Hp Server Diagtools; Hp Diagtools Capabilities - HP Tc2110 - Server - 128 MB RAM Maintenance Manual

Chapter 4

HP Server Diagtools

The purpose of hardware diagnostic software is to provide tools for checking hardware problems. By design,
diagnostic software executes simple tests of each hardware component. Usually, such tests assure the
hardware is not the source of Server problems. This allows the user to eliminate hardware as the cause of the
problem and to focus on operating system configuration parameters, network connections, and application
software configuration parameters as the source of the problem.
If hardware problems are confirmed, the diagnostic software program can sometimes detect and diagnose the
system or specific Server component causing the problem. In addition, diagnostic tools can capture
information that allows support personnel to quickly assess the condition of the Server.
In order to be effective, diagnostic software tools must be used in the context of a wider troubleshooting
procedure.

HP Diagtools Capabilities

HP Diagtools for HP Servers is a set of off-line diagnostic tests, including tests for system and processor
components, memory and storage elements, ports, and input/output devices. Diagtools is supplied on the HP
Startup CD-ROM.
The HP Diagtools Utility is run from the Startup CD-ROM, which is a bootable CD-ROM when inserted into
the CD-ROM drive and the Server is rebooted. A basic suite of tools checks key Server components, and a
menu of advanced tests is available for in-depth testing.
Diagtools has the ability to test the following components:
· System board
· Memory modules
· Flexible disk drive (FDD)
· Parallel ports
· Video monitor
Diagtools is an off-line diagnostic. Off-line diagnostics do not use the main network operating system (NOS)
of the HP Server. The alternate Diagtools OS has far fewer features than the full-fledged NOS. Thus, its
capabilities are limited to a set of basic tests and a series of advanced tests. In addition, Diagtools does not
use any tests that might write over and destroy user data. Tests that require user inputs or decisions are left to
the advanced series of tests.
You can use Diagtools to perform the tasks listed below:
· Display a high-level inventory of the Server under test
· Save and print a detailed inventory of hardware components
· Conduct a basic test of components listed in the Server inventory
· Display "PASSED" or "FAILED" overall results of basic tests
· Record detailed test results of basic Server tests
· Display a menu of advanced tests
· Select and run one or a series of advanced tests
· Add the record of results of advanced tests to the record of basic tests
· View a list to locate the meaning of a specific error code
· View one or more steps to help confirm and isolate error conditions
· Browse the support ticket, which contains the detailed inventories and test results
· Add comments to the support ticket
· Processor
· Hard disk drives (HDD)
· Keyboard
· CD-ROM drives
Diagnostics
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