Chapter 3. Diagnostics; Diagnostic Tools - IBM System x iDataPlex dx360 M2 Problem Determination And Service Manual

Chapter 3. Diagnostics

This section describes the diagnostic tools that are available to help you solve
problems that might occur in the system-board tray and chassis.
To update the firmware, you might have to use an external USB CD-RW/DVD drive
such as the IBM and Lenovo part number 73P4515 or 73P4516. To run the Setup
utility or the Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) Preboot, you must have the following
additional hardware:
v Monitor
v Combination USB keyboard and pointing device such as IBM part number
Optionally, to run the DSA Preboot, you can use a USB flash drive (memory key).
If you cannot diagnose and correct a problem by using the information in this
section, see Appendix A, "Getting help and technical assistance," on page 233 for
more information.

Diagnostic tools

The following tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-related
problems:
v POST error messages, and event logs
v Checkout procedures
v Troubleshooting tables
v Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) Preboot diagnostic programs
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The power-on self-test (POST) generates messages to indicate the detection of a
problem. See "POST" on page 16 for more information.
Checkout procedures are available to help you diagnose server problems. The
basic checkout procedure is designed for anyone to use. The advanced checkout
procedure is intended for trained service technicians only. See "Checkout
procedures" on page 27 for more information.
These tables list problem symptoms and actions to correct the problems. See
"Troubleshooting tables" on page 31 for more information.
The DSA Preboot diagnostic programs collect and analyze system information to
aid in diagnosing problems. The diagnostic programs collect the following
information:
– System configuration
– Network interfaces and settings
– Installed hardware
– Service processor status and configuration
– Vital product data, firmware, and server firmware configuration
– Hard disk drive health
– RAID controller configuration
– Event logs for RAID controllers and the IMM
The diagnostic programs create a merged log that includes events from all
collected logs. The information is collected into a file that you can send to IBM
service and support. Additionally, you can view the server information locally
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