Installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 hang on multinode - Servers

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H193740

Symptom

During the installation process of Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 SP1 on a multi-node System x3950 configuration, the installation hangs at various points, such as when prompted to enter any value, or blank screen, while loading kernel.

The error message below is found on the console:

The operating system can successfully be installed in single-node configuration. No errors are found in hardware logs such as Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) or Remote Supervisor Adapter (RSA) logs.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

• System x3950 E, type 8874, any model
• System x3950 E, type 8879, any model
• System x3950, type 8872, any model
• System x3950, type 8878, any model
• xSeries 460, type 8872, any model
• xSeries MXE-460, type 8874, any model

This tip is not option specific.

The system is configured with at least one of the following:

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10, any Service Pack
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 for AMD64/EM64T, any service pack

Note: This does not imply that the network operating system will work under all combinations of hardware and software.

Please see the compatibility page for more information:

• IBM ServerProven

Solution

1. Make sure official installation instructions Installing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 - IBM System x3950 (Type 8878) and System x3950 E (Type 8879) are followed.
2. Check ServerProven for valid configuration and any notes.
3. The installer process uses the uniprocessor kernel. Try the installation process in the single-node configuration first and then configure as multi-node.
4. Configurations with optional devices may need to specify"swiotlb" in boot loader.
   1. Upon booting to install media, the following will be seen on the screen. Type swiotlb=16 in the boot options section before selecting "Installation":

      Boot from Hard Disk Installation Installation -- ACPI Disabled Installation -- Local APIC Disabled Installation -- Safe Settings Rescue System Memory Test Boot Options ___________

   2. If the operating system was already installed, complete the following manual steps:
      • Click Escape to interrupt GRUB when it comes up during boot, by
      • Click OK to go to the text menu.
      • Go to the default boot entry
      • Press e to see the details.
      • Go to the "kernel" line.
      • Press e to edit the line.
      • Add swiotlb=16 and click Enter to temporarily boot with this option.
      • After operating system boots successfully, make sure to add swiotlb=16 parameter to /boot/grub/menu.lst which can be done with YaST.

Additional information

Depending on optional device configurations, it may need to specify memory pool amount by swiotlb option in boot loader.

The example shown is for value of 16 added to swiotlb, which resolved a case using four Fibre Channel HBA cards. Other configurations may require larger value. For more information about swiotlb option, contact software support.

The IBM ServerProven compatibility site is available at the following URL:

• IBM ServerProven