Chapter 6. Solving Problems; Diagnostic Tools Overview - IBM eServer 342 xSeries User Reference Manual

Chapter 6. Solving problems
This section provides basic troubleshooting information to help you resolve some
common problems that might occur with your server.
If you cannot locate and correct the problem using the information in this section, refer
to "Getting information, help, and service" on page 121 for more information.

Diagnostic tools overview

The following tools are available to help you identify and resolve hardware-related
problems:
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© Copyright IBM Corp. 2001
POST beep codes and error messages
The power-on self-test (POST) generates beep codes and messages to indicate
successful test completion or the detection of a problem. See "POST" on page 81
for more information.
Error logs
The POST error log contains the three most recent error codes and messages
that the system generated during POST. The System Event/Error Log contains all
error messages issued during POST and all system status messages from the
system environmental monitor subsystem.
To view the contents of the error logs, start the Configuration/Setup Utility
program; then, select Error Logs from the main menu.
Diagnostic programs and error messages
The server diagnostic programs are stored in upgradable read-only memory
(ROM) on the system board. These programs are the primary method of testing
the major components of your server. See "Diagnostic programs and error
messages" on page 93 for more information.
Light path diagnostics
Your server has light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help you identify problems with
server components. These LEDs are part of the Light Path Diagnostics feature
that is built into your server. By following the path of lights, you can quickly identify
the type of system error that occurred. See "Light Path Diagnostics" on page 103
for more information.
Troubleshooting charts
These charts list problem symptoms, along with suggested steps to correct the
problems. See the "Troubleshooting charts" on page 107 for more information.
Customized support page
You can create a customized support page that is specific to your hardware,
complete with Frequently Asked Questions, Parts Information, Technical Hints
and Tips, and Downloadable files. In addition, you can choose to receive
electronic mail (e-mail) notifications whenever new information becomes available
about your registered products.
After you register and profile your xSeries products, you can diagnose problems
using the IBM Online Assistant and you can participate in the IBM discussion
forum. For more detailed information about registering and creating a customized
profile for your IBM products, visit the following addresses on the Web:
— http://www.ibm.com/pc/register
— http://www.ibm.com/pc/support
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