Troubleshooting server problems - Step by step (Why is the server not working?)

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Troubleshooting the Server - Step by Step (Troubleshooting)

  • Why is the server not working?
  • Why doesn't the server start?
  • Why don't I have a picture?
  • Why is the server squeaking?
  • Why doesn't the server detect RAM?
  • Why doesn't the server hold BIOS settings?
  • Technical assistance - procedure

Before you call the BOK check.Use the following procedures to troubleshoot your system. If you have already followed all of the following procedures and still need assistance, please contact the Supplier immediately.


Note: Always disconnect the power cord before adding, changing or installing any hardware components.

Before turning on the power.

  1. Make sure there is no short circuit between the motherboard and the case.
  2. Disconnect all ribbons/wired cables from the motherboard, including those for the keyboard and mouse and the network.
  3. Remove all expansion cards.
  4. Install one processor (making sure it is properly seated) and one RAM module and connect the speaker if it is not installed by default on the motherboard. (Also check the settings of all jumpers.)
  5. Use only the recommended type of CMOS battery (CR2032) on the motherboard, as recommended by the manufacturer. Do not install the battery on the motherboard in reverse to avoid causing a possible explosion.

No Power Supply

  1. Make sure there is no short circuit between the motherboard and the case.
  2. Verify that all jumpers are set to their default positions.
  3. Check that the 115V/230V switch on the power supply is set correctly.
  4. Turn the power switch on and off to test the system.
  5. The battery on the motherboard may be outdated. Check if it still provides ~3VDC voltage. If not, replace it with a new one (CR2032).

No Image

  1. If the power is on, but there is no image, remove all expansion cards and cables.
  2. Use the speaker to see if there are any sound signals.
BIOS Beep (POST) Codes / Kody POST BIOS
Beep Code / Kod błędu Error message / Error Description / Opis
5 long, 2 short /  5 długich, 2 krótkie
 Display memory read/write error / Błąd pamięci VGA Video adapter missing or with faulty memory / Brak karty video GPU lub uszkodzona pamięć VGA

Memory Errors

  1. Make sure the DIMM modules are properly and fully installed.
  2. Verify that DIMM modules of different speeds are installed and verify that the BIOS configuration is set to the highest speed of RAM in use. It is recommended to use the same RAM speed for all DIMMs in the system.
  3. Make sure you are using the correct type of ECC Reg. DIMM or ECC UDIMM memory (*recommended by the manufacturer).
  4. Check for faulty DIMMs or slots by swapping a single module between two slots and noting the results.
  5. Make sure that all memory modules are fully seated in their slots. You must install the modules according to the server's documentation, e.g. bank 1A, then bank 1B.
  6. Check the position of the 115V/230V switch on the power supply.
  7. Use the speaker to see if there are any sound signals.
BIOS Beep (POST) Codes / Kody POST BIOS
Beep Code / Kod błędu Error message / Error Description / Opis
5 short, 1 long /  5 krótkich, 1 długi
 Memory error / Błąd pamięci RAM No memory detected in system / System nie wykrywa pamięci RAM
1 long continuous / 1 długi, który trwa
 System OH / Wysoka temperatura System overheat condition / Zbyt wysoka temperatura systemu

Loss of system configuration / BIOS settings missing

  1. Make sure you use a high-quality power supply that is sized appropriately for your configuration. A low-quality power supply can cause loss of CMOS configuration information.
  2. The battery on your motherboard may be outdated. Check if it still provides ~3VDC voltage. If not, replace it with a new one (CR2032).
  3. If the above steps do not resolve the system configuration problem, contact the Supplier for repair.

Technical Assistance - Procedure

Before contacting Technical Support, please take the following steps.

  1. Before contacting Technical Support, please follow the steps described above and try to search for the problem in the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the website (http://www.supermicro.com/support/faqs/).
  2. BIOS updates can be downloaded from the website (https://www.supermicro.com/support/resources/bios_ipmi.php?vendor=1).
  3. IPMI firmware updates can be downloaded from the website (https://www.supermicro.com/support/resources/bios_ipmi.php?type=BMC)

If you still cannot resolve the problem, provide the following information when contacting the Supplier's technical support department:

  1. Server/mainboard model, serial number and PCB revision number.
  2. BIOS release date/version (you can see this on the initial screen when you first boot the system).
  3. IPMI firmware release date/version (you can see this on the webgui screen after logging into IPMI).
  4. System Configuration (HW)
  5. Logs from the system and logs from IPMI
  6. Detailed description of the problem and description of the actions performed

 Related pages:

  1. Proxmox + Compatible Supermicro ITC Servers for ISPs.
  2. FRRouting - Free Range Routing + Supermicro server for ISP
  3. Single Power Supply DC 48V for Supermicro, alternative for PWS-0061 (SP-410-1D)