IBM System x3950, Problem Determination And Service Manual

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Make sure that the device drivers on the client and server are using the same
protocol.
If the Ethernet controller still cannot connect to the network but the hardware
appears to be working, the network administrator must investigate other possible
causes of the error.
Solving undetermined problems
If the diagnostic tests did not diagnose the failure or if the server is inoperative, use
the information in this section.
If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or
intermittent), see “Software problems” on page 49.
Damaged data in CMOS memory or damaged BIOS code can cause undetermined
problems. To reset the CMOS data, use the password override jumper to override
the power-on password and clear the CMOS memory; see “I/O board internal
connectors and jumpers” on page 8. If you suspect that the BIOS code is damaged,
see “Recovering from a BIOS update failure” on page 78.
Damaged memory card connector pins or improperly installed memory cards can
prevent the server from starting or might cause a POST checkpoint halt. For
example, a memory card that is not completely installed or has bent connector pins
might cause the server to continually restart or display an F2 checkpoint halt.
Remove and inspect all memory card connector pins for bent or damaged interface
pins. Replace all memory cards that have damaged pins and ensure that the card is
completely latched into place.
Check the LEDs on all the power supplies (see “Power-supply LEDs” on page 58).
If the LEDs indicate that the power supplies are working correctly, complete the
following steps:
1. Turn off the server.
2. Make sure that the server is cabled correctly.
3. Remove or disconnect the following devices, one at a time, until you find the
failure. Turn on the server and reconfigure it each time.
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Any external devices.
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Surge-suppressor device (on the server).
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Modem, printer, mouse, and non-IBM devices.
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Each adapter.
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Hard disk drives.
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Memory modules. The minimum configuration requirement is 2 GB (two 1 GB
DIMMs).
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Service processor.
The following minimum configuration is required for the server to turn on:
v One microprocessor
v Two 1 GB DIMMs on the memory card
v One power supply
v Power backplane
v Power cord
v I/O board
v PCI-X board
4. Turn on the server. If the problem remains, suspect the following components in
the following order:
a. Power backplane
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IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 E Type 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide