You may receive time-out error messages when you use the Microsoft IPMI driver to flash hardware firmware in Windows Server 2003 R2

When you use the Microsoft Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) driver to flash hardware firmware in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2, you may receive several unnecessary time-out error messages. Time-out error messages that are similar to the following are logged in the System event log:

These time-out error messages may occur during the flash process if the particular hardware is unavailable for a long time. When this behavior occurs, the IPMI driver may report many time-out error messages until the hardware is available again. Sometimes, 100 or more time-out error messages may occur.

This problem may occur when a large firmware image is used to flash the hardware device. For example, the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) flash may require thousands of transactions to be completed. While the transactions are occurring, the hardware may be inaccessible for extended periods of time. This delay causes the time-out error messages in the System event log.

These time-out messages can be safely ignored.

Note Any more severe or fatal error messages that may appear during the flash should not be ignored.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

Technical support for Windows x64 editions

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for Microsoft Windows x64 editions. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For product information about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, visit the following Microsoft Web site: