A Guide to Troubleshooting Common Issues with HPE ProLiant Servers: Focusing on Gen9 and Gen10 Models

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ProLiant servers, particularly the Gen9 and Gen10 models, are renowned for their reliability, performance, and scalability. However, like any other technology, they can sometimes encounter issues that impact their functionality. In this blog, we’ll delve into some common problems that can occur with these HPE ProLiant servers and provide guidance on how to troubleshoot and resolve these issues using specific administrator knowledge and tools. Before diving into the troubleshooting process, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the basics of both the ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers.

HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers

The Gen10 series, which includes popular models such as the DL360, DL380, and ML350, features HPE’s Silicon Root of Trust technology for enhanced security. To ensure your Gen10 servers maintain optimal performance and security, follow these steps:

• Use the HPE iLO 5 interface to monitor firmware versions and check for available updates.
• Download the latest Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) from HPE’s support website to obtain the most recent firmware and driver updates.
• Apply the updates using the HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) interface or HPE OneView for a centralized approach.

HPE ProLiant Gen9 Servers

The Gen9 series, which consists of models like the DL360, DL380, and ML350, utilizes the HPE iLO 4 for server management. To update firmware and drivers for your Gen9 servers, follow these guidelines:

• Monitor firmware versions and check for available updates using the HPE iLO 4 interface.
• Obtain the latest SPP from HPE’s support website to access current firmware and driver updates.
• Apply the updates using the HPE iLO 4 interface, HPE OneView, or HPE Smart Update Manager (SUM) for a simplified update process.

As you maintain your HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, it’s essential to keep them up-to-date with the latest firmware and driver updates. However, even with the most current updates, you may still encounter other issues that can hinder your server’s performance.

Boot and Startup Issues

Problems with booting or starting up a ProLiant server, such as the DL380 Gen9 or DL360 Gen10, can be frustrating, as they prevent the server from functioning properly. Some common causes for boot and startup issues include:

• Incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings
• Faulty hardware components
• Corrupted operating system files

To troubleshoot, access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing F9 during the boot process. Reset the settings to their defaults and ensure the boot order is correctly configured. Check for any hardware component failures, such as damaged CPUs or malfunctioning power supplies. If necessary, reinstall the operating system to resolve any corruption issues.

Overheating and Thermal Shutdown

ProLiant servers have built-in mechanisms to protect themselves from overheating, which can cause a thermal shutdown. Possible reasons for overheating in models like the ML350 Gen9 or ML110 Gen10 include:

• Dust accumulation
• Blocked air vents
• Faulty cooling components (e.g., fans or heatsinks)

Regularly cleaning the server and ensuring proper airflow can help prevent overheating. Use the HPE iLO management tool to monitor the server’s temperature and fan speeds. If you suspect a faulty cooling component, replace it to resolve the issue.

Memory Errors

Memory errors can cause a ProLiant server to crash, hang, or exhibit erratic behavior. To diagnose memory issues on servers such as the DL580 Gen9 or DL560 Gen10, use the HPE iLO management tool to check for error messages and run memory diagnostics. If errors are detected, try reseating the memory modules or replacing them if necessary. For Gen10 models, ensure that the memory modules adhere to the HPE SmartMemory specifications for optimal performance and compatibility.

Disk and Storage Issues

ProLiant servers rely on their storage systems to function optimally. Common storage issues that may affect models like the DL180 Gen9 or DL380 Gen10 include:

• Disk failures
• RAID configuration errors
• Storage controller problems

Monitor the server’s storage health using HPE’s Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) tool. If you encounter disk failures or RAID configuration issues, take appropriate action to replace the failed disk or reconfigure the RAID settings. For storage controller problems, ensure the controller’s firmware is up-to-date and check for hardware faults. Additionally, make sure that the storage controller is compatible with the specific ProLiant model.

Network Connectivity Problems

Network connectivity issues can prevent a ProLiant server, such as the DL20 Gen9 or DL325 Gen10, from communicating with other devices on the network. To troubleshoot, check the following:

• Network cable connections
• Network switch/router configurations
• Network Interface Card (NIC) settings and drivers

Ensure all cables are securely connected, and the network switch/router is configured correctly. Update the NIC drivers and firmware and double-check the NIC settings to resolve any connectivity issues.

Firmware and Driver Updates

Outdated firmware and drivers can cause compatibility and performance issues with ProLiant servers. Regularly updating the server’s firmware and drivers using HPE’s Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) will help keep your server running smoothly and securely.

Conclusion

Maintaining optimal performance and security for your HPE ProLiant servers, particularly the Gen9 and Gen10 models, is essential to ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of your IT infrastructure. Regularly updating the firmware and drivers for these servers can prevent potential issues and safeguard your investment in these high-quality devices. By engaging with ReluTech’s third-party maintenance services, you can ensure your HPE ProLiant devices receive the expert care and attention they need to remain in top shape.

ReluTech’s experienced technicians can help you manage firmware and driver updates, troubleshoot common issues, and provide essential maintenance services to keep your HPE ProLiant servers running at peak performance. In addition, ReluTech offers customized support solutions tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the best possible service.

Don’t let server maintenance and troubleshooting concerns detract from your core business goals. Reach out to ReluTech today and discover how our TPM services can help you maintain and optimize your HPE ProLiant devices, ensuring a reliable and high-performing IT infrastructure. Contact ReluTech now to learn more and get started on your journey to worry-free HPE ProLiant server maintenance.