IBM IntelliStation E Pro, Hardware Maintenance Manual

Page: 11 / 182

General checkout
The computer diagnostic programs are stored on the Device Drivers and IBM
Enhanced Diagnostics CD. These programs are the primary method of testing the
major components of the computer: the system board, Ethernet controller, video
controller, RAM, keyboard, mouse (pointing device), diskette drive, serial ports, hard
disk drives, and parallel port. You can also use them to test some external devices.
See “Diagnostics” on page 21.
Also, 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 computer might be part of a shared DASD cluster (two or more computers
sharing the same external storage devices). Prior to running diagnostics, verify that
the failing computer is not part of a shared DASD cluster.
A computer might be part of a cluster if:
v The customer identifies the computer as part of a cluster.
v
One or more external storage units are attached to the computer and at least
one of the attached storage units is additionally attached to another computer or
unidentifiable source.
v One or more computers are located near the failing computer.
If the failing computer is suspected to be part of a shared DASD cluster, all
diagnostic tests can be run except 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 computers 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 displayed.
3. If the computer hangs with a POST error, go to “Symptom-to-FRU index” on
page 95.
4. If the computer is suspended and no error message is displayed, see
“Undetermined problems” on page 117.
5. For information about power supply problems, see “Symptom-to-FRU index” on
page 95.
6. For safety information, see “Safety information” on page 129.
7. For intermittent problems, check the error log; see “POST error log” on page 21
and “Undetermined problems” on page 117.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2002
1