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?

A BIOS firmware update can reset or change fan control curves, thermal thresholds, and power management settings, potentially causing fans to spin at incorrect speeds or stop entirely. Confirming that fans are running is the quickest, least invasive first step that directly addresses the reported overheating symptom. This follows the standard troubleshooting principle of checking the simplest and most likely cause before escalating to more invasive actions.

Restoring the backup ROM is a drastic recovery measure that should only be attempted after simpler physical causes - such as fan failure - have been eliminated.

Running onboard diagnostics is a valid step but is more time-consuming than a direct visual or sensor check of fan operation and should follow basic physical verification.

Reapplying thermal paste requires physical disassembly and is only warranted if the cooling system (including fans) is confirmed functional but temperatures are still abnormal.