Solving Ethernet Controller Problems; Solving Undetermined Problems - Lenovo ThinkServer RD230 User Manual

3. Remove the adapters and disconnect the cables and power cords to all internal and external devices
until the server is at the minimum configuration that is required for the server to start (see "Solving
undetermined problems" on page 96 for the minimum configuration).
4. Reconnect all ac power cords and turn on the server. If the server starts successfully, replace the
adapters and devices one at a time until the problem is isolated.
If the server does not start from the minimum configuration, replace the components in the minimum
configuration one at a time until the problem is isolated.

Solving Ethernet controller problems

The method that you use to test the Ethernet controller depends on which operating system you are using.
See the operating-system documentation for information about Ethernet controllers, and see the Ethernet
controller device-driver readme file.
Try the following procedures:
• Make sure that the correct device drivers, which come with the server, are installed and that they are at
the latest level.
• Make sure that the Ethernet cable is installed correctly.
– The cable must be securely attached at all connections. If the cable is attached but the problem
remains, try a different cable.
– If the Ethernet controller is set to operate at 100 Mbps, you must use Category 5 cabling.
– If you directly connect two servers (without a hub), or if you are not using a hub with X ports, use a
crossover cable. To determine whether a hub has an X port, check the port label. If the label contains
an X, the hub has an X port.
• Determine whether the hub supports auto-negotiation. If it does not, try configuring the integrated
Ethernet controller manually to match the speed and duplex mode of the hub.
• Check the Ethernet controller LEDs on the rear panel of the server. These LEDs indicate whether there
is a problem with the connector, cable, or hub.
– The Ethernet link status LED is lit when the Ethernet controller receives a link pulse from the hub. If the
LED is off, there might be a defective connector or cable or a problem with the hub.
– The Ethernet transmit/receive activity LED is lit when the Ethernet controller sends or receives data
over the Ethernet network. If the Ethernet transmit/receive activity LED is off, make sure that the hub
and network are operating and that the correct device drivers are installed.
• Check the LAN activity LEDs on the rear of the server. The LAN activity LED is lit when data is active on
the Ethernet network. If the LAN activity LED is off, make sure that the hub and network are operating
and that the correct device drivers are installed.
• Check for operating-system-specific causes of the problem.
• Make sure that the device drivers on the client and server are using the same protocol.
If the Ethernet controller still cannot connect to the network but the hardware appears to be working, the
network administrator must investigate other possible causes of the error.

Solving undetermined problems

If the diagnostic tests did not diagnose the failure or if the server is inoperative, use the information in
this section.
If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or intermittent), see "Software
problems" on page 95.
Damaged data in CMOS memory or damaged firmware can cause undetermined problems. To reset the
CMOS data, use the password switch 2 (SW4) to override the power-on password and clear the CMOS
memory; see "Locating parts on the system board" on page 15.
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ThinkServer User Guide