System Reliability Guidelines - Lenovo System x3550 M4 Installation And Service Manual

• When you install your new server, take the opportunity to download and apply the most recent firmware
updates. This step will help to ensure that any known issues are addressed and that your server is ready
to function at maximum levels of performance. To download firmware updates for your server, go to
http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral.
Important: Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated code updates. If the
device is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest level of code is supported for the cluster solution
before you update the code.
For additional information about tools for updating, managing, and deploying firmware, see the
ToolsCenter for System x and BladeCenter at http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/toolsctr/v1r0/.
• Before you install optional hardware, make sure that the server is working correctly. Start the server, and
make sure that the operating system starts, if an operating system is installed, or that a 19990305 error
code is displayed, indicating that an operating system was not found but the server is otherwise working
correctly. If the server is not working correctly, see "Running the DSA Preboot diagnostic programs" on
page 137 for information about how to run diagnostics.
• Observe good housekeeping in the area where you are working. Place removed covers and other parts
in a safe place.
• Do not attempt to lift an object that you think is too heavy for you. If you have to lift a heavy object,
observe the following precautions:
– Make sure that you can stand safely without slipping.
– Distribute the weight of the object equally between your feet.
– Use a slow lifting force. Never move suddenly or twist when you lift a heavy object.
– To avoid straining the muscles in your back, lift by standing or by pushing up with your leg muscles.
• Make sure that you have an adequate number of properly grounded electrical outlets for the server,
monitor, and other devices.
• Back up all important data before you make changes to disk drives.
• Have a small flat-blade screwdriver, a small Phillips screwdriver, and a T8 torx screwdriver available.
• To view the error LEDs on the system board and internal components, leave the server connected to
power.
• You do not have to turn off the server to install or replace hot-swap power supplies, hot-swap fans, or
hot-plug Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. However, you must turn off the server before you perform
any steps that involve removing or installing adapter cables and you must disconnect the power source
from the server before you perform any steps that involve removing or installing a riser card.
• Blue on a component indicates touch points, where you can grip the component to remove it from or
install it in the server, open or close a latch, and so on.
• Orange on a component or an orange label on or near a component indicates that the component can be
hot-swapped, which means that if the server and operating system support hot-swap capability, you can
remove or install the component while the server is running. (Orange can also indicate touch points on
hot-swap components.) See the instructions for removing or installing a specific hot-swap component for
any additional procedures that you might have to perform before you remove or install the component.
• When you are finished working on the server, reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground wires.

System reliability guidelines

To help ensure proper system cooling and system reliability, make sure that the following requirements
are met.
• Each of the drive bays has a drive or a filler panel and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shield
installed in it.
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System x3550 M4 Installation and Service Guide