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January 28th, 2025 19:56
Dell R760 UEFI BIOS update stuck at the SUSE screen
Hello,
Attempted to update one of our Dell R760 servers but got stuck the SUSE screen. Our normal procedure is creating a bootable ISO using the Dell Repository Manager application. Upon creation, we burn the ISO to disc to be executed as a bootable media. The R760 bootable ISO is dated 24.11.11, DSU Update 2.1.1.0 (release date 09 Dec 2024). We had no issues updating from the previous updates, but this one put a stinger in the behind. And since the update format has changed not too long ago from BIOS to UEFI, here are a few steps in our procedures that we follow to execute the update and which has worked:
- Insert the R760 BIOS firmware updates media (we use DVD) into the drive.
- Shut down all virtual machines running.
- Reboot the server.
- As the server is booting up, boot into the BIOS Boot Manager (F11 key) and select One-shot UEFI Boot Menu. After some initializing, choose what to boot into (here we select DVD drive).
- The update process continues and executes until complete.
So normally, the SUSE screen comes up before any updates or process begins (step 5), but unfortunately, the process got stuck at the SUSE screen and the system would continue to whine. So the only alternative we did was to unplug the external drive, hard-powered down, reset the system back to BIOS, and then reload the system back to operation. Apparently no updates went through and we did not noticed any corrupt output.
If there is a step, steps in settings or parameters, as this is highly critical and time-sensitive in resolving this issue so that we may continue to update our R760 servers in the lab. Please assist.
DELL-Erman O
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2.8K Posts
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January 29th, 2025 07:33
Hello,
You can reset iDRAC and BIOS before starting to update. Please check your BIOS settings for UEFI-related configurations. Ensure that the UEFI Boot Mode is enabled and the UEFI Boot Manager is set to prioritize bootable USB. If you still have issue then you might try alternative methods to update server. You can try to update BIOS via iDRAC or LCC.
Hope that helps!
DELL-Rey G
3 Apprentice
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1K Posts
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January 30th, 2025 17:08
Just curious, can your idrac get to the internet? if yes, there is an easier way to do updates.
Rey
#Iwork4Dell
arnolds1x
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January 31st, 2025 01:58
@DELL-Erman O Hi, Mr. Erman. Unfortunately that still got us stuck at the SUSE screen, even after resetting iDRAC and BIOS settings (had our IT manager reset with his authorization for the purpose of troubleshooting) back to default (he selected default all, option). UEFI Boot Mode was enabled and the UEFI Boot Manager is set to bootable CD/DVD (our only required option here at the company). Was curious if you had other customers experiencing this similar issue on the R760. Please let me know what you can of next.
arnolds1x
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January 31st, 2025 02:00
@DELL-Rey G Hello, Rey. We do not connect to the internet. Our only requirement is bootable media like CD/DVD. No USB or external devices are we authorized to use.
DELL-Young E
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5.1K Posts
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January 31st, 2025 06:25
Hello,
You can use idrac to mount iso instead of burning it on DVD
https://dell.to/4go1kXM
How to Use Virtual Media in iDRAC9 | Dell US
The virtual media feature lets you mount ISO files to update firmware or install an OS. The ISO can be on your local machine, a network share or on a removable disk connected to the server itself.
arnolds1x
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February 4th, 2025 02:50
@DELL-Erman O Hello again, Mr. Erman. Unfortunately, we are government-run operation and none of the alternative methods are we allowed to perform.
Since my last response here, I have upgraded my DRM to version 3.4.7 (from v.3.4.5), created a new R760 platform bootable ISO, and made another attempt to update the BIOS and firmware on the R760 server that was causing to hang. This time I had also test the update on another one of our R760 servers. Here are my results:
R760 server #1:
R760 server #2:
Provided the additional information that resulted that I listed, helps you troubleshoot further the issue I am dealing with, and hoping that a solution can be determined.
v/r,
Arnold S.
Information Assurance and Security, Senior Associate
DELL-Joey C
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February 4th, 2025 07:38
Hi,
Based on what I can see, I would best recommend contacting the support line to have a proper guidance on what is causing the issue. We wouldn't want an improper update that could cause the server malfunction or no POST. I assume the server is still new R760, that still have support warranty.