IBM IntelliStation M Pro 6218, Problem Determination And Service Manual

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If the problem is solved when you remove an adapter from the computer but the
problem recurs when you reinstall the same adapter, that adapter might be the
cause of the problem; if the problem recurs when you replace the adapter with a
different one, suspect the system board.
If you think it might be a networking problem and the computer passes all system
tests, suspect a network cabling problem that is external to the computer.
Calling IBM for service
See Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance,” on page 135 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 or hard disk upgrades
v
Failure symptoms
– Does the computer fail the diagnostic programs? If so, what are the error
codes?
– What occurred? When? Where,? Did it occur on a single or multiple
computers?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has the current computer 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 the screen with the system summary information)
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 computers. When you compare computers to
each other for diagnostic purposes, consider them identical only if all the following
factors are exactly the same in all the computers:
v
Machine type and model
v BIOS level
v
Adapters and attachments, in the same locations
v
Address jumpers, terminators, and cabling
v
Software versions and levels
v
Diagnostic programs type and version level
v Configuration option settings
v
Operating-system control-file setup
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IBM IntelliStation M Pro Type 6218 and 9236: Problem Determination and Service Guide