Serial Port Problems - IBM System x3950 E Installation Manual

v Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem
is solved.
v See the parts listing in the Problem Determination and Service Guide to determine which components are
customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units (FRU).
v If an action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a
trained service technician.
Symptom
The server does not turn off.
The server unexpectedly shuts
down, and the LEDs on the
operator information panel are
not lit.

Serial port problems

For more information about the serial port, see the User's Guide on the IBM System
x Documentation CD.
v Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem
is solved.
v See the parts listing in the Problem Determination and Service Guide to determine which components are
customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units (FRU).
v If an action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a
trained service technician.
Symptom
The number of serial ports that
are identified by the operating
system is less than the number
of installed serial ports.
Action
1. Determine whether you are using an Advanced Configuration and Power
Management (ACPI) or a non-ACPI operating system. If you are using a
non-ACPI operating system, complete the following steps:
a. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
b. Turn off the server by holding the power-control button for 5 seconds.
c. Restart the server.
d. If the server fails POST and the power-control button does not work,
disconnect the ac power cord for 20 seconds; then, reconnect the ac power
cord and restart the server.
2. If the problem remains or if you are using an ACPI-aware operating system,
suspect the I/O board.
See the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x
Documentation CD for more information.
Action
1. Make sure that:
v Each port is assigned a unique address in the Configuration/Setup Utility
program and none of the serial ports is disabled.
v The serial-port adapter (if one is present) is seated correctly.
2. Reseat the serial port adapter.
3. Replace the serial port adapter.
Chapter 6. Solving problems
71