Sun Fire™ X2100 M2 Server

Product Notes

Sun Microsystems, Inc.

www.sun.com

Part No. 819-6594-17

February 2009, Revision A

Submit comments about this document at: http://www.sun.com/hwdocs/feedback

Copyright 2007 - 2009 Sun Microsystems, Inc., 4150 Network Circle, Santa Clara, California 95054, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
Sun Microsystems, Inc. has intellectual property rights relating to technology that is described in this document. In particular, and without
limitation, these intellectual property rights may include one or more of the U.S. patents listed at http://www.sun.com/patents and one or
more additional patents or pending patent applications in the U.S. and in other countries.
This document and the product to which it pertains are distributed under licenses restricting their use, copying, distribution, and
decompilation. No part of the product or of this document may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written authorization of
Sun and its licensors, if any.
Third-party software, including font technology, is copyrighted and licensed from Sun suppliers.
Parts of the product may be derived from Berkeley BSD systems, licensed from the University of California. UNIX is a registered trademark in
the U.S. and in other countries, exclusively licensed through X/Open Company, Ltd.
Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, Sun Fire, docs.sun.com, and Solaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems,
Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries.
All SPARC trademarks are used under license and are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. in the U.S. and in other
countries. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc.
The OPEN LOOK and Sun™ Graphical User Interface was developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. for its users and licensees. Sun acknowledges
the pioneering efforts of Xerox in researching and developing the concept of visual or graphical user interfaces for the computer industry. Sun
holds a non-exclusive license from Xerox to the Xerox Graphical User Interface, which license also covers Sun’s licensees who implement OPEN
LOOK GUIs and otherwise comply with Sun’s written license agreements.
U.S. Government Rights—Commercial use. Government users are subject to the Sun Microsystems, Inc. standard license agreement and
applicable provisions of the FAR and its supplements.
DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, ARE DISCLAIMED,
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH DISCLAIMERS ARE HELD TO BE LEGALLY INVALID.

Copyright 2007 - 2009 Sun Microsystems, Inc., 4150 Network Circle, Santa Clara, Californie 95054, États-Unis. Tous droits réservés.
Sun Microsystems, Inc. possède les droits de propriété intellectuels relatifs à la technologie décrite dans ce document. En particulier, et sans
limitation, ces droits de propriété intellectuels peuvent inclure un ou plusieurs des brevets américains listés sur le site
http://www.sun.com/patents, un ou les plusieurs brevets supplémentaires ainsi que les demandes de brevet en attente aux les États-Unis et
dans d’autres pays.
Ce document et le produit auquel il se rapporte sont protégés par un copyright et distribués sous licences, celles-ci en restreignent l’utilisation,
la copie, la distribution, et la décompilation. Aucune partie de ce produit ou document ne peut être reproduite sous aucune forme, par quelque
moyen que ce soit, sans l’autorisation préalable et écrite de Sun et de ses bailleurs de licence, s’il y en a.
Tout logiciel tiers, sa technologie relative aux polices de caractères, comprise, est protégé par un copyright et licencié par des fournisseurs de
Sun.
Des parties de ce produit peuvent dériver des systèmes Berkeley BSD licenciés par l’Université de Californie. UNIX est une marque déposée
aux États-Unis et dans d’autres pays, licenciée exclusivement par X/Open Company, Ltd.
Sun, Sun Microsystems, le logo Sun, Java, Sun Fire, docs.sun.com, et Solaris sont des marques de fabrique ou des marques déposées de Sun
Microsystems, Inc. aux États-Unis et dans d’autres pays.
Toutes les marques SPARC sont utilisées sous licence et sont des marques de fabrique ou des marques déposées de SPARC International, Inc.
aux États-Unis et dans d’autres pays. Les produits portant les marques SPARC sont basés sur une architecture développée par Sun
Microsystems, Inc.
L’interface utilisateur graphique OPEN LOOK et Sun™ a été développée par Sun Microsystems, Inc. pour ses utilisateurs et licenciés. Sun
reconnaît les efforts de pionniers de Xerox dans la recherche et le développement du concept des interfaces utilisateur visuelles ou graphiques
pour l’industrie informatique. Sun détient une license non exclusive de Xerox sur l’interface utilisateur graphique Xerox, cette licence couvrant
également les licenciés de Sun implémentant les interfaces utilisateur graphiques OPEN LOOK et se conforment en outre aux licences écrites de
Sun.
LA DOCUMENTATION EST FOURNIE "EN L’ÉTAT" ET TOUTES AUTRES CONDITIONS, DÉCLARATIONS ET GARANTIES EXPRESSES
OU TACITES SONT FORMELLEMENT EXCLUES DANS LA LIMITE DE LA LOI APPLICABLE, Y COMPRIS NOTAMMENT TOUTE
GARANTIE IMPLICITE RELATIVE À LA QUALITÉ MARCHANDE, À L’APTITUDE À UNE UTILISATION PARTICULIÈRE OU À
L’ABSENCE DE CONTREFAÇON.
Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server
Product Notes
This document contains late-breaking information and issues for the Sun Fire X2100
M2 server.

The following issues are covered in these product notes:

■ “General Information” on page 2
■ “Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0 Released” on page 2
■ “Firmware Issues” on page 3
■ “Operating Systems Issues” on page 10
■ “Hardware Issues” on page 14
■ “System Management Issues” on page 16
■ “System Management Virtual Device Issues” on page 23
■ “System Management Web GUI, CLI, and Remote Console Issues” on page 24
■ “System Management Browser Issues” on page 29
■ “Diagnostics Issues” on page 31
■ “Issues Addressed With Tools and Drivers CD v1.1” on page 32

1
 General Information
The following table provides information on service support, documentation and
supported operating systems. Updated information for each is available at the
corresponding URL.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 http://www.sun.com/servers/x64/x2100/support.xml

Service Support

Documentation Set Includes:

• Embedded Lights Out Manager Administration guide for the Sun Fire
X2100 and Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server
• Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Installation Guide
• Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Service Manual
• Where to Find Sun Fire X2100 Server Documentation
• Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Operating System Installation Guide
• Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Safety and Compliance Guide
• Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes
Updated list available at:
http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/prod/sf.x2100m2~x2100m2

Supported • Solaris 10 OS
Operating
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Systems
• SUSE Linux Enterprise System (SLES)
• Windows
Updated list available at:
http://www.sun.com/servers/entry/x2100/os.jsp

Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0 Released

An ISO image of the Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0 is available online for download at:

http://www.sun.com/servers/x64/x2100/downloads.jsp

Note – Throughout this document, BMC (baseboard management controller) and SP

(service processor) are used interchangeably. In some instances, user interfaces still
refer to BMC. For this document, SP is the preferred terminology.

2 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

New Features in Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0
The following is a list of new features available in the Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0:

BIOS/SP
• BIOS v3A21
• SP v3.20
New Functionality and Updates
• Windows 2008 drivers added
• Blink Fault LED when ECC single-bit error occurs 24 times within a 24-hour period
• Update Windows 2003 AST 2000 driver to version 0.86.09
• Update the Linux driver for the MCP55 chip set to version 1.25 for RHEL 4.5, RHEL 4.6,
RHEL 5.1, SLES 10 SP1, SLES 10 SP2
Fixes or Resolved Issues
• ELOM security issue: Remote unprivileged and unauthorized users with access to service
processor web GUI have the ability to create new privileged users, and then gain all
privileges (CR 66648082).
• ELOM security issue: Remote unprivileged user can gain access using the web GUI and
execute arbitrary and privileged commands on the service processor (CR 6633175).
• Inability to boot from network (F12) when more than 6 SAS/SATA JBOD disks are
attached BIOS fails during firmware update, because of COM port setting
• SP reset sets system clock to 1970
• Cannot start console with external COM port accessing the SP

Firmware Issues
The following sections describe the changes resulting from the latest firmware
update:

Firmware General Information

“BIOS and SP Versions Available on Tools and Drivers CD Releases” on page 4

“Remote Firmware Update Information” on page 5
“Firmware Downgrade Information” on page 5
“Updates From v1.2 to v1.4 (and Greater) Not Recommended for Remote Updates” on
page 6
“Scripting the SP/BIOS Flash Process” on page 6

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 3

 Firmware Workarounds and Fixes

“Recovering From a Corrupt SP” on page 6

“BIOS Fails During Firmware Update and Downgrade Due to COM Port Setting” on page 8
“Firmware Update Options” on page 9

Firmware General Information

BIOS and SP Versions Available on Tools and

Drivers CD Releases
The following table lists the BIOS and SP versions available on each release of the
Tools and Drivers CD:

Tools and Drivers CD BIOS SP/BMC

Version Version Version

1.1 3A05 1.80

1.2 3A07 1.91
1.3 3A12 2.70
1.4 3A15 2.91
1.5 3A16 3.09
1.6 3A19 3.13
1.7.0 3A21 3.20

4 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

Remote Firmware Update Information
The following table describes what happens when you update the BIOS/SP remotely
(not booting from the Tools and Drivers CD locally). Test the update on one system
before performing a remote multiple system update:

When
updating
from... to... the following will occur...

1.1 1.3 Optimized defaults are loaded and all customized BIOS
settings are lost.

1.2 1.3 The CMOS settings are preserved. PowerNow disabled

by default.
1.1 1.4 Optimized defaults are loaded and all customized BIOS
settings are lost.
1.2 1.4 and Not recommended. The update process will require user
newer intervention, see “Updates From v1.2 to v1.4 (and
Greater) Not Recommended for Remote Updates” on
page 6.

1.3 1.4 and

newer Option exists to either load optimized defaults or
preserve the CMOS settings, see “Firmware Update
1.4 1.5
Options” on page 9.
1.5 1.6
1.6 1.7.0

Firmware Downgrade Information

Use the option to preserve CMOS settings when downgrading firmware from release
v1.4 to an earlier version, see “Firmware Update Options” on page 9.

Note – Some downgrade paths might require user intervention due to checksum
errors. Always test the downgrade on one system before performing a remote
multiple system downgrade.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 5

 Updates From v1.2 to v1.4 (and Greater) Not
Recommended for Remote Updates
During the update from BIOS v1.2 to BIOS v1.4, a checksum error occurs which
requires user intervention. This interferes with scripted remote updates of multiple
systems.

Workaround:

● Update using Tools and Drivers CD v1.3 before you update to v1.4 firmware.

Scripting the SP/BIOS Flash Process

The SP/BIOS flash process includes an “Update Successful” message. This message
signals the end of the SP flash activity only. At this point in the process the BIOS has
not been flashed, and premature termination of the process (for example, a manual
reboot) will result in BIOS corruption. Review the sequence below to avoid
accidentally corrupting the BIOS:

Note – Before writing a script to flash the BIOS/SP remotely, observe the sequence
in real-time and test the script on a single system before updating all systems.

1. SP begins the flash process.

2. SP finishes the flash process.

3. CLI returns an Update Successful message.

4. The system reboots and the BIOS begins the flash process.

5. The BIOS flash process finishes.

Firmware Workarounds and Fixes

Recovering From a Corrupt SP

This section contains SP recovery procedures for the Sun Fire X2100 M2.

This procedure will be added to a future revision of the Service Manual.

Before You Begin:

6 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

 You need the following:
■ A DOS-bootable USB flash device
■ A jumper cap
■ CD/DVD burner or ISO image file mounting capabilities

▼ To Recover From a Corrupt SP

1. Download the Tools and Drivers CD ISO image file from the Sun Fire X2100
M2 download site.
http://www.sun.com/servers/entry/x2100/downloads.jsp

2. Mount the ISO image or burn a CD using the ISO image file and insert the CD
into a CD/DVD drive.

3. Insert the bootable USB device into the USB port.

4. Copy all the files from the BMCrecovery directory on the Tools and Drivers CD
or mounted ISO image to the bootable USB device.

5. Remove the AC power from the server, and, if necessary, remove the server
from the rack.

6. To access the server motherboard, remove the server top cover.

7. Using a jumper cap, short the pins of jumper J34.

J34 is located on the server motherboard between CPU0 and the fan.

8. Set up the server with a KVM so that you can respond to server POST
messages.

9. Apply AC power to the server.

10. If the server has a CD/DVD drive, remove CD/DVD media from the drive.

11. Insert the DOS-bootable USB device into the server’s USB port.

12. Power on the server and enter the BIOS Setup Utility.
■ The server might take up to three minutes to complete POST.
■ A message appears stating that the BMC is not found

13. To enter the BIOS Setup Utility, watch the output for the BIOS prompt and
press F2 when prompted.
The BIOS Setup Utility main screen appears.

14. Set the USB device as the first or primary boot device.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 7

 15. Save and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.
The server boots from the USB device and a DOS prompt appears.

16. At the DOS prompt, enter the following command:

socflash.exe s39v090.bin
The SP flash process begins.

17. When the flash process finishes, remove the AC power from the server and the
jumper cap from jumper J34.

18. Prepare the server for operation and boot the server.

BIOS Fails During Firmware Update and

Downgrade Due to COM Port Setting
When performing a firmware update or downgrade of both the BIOS and the SP,
using the web GUI or the CLI and the Tools and Drivers CD v1.6, the SP update
succeeds, but the BIOS update might fail. The BIOS remains functional, but is not
updated. This issue might be related to the BIOS COM port setting. The COM port
must be set to COM1 and not COM2.

This issue is resolved with Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0.

Workarounds:

● Update the firmware using the Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0 to resolve this
issue.
–or–

● Use the BIOS Setup Utility to set the COM port to COM1 before performing a
firmware update.

Cannot Start Console With External COM Port

Accessing the SP
The console does not start when the external COM port is used to access the SP.

Workaround:

● Set the COM port to COM2 as the default in the BIOS Setup Utility.

8 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

Firmware Update Options
The firmware update options in the ELOM have changed. The BMC version
included on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.3 contains two methods for updating the
firmware remotely. You can clear or preserve CMOS. The default is set to Clear CMOS.
The default setting avoids BIOS checksum errors, and facilitates remote
updates.Both methods are available in the web GUI and the CLI and are described
below.

Note – This issue pertains to firmware contained on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.3.
Sun recommends that you always update your server to the latest version of
firmware.

To Update Firmware Using the Web GUI (CD

v1.3)
Changes in the web GUI include two additional options in the Control –> Firmware
Update screen. Both methods described below preserve the SP settings. The options
are:
■ Method A: Updating firmware clears the system BIOS CMOS data and loads
optimized defaults. Method A is recommended for users that would like no
manual interaction following the update. However, the downside of this method
is that any customized BIOS settings are lost, and user interaction is required to
restore these settings. Some examples of customized settings are:
■ OS set to Windows
■ NVRAID configured
■ Customized settings for performance
■ Method B: Update firmware preserving the system BIOS data.
Method B is recommended for users that would like the firmware to preserve
the user’s customized BIOS settings.

To Update Firmware Using the CLI (CD v1.3)

Use the set command and the UpdateMethod target before updating the BIOS
CMOS:

● To clear the system BIOS CMOS and load optimized defaults, use:
set UpdateMethod=ClearCMOS

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 9

 ● To update the firmware and preserve the system BIOS date, use:
set UpdateMethod=PreserveCMOS

Operating Systems Issues

This section contains the following operating systems-related issues:
■ “Solaris Issues” on page 10
■ “Linux Issues” on page 12

Solaris Issues
This section contains issues that apply to Sun Fire X2100 M2 servers running the
Solaris 10 operating system.

Solaris OS General Information

“Baud Rates for Installing the Solaris OS Using ssh console” on page 10
“Solaris Xserver and NIC Interfaces” on page 11
Solaris OS Workaround and Fixes

“Patch Available for Solaris nge Connect Issues” on page 11

“BMC Security Strengthened: Recommended Update” on page 11
“Telnet Security Vulnerability” on page 11
“Some KVM Switches Get Out of Sync Following Solaris Installation” on page 12

Solaris OS General Information

Baud Rates for Installing the Solaris OS Using ssh

console
To install the Solaris OS on ttyb using ssh console, use the web GUI to set the
internal serial port baud rate to 9600. In the BIOS, set the COM2 baud rate to 9600.
To be able to set the internal serial port baud rate, you must have updated your
server to BIOS v3A16 and BMC v3.09 (Tools and Drivers CD v 1.5).

10 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

Solaris Xserver and NIC Interfaces
In order to start the Solaris Xserver, you must connect all of the configured network
interface cards (NIC) to the network. If a NIC is not configured, you do not need to
connect it.

Solaris OS Workaround and Fixes

Patch Available for Solaris nge Connect Issues

During initialization, Solaris might fail to properly clear the RX_EN register. As a
result, TCP/UDP connections via the nge ports will fail.

Fix:

● Install patch #122530-06, which requires patch #118855-03.

Reconfigure the system immediately after installing the patches. Both patches are
available at http://www.sun.com/sunsolve. Use Patchfinder to locate the patch.

BMC Security Strengthened: Recommended

Update
Installing BMC firmware v3.09 strengthens system security and is a recommended
update. The X2100 M2 is susceptible to unauthorized access when the BMC
firmware is at v2.91. Security vulnerability is greatly reduced by upgrading to BMC
v3.09.

Fix:

● Update BMC (SP) firmware using Tools and Drivers CD v1.5 or higher.
For more information, see “Security Vulnerability in SP Email” on page 18.

Telnet Security Vulnerability

The Solaris 10 6/06 and 11/06 OS distributions have a telnet security vulnerability
issue.

Fix:

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 11

 ● A patch is available on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.4.

Some KVM Switches Get Out of Sync Following

Solaris Installation
When installing Solaris 10 6/06 in a rack with a KVM switch, the monitor might get
out of sync when the Xserver starts to log into the OS.

Possible Workarounds:

● Install Solaris in text mode, then do the following:

a. Run the install.sh script from the Tools and Drivers CD.

b. Reboot the server.

Running install.sh resolves the issue, as it installs the updated AST2000 VGA
driver. See the Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Operating System Installation Guide, 819-
6592, for additional instructions on running the install.sh script for Solaris.
–or–

● Use KVMS over IP with the Embedded Lights Out Manager (ELOM) GUI.
See the Embedded Lights-Out Management Administration Guide, 819-6588, for
additional instructions on KVMS over IP.
–or–

● Install Solaris in GUI mode, then do the following:

a. Boot failsafe or kill the Xserver prior to starting.

b. Run the install.sh script on the Tools and Drivers CD.

See the Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Operating System Installation Guide, 819-6592,
for additional instructions on running the install.sh script for Solaris.

Linux Issues
The following issue applies to Sun Fire X2100 M2 servers running the supported Red
Hat or SUSE operating systems.

Linux Workaround and Fixes

“System Halts With AMD-Based Servers Running 64-bit RHEL Versions 4 - 4.5” on page 13
“Keystrokes Auto-Repeat” on page 13

12 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

System Halts With AMD-Based Servers Running
64-bit RHEL Versions 4 - 4.5
On AMD-based servers running 64-bit RHEL versions 4 through 4.5, the system
might hang because of issues related to the management of process memory data.
This problem occurs when running x86 64-bit RHEL 4 on an AMD processor that
supports greater than 40-bit physical addressing. See the Red Hat Linux knowledge
base and article #11696 at:

http://kbase.redhat.com/faq/FAQ_85_11696.shtm

Workaround:

● Red Hat strongly recommends that you update to 4.6 or to the 4.5 errata kernel
as soon as possible.

Keystrokes Auto-Repeat
When typing characters on a Linux operating system running on the Sun Fire X2100
M2 server, the keystokes will auto-repeat. You can use the following workaround or
install an updated kernel from Red Hat, see RHSA-2006:0710-7 at:

http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2006-0710.html

Workaround:

1. Select Preferences - > Keyboard from the desktop menu.

2. Uncheck the selection: keyboard repeats when key is held down.

Windows Issues
The following issues apply to Sun Fire X2100 M2 servers running the supported
versions of the Widows OS:

Security Risk: Remote Console Does Not

Automatically Close
If you are running the web GUI on Windows with an Internet Explorer browser and
the web GUI times out, or you log out with the remote console window still open, a
dialog box will appear stating:

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 13

 If remote console is opened, it will be closed. Click OK.

Clicking OK will not close the remote console window. You will need to close the
window manually.

Hardware Issues
This section contains issues that apply to Sun Fire X2100 M2 server hardware.

Hardware: General Information

“Baud Rate for the Internal Serial Port and COM2 Must be the Same Value” on page 14
“PCI Express Card Limitations” on page 14
“Front USB Port Cable Limitations” on page 15
Hardware: Workaround and Fixes

“Nvidia Quadro Plex Support” on page 15

“LSI Logic SAS3041E-R Card Support” on page 16

Hardware: General Information

Baud Rate for the Internal Serial Port and COM2

Must be the Same Value
With the update available on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.5, BIOS v3A16 allows you
set the COM2 baud rate, and BMC v3.09 allows you to set the internal serial port.
The default baud rate setting for both COM2 and the internal serial port is 9600. If
changed the setting for both these values must match.

PCI Express Card Limitations

Please note the following issues regarding PCI Express (PCIe) card installation.

14 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

 ■ For the Ultra-320 PCIe card (SG-XPCIE2SCSIU320Z), there is a slot restriction
associated with this card. This card is limited to the top x8 slot (PCIe-0 slot). Do
not insert this card into the lower PCIe-1) slot. There are mechanical clearance
issues associated with the cabling if you insert this card into the bottom slot.
■ For the Infiniband card (X1236A-Z), there is a slot restriction for early generations
of the riser assembly. If you have an early version of the riser assembly, you can
only install this card in the lower PCIe x8 slot (PCIe-1 slot). Cabling to the card
causes a mechanical interference when this card is used in the top slot. This
restriction is limited to a small amount of early systems, and has been corrected in
subsequent systems.
To identify an early version of the riser assembly, check if the riser assembly is
protruding out the back of the system beyond the top cover, approximately
2.5 mm.
■ The x16 PCIe card and riser assembly only supports Nvidia Quadro Plex graphics
cards.

Front USB Port Cable Limitations

The front USB ports will only support a 3-meter cable to an attached device.

Hardware: Workaround and Fixes

Nvidia Quadro Plex Support

Support for Nvidia Quadro Plex is available using the Nvidia Quadro Plex Interface
Card (QPIC) and the x16 PCIe card and riser assembly. A BIOS option is available to
direct the video to either the on-board AST2000 or the Nvidia PCIe card. The video
will default to the AST2000 until this BIOS option is changed.

Caution – When changing the BIOS option to direct video to the PCIe card, all
remote access to the system console is temporarily lost.

▼ To Change the BIOS Video Option

1. Enter the system BIOS by pressing F2 at the Sun splash screen.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 15

 2. Select Advanced tab –> Onboard Device Configuration –> Primary Graphics
Adapter.

3. Change to PCI Express, and hit F10 to save changes.

LSI Logic SAS3041E-R Card Support

You can use a system BIOS option to set the write cache for the LSI card to Enable or
Disable. By default the option is Disable.

Caution – Enabling the write cache increases the risk of corrupting data when an
unexpected power outage occurs. However, enabling the write cache will improve
the install/rebuild performance.

▼ To Enable Write Cache

1. Enter the system BIOS by pressing F2 at the Sun splash screen.

2. Select Advanced -> Onboard Device Configuration -> LSI 3041E disk cache.

3. Change to Enable, and press the F10 key to save changes.

System Management Issues

The following issues apply to the Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Embedded Lights Out
Manager (ELOM) Service Processor (SP):

System Management: General Information

“IPMItool 1.8.9 Returns Incorrect Memory Information” on page 17

“BMC Web GUI Improved” on page 17
“Changing the SP netmask Causes Routing Table Flush” on page 17
“Multiple Devices Cannot be Mounted Within the Web GUI on Solaris (CD v1.2)” on
page 18
System Management: Workarounds and Fixes

“SP Reset Causes Loss of Date and Time Synchronization” on page 18

16 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

“Security Vulnerability in SP Email” on page 18
“SP Reset When Issuing a Remote Power-on Command” on page 19
“No Output When Running the start /SP/AgentInfo/console command” on page 19
“The Sun Splash Screen in the Serial Console Does Not Display” on page 22
“Updated Remote Power Control Functionality on the ELOM (CD v1.3)” on page 22

Information about the ELOM is available in the Embedded Lights Out Manager
Administration Guide for the Sun Fire X2100 M2 and Sun Fire X2200 M2.

System Management: General Information

IPMItool 1.8.9 Returns Incorrect Memory

Information
Direct Reading of the SPD memory is not supported in IPMItool 1.8.9. Using the
IPMItool fru print command will result in a return of incorrect memory
information. An updated IPMItool utility is required for this to work properly.
Software support has been added on the server.

BMC Web GUI Improved

The BMC web GUI has been redesigned for ease of use and to align its “look and
feel” with other Sun products. See the revised Embedded Lights Out Manager
Administration Guide for the Sun Fire X2100 M2 and Sun Fire X2200 M2 Servers. This
and other Sun Fire Server documentation is available at:

http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/coll/x2100m2

Changing the SP netmask Causes Routing Table

Flush
If you change the IP address or netmask of the BMC, the routing table will change
after you update the BMC network configuration. Therefore, you will need to re-
enter the gateway information or reset the BMC.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 17

 Multiple Devices Cannot be Mounted Within the
Web GUI on Solaris (CD v1.2)

Note – This issue pertains to firmware contained on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.2.
Sun recommends that you always update your server to the latest version of
firmware.

When running either Mozilla or Firefox on a Solaris operating system, you can only
mount one device at a time.

This issue is under investigation.

System Management: Workarounds and Fixes

SP Reset Causes Loss of Date and Time

Synchronization
When the SP is reset, time synchronization between the SP and BIOS is lost. As a
result, the SP date is reset to 01/01/1970, and the time is reset to 00:00.

This issue is resolved with Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0

Workaround:

● Update using the Tools and Drivers CD v1.7.0

Security Vulnerability in SP Email

Sun Fire X2100 M2 server systems with SP/BMC firmware v2.91 have susceptibility
to unauthorized access via the SP.

Fix:

● Upgrade the SP to v3.09 using the Tools and Drivers CD v1.5.

Sun recommends this update for all Sun Fire X2100 M2 servers.

18 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

 SP Reset When Issuing a Remote Power-on
Command
With firmware versions available on Tools and Drivers CD v1.2 and lower, the SP
might reset when you issue a power-on command following a power-off command
via IPMItool or the command line interface (CLI).

Workaround:

1. Update the Sun Fire X2100 M2 firmware with v1.3 or later.

You can download firmware from the following site.
http://www.sun.com/servers/entry/x2100/downloads.jsp

2. Power down the system gracefully before powering it back on.

Use the appropriate command.
■ If you are using IPMItool:
ipmitool -A password -H IP_address -I lan -U user -P password
chassis power soft
IP_address the SP IP address
user the SP user name
password the SP password
■ If you are using CLI:
set PowerCtrl=gracefuloff

No Output When Running the start

/SP/AgentInfo/console command
When running the start /SP/AgentInfo/console command you must
configure the OS to see the output. Refer to the procedures below for configuring
each OS:

▼ To Configure the RHEL OS for Console Output

Note – Minimum versions for this procedure: RHEL 3U7 and RHEL 4U3

1. Use a text editor to edit the /etc/grub.conf file.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 19

 2. Append the following to the kernel boot parameter line:
console=tty1 console=ttyS1, baudrate
baudrate 9600 (default value) or the same baud rate set in the BMC and BIOS.
For example, the new kernel boot parameter line should look similar to this:
kernel /vmlinuz-2.x.x ro root=LABEL/1 rhgb quiet console=tty1
console=ttyS1, 9600

3. Edit the /etc/securetty file.

a. Add ttyS1 to the bottom of the file.

b. Save and Exit the file.

4. Edit the /etc/inittab file.

a. Change id:5:initdefault: to id:3:initdefault:

b. Under the section “Run gettys in standard runlevels” add the following as
the first line:
co:2345:respawn:/sbin/agetty ttyS1 baudrate vt100

c. Save and exit the file.

5. Reboot.

▼ To Configure the SLES OS for Console Output

Note – Minimum versions for this procedure: SLES 9 SP3

1. Use a text editor to edit the /boot/grub/menu.lst file.

2. Append the following to the kernel boot parameter line:

console=ttyS1, baudrate
baudrate 9600 (default value) or the baud rate set in the BMC and BIOS.
For example, the new kernel boot parameter line should look similar to this:
kernel /boot/vmlinuz root=/dev/sda2 resume=/dev/sdal
splash:silent showps console=tty0 console:ttyS1, 9600

3. Edit the /etc/securetty file.

a. To the bottom of the file, add:

ttyS1

b. Save and exit the file.

20 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

 4. Edit the /etc/inittab file.

a. Change id:5:initdefault: to id:3:initdefault:

b. Under “getty-programs for normal runlevels:” add the following line:

S0:12345:respawn:/sbin/agetty -L baudrate ttyS1 vt100

5. Save and exit the file.

6. Reboot.

▼ To Configure Solaris 10 6/06 for Console Output

1. Edit the /boot/solaris/bootenv.rc file to read:
setprop console ‘ttyb’
setprop ttyb-mode baudrate,8,n,1,-
baudrate 9600 (default value) or the baud rate set in the BMC and BIOS.

2. Edit the /boot/grub/menu.lst file to read:

kernel /platform/i86pc/multiboot -B console=ttyb

3. Edit the /kernel/drv/asy.conf file and add the following:

name=”asy” parent=”isa” reg=1, 0x2f8 interrupts=3;

4. Edit the /var/svc/manifest/system/console-login.xml file to read:

<propval name=’label’ type=’astring’ value=’baudrate’/>
baudrate 9600 (default value) or the baud rate set in the BMC and BIOS.

5. Save and exit the file.

6. Use the following command to Reboot the system:

reboot -- -r

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 21

 The Sun Splash Screen in the Serial Console Does
Not Display
When booting the system with the console output directed to the serial port, the Sun
splash screen will not appear, and you will not see the prompt to press F2 to enter
the BIOS. You must disable the Sun splash screen to see the prompt.

▼ To Disable the Sun Splash Screen

1. Press the F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

2. Select Boot, and then select Boot Setting Configuration.

3. Set the boot setting to quiet boot - disable.

This will enable a prompt to press F2.

Updated Remote Power Control Functionality on

the ELOM (CD v1.3)

Note – This issue pertains to firmware contained on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.3.
Sun recommends that you always update your server to the latest version of
firmware.

The Embedded Lights Out Manager (ELOM) service processor (SP) functionality has
been updated with the Tools and Drivers v1.3 CD.

Remote Power Control Options

The remote power control options in the ELOM have changed.
■ If you are using CLI, the options for the PowerCtrl property for the following
command have changed: /SP/SystemInfo/CtrlInfo
The new options for PowerCtrl are:
■ To shut down the system gracefully, use: PowerCtrl=gracefuloff
■ To force a system shut down, use: PowerCtrl=forceoff
■ If you are using the Remote Console web GUI, the following four options now
exist in the Control -> Power Control menu:

22 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

 ■ To force a system shut down use: Force Power Off
■ To reset the system use: Reset
■ To shut down the system gracefully, use: Graceful Shutdown
■ To set up BIOS boot options, use: Boot Option: BIOS Setup

System Management Virtual Device

Issues
The following issues are related to a virtual device connected to the ELOM remote
console system:

Virtual Device General Information

“Some Virtual USB Flash Devices Do Not Mount in Solaris” on page 24

Virtual Device Workarounds and Fixes

“Remote Virtual Device Failure” on page 23

“Virtual CD-ROM Appears To Be Unmounted in SLES 9 SP3” on page 24

Remote Virtual Device Failure

If you connect to the service processor using the hostname rather than the IP
address, the remote virtual device function (DVD/ISO/floppy) might fail to work
(CR 667047).

Workaround:

● Connect to the ELOM web GUI using the IP address of the SP instead of the
hostname.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 23

 System Management Virtual Device: Workaround and
Fixes

Virtual CD-ROM Appears To Be Unmounted in

SLES 9 SP3
The virtual CD-ROM appears to be unmounted when the remote console is run on a
SLES 9 SP3 system. This is because the dialog box does not pop up when the CD is
mounted.

Workaround:

● Access the virtual CD-ROM from the /media directory.

Some Virtual USB Flash Devices Do Not Mount in

Solaris
For some USB flash devices, the virtual device will appear mounted in the ELOM,
when it is not actually mounted.

This issue is under investigation.

System Management Web GUI, CLI, and

Remote Console Issues
The following issues are related the Embedded Lights Out Manager (ELOM) Remote
Console and web GUI:

Web GUI, CLI, and Remote Console: General Information

“New ELOM Web GUI Available With CD v1.5” on page 25

“Minimum Supported Version for a Remote Sparc System” on page 25
“Pop-up Blocker Must Be Disabled to Run Remote Console on Firefox” on page 25
“Remote Console and Virtual Devices on Solaris” on page 26
Web GUI, CLI, and Remote Console: Workaround and Fixes

24 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

“BMC Security Strengthened: Recommended Update Using CD v1.5 or Higher” on page 26

“Solaris Remote Console Session Requires Java Plug-in” on page 26

“Web GUI Supports Firefox Versions 1 and 2 on Windows” on page 27
“Disabling the Web GUI Timeout Function” on page 28
“Remote Console Mouse Performance on Solaris” on page 28

Web GUI, CLI, and Remote Console: General

Information

New ELOM Web GUI Available With CD v1.5

The Tools and Drivers CD v1.5 includes a new easy-to-use ELOM web GUI with a
“look and feel” that more closely matches other Sun products. The Tools and Drivers
CD v1.5 is available at:

http://www.sun.com/servers/entry/x2100/downloads.jsp

More information about the new ELOM web GUI is available in the Embedded Lights
Out Manager Administration Guide for the Sun Fire X2100 M2 and Sun Fire X2200 M2

http://www.sun.com/products-n-solutions/hardware/docs/Servers/
x64_servers/x2100m2/index.html

Minimum Supported Version for a Remote Sparc

System
When running the web GUI remotely from a Sparc-based system, the minimum
supported Solaris OS is Solaris 10.

Pop-up Blocker Must Be Disabled to Run Remote

Console on Firefox
If you have a pop-up blocker enabled in Firefox, and you try to run the remote
console through the ELOM web GUI, the blocker may prevent the remote console
from launching. If the remote console does not launch, check to see if the pop-up
blocker has blocked it.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 25

 Remote Console and Virtual Devices on Solaris
If you are running Solaris on your remote console system, you must log into the
operating system as root (superuser) to mount any virtual devices.

Web GUI, CLI, and Remote Console: Workaround and

Fixes

BMC Security Strengthened: Recommended

Update Using CD v1.5 or Higher
Installing BMC firmware v3.09 strengthens system security and is a recommended
update. The X2100 M2 is susceptible to unauthorized access when the BMC
firmware is at v2.91. Security vulnerability is greatly reduced by upgrading to BMC
v3.09.

Fix:

● Update BMC (SP) firmware using Tools and Drivers CD v1.5 or higher.

For more information, see “Security Vulnerability in SP Email” on page 18.

Solaris Remote Console Session Requires Java

Plug-in
When you launch a Remote Console session on a Solaris system, the system will
prompt you for a decision regarding the javaRKVM.jnlp file.You have the
following two options:
■ If you are logged in as root, do the following:

● Select the option to open this file using its default application.
–or–
■ If you are not logged in as root, do the following:

1. Select the option to save the file.

The javaRKVM.jnlp file is downloaded.

2. Run the file manually.

The download manager will display the location of this file.

26 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

 3. Move the javaRKVM.jnlp file to the /tmp directory.
# mv /location_of_javaRKVM.JNLP/javaRKVM.JNLP /tmp
location_of_javaRKVM.JNLP The directory where javaRKVM.JNLP resides.

4. To find the location of the javaws application, enter the following in a terminal
window:
# which javaws

5. Execute the following command from the terminal window:

# /location_of_javaws/javaws /tmp/javaRKVM.JNLP
location_of_javaws The directory where javaws resides.
Example:
Assume the javaws application is run from the /usr/bin directory:
# /usr/bin/javaws /tmp/javaRKVM.JNLP
This will open a Remote Console session. Once the remote console window is
closed, the /tmp/javaRKVM.jnlp is removed.

Web GUI Supports Firefox Versions 1 and 2 on

Windows
The web GUI, which is available on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.5, supports Firefox
versions 1 and 2 on Windows systems and no longer requires an ActiveX plugin.
Update to the Tools and Drivers CD v1.5 to use Firefox versions 1 or 2 without an
ActiveX plugin, or, to continue running remote console, and using Firefox v1.x
without updating to the Tools and Drivers CD v1.5, install the ActiveX plugin by
performing the following procedure:

▼ To Install ActiveX Plugin on Windows

1. Retrieve the latest ActiveX plugin (mozactivex-ff-15.xpi) at:
http://iol.ie/~locka/mozilla

2. Open the Firefox 1.5 browser, and drag the mozactivex-ff-15.xpi file from
its location to the open browser.
OCX is installed automatically.

3. Open the file C:\installation_path\defaults\perf\activex.js

The default path is c:\programfiles\MozillaFireFox\defaults\perf\
activex

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 27

 4. Change pref("security.classID.allowByDefault",false) to
pref("security.classID.allowByDefault",true)

5. Save the text file, and exit the text editor.

6. Restart the browser.

7. Go to Tools –> Options, and click on Content.

8. On the Content page, make sure that Enable Java and Enable Java Script are
selected.

Disabling the Web GUI Timeout Function

It is best to disable the web GUI time-out function when performing remote
installations.

▼ To Disable the Web GUI Time-out Function:

1. Login to the ELOM web GUI.

2. Click the Control Tab.

3. Set time out to disabled.

Remote Console Mouse Performance on Solaris

When running the remote console on the Solaris 10 operating system, the mouse
performance might be slow.

Fix:

▼ To Resolve Slow Remote Console Mouse

Performance
1. Log in to the ELOM web GUI, and start the Remote Console.

2. Using the Remote Console window, run the following in a Solaris terminal
window on the Sun Fire X2100 M2 system:
type ‘xset m 1 1’

28 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

 System Management Browser Issues
The following issues are contained in this section:

System Management: Browser General Information

“Minimum Supported Browsers” on page 29

“Streaming Video and KVMS Over IP” on page 29
System Management: Browser Workaround and Fixes

“Configuring Java Runtime Environment for Each Browser” on page 30

“Error Message When Launching the Remote Console Using JRE 1.6.0” on page 30

System Management: Browser General Information

Minimum Supported Browsers

The following table shows the minimum versions that are supported for running the
ELOM web GUI for the Sun Fire X2100 M2 server on Solaris and Linux operating
systems.

TABLE 1 Version Numbers for Browsers

Solaris X86 RHEL 32-bit RHEL 64-bit SLES 32-bit SLES 64-bit Windows

Mozilla 1.7 1.7.12 1.7.13 1.7.8 1.7.13 N/A

Firefox 1.5.0.4 1.0.7 1.5.0.4 1.5.0.4 1.5.0.4 1.5.0.4
Internet N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6
Explorer

Streaming Video and KVMS Over IP

The keyboard, video, mouse and storage (KVMS) over IP feature of the ELOM SP is
designed for administering your system. Applications requiring heavy video
bandwidth (for example, watching videos) will not perform well with KVMS over IP.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 29

 System Management: Browser Workaround and Fixes

Configuring Java Runtime Environment for Each

Browser
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 5 Update 7 is the minimum supported version for
the browsers to run the ELOM web GUI. Follow the steps below to download the
JRE 5 Update 7 for Mozilla and Firefox browsers.

▼ To Download JRE5 Update 7 for Mozilla and

Firefox Browsers
1. Go to http://www.java.sun.com/.

2. Click on the Get Java Software button.

3. Click Download Now in the new window that opens.

The web site will display the appropriate plug-in options for the operating system
that you are running.

4. Click Download to download the appropriate plug-in.

Installation instructions and plug-in verification are also available on this site.

Error Message When Launching the Remote

Console Using JRE 1.6.0
The error message, “Cannot Connect to Host” occurs when launching the remote
console using JRE v1.6.0. This is a known bug.

Workarounds:
■ Use JRE v1.5_10
–or–
■ Change the default to “Direct Connection” in JRE v1.6.0.

30 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

▼ To Change the Default in JRE v1.6.0
1. Launch the java control panel.
path to jre jre1.6.0/bin/jcontrol

2. Select the General tab -> Network Settings, and click on “Direct Connection.”

3. Click OK.

Diagnostics Issues
The following issues in this section apply to the Pc-Check diagnostics software,
v6.05d:

Diagnostic General Information

“Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) Support Added” on page 31

“Limited Connectivity to Service Processor When Running NIC2 Tests” on page 31
“Pc-Check Fails to Identify RAID Devices” on page 31
“Pc-Check Will Hang When Running Keyboard LED Test” on page 32

Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) Support Added

Support for NMI has been added in the web GUI beginning with CD v1.4.

Limited Connectivity to Service Processor When

Running NIC2 Tests
When running the Pc-Check Network Test, access to the service processor shared
network port might become sluggish or stop.

Pc-Check Fails to Identify RAID Devices

After creating a RAID 1 device in the BIOS, the Pc-Check diagnostics software fails
to identify the device as a RAID device.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 31

 Pc-Check Will Hang When Running Keyboard
LED Test
The text for the keyboard LED test is not included in the diagnostics scripts. You can
only run the test manually.

This issue is under investigation.

Issues Addressed With Tools and Drivers

CD v1.1
If you encounter any of the following system issues, update your system firmware
with the Tools and Drivers CD v1.1 to fix the issues:

Note – This issue pertains to firmware contained on the Tools and Drivers CD v1.1.
Sun recommends that you always update your server to the latest version of
firmware.

■ “Power Control Enhancement” on page 33

■ “Emulex HBA Errors” on page 33
■ “Network Boot Moves to the Top of the Boot Order After Unmounting the Virtual
CD-ROM” on page 33
■ “Virtual Storage Device Is Not Readable” on page 33
■ “Sometimes a Virtual Device Does Not Mount After Unmounting on Mozilla or
Firefox on Solaris” on page 34
■ “Remote Console Screen Appears White or Gray” on page 34
■ “Web GUI Remote Console Might Close Out on Solaris and Linux Operating
Systems” on page 34
■ “The Hostname Mismatch Dialog Box Is Hidden After Logging Into the Web
GUI” on page 34
■ “SP Connectivity Might Be Lost During a Remote Installation of Solaris Using the
Virtual CD-ROM” on page 35
■ “System Time with SP CLI Commands” on page 35

32 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

Power Control Enhancement
With the Tools and Drivers CD v1.1, there is an updated power control enhancement
in the Embedded Lights Out Manager (ELOM) web GUI and CLI functionality that
allows remote users to reboot the system and have it enter the system BIOS
automatically.

If you are using the ELOM web GUI:

1. Click the Power Control tab.

2. Select Boot Option: BIOS Setup.

3. Click the Submit tab.

If you are using the ELOM CLI.

● Enter the following commands:

–> cd /SP/SystemInfo/CtrlInfo
–> set BootCtrl=BIOSSetup

Emulex HBA Errors

Bus uncorrectable errors will appear in SEL log with the Emulex host bus adapter
(HBA). Testing has found no functional issues.

Network Boot Moves to the Top of the Boot Order

After Unmounting the Virtual CD-ROM
After unmounting the virtual CD-ROM, Network will move to the top of the boot
order replacing the CD-ROM, if one is present.

Workaround:

Enter the BIOS, and change the boot order.

Virtual Storage Device Is Not Readable

When you are using the web GUI with Mozilla or Firefox on a Solaris operating
system, the virtual storage device is not readable in some instances.

Workaround:

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 33

 Restart the browser.

Sometimes a Virtual Device Does Not Mount

After Unmounting on Mozilla or Firefox on
Solaris
In some instances, the virtual device will not remount after it has been unmounted.

Workaround:

● Reboot the system that is running the remote console.

Remote Console Screen Appears White or Gray

■ In some instances, after launching the Remote Console on a Solaris 10 or
Windows system, the console window will change to white.
■ After performing a remote firmware update, the Sun Fire X2100 server will reboot
to flash the system BIOS. During the reboot, the Remote Console windows will
appear gray with no text on a non-Windows system.

Web GUI Remote Console Might Close Out on

Solaris and Linux Operating Systems
In some instances, the web GUI will suddenly disappear.

The Hostname Mismatch Dialog Box Is Hidden

After Logging Into the Web GUI
When logging into the web GUI, the Hostname Mismatch dialog box is displayed for
a few seconds, and then it moves behind the web browser window. If Run is not
clicked in the Hostname Mismatch dialog box, the web GUI will not react to any
mouse clicks until the other dialog box is closed.

Workaround:

Minimize the web browser windows, and click Run on the Hostname Mismatch
dialog box.

34 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009

SP Connectivity Might Be Lost During a Remote
Installation of Solaris Using the Virtual CD-ROM
This issue only happens on a small number of remote installations. If the
connectivity is lost, a new installation is required.

System Time with SP CLI Commands

You will not be able to see the system time when using CLI commands with the
ELOM SP. You will need to use the ELOM web GUI to view the system time.

Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes 35

36 Sun Fire X2100 M2 Server Product Notes • February 2009