Dell SC1420 - weird stuff

[alexeyga]

Hi guys, i'm trying to resurrect an old Dell SC1420 unit to run a couple of remote users, but so far it has been more of a mumbo-jumbo...

 

Given:

Dell SC1420 server

-bios version A00

-1X Xeon 3ghz cpu

-2GB ram

-2x 160gb sata hard drives in RAID 1 mode on the built-in Adaptec cerc sata 2s controller

-MS server 2003 pre-installed

-seems to be running just fine

 

So, naturally, the first thing I do before anything - update the bios to the latest version - A04

-it wouldn't boot no more, gets stuck at the RAID initialization screen:

 

 

-And booting Freedos gives that:

 

 

-Can't start neither 2003 or 2008 MS Server installations and the only distro that booted - was the TinyCore from which I've also re-flashed the bios with the A04 to no avail.

 

-Figured I'd try to turn off the RAID completely which resulted in this when booting FreeDOS:

 

 

-MS Server 2008 installation would not start. Can start most major distros (Mint, Ubuntu), but X fails quite miserably upon opening first apps, Fedora and CentOS don't even detect the screen upon booting.

 

-Sooo by re-installing all bios versions I found that starting from the bios A03 it would not boot at all if the RAID is active.

 

-I've tried re-building the RAID1 array by fully re-formatting every disc separately and doing a full CLEAN, to no change of behavior.

 

-Sooo I'm debating what's the real issue here? Raid controller shot? Defective hard drives? Mother board shot?

 

Unfortunately i've already ordered a pair of faster CPU-s and more RAM, wouldn't want to abandon that project half way though, but if it comes to it...

 

Thanks!

[ReBoot]

I've got a couple of these in my school - nice to hear from someone else still using them ! Most recent failures I've experienced are bad RAM - the RAM must get hot in these systems as above 4GB you need a special memory cooler.

 

Also had one motherboard fail. Have you checked the status LEDs on the front bezel - these give quite allot of info on where things have gone wrong. Manuals still available on the web. As the RAID array was howing as optimal this suggests your controller is OK.

 

I run Unbuntu on mine and a Samba4 DC.

 

I keep 2 spare motherboards, 2 PSUs and a complete spare chassis to make sure I can keep running. Luckily most parts are still available with a visit to ebay and are not expensive.

[alexeyga]

Thanks for the "tip" regarding the LEDs - in all honesty my experience with this unit is very limited, back when I overtook the IT at this company - it was managing the MS domain and it was the first thing I disconnected from the network and shoved in the far away corner of the server room... up until now.

 

That being said, the LED status is GGGY - which indicates some "other" type of failure and the troubleshooting guide is suggesting to check the cables - will do.

 

As a side note - I've also tried completely disabling all SATA ports and the RAID controller - to no change in symptoms. I'll still check the cables, but my bet is on the motherboard.

[alexeyga]

Lol, this is fun! Disabling the empty PS/2 port took care of the "other" failure - all LEDs are green now! )))

 

Done some more tests - it still only works on the A02 bios - everything above just hangs. Neither i'm able to run any distros with gui.

 

Good news - borrowed another copy of MS Server 2008 - installing it right now, keeping my fingers crossed... ))))

Edited February 10, 2015 by alexeyga