Solving Undetermined Problems; Problem Determination Tips - Lenovo System x3250 M4 Installation And Service Manual

Solving undetermined problems

If Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) cannot diagnose the failure or if the server is inoperative, use the
information in this section to solve the undetermined problems.
If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or intermittent), see "Software
problems" on page 114.
Corrupted data in CMOS memory or corrupted UEFI firmware can cause undetermined problems. To reset
the CMOS data, use the CMOS clear jumper (JP1) to clear the CMOS memory and override the power-on
password; see "System-board internal connectors" on page 21 for more information. If you suspect that the
UEFI firmware is corrupted, see "Recovering the server firmware (UEFI update failure)" on page 118.
If the power supplies are working correctly, complete the following steps:
Step 1. Turn off the server.
Step 2. Make sure that the server is cabled correctly.
Step 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).
• Printer, mouse, and non-IBM devices.
• Each adapter.
• Hard disk drives.
Note: The minimum configuration required for the server to start is one microprocessor and one 2
GB DIMM.
Step 4. Turn on the server. If the problem remains, suspect the following components in the following order:
1. Power supply
2. Memory
3. Microprocessor
4. 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 riser 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 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 of the server are located on the front bezel.
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Lenovo System x3250 M4 Installation and Service Guide