Problem Determination Tips - IBM System x3650 M4 BD Type 5466 Installation And Service Manual

Problem determination tips

Because of the variety of hardware and software combinations that can encounter,
use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If possible,
have this information available when requesting assistance from IBM.
The model number and serial number are shown in the following illustration.
Note: The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.
Figure 74. Model number and serial number
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor or hard disk drive upgrades
v Failure symptom
v Diagnostic program type and version level
v Hardware configuration (print screen of the system summary)
v UEFI firmware level
v IMM firmware level
v Operating-system software
You can solve some problems by comparing the configuration and software setups
between working and nonworking servers. When you compare servers to each
other for diagnostic purposes, consider them identical only if all the following
factors are exactly the same in all the servers:
v Machine type and model
v UEFI firmware level
v IMM firmware level
v Adapters and attachments, in the same locations
v Address jumpers, terminators, and cabling
v Software versions and levels
v Diagnostic program type and version level
v Setup utility settings
v Operating-system control-file setup
– Does the server fail the Dynamic System Analysis diagnostic tests?
– What occurs? When? Where?
– Does the failure occur on a single server or on multiple servers?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– What changes, if any, were made before the configuration failed?
– Is this the original reported failure?
Chapter 4. Troubleshooting
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