Diagnostic Programs, Error Codes, And Messages; Starting The Diagnostic Programs And Viewing The Test Log - IBM IntelliStation A Pro 6217 Service Manual

Diagnostic programs, error codes, and messages

The diagnostic programs are the primary method of testing the major components
of the computer. The diagnostic programs are stored on a hidden partition on the
computer hard disk. As you run the diagnostic programs, text messages and error
codes are displayed on the screen and are saved in the test log. A diagnostic text
message or error code indicates that a problem has been detected; to determine
what action you should take as a result of a message or error code, see "Diagnostic
error codes" on page 42.
You can download the latest version of the diagnostics programs from
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/ and use the downloaded file to create an IBM
Enhanced Diagnostics diskette. See "Creating an Enhanced Diagnostics diskette or
CD" on page 49 for instructions. A CD image of the diagnostics is also available for
download.
Note: When using diagnostics with a USB keyboard and mouse attached, you
must first enable USB emulation:
1. Restart the computer and press F1 to start the Configuration/Setup Utility.
2. Select Devices and I/O Ports.
3. Select USB Setup.
4. Make sure that the USB keyboard and mouse are enabled.

Starting the diagnostic programs and viewing the test log

The IBM Enhanced Diagnostics programs isolate problems from the computer
hardware and software. The programs run independently of the operating system.
This method of testing is generally used when other methods are not accessible or
have not been successful in isolating a problem that is suspected to be hardware
related.
The test log records data about the system failures and other pertinent information.
You can view the test log by running the diagnostic programs through the operating
system, by using a diagnostics diskette (see "Using the Enhanced Diagnostics
diskette or CD" on page 49) that you have created (see "Creating an Enhanced
Diagnostics diskette or CD" on page 49), or by using a diagnostics CD.
To view the test log, complete the following steps.
Note: If you are already running the Enhanced Diagnostics program, begin with
step 4.
1. Start the Enhanced Diagnostics programs.
40
IBM IntelliStation A Pro Type 6217: Problem Determination and Service Guide
v To start the Enhanced Diagnostics programs in a Windows
system, complete the following steps:
a. Restart the computer and when the message To start the Product
Recovery program is displayed, quickly press F11.
b. Select System utilities.
c. Select Run diagnostics to start the diagnostics programs.
v To start the Enhanced Diagnostics programs in the Red Hat
operating systems, complete the following steps:
a. Restart the computer.
b. When the operating system selection menu is displayed, select IBM
Preload Recovery & Diagnostics.
®
operating
® ™
Linux