Problem determination tips
Because of the variety of hardware and software combinations that you can
encounter, have as much of the following information available as possible when
you request assistance from IBM:
v
Machine type and model
v
Microprocessor and hard disk drive upgrades
v
Failure symptoms
– Does the system-board tray fail the diagnostic programs? If so, what are the
error codes?
– What occurs? When? Where?
– Does the failure occur on a single system-board tray or on multiple trays?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has the current 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 screen of the system summary)
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 system-board trays. When you compare
system-board trays to each other for diagnostic purposes, consider them identical
only if all the following factors are exactly the same in all the system-board trays:
v
Machine type and hardware configuration
v
BIOS level
v
Adapters and attachments, in the same locations
v
Address jumpers, terminators, and cabling
v
Software versions and levels
v
Diagnostic program type and version level
v
Configuration option settings
v
Operating-system control-file setup
See Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance,” on page 165 for
information about calling IBM for service.
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System x iDataPlex dx340 Types 6385, 6386, 6389, 7831, 7832, and 7834: Problem Determination and Service Guide
