Help with Server That Crashes After MS Update

Hello,

I have a PowerEdge 1850 server that is running 2003 Enterprise. This server is in my home and it acts as a backup domain controller for an SBS box. It also provides internet access to my family.

Earlier today I noticed that there were about 10 MS security patches/updates that needed to be installed. One of these I think was an update for the RAID driver. I installed all of them. When the server rebooted everything worked fine up to login. After I logged in the Windows desktop started to appear then everything froze (no keyboard or mouse).

I tried rebooting twice (both times by holding down the power button) and the system still locks and the amber light flashes. I hired a 3rd party IT guy to configure this BDC and really do not want to mess this up. Any suggestions? Should I try booting with the Windows disk in the CD drive? Please provide detailed steps on what I should do as the way my luck has gone with these servers I will ***** things up. Thanks!!!

 

do a last good known config.

Dont download and update drivers.

 

Hi bilbus,

Thanks for your help!! How exactly do I do that on a server? Do I boot with the OS Disk in the DVD drive? I also have Dell Server Manager DVD as well. I would really appreciate your help in this. Which disk would I boot to and what keys do I press and when to go to last good config?

P.S. I would have replied sooner but I was in the server closet trying a few things.

 

Bilbus,

I tried last known good configuration and although it let me type in mu username and password, Windows locked up before the desktop loaded and the amber light started flashing again. Do you have any other suggestions?

 

i misread your post, i thought it locked up before login. Once you login, the LGKC is wiped.

Does safemode work?

What amber light blinks?
What make/model server is this?

 

Hi Bilbus,

Sorry for the confusion. The first time it let me log on. It accepted my password and the OS loaded and the desktop appeared. It froze before the desktop was all there and the mouse and keyboard stopped working. Maybe Windows is treating that like a successful log in? The next times I could not get that far until I tried the Last Known Good Configuration.

I have not tried booting in safe mode yet. Which mode should I try (Safe, Safe with Networking, ...)?

The server is a Dell PowerEdge 1850 and the amber light is the system status light that should be solid green (or blue - I forget).

 

The amber light on the dell means there is a hardware fault.

power supply, HD, or something else has failed. It could be unrelated, goto the bios and see what failed in the log.

I would try safe mode.