IBM IntelliStation 6866, Hardware Maintenance Manual, Page: 137 / 148

Related service information
129
4. Remove the cover.
5. Check for any obvious non-IBM alterations. Use good judgment as to the safety of
any non-IBM alterations.
6. Check inside the unit for any obvious unsafe conditions, such as metal filings,
contamination, water or other liquids, or signs of fire or smoke damage.
7. Check for worn, frayed, or pinched cables.
8. Check that the power-supply cover fasteners (screws or rivets) have not been
removed or tampered with.
Problem determination tips
Because there is a large variety of hardware and software combinations that can be
encountered, use the following information to assist you in problem determination.
• Verify any recent hardware changes. See “Hardware considerations” on page 131.
• Verify any recent software changes. See “Software considerations” on page 130.
• Verify that the BIOS is at the latest level. See “BIOS” on page 130.
• Verify that the drivers are at the latest levels. See “Drivers” on page 130.
• Verify that the Configuration matches the hardware. See “System resource
conflicts” on page 132.
• Verify that the Diagnostics diskette is at the latest level. See “File updates”.
As you go through problem determination, consider these questions.
• Do diagnostics fail?
• What, when, where, single, or multiple systems?
• Is the failure repeatable?
• Has this configuration ever worked?
• If it has been working, what changes were made prior to it failing?
• Is this the original reported failure?
File updates
Use the IBM support area on the World Wide Web (WWW) to download Diagnostic,
BIOS Flash, and Device Driver files.
http://www.ibm.com/support
Important
To eliminate confusion, systems are considered identical only if the following are exactly
identical for each system:
1. Machine type and model
2. BIOS level
3. Adapters/attachments (in same locations)
4. Address jumpers/terminators/cabling
5. Software versions and levels
6. Reference/Diagnostics Diskette
7. Configuration options set in the system
8. Setup for operation system control files
Comparing the configuration and software setup between “working” and “non-working”
systems will often resolve problems.