on primary system board is filled first

with memory modules. Once that memory board is full, the second memory board on the secondary
system board is added and populated.

• For systems with eight processors, a memory board is put on each system board and must contain a

balanced memory load (a minimum of 128 MB per memory board for a total minimum of 256 MB).

• On the secondary system board, either a processor board or a bus termination board must be plugged

into each processor board connector (CPU 3 and CPU 4).

• All processors on the system boards must be of the same speed and cache size.

• If any memory board is installed on a system board, an LST SIMM module must be installed in the

LST SIMM socket. If 200 MHz/1 MB cache processors are resident, use a 1024K LST SIMM module.
If both system boards contain an LST SIMM module, then the LST SIMM module must be the same
size.

Note: To read about restrictions on configuring specific add-in boards, refer to “Configuration
Restrictions for Add-in Boards” later in this chapter.

To read about configuration restrictions for memory boards, refer to “4 GB Memory Board DIMM
Configuration Restrictions,” which appears later in this chapter.

1-12 Server Description

System Board Sets

Primary System Board Connector and Component Locations

The following figure shows the connector and component locations on the primary system board.

Connector and Component Locations on the Primary System Board

A

AA
Z

Y
X

W

V

U

T

S

BCD

E
F
G
H

I

J

K

L

M

R

N

O

Q

P

Label Connector/component Label Connector/Component

A Power control and status (PS3) O I2C connector (not used)
B +5 V, +12 V, and 3.3 V power connectors

(PS1 and PS2) (identical)

C Diskette drive connector Q EISA slots 2, 3, and 4 for add-in boards (slot 2

D Front panel connector R Shared slot for PCI (slot 7) and EISA (slot 1)

E

F 12 V power plane connector T 3.3 V PCI power connector
G Memory board connector U Processor LEDs (DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4)
H Real-time clock battery V Configuration switches and jumpers
I 5.1 V power plane connector W LST SIMM connector
J CPU 2 processor board or termination board

K 3.3 V power plane connector Y VGA monitor connector
L CPU1 processor board connector Z Serial port connectors A (COM1) and B (COM2)
M Intermodule connector (on back side of board) AA PS/2-compatible keyboard & mouse connectors
N Fan fail connector (inner chassis fans)

Connector−Not Used

connector

P SCSI bus connectors: Channel A to the right,

Channel B to the left

toward top, 4 at bottom)

add-in board

S PCI slots 1-6 for add-in boards (slot 1 at top;

Bus 0=slots 1-3, 7; Bus 1=slots 4-6)

X Parallel port connector

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-13

System Board Sets

Secondary System Board Connector and Component Locations

The following figure shows the connector and component locations on the secondary system board.
Note: A secondary system board is only available on DIGITAL Server 9105 (FR-M2A2W-BX) or

provided as part of an upgrade to the DIGITAL Server 9100 (FR-M2A2W-AX).

Connector and Component Locations on the Secondary System Board

M

A

B

N

C

D

L

E
F

G

K

H

I

Label Connector/component

A +5 V, +12 V, and 3.3 V power connectors (PS1 and PS2) (identical)
B Power control and status (PS3)
C Memory board connector
D CPU 4 processor board or termination board connector
E LST SIMM connector
F CPU 3 processor board connector
G Processor LEDs (DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4)
H 3.3 V PCI power connector
I PCI slots 8-15 for add-in boards (numbered from top to bottom: 12, 13, 14, 15, 8, 9, 10, 11;

Bus 2=slots 8-11; Bus 3=slots 12-15)
J SCSI bus connector Channel C
K Intermodule connector (located on back side of board)
L 3.3 V power plane connector
M 5.1 V power plane connector
N 12 V power plane connector

1-14 Server Description

J

Processor Boards

The system must include a minimum of two and up to four processor boards (two per system board)
capable of supporting up to eight Pentium Pro processors (two per processor board). Each processor board
has two processor sockets. The board contains termination circuitry required by the GTL+ signaling
environment, DC to DC converters for power to each processor and termination circuitry, and logic for

2

C support and clock ratio programming.

I
The primary system board has two connectors for processor boards: CPU 1 and CPU 2. Processor boards

must be filled on the primary system board first. The secondary system board also has two connectors:
CPU 3 and CPU 4. Each connector has subtle differences in pinout. Either a processor board or a bus
termination board must be plugged into each processor board connector.

Processors

The server supports the following types of processors:

• Single 200 MHz Pentium Pro with integrated 512 KB write-back cache

• Dual 200 MHz Pentium Pro with integrated 512 KB write-back cache

• Single 200 MHz Pentium Pro with integrated 1 MB cache

• Dual 200 MHz Pentium Pro with integrated 1 MB cache

System Board Sets

On the secondary system board, you can upgrade with a single processor per board to two processors per
board with a processor upgrade kit. Four processors are required on the primary system board.

Processor activity is indicated by LEDs on each system board. Flashing red LEDs indicate normal
processor activity. If lit solid or if the LED light is off, the processor may have failed. Refer to the
previous sections on board connectors and component locations to determine the location of processor
LEDs on the system boards.

Bus Termination Board

Either a bus termination board or a processor board must be plugged into each processor board connector.
The termination board provides GTL+ (Gunning Transceiver Logic) signal termination and voltage
regulation.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-15

System Board Sets

Memory

The memory subsystem consists of the following:

• Memory chipset

• Memory board connector on the primary and secondary system boards

• Memory board

• LST SIMM module

The system board contains the data path and data control portions of the chipset. The server uses DIMMs
(Dual Inline Memory Modules).

Note: The server supports 8 GB of DIMM memory on two memory boards, one per system board;
however, Windows NT Server 4.0 only supports a maximum of 4 GB of system memory.

4 GB Memory Board

The 4 GB memory board contains the buffer devices from the chipset and 16 DIMM sockets arranged in
eight banks. When the board is fully populated using 256 MB DRAM DIMMs, it provides for a total of 4
GB of system memory.

DIMM sockets on the board are organized as two 72-bit wide banks. DIMMs must be placed in groups of
four identical DIMMs. Therefore, the board is populated by placing DIMMs in two, four, six, or eight
banks.

The DIMM slots should be filled starting from the outside edge of the board (nearest the memory board
ejector tabs). Memory banks must be filled completely (with four DIMMs) and consecutively starting with
Bank 0

DIMM sockets accept 168-pin single- or double-density DIMMs. DIMMs may vary in size from one bank
to another.

Note: Only use DIMMs approved for use in this server system. Refer to the “4 GB Memory Board DIMM
Configuration Restrictions” section that follows, or call your customer service representative for
information.

4 GB Memory Board

J1
J3
J5
J7

J9
J11
J13
J15

Bank 1
Bank 2
Bank 3
Bank 4
Bank 5
Bank 6
Bank 7
Bank 8

J2
J4
J6

J8
J10
J12
J14
J16

1-16 Server Description

System Board Sets

4 GB Memory Board DIMM Configuration Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to DIMM configuration on the 4 GB memory board.

• The first bank in the first row should be populated first. If BIOS does not detect a memory module in

the first row, it assumes that no memory is present. The first row is on the outside edge of the memory
board, furthest from the system board.

• DIMMs are populated in groups of four; therefore, DIMMs are added in 2, 4, 6, or 8 groups.

• The slowest DIMM on the board must occupy slot J1.

• DIMMs within a bank must be of the same size and speed.

• Use only 32 MB, 128 MB, or 256 MB DIMMs on the 4 GB memory board.

• Use only 72-bit, 168-pin 60ns or 70 ns fast page mode DIMMs.

• An LST SIMM board must be present in the LST SIMM socket whenever a memory module is

present in the memory slot.

• The LST SIMM module is available in 256K and 1024K sizes. If both system boards contain an LST

SIMM module, the LSTs must be the same size.

• When a memory configuration is increased to above 256 MB, the size of the LST SIMM must be

upgraded from 256K to 1024K.

Other Memory Board Considerations

• For systems with eight processors, two memory boards with an equal amount of memory must be

installed.

• For systems with less than eight processors, fill the memory board on the primary system board before

installing memory modules on the secondary system board.

• Address Bit Permuting is a performance enhancing mode. It is supported for configurations with

these restrictions: there must be a power of 2 number of rows; all rows must the same size; and all
populated rows must be adjacent and start at row 0. BIOS does not permit Address Bit Permuting
with illegal configurations.

The table below shows the memory configurations that allow Address Bit Permuting (ABP):

Memory Size
(MB)

512 32 32 32 32 Yes
2048 128 128 128 128 Yes
4096 256 256 256 256 Yes

DIMM J1-J4
(Banks 1 & 2)

DIMM J5-J8
(Banks 3 & 4)

DIMM J9-J12
(Banks 5 & 6)

DIMM J13-16
(Banks 7 & 8)

ABP
Allowed?

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-17

System Board Sets

LST SIMM Module

System memory data coherency is maintained using a Line Status Table (LST) SIMM. LST SIMMs are
68-pin static RAM (SRAM) memory modules with an access time of 15 ns. An LST SIMM is installed on
the primary or secondary system board whenever a memory board is resident.

Use a 256K LST SIMM when:

• the memory configuration is equal to or less than 256 MB.
Install a 1024K LST SIMM when:

• the memory configuration is larger than 256 MB.

• you use 200 MHz/1 MB cache processors.

Add-In Board Slots

CAUTION: Electrical damage to the system board results if a PCI adapter is inserted into an EISA
connector and the system is powered up.

The primary system board has the following add-in board slots:

• four EISA bus slots for add-in boards. The EISA bus is an extension of the Industry Standard

Architecture (ISA) bus. Because EISA is fully backward-compatible with ISA, you can install old or
new ISA add-in boards in your server.

• seven PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus slots for add-in boards.
Note: The top EISA slot and the bottom PCI slot on the primary system board share an external add-in

board slot. You may install either a PCI or an EISA/ISA adapter in these slots.
The secondary system board contains eight dedicated PCI slots.
The add-in boards are connected to system via the PCI subsystem, which consists of four I/O bus segments

as follows:

• PCI Bus #0 is the primary (compatibility) bus; it connects the processor bus to a PCI/EISA bridge and

four PCI connectors (P1, P2, P3, P7) on the primary system board.

• PCI Bus #1 connects the processor bus to two embedded fast/wide SCSI controllers (A and B) and

three PCI connectors (P4, P5, P6) on the primary system board.

• PCI Bus #2 connects the processor bus to one embedded fast/wide SCSI controller (C) and four PCI

connectors (P8, P9, P10, P11) on the secondary system board.

• PCI Bus #3 connects the bus to four PCI connectors (P12, P13, P14, P15) on the secondary system

.

board

As a guideline for best performance, PCI slots can be populated top to bottom in alternating busses. In a
dual system board configuration, add cards in slot order P1, P4, P8, P12, P2, P5, P9, P13, P3, P6, P10,
P14, P7, P11, P15.

As a requirement, EISA slots on the primary system board are populated starting from the bottom.
See the configuration restrictions below for more information on populating PCI and EISA slots.

1-18 Server Description

Configuration Restrictions for Add-in Boards

Following are the configuration restrictions for add-in boards:

System Board Sets

Type of Adapter or Device
Affected

FDDI Install a maximum of 8 FDDI adapters of any kind on your system.
Single channel SCSI Maximum number allowed in a system: 4 Adaptec 2940UW adapters or

RAID Controller PCI adapter Must be installed in the first connector of PCI Bus #1. Maximum number

Mylex SCSI controller cards Only four Mylex adapters may be installed in a system. The first Mylex

PCI Ethernet Begin installing in PCI Bus #0. Maximum number allowed: 4.
PCI SCSI adapter Begin installing in PCI Bus #1.
Token Ring Maximum number allowed in a system: 4
VGA adapters Must be installed in PCI Bus #0.

Configuration Restriction

one 2944UW adapter

allowed in a system: 4.

adapter must be installed in slot P4. Remaining adapters may be
populated in either PCI Bus #1 (slots P5, P6) or PCI Bus #2 (slots P8,
P9, P10, P11).

Do not mix different versions of the Mylex Raid controllers within a
system.

A SIMM memory module must be installed on the Mylex card to enable it
to work properly. Consult adapter documentation for more information.

Note: For SCSI devices which are non-boot, you must disable its BIOS. At the BIOS Setup main screen,
select Advanced>PCI Configuration and select the applicable SCSI device submenu. Select Option ROM
Scan>Disabled. For more information on the BIOS Setup Utility, refer to Chapter 4 of the DIGITAL

Server 9100 Series System Software Guide.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-19

System Board Sets

Other Considerations for Add-in Boards

• When a video controller adapter is present in any of the PCI Bus 0 or EISA slots, then the video

monitor cable to the onboard VGA controller must be detached and connected to the video controller
adapter.

• If at all possible, it is recommended that you not move SCSI adapters to different physical slots after

the system has been in normal operation. Moving adapters affects the BIOS scan order and the
operating system device ID assignment.

• The cards should be populated in the following order by type: bridged SCSI cards, non-bridged SCSI

cards, bridged networking cards, non-bridged networking cards, all other cards.

• In cases of high EISA or VGA activity, improved performance may be gained by populating PCI slots

beginning in Bus #1.

• For redundant high-availibility (that is, providing two physically separate paths to a multi-ported disk

array) configurations, it may improve performance and availability to put redundant boards on
different PCI busses.

• For systems using the Windows NT operating system, when NT Disk Administrator is run to place

“signatures” on the drives, the virtual device information (drive letter) for a drive (or partition) is
written to the device, and remains with it if devices are moved or inserted. If Disk Administrator is
not run, then all virtual device assignments will change whenever a device is added or moved. The
NT Disk Administrator should always be run to minimize configuration problems.

SCSI Controllers

The primary system board includes two embedded Ultra SCSI-2 controllers (Adaptec AIC-7880),
Channels A and B integrated as PCI bus masters. The secondary system board has one embedded SCSI-2
controller (Channel C).

The controllers support data path widths of:

• 8-bits (fast SCSI) at a data transfer rate of 10 MB/sec

• 16-bit (fast/wide SCSI) at a data transfer rate of 20 MB/sec

• 16-bit (ultra SCSI) at a data transfer rate of 40 MB/sec.

As PCI bus masters, these controllers support burst data transfer rates up to the maximum of 133 MB/sec.
Each SCSI drive backplane is configured as one SCSI bus. The SCSI backplane automatically terminates

the full 16-bit-wide bus.

1-20 Server Description

External Primary System Board Connectors

Keyboard and Mouse

The keyboard/mouse controller is PS/2-compatible. You can specify (through the BIOS Setup Utility) that
the system be locked automatically if there is no keyboard or mouse activity for a predefined length of
time. Once the inactivity timer has expired, the keyboard or mouse does not respond until you enter the
password stored previously through BIOS Setup.

Video

The video controller on the primary system board is a Cirrus Logic CL-GD5429 super VGA controller
(ISA) and is fully compatible with these video standards:

• CGA

• EGA

• Hercules Graphics

• MDA

• VGA

System Board Sets

The standard system configuration comes with 1 MB of onboard 70 ns video memory. The super VGA
controller supports only analog monitors (single and multiple frequency, noninterlaced) with a maximum
vertical retrace non-interlaced frequency of 75 Hz.

With 1 MB memory, the video controller supports 132-column text modes and high resolution graphics
with up to 1280 x 1024 x 16 colors. Depending on the environment, the controller displays up to 64,000
colors in some video resolutions.

Note: A VGA video controller adapter must be installed in a PCI Bus 0 or EISA slot. When this adapter is
installed, the onboard VGA controller is disabled and the video controller adapter must be attached to the
display.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-21

Peripherals

Peripherals

SCSI-2 Hard Drive Bays

The following figure shows the location of the SCSI-2 SCA hard drive bays.

12 Bays for SCSI Drives (EMI Door and Exterior Door Shown Open)

SCSI drive bays

OM04356

The right side of the system contains 12 bays for 3.5-inch SCSI-2 SCA hard drives and two hot-swap
backplanes. Each backplane supports six drives. The backplanes require an 80-pin SCA connector on the
drives you install.

A drive carrier is required as part of the hot-swap implementation. Each carrier can accommodate a

3.5-inch peripheral between 1.0 and 1.6 inches high. A drive is mounted in the carrier with four fasteners,
and the carrier is retained in the chassis by a locking handle.

The hot-swap bays are designed to accept peripherals that consume up to 15 watts of power and run at a
maximum ambient temperature of 50

A fault light on the front panel control board gives the general indication that there has been a fault on a
hot-swap drive. Each SCSI drive has a set of three lights to indicate the fault or other status:

• Power-On (green LED)

• Active (green LED)

• Fault (yellow LED)

See “SCSI Drive Status LED Descriptions” earlier in this chapter for more detailed information.

o

C.

1-22 Server Description

SCSI Drive Hot-Swap Backplane

The SCSI backplane is an integral part of the chassis. Each backplane provides control signals for six
SCSI peripheral devices. Two backplanes can be used to support a maximum of 12 devices.

The upper SCSI backplane receives control signals from a wide/fast SCSI-2 controller on the primary
system board. The lower SCSI backplane receives control signals from an add-in SCSI controller module
or from the SCSI-C controller in a dual system board configuration.

The backplane has two main functions:

• SCSI drive control

• System data logging

Peripherals

Drive status is monitored to detect failing drives and to control LED indicators. Critical event data and
drive status is reported over the I

2

C bus and logged for server management software to interpret.

The hot-swap backplane features include the following:

• Insertion and removal of hard drives while power is on (referred to as “hot-swap”)

• Simplified cable management

• SCA connectors to simplify inserting and removing hard drives

• Jumper selection for SCSI ID change

• Power control for each hard drive

• SCSI management of RAID fault LEDs and power supply status

Each backplane supports SCSI drives with SCA connectors.
Onboard SCSI Channel A controls the upper SCSI hot-swap backplane. Onboard SCSI Channel B

controls the removable media devices. The lower SCSI backplane is controlled by a separate add-in SCSI
controller module or the onboard SCSI Channel C.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-23

Peripherals

Ultra SCSI Drive Considerations

The DIGITAL Server 9100 uses only Ultra SCSI drives. Depending on the type of controller, enable the
appropriate option (see the following table) for each SCSI channel that connects to the backplane.

If the controller is… Then enable this option for Ultra SCSI support…

Onboard SCSI channel A, B, or C
or an add-in Adaptec controller

Mylex RAID "40MHz" through the DACCFG Utility (Advanced Functions

Removable Media Drive Bays

The server contains four bays for removable media drives plus a factory-installed 3.5-inch diskette drive.
The following figure shows the location of the removable media drive bays.

Removable Media Drive Bays (Exterior Door Shown Open)

"Support for Ultra SCSI Speed" through the Adaptec SCSI
Utility

menu)

Select

Removable media

drive bays

OM04361

On the left side of the system at the top, a built-in bay contains a 3.5-inch diskette drive that supports both
720 KB and 1.44 MB media.

Below the diskette drive, four 5.25-inch half-height bays are available for peripherals with removable
media (diskette, CD-ROM, tape cartridge). Any two adjacent 5.25-inch bays can be converted to a single
full-height bay. The 5.25-inch drives can be removed directly from the front of the chassis after the 5.25­inch plastic frame is removed.

The front bezel is retained by snap features and is accessible when the side panel is removed. Cosmetic
filler panels and metal EMI shields are installed over all unused 5.25-inch bays.

CAUTION: Do not put hard drives in the 5.25-inch half-height bays due to the EMI generated by hard
drives and the increased susceptibility to electrostatic discharge.

1-24 Server Description

Power System

The power system consists of the following:

• Power supplies

• Interlock circuit

• Power distribution backplane

Power Supplies

The system may be configured with two or three 625-watt, hot-swappable power supplies. The following
figure shows the location of power supplies. In a dual system board configuration with three power
supplies, each supply automatically switches between the following voltage range: 100-120 Vac at
50/60Hz, 12 A maximum current or 200-240 Vac at 50/60 Hz, 10 A maximum current.

Location of Power Supplies

Power System

A AC input module
B Thumbscrew
C Hot-swappable power supply 3
D Hot-swappable power supply 2
E Hot-swappable power supply 1

A
B
C

D
E

OM04363

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-25

Power System

Each power supply provides these DC outputs:

• +5.1 V

• +12 V

• +3.3 V

• -5 V

• -12 V

• +5.0 V aux

The +5.0 V aux output is present when AC power is present.
All output grounds connect to the power supply chassis and to earth ground through the AC line cord.
Each power supply has the following features:

• Packaged as a plug-in module and is hot-swappable

• A 120 mm cooling fan integrated within each power supply enclosure. (The fan circuitry implements

• Built-in thermal protection if air flow through the power supply is reduced sufficiently to cause

• Built-in over-voltage and over-current protection

• Automatic recovery after an AC power failure without intervention by an operator or a server

variable speed fan control and fan failure detection.)

damage

management board (If AC power is interrupted while the system is on, the system is powered-on
when AC power is restored; if AC power is interrupted while the system is off, the system remains off
when AC power is restored.)

IMPORTANT: If you open a power supply for any reason, your system warranty is voided.

Number of Power Supplies in a Configuration

In a system with more than one supply, power is drawn equally from all supplies present (from one to
three). A system with two power supplies can be fully loaded (all drive bays and add-in board slots filled).

Two (or three) supplies use a forced current-sharing technique that ensures that the supplies share within
10% at full load. In a high-access system with three power supplies, the third supply gives redundancy,
because the load is redistributed if one supply fails.

Interlock Circuit

The system contains an interlock circuit. Removal of either side panel activates the interlock circuit and
disables the DC outputs. Opening the EMI door covering the hard drive bay activates the interlock circuit
and logs an event in the BIOS Event Log; power is not disabled.

CAUTION: The interlock circuit does not remove AC power from the system. To remove AC power
from the system, you must unplug the AC power cord.

For additional information on locations and descriptions of interlock circuits, refer to “System Security
Features” later in this chapter.

1-26 Server Description

Power Distribution Backplane

Each power supply docks into a power distribution backplane inside the chassis. The backplane provides
connections for the following:

• DC power (for system boards, fans, SCSI backplane, and removable media drives)

• Signals

• Status and control functions – such as server management features (quantity, location, and reporting

of installed and failed supplies) – through I

The system can sense an over-voltage condition on the +3.3 Vdc, +12 Vdc, and +5.1 Vdc outputs for each
supply. If the system senses an over-voltage condition, the power supply shuts down and latches off until
you press the front panel power on/off switch (for several seconds) and then press again to restart.

Controlling Access to Power On/Off

The system DC power can be turned on or off as summarized in the following table. The different
methods provide flexibility in controlling how and by whom the system can be powered on or off.

Power On/Off by Using: Description

2

C control

Power System

Front panel power on/off switch Pressing the on/off switch is the most common method of turning

system power on or off. This switch can initiate power-on at any time;
powering-on in this manner is never blocked by any other system
function. When the system is on, pressing and releasing this switch
initiates power-off. However, secure mode prevents turning off the
system power by using this switch.

Real-time clock/calendar (RTC) RTC power control can be used by the BIOS or a utility program to

power the system on or off at a predetermined time set in the RTC.
Server management software can also use the RTC to power off the
system automatically if an over-temperature or over-voltage condition
occurs.

WARNING: The DC push-button on/off switch (a convex button) on the front panel does not turn
off the system AC power. To remove power from system, you must unplug the AC power cord from
the wall outlet.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-27

System Security Features

System Security Features

The following figure shows the intrusion protection features of the system.

Location of Server Security Features

B

A

A

OM04368

Item Description Comment

A Padlock loops Secure the side covers by using padlocks (not provided). The top cover

cannot be removed until the side covers have been removed. You can
also secure the large front bay door with a padlock.

B Location of three

internal intrusion
alarm switches

– Environmental

sensors (not shown)

Intrusion alarm switches are present on the metal EMI door covering the
SCSI drive bays and at the back of the chassis. The relays close when the
side doors or EMI door are opened. An intrusion alarm signal is
transmitted to the primary system board, where server management
software processes the signal. If a side cover is removed, an interlock
switch shuts the power supplies off following transmission of the alarm
signal to the primary system board. If the EMI door is opened, an event is
logged in the BIOS Event Log. Refer to the “Interlock Circuit” section
earlier in this chapter.

The system contains sensors to monitor temperature, voltage, and fan
failure.

The following sections describe the software security features of the System Configuration Utility (SCU)
and the BIOS Setup Utility. For additional information, refer to the “Security” chapter of this book.

1-28 Server Description

System Security Features

Software Locks via the System Configuration Utility (SCU)

The SCU has software features that let you control access to one or more parts of the system in the
following ways:

• Enable the keyboard lockout timer so that the server requires a password to reactivate the keyboard
and mouse after a specified time-out period1 to 120 minutes

• Set and enable an administrative password

• Set and enable a user password

• Set secure mode to prevent keyboard or mouse input and to prevent use of the front panel reset and

power switches

• Activate a hot-key combination to enter secure mode quickly

• Disable writing to the diskette drive when secure mode is set

Software Locks via the BIOS Setup Utility

The BIOS Setup Utility has software features that let you control access to one or more parts of the system
in the following ways:

• Enable the secure mode timer option so that the server requires a password to reactivate the keyboard
and mouse after a specified time-out period1 to 120 minutes

• Set and enable an administrative password

• Set and enable a user password

• Set secure mode to prevent keyboard or mouse input and to prevent use of the front panel reset and

power switches

• Disable the power switch and reset button in secure mode

• Set a hot-key combination to enter secure mode quickly

• Disable writing to or booting from the diskette drive when secure mode is set

• Require user to enter password to boot server

• Specify boot sequence; if you boot when system is in secure mode, user must enter a password.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-29

System Security Features

Using Passwords

User and administrative passwords are used to control access to the system, and to the System
Configuration Utility (SCU) and BIOS Setup Utility. A user password, if defined, is required to boot the
server. An administrative password, if defined, is required to make changes with the BIOS Setup Utility or
SCU.

There is one exception to the requirement for entering a user password to boot the server. If secure mode
boot is defined, the server can boot from the hard drive, but the keyboard is locked (all keyboard input is
disabled) until you enter the user password.

Refer to the “Security Settings and System Boot” section in Chapter 3 in the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series
System Software Guide for additional information about security and password processing.

Secure Mode

You can use the SCU or BIOS Setup to enable and configure the secure mode boot. When secure mode is
in effect, note the following:

• You can boot the system to get the operating system running, but you must enter the user password to

use the keyboard or mouse.

• You cannot power-off or reset the system with the front panel switches.
Secure mode has no effect on functions enabled via the server management board or power control via the

real-time clock/calendar.
Taking the system out of secure mode does not change the state of system power. That is, if you press and

release the power switch while secure mode is in effect, the system does not power-off when secure mode
is later removed. However, if the front panel power on/off switch remains depressed when secure mode is
removed, power-off occurs.

Note: For additional information on server security features, see the “System Security” chapter.

1-30 Server Description

Service Philosophy

The fixed disk drives, all removable media drives (diskette drives, CD-ROM drives, tape drives), and the
power supplies are field replaceable units (FRUs). FRUs are composite units. The service philosophy is to
replace and return each FRU as a complete unit. In the case of drives, the composite FRU consists of a
drive attached to a chassis, with the appropriate adapter boards, power assemblies, and wire assemblies.

Fixed disk drives and power supplies are designed to be easily replaceable while the system is operating.
This results in an easily serviceable subsystem with very high fault tolerance.

WARNING: The only components you can hot-swap (replace with the power on) are the SCSI
drives and power supplies. Do not attempt to add or remove any of the other components unless you
unplug the AC power cord.

Service Philosophy

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-31

Regulatory Statements and Warranty

Regulatory Statements and Warranty

This section contains the following:

• Safety certifications

• Emission/immunity certifications

• Warranty

Safety Certifications

The server is in compliance with the following safety certifications.

Country Safety Certification

USA UL 1950
Canada CSA C22.2 No. 950-M95
Europe EC Directive 73/23/EEC
CE Mark TUV - EN60950
Mexico NOM-019-SCFI-1993
Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS 3260 (IEC 950)
Russia GOST-R (IEC 950)

Emission/Immunity Certifications

The server is in compliance with the following emission/immunity certifications.

Country Emission/ Immunity

Certification

USA FCC CFR 47 - Part 15 -

Class A

Canada CSA C108.8-M1983 This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A

Declaration

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user is required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radio-électrique édicté par
le ministère des Communications du Canada.

1-32 Server Description

Regulatory Statements and Warranty

Country Emission/ Immunity

Certification

Europe EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
CE Mark EN 55022 - A CISPR 22 Class A Conducted

EN 50082 - 1 IEC 801-2 Electrostatic Discharge

Japan VCCI - Class 1 This equipment is in the 1st Class category (information

Declaration

CISPR 22 Class A Radiated

IEC 801-3 RF Electromagnetic
IEC 801-4 Immunity Signal/Control Ports
IEC 801-4 Immunity AC Power Ports

equipment to be used in commercial and/or industrial
areas) and conforms to the standards set by the
Voluntary Control Council for Interference aimed at
preventing radio interference in commercial and/or
industrial areas.

Consequently, when used in a residential area or in an
adjacent area thereto, radio interference may be caused
to radios and TV receivers, etc. Read instructions for
correct handling.

Australia AS/NZS 3548 (CISPR 22-A)
New Zealand RFS 49 - 1989 (CISPR 22-A)

NOTICE: Vendor is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by unauthorized
modification of this equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other
than those specified by vendor. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modification,
substitution or attachment is the responsibility of the user.

Warranty

Warranty information for your server can be obtained from the Warranty and Service Information booklet
provided with your server.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 1-33

Installing and Removing System

This chapter describes how to install and remove system components that you can access without
removing the covers. It includes the following procedures:

• Installing or swapping a SCSI drive in a hot-swap bay

• Removing and installing power supplies

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents

Refer to the “Preface” of this document for important information on how to use this book, terms and
conventions, and related documents.

When used in this chapter, the term “configuration utility” refers to the System Configuration Utility
(SCU). The “Configuring Your Server” section of Chapter 3 of the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System
Software Guide discusses how to use the SCU in detail.

Chapter 2

Components

Tools and Supplies Needed

You need the following tools and supplies to perform the procedures described in this chapter:

• Phillips #1 and #2 screwdrivers

• Hexagonal-head nut driver

• Standard tip screwdriver

• Antistatic wrist strap and conductive foam pad (recommended)

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 2-1

Installing or Swapping a SCSI Drive in a Hot-Swap Bay

Warnings and Cautions

The following warnings and cautions apply throughout this chapter. Only a technically qualified person
should integrate and configure the server.

Warnings

System power on/off: The DC push-button on/off switch (a convex button) on the front panel DOES
NOT turn off the system AC power. To remove power from the server, you must unplug the AC power
cord.

Hazardous conditions, power supply: Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside
the power supply. There are no user-serviceable parts inside it; servicing should be done by technically
qualified personnel.

Hazardous conditions, power distribution backplane:

protective cover over the power distribution backplane. There are no user-serviceable parts; servicing
should be done by technically qualified personnel.

Cautions

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) and ESD protection: ESD can damage disk drives, boards, and other
server parts. This system can withstand normal levels of environmental ESD while you are hot-swapping
SCSI hard drives. However, we recommend that you perform all procedures in this chapter only at an
ESD workstation. If one is not available, provide some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap
attached to a chassis groundany unpainted metal surfaceon your server when handling parts.

Hazardous energy levels are present behind the

2-2 Installing and Removing System Components

Installing or Swapping a SCSI Drive in a Hot-Swap Bay

Installing or Swapping a SCSI Drive in a Hot-Swap Bay

This section describes the procedure for installing a new drive in or swapping out a faulty drive from one
of the 12 hot-swap drive bays. The 3.5-inch SCSI drives must use the industry standard 80-pin Single
Connector Attachment (SCA) connector. Each drive must be installed in a carrier (supplied).

If you are installing new drives, follow an installation scheme starting with the top left drive. Fill the bays
left to right, across a row, and then move down a row.

If an individual SCSI drive fault LED (yellow light) is on steadily, this indicates that the drive below it
has been flagged as faulty by the SCSI host controller. Follow the procedure described in this section to
remove the faulty drive and swap in a good one.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Protection

ESD can damage disk drives, boards, and other parts. This system can withstand normal levels of
environmental ESD while you are hot-swapping SCSI hard drives. However, we recommend that you do
this procedure at an ESD workstation or provide some ESD protection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap
attached to a chassis groundany unpainted metal surfaceon your server when handling parts.

No Need to Turn Off Power

You can install or swap SCSI drives without turning off power. This is one of the few system procedures
that is safe to do with the system power left on.

WARNING: This capability is true only for the drive/carrier assemblies in the hot-swap bays, not
for drives in any other drive bays.

When to Replace Drive

Wait until the drive spins down before you replace the drive. When the SCSI drive fault LED indicates a
drive fault (steady yellow light), you can remove the drive and swap in a replacement at any time when
the drive is not being accessed, without needing to power down the server. However, drive manufacturers
caution against moving a drive that is still spinning because of possible damage to the spindles.

Status LEDs

If you are swapping out a faulty SCSI drive, you can pinpoint which drive to remove by checking the
status LEDs that occur in sets of three above each of the 12 drive bays.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 2-3

Installing or Swapping a SCSI Drive in a Hot-Swap Bay

The following table shows SCSI drive status LED descriptions.

SCSI Drive
Present, Power On

Green LED

On Off Off

On

Off Off On

On Off

Off Off Off

SCSI Drive
Active

Green LED

Blinking

SCSI Drive
Faulty*

Yellow LED

Off

Slow
blinking

Description and Action If Needed

Drive is present with power.

Drive is present with power and is being accessed.

Drive CAN be replaced. Steady yellow fault light
indicates drive has a problem. Power to drive is off.

Drive SHOULD NOT be replaced at this time. A slowly
blinking yellow fault light indicates a drive that has just
been replaced is in recovery mode (drive array being
rebuilt). Power to drive is on.

There is no drive installed in the bay.

* Table assumes a SCSI host controller is installed to send SAF-TE control signals to the drive fault

LED.

Note: The DIGITAL Server 9100 series utilizes a Fault Reporting mechanism called SAF-TE (SCSI
Accessed Fault Tolerant Enclosure) for reporting hot-swap disk drive activity and status. All other
DIGITAL Servers as well as external Expansion Cabinets use the DIGITAL Fault-Bus for reporting of
hot-swap disk drive activity and status. The Mylex RAID controllers provide support for both types of
fault reporting and are shipped configured for SAF-TE when factory installed or Digital Fault-Bus when
ordered as standalone options. A RAID controller can be configured for SAF-TE or Fault-Bus but not
both. Consequently, a RAID controller configuration with one channel connected to internal hot-swap
disk drives (SAF-TE) and another channel connected to an expansion cabinet (Fault-Bus) is not
supported.

2-4 Installing and Removing System Components

Installing or Swapping a Drive

OM04352

➊

➋

After you determine which drive is faulty, the procedure is the same to swap a drive or to install one for
the first time. To perform the procedure, refer to the following figure and follow these steps:

1. Observe the ESD caution and the notes listed at the beginning of this section.

2. Open the right front bezel door.

Removing the Drive from the Bay

Installing or Swapping a SCSI Drive in a Hot-Swap Bay

SCSI drive bays

OM04356

3. Open the metal EMI door in accordance with instructions in Chapter 1.

4. If you are removing a faulty drive, first check the LEDs to confirm which drive to remove. To remove
the faulty drive from the bay, grasp the plastic lever, and pull the lever toward you. See the figure
“Removing the Drive from the Bay” above.

5. Remove your new drive from its protective wrapper.

6. Align drive/carrier assembly so it engages the guide rails in the bay.

7. Gently push the assembly into the bay until the drive docks with the backplane connector.

8. Push the plastic lever to the right until it locks around the small metal posts.

9. Close the metal EMI door, and secure with three thumbscrews.

10. Close the front bezel door.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 2-5

Removing and Installing Power Supplies

Removing and Installing Power Supplies

The power supplies are hot-swappable. You do not need to remove AC power before removing or
installing a power supply.

However, if you remove a power supply with the power on, the server must have a redundant power
supply configuration. In this server system, three power supplies are required for N+1 redundancy.
Otherwise, an overload condition might occur and cause the server to shut down.

CAUTION: Use only hand tools when inserting or removing a power supply. Do not use power tools.

Removing a Power Supply

The following figure shows the power supply modules. To remove a power supply:

1. Observe the safety and ESD precautions listed at the beginning of this chapter.

2. Disengage the power supply using the thumbscrew.

3. Carefully slide the power supply out of the chassis.

Power Supply Modules

A AC input module
B Thumbscrew
C Hot-swappable power supply 3
D Hot-swappable power supply 2
E Hot-swappable power supply 1

A
B
C

D
E

OM04363

2-6 Installing and Removing System Components

Installing a Power Supply

To install a power supply:

1. Observe the safety and ESD precautions listed at the beginning of this chapter.

2. Slide the new or replacement power supply into the chassis.

3. Turn the thumbscrew to engage the power supply with the server.

Removing and Installing Power Supplies

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 2-7

System Security

This chapter discusses the following security features:

• Cabinet security features

• BIOS and configuration utility security features

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents

Refer to the “Preface” of this document for important information on how to use this book, terms and
conventions, and related documents.

When used in this chapter, the term “configuration utility” refers to the System Configuration Utility
(SCU). The “Configuring Your Server” section of Chapter 3 of the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System
Software Guide discusses how to use the SCU in detail. The BIOS Setup Utility is discussed in Chapter 4
of the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System Software Guide.

Cabinet Security Features

Chapter 3

The following table shows the server cabinet mechanical security features:

Security Feature Description

Metal padlock loops There is a padlock loop at the back of each side panel to enable you to

lock the side covers. The top cover cannot be removed until the side
covers have been removed.

Intrusion alarm switches Intrusion alarm switches are located on each side panel. If someone

removes the side cover, an interlock switch sends a signal to the system
board and the server shuts off the power supplies.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 3-1

BIOS and Configuration Utility Security Features

BIOS and Configuration Utility Security Features

The BIOS and the configuration utility provide a number of security features to prevent unauthorized or
accidental access to the server. Once you enable the security measures, access to the system is allowed
only after you enter the correct password(s). The following table lists the features, describes what
protection each offers, and tells how to enable or disable each feature.

Enabling Security Features

In general, to enable or set the features listed in the following table, you may use either the configuration
utility or the BIOS Setup Utility. If you use the SCU, most features (unless otherwise noted) are accessed
by choosing “Step 3: Change Configuration Settings,” selecting System Board, and scrolling to Security
Subsystem Group. If you use BIOS Setup, all features reside in the Security menu.

IMPORTANT: A user password must be set for security functions to activate.
Information on accessing BIOS and SCU is covered in the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System Software

Guide.

Feature Description

Put the system into
secure mode boot

Enter secure mode
immediately with hot
keys

Lockout timer:
keyboard/mouse lock
and blank video

When secure mode boot is enabled, the server can boot and run the operating
system, but does not accept mouse or keyboard input until you enter the user
password.

In secure mode boot, if the system detects a diskette in the A: drive at boot time,
the system prompts for the password. When you enter the password, the server
boots from the diskette and is no longer in secure mode. If there is no diskette in
the A: drive, the server boots from the C: drive and is automatically in the secure
mode. All of the secure mode features that are enabled go into effect at boot time.

BIOS Setup:

• Create a new password using the “Set User Password” menu option.

•

Enable the “Secure Mode Boot” option.

SCU:

Set a user password and enable “Secure Mode Boot” option.

To secure the system immediately, rather than wait for the inactivity time-out
period to expire, use a hot-key combination that you set.

BIOS Setup:
SCU:

Set using “Hot Key” option.

When the security features below are set in either BIOS Setup or the
configuration utility, and there is no keyboard or mouse action for the specified
time-out period, the monitor display goes blank and the keyboard is locked.

Keyboard LEDs flash to signal that user must enter password. To resume activity,
type your user password.

To put the system into secure mode, go to the Security menu:

Use “Secure Mode Hot Key” option.

3-2 System Security

BIOS Setup:

Blanking.”

SCU:

Set inactivity period setting under “Lockout Timer” and enable “Video

Blanking.”

Set time-out options under “Secure Mode Timer” and enable “Video

Feature Description

BIOS and Configuration Utility Security Features

Lock the reset button
and power switch

Disable writing to
diskette

Require password on
boot

Specify the boot
sequence

The power switch and reset button are disabled when the system is in secure
mode.

BIOS Setup: Enable “Front Panel” option.
SCU: Enable “Secure Front Panel” option.

If the system is in secure mode, it does not boot from or write to a diskette unless
you enter a password. To write-protect floppy drive when secure mode activates:

BIOS Setup: Enable the “Floppy Write Protect” option. You can also control
access to the diskette drives by setting “Diskette Access” to User or
Administrator.

SCU: Enable “Floppy Write Protect” option.
System requires user or administrator password to boot server.

BIOS Setup: Enable “Password on Boot.”
SCU: Feature not available.

System boots according to boot sequence specified.
BIOS Setup: Main menu⇒Boot Sequence option:

“A: then C:” – Boots from diskette drive A, or if no diskette is present, boots
from hard disk C.

“C: then A:” – Boots from hard disk C, or if no bootable operating system is
present on disk C, boots from diskette drive A.

“C: only” – Boots from hard disk C only.

If you boot when the system is in secure mode, you must enter a user password.

Control access to
using the SCU: set
administrator
password

Control access to the
system other than
SCU: set user
password

Boot without
keyboard

SCU: Feature not available.
To control access to setting or changing the system configuration, set an

administrator password and enable it through BIOS Setup or the SCU.
If you enable both the administrator and user passwords, either can be used to

boot the server. Only the user password can be used to enable the keyboard
and/or mouse. Only the administrator password allows you to change Setup and
the SCU.

BIOS Setup: Select “Set Administrator Password” in the Security menu.
SCU: Select the “Administrative Password Option.”

To control access to using the system, set a user password and enable it through
BIOS Setup or the SCU.

BIOS Setup: Select “Set User Password.”
SCU: Select “User Password Option.”

There is no entry in BIOS Setup or SCU to enable or disable a keyboard.
System boots whether a keyboard is installed or not. POST automatically detects

the presence of a keyboard, and tests the keyboard if one is present.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 3-3

Troubleshooting

This chapter provides assistance in troubleshooting commonly reported problems with your server. It
contains the following:

• Identification and description of BIOS codes and error messages

• Descriptions of problems you might experience and possible solutions

Terms, Conventions, and Related Documents

Refer to the “Preface” of this document for important information on how to use this book, terms and
conventions, and related documents.

When used in this chapter, the term “configuration utility” refers to the System Configuration Utility
(SCU). The “Configuring Your Server” section of Chapter 3 of the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System
Software Guide discusses how to use the SCU in detail.

Chapter 4

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 4-1

Codes and Error Messages

Codes and Error Messages

Each time you turn on the server, the BIOS Power-On Self-Test (POST) checks the system board(s),
processors, ECC memory module, keyboard, and most installed peripheral devices. Error conditions,
failures, and other problem messages are indicated by the following methods:

• Logging of critical events

• POST terminal error beep codes

• POST error codes and messages

Logging of Critical Events

Critical events are events that result in the system being shut down to prevent catastrophic side effects
from affecting other parts of the system. Event logging is a BIOS feature that logs critical and
informational events to nonvolatile flash memory.

You can use the BIOS Event Log utility provided in the Diagnostic Partition and on the Platform CD­ROM to view the event log.

For more information on this feature, refer to Chapter 1, “Overview,” in the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series
System Software Guide.

POST Terminal Error Beep Codes

At system power-on, before the video adapter has been initialized, beep codes are used to inform you of
errors. A terminal error is one which prevents the POST process from continuing. POST error codes are
logged in nonvolatile flash memory and displayed on the console monitor and in the event log. If POST
can display a message on the video display screen, it causes the speaker to beep twice as the message
displays.

The table below describes the error condition associated with each beep code.

Beep
Count

1 Refresh failure
2 Parity cannot be reset
3 First 4 MB memory failure
4 Timer not operational
5 Processor failure
6 Keyboard controller gate A20 is off (v_mode)
7 Exception interrupt error
8 Display memory R/W error
9 ROM checksum error
10 Shutdown register R/W error

Error Condition

4-2 Troubleshooting

POST Error Codes and Messages

The BIOS indicates errors by displaying a POST error code and message on the screen. The user can also
read these codes in the BIOS Event Log. The following table shows the POST error codes and messages:

Error Code Error Code Description

Disk Errors are 2x0
200 Disk Failed
Keyboard Errors are 2x1
201 User Has Stuck Keyboard
211 Keyboard Failure
221 Keyboard Controller Failure
231 Keyboard is Locked
Video Errors are 2x2
202 Video Error
Memory Errors are 2x3
203 Base Memory Failure
213 Shadowing of Memory Failed
223 Extended Memory Failure
POS/Timeout Errors are 2x4
204 POS/Timeout Errors
CMOS Errors are 2x5
205 CMOS Battery Weak or Dead
215 CMOS Checksum Bad
Timer Errors are 2x6
206 Timer Error
Real Time Clock Errors are 2x7
207 RTC Error
Configuration Errors are 2x8
208 Configuration Errors
218 Configuration of Memory Failed
NVRAM Errors are 2x9
209 NVRAM Error
COP Errors are 2xa
20a Co-Processor Errors
Diskette Errors are 2xb
20b Diskette Drive A Error
21b Diskette Drive B Error
22b
23b
Load Errors are 2xc
20c Load Errors

Incorrect Drive A Type − Run Setup
Incorrect Drive B Type − Run Setup

Codes and Error Messages

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 4-3

Codes and Error Messages

Error Code Error Code Description

Cache Errors are 2xd
20d
I/O Errors are 2xe
20e I/O Address Failure
21e COM Ports Failure
22e Line Printer Port Failure
23e I/O Address Conflicts
24e Unsupported I/O Address
25e IRQ Errors
26e IDE Failure
27e FDD Failure
Other Errors are 2xf
20f CPU ID Error
21f BIST Failure
22f Boot Strap Processor Error
23f Application Processor Error
24f EISA CMOS Not Writeable
25f DMA Test Failed
26f Software NMI Failed
27f Fail-Safe Timer NMI Failed

System Cache Failure − Cache Disabled

4-4 Troubleshooting

Problems and Solutions

The sections that follow help you to identify and solve problems that might occur while using your server.
These sections include the following information:

• Resetting the system

• System reset checklist

• Running new application software

• After the system has been running correctly

• Additional troubleshooting procedures

• Running system diagnostics

• Specific problems and corrective actions

Resetting The System

The following sections discuss key combinations and buttons that you may use to reset your system.
CAUTION: When Windows NT Server is running, disk data is often stored in temporary buffers in

memory before being written out to disk. If there is data in these buffers, resetting or powering off the
system causes this data to be lost. Always perform an orderly shutdown, if possible, to avoid losing data.

Problems and Solutions

Ctrl+Alt+Del

Pressing these keys reloads the operating system for NT servers. This process is called a “soft boot” reset.
Note: The soft boot process does not automatically reset a system running Windows NT Server. The soft

boot process does offer you the opportunity to perform a shutdown or to log off from the system, as well as
several other options.

Reset Button

Pushing the reset button located above the small front bezel door clears the system memory, restarts
POST, and reloads the operating system.

Power On/Off

Turning the power off and on by pushing the DC push-button switch twice on the front panel has the same
effect as pushing the reset button, except that power is halted to all peripherals. This process is called a
“cold boot” reset.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 4-5

Problems and Solutions

System Reset Checklist

When problems occur during a system reset, check the following:

• Is AC power available at the wall outlet?

• Is the system power cord properly connected to the system and plugged into a NEMA 5-15R outlet for

100-120 VAC or a NEMA 6-15R outlet for 200-240 VAC? Refer to “Power Cord and Receptacle
Options” in the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series Site Preparation Guide for more information.

• Did you press the DC power on/off push-button switch on the front panel to turn the server on

(power-on light should be lit)?

• Are cabinet doors fully closed?

• Are all cables correctly connected and secured?

• Are there any conflicts between add-in boards−for example, two add-in boards sharing the same

interrupt?
In the case of ISA boards, it is necessary to add the boards manually, using your configuration utility

to avoid resource conflicts with installed EISA and PCI boards. Refer to “Configuring Your Server”
in Chapter 3 of DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System Software Guide for more information about
adding ISA boards to your system.

• If the server has a hard disk drive, is it properly formatted or defined? Refer to your operating system

documentation for additional information.

• Are the configuration settings made with the configuration utility correct? For information about your

system configuration utility, see the “Configuring Your Server” section of Chapter 3 in the DIGITAL
Server 9100 Series System Software Guide. Some configuration utility settings are set to certain
values based on the operating environment being installed. Refer to the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series
Installation Guide for your operating environment to determine the correct settings.

• Is the operating system properly loaded? Refer to the operating system documentation.

• Is an LST SIMM module installed? Whenever a memory board is resident, an LST SIMM module

must also be resident or the system will not boot.

If these items are correct, but the problem recurs, refer to the “Additional Troubleshooting Procedures”
section later in this chapter.

4-6 Troubleshooting

Running New Application Software

Problems that occur when you run new application software are usually related to the software. Faulty
equipment is usually not the cause of the error, especially if other software runs correctly.

New Software Checklist

If problems occur when running new application software, check the following:

• Does the system meet the minimum hardware requirements for the software? Refer to the software
documentation for system hardware requirements.

• Is the software an authorized copy? If not, obtain one; unauthorized copies often do not work.

• If you are running the software from a diskette, is it a good copy? Does your operating system support

running software from diskette?

• If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, is the software correctly installed? Were all
necessary procedures followed and files installed?

• Are the correct device drivers installed? Refer to operating system documentation.

• Is the software correctly configured for the system? Refer to operating system documentation.

• Are you using the software to application software documentation?

Problems and Solutions

If the problems persist, contact the software vendor’s customer service representative.

After the System Has Been Running Correctly

Problems that occur after the system hardware and software have been running correctly often indicate
equipment failure.

Equipment Failure Checklist

To check for equipment failure, check the following:

• If you are running the software from a diskette, try a new copy of the software. Does your operating
system support running software from diskette? Can other software be run from this drive? If not, you
might have a problem with your diskette drive.

• If you are running the software from a hard disk drive, try running it from the original installation
media, if possible.

• If the problems are intermittent, there may be a loose cable, dirt or fluid in the keyboard (if keyboard
input is incorrect), a marginal power supply, or other random component failures.

• If you suspect that a transient voltage spike, power outage, or brownout might have occurred, reload
the software and try running it again. (Symptoms of voltage spikes include a flickering video display,
unexpected system reboots, and the system not responding to user commands.)

Note: If you are receiving random errors in your data files, voltage spikes on your power line may be
corrupting them. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that might indicate voltage spikes on
the power line, you may want to install a surge suppressor between the power outlet and the server
power cord.

If the problem recurs after you have checked and corrected all of the above items, refer to the “Additional
Troubleshooting Procedures” section of this chapter.

If you receive any error messages, refer to the “Codes and Error Messages” section of this chapter for an
explanation of the messages and suggested corrective actions.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 4-7

Problems and Solutions

Additional Troubleshooting Procedures

This section contains the following:

• Monitoring POST

• Confirming loading of the operating system

Monitoring POST

Each time you turn on the server, POST checks the system board(s), CPU modules, ECC memory
modules, keyboard, and most installed peripheral devices. To monitor POST, refer to the following
sequence that POST runs:

1. During the memory test, POST displays the amount of memory that it is able to access and test.
Depending on the amount of memory installed on the ECC memory module, the memory test may
take several minutes to complete.

2. After a soft boot (pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL), POST does not test the memory.
The following message displays at the bottom of the screen:

Press <F2> to enter SETUP

3. If you do not press F2, the message remains for a few seconds, and the boot process continues.

4. The following message displays:

Press <Ctrl><A> for SCSISelect(TM) Utility!

5. Press CTRL+A if you need to configure SCSI devices in your server that are attached to one of the
onboard Adaptec 7880 controllers. When the utility displays, follow the instructions on your monitor
to configure the onboard SCSI AIC-7880 host adapter settings and run the SCSI disk utilities. See
Chapter 5, “Configuring Adapters,” in the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System Software Guide.

6. If you choose not to run the SCSISelect Utility, the boot process continues.

7. If the server halts before POST completes running, a beep code sounds, indicating a fatal system error
that requires immediate attention. Note the screen display and write down any beep code emitted.
(See the “Codes and Error Messages” section in this chapter for a list of beep codes.) This
information is useful to your service representative.

If the server does not halt, then it will beep twice when ready to boot and the monitor displays the
following message:

Press <D> to boot Diagnostic Partition
Press <F1> for normal boot, <F2> for BIOS Setup
Otherwise, <F1> is selected in 30 seconds

Refer to the “Booting the Operating Environment” section in the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series Site
Preparation Guide for additional information.

Confirming Loading of the Operating System

Once the server boots up, the operating system prompt displays on the screen. The prompt varies
according to the operating system. Refer to your operating system documentation for additional
information.

4-8 Troubleshooting

Running System Diagnostics

If your server does not boot or operate properly, you might need to run system diagnostics to determine the
problem. This section describes some problem situations that might require you to run system diagnostics.

Definitions

You should be familiar with the following terms before reading the rest of this section:

Out-of-service diagnostics

Hardware-level diagnostics that require you to shut down your operating system before running them

In-service diagnostics

Diagnostics that you can run while your operating system is running

Running Out-of-Service Diagnostics

To run out-of-service diagnostics, you must boot to the Diagnostic Partition or the Platform CD-ROM. See
the “Diagnostic Partition” section in Chapter 2 of the DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System Software
Guide for information about accessing the Diagnostic Partition.

Problems and Solutions

Following are some situations when you might want to run out-of-service diagnostics:

• The server fails to load and/or boot the operating system software when you turn on the power and

select normal boot.

• The server fails to load and/or boot the operating system software after you add additional hardware

such as more memory, processors, SCSI devices, or adapter cards.

• The operating system software “panics” or hangs repeatedly and you have not recently made changes

to it such as a kernel patch, a new application which required a kernel rebuild, or a changed kernel
tuning parameter value.

When Not To Run Out-of-Service Diagnostics

Following are some situations when you should not run out-of-service diagnostics:

• The operating system software panics and/or hangs repeatedly after you have made a change to it

such as a kernel patch, a new application which required a kernel rebuild, or a changed kernel tuning
parameter value.

• The server runs normally but one of the user applications fails to execute correctly.

• A device such as printer, tape, disk, modem, network adapter, or terminal fails to function properly

but the server’s operating system software is working. Run in-service diagnostics to test the failing
device.

Additional Information

For additional information about running diagnostics on your server, see the AMIDiag User’s Guide on
the Quick Launch CD-ROM.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 4-9

Problems and Solutions

Specific Problems and Corrective Actions

This section provides possible solutions for the following specific problems:

• Power light does not light

• No characters appear on screen

• Characters on the screen appear distorted or incorrect

• Cannot use keyboard or mouse

• Cannot boot from hard drive

• Cannot boot from CD-ROM

• BIOS corrupted during system BIOS upgrade

• Problems with application software

Try the solutions provided in the following sections in the order given. If you cannot correct the problem,
contact your service representative or authorized dealer for assistance.

For more detailed information on activity lights mentioned throughout this chapter, refer to “Chassis
Front Features and Controls” in Chapter 1.

Power Light Does Not Light

When the power-on light located on the front of the chassis is not lit, check the following:

• Did the server boot normally? If so, the power LED may be defective.

If the server is not running, check the following:

• Is AC power available at the wall outlet?

• Is the system power cord properly connected to the server and the wall outlet?

• If there is a fuse in the system AC power cord plug, does the fuse still conduct electricity?

• Did you press the power on/off push-button switch?

If all items are correct and problems persist, contact your service representative or authorized dealer for
assistance.

No Characters Appear on Screen

When your video monitor screen is blank, check the following:

• If you are using an add-in video controller, ensure that the monitor is plugged into the add-in
controller and not the onboard video controller.

• Is the video monitor plugged in and turned on?

• Are the brightness and contrast controls on the video monitor properly adjusted?

• Are the video monitor switch settings correct?

• Are keyboard LEDs flashing? If so, type your user password and press ENTER.

Note: Refer to the video monitor documentation from the manufacturer for correct procedures.
If you cannot correct the problem, the video display monitor or video controller may have failed. If

possible, try connecting a working video display to your server. If this still fails, contact your service
representative or authorized dealer for assistance.

4-10 Troubleshooting

Problems and Solutions

Characters Are Distorted or Incorrect

Check the following:

• Are the brightness and contrast controls properly adjusted on the video monitor? Refer to the video

monitor documentation from the manufacturer.

• Is the video monitor cable properly installed?
If the problem persists, the video monitor may be faulty or the monitor may be the incorrect type. Contact

your service representative or authorized dealer for assistance.

Cannot Use Keyboard or Mouse

If the BIOS Setup option “Secure Mode Boot” is enabled, the system boots in secure mode and you must
enter a password to unlock the keyboard. If the server is running Windows NT Server, two situations can
occur where it might become impossible to use the keyboard or mouse:

BIOS Setup Options Situation That Causes a Problem

Secure Mode Boot is enabled and
Password on Boot is disabled.

Secure Mode Timer is set to too
short an interval (1 to 5 minutes).

If you boot the server and do not unlock the keyboard before
Windows NT Server detects devices at the blue screen, then the
keyboard and mouse are not detected. When Windows NT
Server loads, you cannot access the system through the
keyboard or mouse.

If you boot the server and keyboard lockout occurs before
Windows NT Server detects devices at the blue screen, then the
keyboard and mouse are not detected. When Windows NT
Server loads, you cannot access the system through the
keyboard or mouse.

If one of these situations occurs, you must reset the server to recover use of the keyboard and mouse.

Note: If the BIOS or SCU “Front Panel” option is also enabled, the front panel power on/off function is
locked until you enter a password. If the front panel is locked and you cannot access the keyboard, you
might have to disconnect and reconnect the power cord to reset the server.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 4-11

Problems and Solutions

Cannot Boot From Hard Drive

The following options must be enabled for you to boot from a hard drive attached to an onboard Adaptec
controller.

Option How to Enable or Disable

SCSI ROM BIOS Scan

Host Adapter BIOS
Send Start Unit Command
Initiate Wide Negotiation

SCU:

SCSI BIOS ROM Options Group, then select

applicable SCSI device>Enabled

BIOS Setup

applicable PCI device>Option ROM Scan>Enabled
SCSI
SCSI
SCSI

: Advanced>PCI Configuration, then select

Select

Utility>Set to “Enabled”

Select

Utility>Set to “Yes”

Select

Utility>Set to “Yes”

These options are enabled by default. If you disable them for any reason, you must re-enable them before
you can boot from the hard drive.

In addition, you must properly set the “Boot Sequence” in BIOS Setup’s Main menu to boot your
operating system from disk.

The following table shows where to look for related information on configuring your server using the
different utilities:

Utility Chapter reference

System Configuration Utility (SCU)

BIOS Setup Utility

Select

SCSI

Utility Chapter 5 of the

Chapter 3 of the

Software Guide

Chapter 4 of the

Software Guide

Software Guide

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series System

Cannot Boot From CD-ROM

The following options must be enabled for you to boot from the Platform CD-ROM.

Option How to Enable or Disable

SCSI ROM BIOS Scan The configuration utility or BIOS Setup Utility
Host Adapter BIOS (for the adapter to

which the CD-ROM device is connected)
BIOS Support for Bootable CD-ROM
BIOS Support for Int13 Extension

These options are enabled by default. If you disable them for any reason, you must re-enable them before
you can boot from the Platform CD-ROM.

4-12 Troubleshooting

SCSI

SCSI
SCSI

Select

Select
Select

Utility

Utility
Utility

Problems and Solutions

BIOS Corrupted During System BIOS Upgrade

If the BIOS is corrupted during a flash memory upgrade procedure (for example, due to a power failure or
an inability to read the BIOS diskette which results in a fatal BIOS upgrade error) and the server cannot
be booted at all:

• Place the flash recovery jumper in the “Recovery” position on the primary system board.

• Insert the recovery BIOS diskette into the diskette drive and power on the server.

Note: The diskette activity light is the only visual indication that system BIOS recovery is taking
place; the screen remains blank during the recovery process. When the recovery cycle begins, there is
a single beep. You will know that BIOS recovery has successfully completed when you hear a single,
long beep.

• After the BIOS recovery is complete, power down the server and reposition the flash recovery jumper

to the normal position.

Problems with Application Software

If you have problems with application software:

• Verify that the software is properly configured for the server. Refer to the software installation and

operation documentation for instructions on installing and using the software.

• Try a different copy of the software to see if the problem is with the copy of the software you are

using.

If other software runs correctly on the server, contact your software vendor to determine the reason for the
software failure.

If the problem persists, contact the software vendor’s customer service representative for assistance.

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide 4-13

Index

A

AC input power connector 1-5
acronyms v
adapters

caution 1-2

add-in board

cautions 1-18
configuration restrictions 1-19
description 1-18
maximum allowable 1-12
number of slots 1-10
slot location on system board 1-14
slot location, external 1-5

add-in boards

number of slots 1-11

B

backplane, SCSI, SCA connectors 1-4
beep codes 4-2
BIOS

corrupted 4-10

upgrade 4-10
BIOS corrupted 4-13
BIOS Setup Utility

inactivity timer 1-21

secure mode boot 3-2, 4-11

security options 1-4
BIOS Setup Utility 4-12
BIOS Upgrade 4-13
board, add-in

configuration restrictions 1-19

description 1-18

other considerations 1-20
board, memory

configuration restrictions 1-17

illustration 1-16
board, processor

feature summary 1-15
board, system

components 1-13, 1-14

configuration restrictions 1-12

connector locations 1-13

features 1-10

board,bus termination 1-15
board,memory

description 1-16

boot sequence

how to specify 3-3

bus termination

required for SCSI bus 1-20

C

carrier for SCSI drive 1-22
cautions vi, 2-2

adapters 1-18
drives 2-3
ESD 2-5
ESD protection 2-2
general 1-2
hard drives 1-24
possible data loss 4-5
power supplies 2-6
resetting system 4-5

system board 1-18
chassis, back features and controls 1-5
clock, real-time 1-10
codes

beep 4-2
components, tools needed to install and remove 2-1
configuration

notes on 1-2

typical minimum 1-2
configuration restrictions

system boards 1-12
controllers

keyboard/mouse 1-21

SCSI 1-20

video 1-21
conventions used v
cooling

failure indicator 1-8

number of fans 1-4

power supply fan 1-26

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide Index-1

Index

D

DC outputs 1-26
DC power switch 1-6
description, server 1-1
diagnostic and intra-chassis communication 1-4
diagnostics

when to run 4-9
DIMM sockets 1-16
DIMMs

configuration restrictions 1-17

how to populate 1-16
diskette drive

activity light 1-6

ejector button 1-6

troubleshooting 4-7
drive carrier, SCSI 1-22
drive fault light, slow blinking 1-7
drive indicators, SCSI, general failure notice 1-6
drives, available 1-3

E

EISA

number of slots 1-10

slot locations on chassis back 1-5

system board slots 1-18
EISA adapters

slots 1-13
electrostatic discharge (ESD), hot-swapping SCSI

hard drives 2-2
ESD 2-3. See electrostatic discharge (ESD)
event log

description 4-2

error codes 4-3

system intrusion 1-26, 1-28
expandability limits, server components 1-3
external ports

location 1-5

F

fans

cooling failure indicator 1-6, 1-8

number of 1-4
fault indicator

general 1-22

specific SCSI drive 1-22
feature summary

chassis back 1-5

chassis front 1-6

front panel interface 1-8

memory boards 1-16

processor boards 1-15

SCSI hot-swap backplane 1-23
system board set 1-10
system boards 1-13

features

security 3-1

flash memory

BIOS 1-10
floppy write protect 3-3
front panel control board 1-9
front panel indicators 1-8
front panel switches 1-6

G

grounding 2-3

H

hazards, devices and cables 1-2
hot-swap bays

backplane 1-23

definition 1-23

drive carrier 1-22

installing drives 2-3

specifications 1-22

I

I2C circuit 1-4
inactivity timer

keyboard, mouse 1-21
indicators

diskette drive activity light 1-6

fault LED, front panel 1-22

front panel 1-8

power supply status 1-5

power-fail 1-6

power-on 1-6

SCSI drive 1-22

SCSI drive fault 1-8

SCSI drive in recovery mode 1-7
intermodule connector 1-10, 1-11
intrusion alarm 3-1
intrusion sensors 1-4

connectors 1-8, 1-28

definition 1-28

K

keyboard 1-21

connector location 1-5

Index-2 DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide

Index

L

LCD panel 1-6
LEDs

drive-fault 1-6
external

location 1-6
fan-fail 1-6
SCSI drive status 1-7, 2-3, 2-4

Line Status Table See LST SIMM module
location

power supplies 1-25
removable media drive bays 1-24, 1-28
SCSI drives 1-22
server components 1-5
server security features 1-28
system board components 1-13, 1-14

location of external LEDs 1-6
location of front panel switches 1-6
locking front panel switches 3-3
locking keyboard 1-21
lockout timer 3-2
LST SIMM module 1-10, 1-11, 1-12, 1-13, 1-14,

1-16, 1-17, 1-18

M

memory

maximum configuration 1-10, 1-11
video 1-21

memory board

4 GB 1-3, 1-16
configuration restrictions 1-12, 1-17
features 1-16

monitoring hardware sensors 1-10
mouse 1-21

connector location 1-5

O

overload condition, cause of 1-2

P

padlock loop locations 1-4, 1-5, 1-28, 3-1
parallel port location 1-5
password on boot 3-3
passwords

administrative 1-29
setting admin password 3-3
setting user password 3-3
system security 1-4
user 1-29
using 1-30

PCI

bus masters 1-20
buses 1-18
number of slots 1-10, 1-11
slot locations on chassis back 1-5

PCI adapters

slots 1-13
PCI busses 1-18
Platform CD-ROM

problems in booting from 4-12
ports

external connectors 1-10

location 1-5
POST

beep codes 4-2
power cord, AC input connector for 1-5
power distribution backplane

description 1-27

hazardous conditions 2-2
power on/off

controlling with real-time clock 1-27

switch 1-6, 1-8, 1-27

switch does not turn off AC power 2-2
power supplies

cooling fan 1-26

current sensing 1-27

DC outputs 1-26

hazardous conditions 2-2

hot-swappable 1-2

installing 2-7

LED status indicators 1-5

location 1-5

number supported 1-4, 1-5

power distribution backplane 1-27

redundancy 1-4

removing 2-6
power-fail indicator 1-6
power-on indicator 1-6
Power-On Self-Test See POST
Power-On Self-Test (POST)

error codes and messages 4-3
prefaces 1-2
primary system board

component and connector locations 1-13

configuration restrictions 1-12, 1-19

external connectors 1-21

features 1-10

memory boards 1-16

PCI busses 1-18

processor slots 1-15

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide Index-3

Index

primary system boards

add-in board slots 1-18

SCSI controllers 1-20
problems and solutions See troubleshooting
processor board

configuration restrictions 1-12
processors

board features 1-15

maximum configurable 1-3

number supported 1-10, 1-11

types supported 1-15
publications, related vi

R

recovery mode indicator, SCSI drive 1-7
related publications vi
removable media bays

location 1-4

usability and EMI 1-2
reset problems See troubleshooting
reset switch 1-6, 1-8
resetting the system 4-5

S

SCA, definition of 1-4
SCSI backplane

hot-swappable drives 1-4

SCA connectors 1-4
SCSI bus

controllers 1-20

termination 1-20
SCSI drives

controllers 1-10, 1-11

drive carrier 1-22

hot-swap backplane 1-23

indicator, drive in recovery mode 1-7

installing 2-3

installing or swapping 2-5

number of bays 1-4, 1-22

SCA connectors on backplane 1-22

security door 1-4

status indicators 1-7, 1-8

status LEDs 2-3
SCSISelect Utility 4-12
SCU

secure mode boot 3-2

security options 1-4
SCU 4-12
secondary system board

configuration restrictions 1-12, 1-19

connector and compotent locations 1-14

features 1-11

memory boards 1-16
PCI busses 1-18

processor slots 1-15
secure mode 1-4, 1-30
secure mode boot 4-11

activate using hot keys 3-2

how to set 3-2
security

BIOS and SCU features 3-2

cabinet features 3-1

intrusion sensors 1-4, 1-8

locking door over SCSI bays 1-4

locking mouse/keyboard 1-21

padlock loop locations 1-4, 1-5

password protection 1-4

secure mode 1-4, 1-30

setting secure mode in SCU 1-30
sensors, hardware 1-10
serial ports 1-5
server

description 1-1

expanding server configuration 1-3

hazardous conditions 1-2

troubleshooting See troubleshooting
service

no user-serviceable parts, power distribution

backplane 2-2
no user-serviceable parts, power supply 2-2
philosophy 1-31

Setup Utility See BIOS Setup Utility
software problems See troubleshooting
status indicators

power supply 1-5
SCSI drives 1-7

switches

power 1-6, 1-8
reset 1-6, 1-8

symbols v
system boards See also secondary system board. See

also primary system board
configuration restrictions 1-12
feature summary 1-10
slots for add-in boards 1-3

system features, list of 1-4

Index-4 DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide

T

timer, inactivity

setting in Setup 1-21
tools needed to install and remove components 2-1
troubleshooting

after the system has been running correctly 4-7

BIOS corrupted 4-13

cannot boot from hard drive 4-12

cannot use keyboard or mouse 4-11

characters are distorted 4-11

equipment failure checklist 4-7

general procedures 4-8

monitoring POST 4-8

no characters appear on screen 4-10

power light does not light 4-10

problems and solutions 4-5, 4-10

problems with application software 4-13

running new software 4-7

running system diagnostics 4-9

system reset 4-6
typical system configurations 1-2
typography vi

Index

V

VGA monitor connector 1-5
video

adapter configuration restrictions 1-12

controller 1-10, 1-21

memory 1-10, 1-21

monitor connector 1-5

W

warnings vi, 1-2, 2-2

drives 2-3

hot swap components 1-31

no user-serviceable parts, power distribution

backplane 2-2
no user-serviceable parts, power supply 2-2
power 1-27, 2-3
power on/off switch 2-2

DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide Index-5

Index

Index-6 DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide