Intel® Ethernet Adapters and Devices User Guide
Firmware Recovery Mode
A device will enter Firmware Recovery mode if it detects a problem that requires the firmware to be reprogrammed. When a device is in Firmware Recovery mode, it will not pass traffic or allow any configuration; you can only attempt to recover the device’s firmware.
Detecting Recovery Mode
During initialization, a device can enter recovery mode if the device firmware detects a problem with the LAN device, mandating NVM reprogramming to restore normal operation. After thorough internal testing of the NVM (typically less than 10 minutes, but in some cases longer), the device enters Recovery Mode.
Firmware Recovery Mode Errors and Messages
When a device is in Firmware Recovery mode, the device drivers, preboot software, and utilities may log or display messages such as the following:
“Firmware recovery mode detected. Limiting functionality. Refer to the Intel® Ethernet Adapters and Devices User Guide for details on firmware recovery mode.”
“Firmware recovery mode detected. The underlying hardware has been deactivated. Refer to the Intel® Ethernet Adapters and Devices User Guide for details on firmware recovery mode.”
“Firmware recovery mode detected. Initialization failed.”
“Firmware recovery mode detected. Limiting functionality.”
“Initialization failure due to repeated FW resets.”
The last message above is usually an indication that the device is about to enter Recovery Mode. The device may be able to return to normal functionality without intervention. This may take several minutes. No action is required unless the device does enter Recovery Mode.
Resolving Firmware Recovery Mode Issues
If your device is in Firmware Recovery mode, you can restore it to factory defaults using the latest NVM Update Package. Download the latest NVM Update Package from your vendor’s support website and follow the instructions in it.
The process for resolution of Firmware Recovery Mode Issues is outlined in the subsections below.
NVM Self Check
The process begins after power-on or reboot. At this time, the firmware will perform tests to assess whether there is damage or corruption of the device N VM image.
Actions:
If NVM image damage or corruption is not detected, the device will initialize and operate normally. No further action is required.
If NVM image damage or corruption is detected, the device will not initialize. Proceed with the additional recovery steps listed under Recovery Mode below.
Recovery Mode
The device NVM image has exhibited damage or corruption.
Actions:
Wait 10 minutes for the NVM self-check process to complete. If during this period normal operation is achieved, the device will initialize and operate normally. No further action is required.
If after 10 minutes normal operation is not achieved:
Check the System Event log for Windows OSs or driver message and kernel logs for Linux and ESXi based distributions. Recovery Mode is confirmed by presence of message/log entries as listed in the Firmware Recovery Mode Errors and Messages section above.
Reboot the system and proceed with the additional recovery steps listed under NVM Image Restoration below.
While in Recovery Mode, for Windows OSs, clicking on the adapter in Device Manager may present a dialog box indicating that Firmware Recovery Mode is active.
Once the dialog is dismissed, while the device appears to be functioning normally, it is in fact limited to only enable NVM image recovery.
If the system is rebooted (versus power cycled), the driver status may not show a Code 10/yellow bang status as expected. Refer to events logged in System Event log for Windows OSs or driver message and kernel logs for Linux and ESXi based distributions to accurately assess the adapter status.
When the adapter is in recovery mode, the link LED will not be lit and the adapter will not appear in the following locations:
F2 System Setup > Device Settings
System BIOS as a device for PXE Boot in UEFI boot mode
NVM Image Restoration
At this point, the device is in Firmware Recovery mode and its functionality is limited to only supporting restoration of the NVM image.
Actions:
Before initiating device recovery, the integrity of the host operating system, device drivers and firmware utilities must be verified and reinstalled if necessary. Fully functional operating system, device drivers and tools are required for device recovery. Please consult your operating system specific instructions on how to scan and repair potentially damaged system files.
If your device is in Firmware Recovery mode, you can restore it to factory defaults using the latest NVM Update Package. Download the latest NVM Update Package from your vendor’s support website and follow the instructions in it.
After restoring the NVM image, perform an A/C power cycle of the system. Details for this are in the Other General Notes section below.
User configured settings (i.e. iSCSI target information, user-defined port/alternate MAC addresses) will not be restored to pre-recovery mode values.
Other General Notes
To perform an AC power cycle, do the following:
Shut down the system if it is powered up.
Unplug all AC power cords from the system.
Leave the AC power cords unplugged for 15 seconds to allow the system power supply to discharge completely.
Plug in AC power cords to the system.