IBM eServer xSeries 205 Type 8480, Hardware Maintenance Manual And Troubleshooting Manual, Page: 31 / 168

Chapter 3. Diagnostics
This section provides basic troubleshooting information to help you resolve some
common problems that might occur with your server.
If you cannot locate and correct the problem using the information in this section,
see Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance”, on page 115 for more
information.
General checkout
The server diagnostic programs are stored on the IBM Enhanced Diagnostics CD .
These programs provide the primary methods of testing the major components of
the server.
If you cannot determine whether a problem is caused by the hardware or by the
software, you can run the diagnostic programs to confirm that the hardware is
working properly.
When you run the diagnostic programs, a single problem might cause several error
messages. When this occurs, work to correct the cause of the first error message.
After the cause of the first error message is corrected, the other error messages
might not occur the next time you run the test.
A failed system might be part of a shared DASD cluster (two or more systems
sharing one or more external storage devices). Before you run diagnostics, verify
that the failing system is not part of a shared DASD cluster.
A system might be part of a cluster if:
v
The system is identified as part of a cluster.
v One or more external storage units are attached to the system and at least one
of the attached storage units is also attached to another system or unidentifiable
source.
v One or more systems are located near the failing system.
If the failing system is suspected to be part of a shared DASD cluster, you can run
all diagnostic tests except the diagnostic tests that test the storage unit (DASD
residing in the storage unit) or the storage adapter attached to the storage unit.
Notes:
1. For systems that are part of a shared DASD cluster, run one test at a time in
looped mode. Do not run all tests in looped mode, because this could enable
the DASD diagnostic tests.
2. If multiple error codes are displayed, diagnose the first error code that is
displayed.
3. If the computer stops with a POST error, go to “POST error codes” on page 95.
4. If the computer stops and no error is displayed, go to “Undetermined problems”
on page 106.
5. For power supply problems, see “Power checkout” on page 29.
6. For safety information, see “Safety information” on page 117.
7. For intermittent problems, check the error log.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2002
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