Recovering a UEFI image

Use this information to recover a UEFI image. The upper and lower compute nodes each have their own UEFI image; these images are recovered independently.

The compute nodes have an advanced recovery feature that automatically switches to a backup UEFI page if the UEFI code in a compute node has become damaged, such as from a power failure during an update. The flash memory of the compute nodes consist of a primary page and a backup page. If the UEFI code in the primary page is damaged, the integrated management module II detects the error and automatically switches to the backup page to start the compute node. If this happens, a POST message Booted from backup UEFI image is displayed, the check log LED is lit, and an automatic BIOS recovery (ABR) condition occurs. The backup page version might not be the same as the primary page version. You can then recover or restore the original primary page UEFI.

Note: Changes are made periodically to the Lenovo website. The actual procedure might vary slightly from what is described in this document.

To recover the UEFI code and restore a compute node operation to the primary page, complete the following steps:

  1. Update the UEFI code (see Updating firmware and device drivers).
  2. Restart the compute node.
  3. At the firmware splash screen, press F3 when prompted to restore to the primary bank. The compute node boots from the primary bank.
    Note: The prompt to press F3 is displayed only if the compute node boots from the backup page because of an ABR condition.
If the attempt to flash the primary page results in the compute node not booting and the check log LED is not lit, you can manually restore the UEFI code. To manually restore the UEFI code, complete the following steps.
Note: If the check log LED is lit, the compute node is booting from the backup image, and changing the boot backup UEFI switch to the On position changes nothing.
  1. Before you begin, read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. Turn off both the upper and lower compute nodes (see Turning off a compute node).
  3. Remove the Flex System x222 Compute Node from the Flex System chassis (see Removing a compute node from a chassis).
  4. Remove the upper compute node (see Removing the upper compute node).
  5. In the compute node where you are restoring the UEFI image, locate the boot backup UEFI switch on the switch block and change the switch to the On position (see System-board switches).
  6. Replace the upper compute node and reinstall the Flex System x222 Compute Node in the Flex System chassis (see Installing the upper compute node and Installing a compute node in a chassis).
  7. Update the UEFI code in the compute node where you are restoring the UEFI image (see Updating firmware and device drivers).
  8. Turn off both the upper and lower compute nodes and remove the Flex System x222 Compute Node from the Flex System chassis (see Turning off a compute node and Removing a compute node from a chassis).
  9. Remove the upper compute node (see Removing the upper compute node).
  10. In the compute node where you are restoring the UEFI image, locate the boot backup UEFI switch on the switch block and change the switch to the Off position (see System-board switches).
  11. Replace the upper compute node and reinstall the Flex System x222 Compute Node in the Flex System chassis (see Installing the upper compute node and Installing a compute node in a chassis).
  12. Restart the compute node where you are restoring the UEFI image (see Turning on a compute node).
Important: If you are unable to manually restore the UEFI code after several attempts, replace the system-board assembly in the where you are restoring the UEFI image (see Removing a system-board assembly and Installing a system-board assembly).