Fix Dell OpenManage Enterprise Boot and Reboot Issues: “Configuring Memory” Stuck & Non-Graceful Reboot After Update

What This Guide Covers

This guide addresses two common scenarios in Dell OpenManage Enterprise (OME) environments:

1. Host stuck during boot at “Configuring Memory.”
2. Update jobs failing to perform a graceful reboot after firmware or driver updates.

It provides clear indicators, root causes, and step-by-step solutions.

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Quick Fix Summary

• Perform a flea power drain and minimum-to-POST (min2post) test to resolve boot issues.
• For graceful reboot failures, use in-band discovery and stage updates for next reboot.
• Update OME and device firmware to the latest versions to avoid known issues.

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Overview

OME manages Dell PowerEdge servers and orchestrates updates and reboots. Occasionally:

• Servers may freeze at “Configuring Memory” during POST after hardware changes or extended downtime.
• Update workflows may fail to trigger a graceful OS-level reboot, resulting in hard resets or “Pending Reboot” status.

These issues are typically resolved through hardware checks, proper discovery configuration, and software updates.

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Error Indicators

• Boot Issue: Screen stuck at “Configuring Memory…”; POST does not complete.
• Reboot Issue:
  • OME job shows “Pending Reboot” or “Reboot Failed.”
  • Unexpected shutdown logged in OS when “graceful reboot with forced shutdown” is selected.
  • Redfish-based graceful restart fails on Windows.

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Possible Causes

• Mis-seated DIMMs or CPUs preventing POST.
• Non-essential peripherals interfering with boot.
• Out-of-band-only discovery (iDRAC/Redfish) cannot trigger OS-level graceful reboot.
• Older OME versions with known reboot workflow limitations.
• Missing connectivity or protocol prerequisites for update orchestration.

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Troubleshooting Steps

A. Host Stuck at “Configuring Memory”

1. Perform Flea Power Drain
   • Disconnect AC power.
   • Hold power button for 10–30 seconds.
   • Wait 1 minute, reconnect power, and boot.
2. Reseat Hardware
   • Reseat DIMMs and CPUs.
   • Disconnect non-essential peripherals (optical drives, PCIe cards, USB devices).
3. Run Minimum-to-POST Test
   • Boot with one CPU in socket 1 and one DIMM in slot A1.
   • Swap components if POST fails.
4. Incremental Re-add
   • Add components back one at a time after successful POST.
5. If Issue Persists
   • Collect iDRAC/OME logs and contact Dell Support.

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B. No Graceful Reboot After Update

1. Update OME
   • Upgrade to the latest OME version (e.g., 4.3.1 or later).
2. Use In-Band Discovery
   • For Windows, enable OpenSSH or OMSA for OS-aware reboot commands.
3. Stage Updates for Next Reboot
   • Use “Stage for next server reboot” option and reboot during maintenance windows.
4. Check Redfish Limitations
   • If Redfish graceful restart fails, use in-band workflows or manual OS reboot.
5. Restart iDRAC if Needed
   • Clears transient management-plane issues.
6. Verify Connectivity
   • Use OME Troubleshoot to test device protocols and restart appliance if required.

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Additional Notes

• Avoid “graceful reboot with forced shutdown” on Windows; it may log unexpected shutdown.
• Always use Dell-certified components and latest firmware.
• Ensure network connectivity for catalogs and update orchestration.

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References

• Host stuck in boot after “Configuring Memory”
• Reboot after update, no graceful reboot
• Dell KB: OpenManage Enterprise Troubleshoot Section

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Affected Systems

• Management Console: Dell OpenManage Enterprise (versions 3.x–4.x)
• Servers: Dell PowerEdge rack/tower/blade servers
• Operating Systems: Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Hyper-V