IBM eServer xSeries 345 Type 8670, Maintenance Manual

Page: 167 / 176

Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance
If you need help, service, or technical assistance or just want more information
about IBM products, you will find a wide variety of sources available from IBM to
assist you. This appendix contains information about where to go for additional
information about IBM and IBM products, what to do if you experience a problem
with your xSeries or IntelliStation system, and whom to call for service, if it is
necessary.
Before you call
Before you call, make sure that you have taken these steps to try to solve the
problem yourself:
v Check all cables to make sure that they are connected.
v
Check the power switches to make sure that the system is turned on.
v Use the troubleshooting information in your system documentation, and use the
diagnostic tools that come with your system.
v
Go to the IBM Support Web site at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/ to check for
technical information, hints, tips, and new device drivers.
v Use an IBM discussion forum on the IBM Web site to ask questions.
You can solve many problems without outside assistance by following the
troubleshooting procedures that IBM provides in the online help or in the
publications that are provided with your system and software. The information that
comes with your system also describes the diagnostic tests that you can perform.
Most xSeries and IntelliStation systems, operating systems, and programs come
with information that contains troubleshooting procedures and explanations of error
messages and error codes. If you suspect a software problem, see the information
for the operating system or program.
Using the documentation
Information about your IBM xSeries or IntelliStation system and preinstalled
software, if any, is available in the documentation that comes with your system.
That documentation includes printed books, online books, README files, and help
files. See the troubleshooting information in your system documentation for
instructions for using the diagnostic programs. The troubleshooting information or
the diagnostic programs might tell you that you need additional or updated device
drivers or other software. IBM maintains pages on the World Wide Web where you
can get the latest technical information and download device drivers and updates.
To access these pages, go to http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/ and follow the
instructions. Also, you can order publications through the IBM Publications Ordering
System at www.elink.ibmlink.ibm.com/public/applications/publications/cgibin/pbi.cgi.
Getting help and information from the World Wide Web
On the World Wide Web, the IBM Web site has up-to-date information about IBM
xSeries and IntelliStation products, services, and support. The address for IBM
xSeries information is http://www.ibm.com/eserver/xseries/. The address for IBM
IntelliStation information is http://www.ibm.com/pc/intellistation/.
You can find service information for your IBM products, including supported options,
at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2002
157