Problem Determination Tips - IBM IntelliStation M Pro 6225 Hardware Maintenance Manual And Troubleshooting Manual

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 requesting assistance from Service
Support and Engineering functions.
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor or hard disk drive upgrades
v Failure symptom
v Diagnostics version (type and version level)
v Hardware configuration
v Operating system software (type and version level)
Note: To eliminate confusion, computers are considered to be identical only if they:
– Do diagnostics fail?
– What, when, where? Single or multiple computers?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– If it has been working, what changes were made before it failed?
– Is this the original reported failure?
– Print (print screen) configuration currently in use
– BIOS code level
v Are exactly the same machine type and models
v Have the same BIOS code level
v Have the same adapters and attachments in the same locations
v Have the same address jumpers/terminators and cabling
v Have the same software versions and levels
v Have the same diagnostics code (version)
v Have the same configuration options set
v Have the same setup for the operating-system control files
Comparing the configuration and software setup between working and
nonworking computers will often lead to problem resolution.
Chapter 6. Symptom-to-FRU index
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