Immediately following a BIOS firmware update, a server detects an overheat condition and shuts down after five minutes. Which of the following should the systems administrator do FIRST?

Question

Options

• AEnsure the system fans are running
• BDisconnect the server's power and restore the backup ROM
• CRun the hardware manufacturer's onboard diagnostics
• DReapply thermal paste to the CPUs and heat sinks

• A
  79% (23)
• B
  7% (2)
• C
  10% (3)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

After a BIOS firmware update, the FIRST action is to verify the system fans are running. BIOS firmware directly controls fan speed curves, thermal thresholds, and fan controller settings - a firmware update can reset these to defaults, introduce a bug that stops fans from spinning, or misconfigure PWM fan profiles, causing an immediate overheat condition. This is the simplest, most likely explanation and must be ruled out first before escalating. Option B (restoring backup ROM) is appropriate if the BIOS update itself was corrupt or caused a boot failure - not an overheat after successful boot. Option C (onboard diagnostics) is a valid later step but not the first. Option D (reapplying thermal paste) is not relevant since thermal paste condition does not change during a firmware update and would have caused pre-existing symptoms, not a sudden post-update failure.

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