Problem Determination Tips - IBM 8480 - Eserver xSeries 205 Maintenance And Troubleshooting Manual

Problem determination tips

Due to the variety of hardware and software combinations that can be encountered,
use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If possible,
have this information available when requesting assistance from Service Support
and Engineering functions.
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor or hard disk upgrades
v Failure symptom
v Diagnostics version
v Hardware configuration
v Operating system software
Note: To eliminate confusion, identical systems are considered identical only if
– Do diagnostics fail?
– What, when, where, single, or multiple systems?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– If it has been working, what changes were made prior to it failing?
– Is this the original reported failure?
– Type and version level
– Print (print screen) configuration currently in use
– BIOS level
– Type and version level
they:
1. Are the exact machine type and models
2. Have the same BIOS level
3. Have the same adapters/attachments in the same locations
4. Have the same address jumpers/terminators/cabling
5. Have the same software versions and levels
6. Have the same diagnostics code (version)
7. Have the same configuration options set in the system
8. Have the same setup for the operation system control files
Comparing the configuration and software set-up between "working" and
"non-working" systems will often lead to problem resolution.
Chapter 6. Symptom-to-FRU index
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