System Reliability Guidelines - IBM 7944 Installation And User Manual

Important: Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated code updates. If the device
is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest level of code is supported for the cluster solution before
you update the code.
For additional information about tools for updating, managing, and deploying firmware, see the
ToolsCenter for System x and BladeCenter at
• Before you install optional hardware, make sure that the server is working correctly. Start the server, and
make sure that the operating system starts, if an operating system is installed, or that a 19990305 error
code is displayed, indicating that an operating system was not found but the server is otherwise working
correctly. If the server is not working correctly, see the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the
IBM System x Documentation CD for diagnostic information.
• Observe good housekeeping in the area where you are working. Place removed covers and other parts in
a safe place.
• If you must start the server while the server cover is removed, make sure that no one is near the server and
that no tools or other objects have been left inside the server.
• Do not attempt to lift an object that you think is too heavy for you. If you have to lift a heavy object,
observe the following precautions:
– Make sure that you can stand safely without slipping.
– Distribute the weight of the object equally between your feet.
– Use a slow lifting force. Never move suddenly or twist when you lift a heavy object.
– To avoid straining the muscles in your back, lift by standing or by pushing up with your leg muscles.
• Make sure that you have an adequate number of properly grounded electrical outlets for the server,
monitor, and other devices.
• Back up all important data before you make changes to disk drives.
• Have a small flat-blade screwdriver, a small Phillips screwdriver, and a T8 torx screwdriver available.
• You do not have to turn off the server to install or replace hot-swap power supplies, hot-swap fans, or hot-
plug Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. However, you must turn off the server before you perform any
steps that involve removing or installing adapter cables and you must disconnect the power source from
the server before you perform any steps that involve removing or installing a riser card.
• Blue on a component indicates touch points, where you can grip the component to remove it from or
install it in the server, open or close a latch, and so on.
• Orange on a component or an orange label on or near a component indicates that the component can be
hot-swapped, which means that if the server and operating system support hot-swap capability, you can
remove or install the component while the server is running. (Orange can also indicate touch points on
hot-swap components.) See the instructions for removing or installing a specific hot-swap component for
any additional procedures that you might have to perform before you remove or install the component.
• When you are finished working on the server, reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground wires.

System reliability guidelines

To help ensure proper system cooling and system reliability, make sure that the following requirements are
met.
To help ensure proper system cooling and system reliability, make sure that the following requirements are
met:
• Each of the drive bays has a drive or a filler panel and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shield installed
in it.
• If the server has redundant power, each of the power-supply bays has a power supply installed in it.
System x3550 M3Installation and User's Guide
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