C460 M4 TPM Messages In The SEL Logs

Introduction

The intent of this document is to address the issue seen regarding Trusted Platform Module (TPM) related System Event Logs (SEL) events on some C460 M4 servers. A small number of C460 M4 SPARE servers will see a critical SEL event related to TPM presence right out of the factory. The instructions below will assist you in resolving servers impacted by this issue.

Problem

Potentially Impacted Systems:

About 614 SPARE C460 M4 Systems (Shipped between June 2^nd 2014, and April 13^th 2016.)

Customer Visibility / Impact:

Customers may see a critical SEL event similar to the one below on servers received from the factory.

There is NO operational impact to the server, but the message may lead to unessary concern resulting in a call to TAC. This has to do with the way TPMs were handeled in manufacturing. C460 M4 systems keep a "Cached" value for TPM presence, indicating if a TPM was was ever installed in the server - every server has a TPM installed durring testing. The C460 M4 also tracks the current precense of the TPM, and since all servers ordered as spares ship without a TPM, the system triggers an alarm thinking that the module that was once installed has been removed.

Solution

The work-arround below will allow you to quickly address this SEL event should you wish to remove the messages. The work-arround involves resetting the Integrated Management Controller (IMC) to factory default settings, clearing any cached TPM Presence value.

Work Around Options:

Work Around 1 - Reset the  IMC to Factory Default Settings

Resting to Factory Defaults via IMC WebUI

1.  Point a browser to the IMC IP, login, and navigate to the Admin --> Utilities tab
2. Click the "Reset Cisco IMC to Factory Default Configuration" as shown in the image below.

3. You will be prompted with a pop up box. Click OK to proceed.

Note: The IMC will reset completely and you will need to reconfigure all settings. Please record any information prior to the reset.

Work Around 2 - Resetting to Factory Defaults via IMC CLI

1.  SSH to the IMC IP using the user's credentials.
2. Type the following commands as shown below:

        a. scope cimc

        b. factory-default

 3. Enter "y" to continue.

Note: The IMC will reset completely and you will need to reconfigure all settings.

Please record any information prior to the reset.