IBM 7940, Problem Determination And Service Manual

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– Type and version level
v Hardware configuration
– Print (print screen) configuration currently in use
– BIOS level
v
Operating system software
– Type and version level
Note: To eliminate confusion, identical systems are considered identical only if
they:
1. Are the exact machine type and models
2. Have the same BIOS level
3. Have the same adapters/attachments in the same locations
4. Have the same address jumpers/terminators/cabling
5. Have the same software versions and levels
6. Have the same diagnostics code (version)
7. Have the same configuration options set in the system
8. Have the same setup for the operation system control files
Comparing the configuration and software setup between “working” and
“non-working” systems will often lead to problem resolution.
Calling IBM for service
See Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance,” on page 125 for
information about calling IBM for service.
When you call for service, have as much of the following information available as
possible:
v
Machine type and model
v Microprocessor and hard disk drive upgrades
v
Failure symptoms
– Does the server fail the diagnostic programs? If so, what are the error codes?
– What occurs? When? Where?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has the current server configuration ever worked?
– What changes, if any, were made before it failed?
– Is this the original reported failure, or has this failure been reported before?
v
Diagnostic program type and version level
v
Hardware configuration (print screen of the system summary)
v
BIOS code level
v Operating-system type and version level
You can solve some problems by comparing the configuration and software setups
between working and nonworking servers. When you compare servers to each
other for diagnostic purposes, consider them identical only if all the following factors
are exactly the same in all the servers:
v
Machine type and model
v
BIOS level
v
Memory amount, type, and configuration
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IBM System x3455 Type 7940 and 7941: Problem Determination and Service Guide