A server technician is troubleshooting a Windows server that occasionally experiences a 'Kernel-Power Event ID 41' error after an unexpected shutdown. The server has redundant power supplies, and both appear to be functioning correctly according to their status lights and server monitoring. What is the MOST likely cause of this error?
- AA software bug in a device driver.
- BA sudden loss of input power to the server.
- CA misconfigured network adapter.
- DInsufficient RAM allocated to the operating system.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A sudden loss of input power to the server.
Kernel-Power Event ID 41 indicates that the system rebooted without cleanly shutting down. While it can have various causes, the most common and direct cause, especially when redundant power supplies appear functional, is an abrupt loss of primary input power to the server itself (e.g., power outage, tripped circuit breaker, faulty PDU, or loose power cable). The server's PSUs might be fine, but if they don't receive power, the system will still crash.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A software bug or device driver issue would typically result in a different type of STOP error (Blue Screen of Death) with a specific bug check code, not primarily a Kernel-Power Event ID 41, which points to power loss.
- C. A misconfigured network adapter would lead to network connectivity problems, not unexpected power-related shutdowns.
- D. Insufficient RAM would typically cause performance issues, excessive swapping, or application crashes, not an abrupt power loss event.
Kernel-Power Event ID 41
A critical system event in Windows indicating that the system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down, often due to an unexpected power loss or system unresponsiveness.
- Points to an abrupt interruption of the power supply or a complete system hang.
- Common causes include power outages, faulty power supplies (less likely with redundant working ones), loose power cables, or overloaded circuits.
- Troubleshooting involves checking physical power connections, power sources, and potentially stress-testing components if a system hang is suspected.
Memory trick: Event 41: Power's Gone! No graceful goodbye for the server.