Failsafe Boot Block Rom - HP Xw4600 - Workstation - 2 GB RAM Technical Reference Manual

FailSafe Boot Block ROM

The FailSafe Boot Block ROM enables system recovery in the unlikely event of a ROM flash failure. For
example, if a power failure occurs during a ROM upgrade, the Boot Block uses a flash-protected section
of the ROM to check for a valid system ROM flash when power to the system is restored.
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If the system ROM is valid, the system starts normally.
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If the system ROM fails the validation check, the FailSafe Boot Block ROM provides enough support
to start the system from a BIOS image CD created from a SoftPaq. The BIOS image CD programs
the system ROM with a valid image.
When Boot Block detects an invalid system ROM, the workstation power LED blinks red eight times and
beeps eight times, then the workstation pauses for two seconds. Also, eight simultaneous beeps will be
heard. A Boot Block recovery mode message is displayed on the screen (some models).
In preparation for system recovery, use the BIOS CD media file in the SoftPaq to create a BIOS image
CD.
To recover the system after it enters Boot Block recovery mode:
1. If there is media in the diskette or optical drives, remove it.
2. Insert a BIOS image CD into the CD drive. USB media (such as an HP DriveKey) can also be used.
3. Power off, then power on the workstation.
If no BIOS image CD or USB is found, you are prompted to insert one and restart the workstation.
If a setup password has been established, the Caps Lock light illuminates and you are prompted
for the password.
4. Enter the setup password.
If the system successfully starts from the CD or USB and successfully reprograms the ROM, then
the three keyboard lights illuminate. A rising-tone series of beeps also signals successful recovery.
5. Remove the CD or USB media and power off the workstation.
6. Restart the workstation.
The following table lists the various keyboard light combinations used by the Boot Block ROM (when a
PS 2 keyboard is attached to the workstation) and explains the meaning and action associated with
each combination.
Table 4-2
FailSafe Boot
Block mode
Num Lock
Caps Lock
Num, Caps,
Scroll Lock
Num, Caps,
Scroll Lock
*Diagnostic lights do not flash on USB keyboards.
40 Chapter 4 System management
Keyboard light combinations used by Boot Block ROM
Keyboard LED activity*
On
On
Flash in sequence, one at
a time—N,C, SL
On
SoftPaq media is not present, is bad, or the drive not ready
Enter password
Keyboard locked in network mode
Boot Block ROM Flash successful. Reboot the system
State/Message
ENWW