Solving Undetermined Problems; Problem Determination Tips - Lenovo ThinkServer TD200x Hardware Maintenance Manual

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.
Damaged data in CMOS memory or damaged Lenovo ThinkServer Server Firmware can cause undetermined
problems. To reset the CMOS data, use the password switch 2 (SW4) to override the power-on password
and clear the CMOS memory; see Internal LEDs, connectors, and jumpers.
Check the LEDs on all the power supplies (see Power-supply LEDs). 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.
• Any external devices.
• Surge-suppressor device (on the server).
• Modem, printer, mouse, and non-Lenovo devices.
• Each adapter.
• Hard disk drives.
• Memory modules. The minimum configuration requirement is 1 GB DIMM per microprocessor (2 GB
in a two-microprocessor configuration).
The following minimum configuration is required for the server to start:
• One microprocessor
• One 1 GB DIMM
• One power supply
• Power cord
• ServeRAID SAS adapter
• System board assembly
4. Turn on the server. If the problem remains, suspect the following components in the following order:
a. Power supply
b. Power-supply cage
c. Memory
d. Microprocessor
e. System board
If the problem is solved when you remove an adapter from the server but the problem recurs when you
reinstall the same adapter, suspect the adapter; if the problem recurs when you replace the adapter with a
different one, suspect the system board or extender card.
If you suspect a networking problem and the server passes all the system tests, suspect a network cabling
problem that is external to the server.

Problem determination tips

Because of the variety of hardware and software combinations that you can encounter, use the following
information to assist you in problem determination. If possible, have this information available when you
request assistance from Lenovo.
• Machine type and model
• Microprocessor and hard disk drive upgrades
• Failure symptoms
120
ThinkServer TD200x Hardware Maintenance Manual