IBM System x3950 Type 8878 Service Manual page 147

The flash memory of the server consists of a primary page and a backup page. If
the BIOS code in the primary page is damaged, the baseboard management
controller will detect the error and automatically switch to the backup page to start
the server. If this happens, a POST message Booted from backup POST/BIOS image
is displayed. The backup page version might not be the same version as the
primary page version.
You can then recover or restore the original primary page BIOS by using a BIOS
flash diskette.
Note: To create and use a diskette, you must add an optional external diskette
drive to the server.
To recover the BIOS code and restore the server operation to the primary page,
complete the following steps:
1. Download the latest version of the BIOS code from http://www.ibm.com/servers/
eserver/support/xseries/index.html.
2. Update the BIOS code, following the instructions that come with the update file
that you downloaded. This will automatically restore and update the primary
page.
3. Restart the server.
If that procedure fails, the server might not restart correctly or might not display
video. To manually restore the BIOS code, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and "Handling
static-sensitive devices" on page 33.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect all external cables
and power cords; then, remove the cover.
3. Locate the boot block recovery jumper (J14 on the I/O board) (see "I/O board
internal connectors and jumpers" on page 8).
4. Disconnect the server from the ac power source.
5. Move the J14 jumper to pins 2 and 3 to enable the backup page.
6. Wait 30 seconds; then, connect the server to the ac power source.
7. Insert the BIOS flash diskette into the external diskette drive.
8. Restart the server.
9. When POST starts, select 1 - Update POST/BIOS from the menu that
contains various flash (update) options.
10. When you are asked whether you want to save the current code to a diskette,
type N.
11. Type 1 and press Enter to continue.
Attention: Do not restart or turn off the server until the update is completed.
12. When the update is completed, turn off the server.
13. Disconnect the server from the ac power source.
14. Move the J14 jumper back to pins 1 and 2 to return to startup from the primary
page.
15. Wait 30 seconds; then, connect the server to the ac power source.
16. Replace the cover; then, restart the server.
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Chapter 5. Diagnostics