Chapter 5. Diagnostics; Diagnostic Tools; Post - IBM 436854u - System x3200 M2 5U Mini Tower Server Problem Determination And Service Manual

Chapter 5. Diagnostics

This chapter describes the diagnostic tools that are available to help you solve
problems that might occur in the server.
If you cannot diagnose and correct a problem by using the information in this
chapter, see Appendix A, "Getting help and technical assistance," on page 231 for
more information.

Diagnostic tools

The following tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-related
problems:
v POST beep codes, error messages, and error logs
v Troubleshooting tables
v Server LEDs
v Diagnostic programs and messages

POST

When you turn on the server, it performs a series of tests to check the operation of
the server components and some optional devices in the server. This series of tests
is called the power-on self-test, or POST.
If a power-on password is set, you must type the password and press Enter, when
you are prompted, for POST to run.
If POST is completed without detecting any problems, one short beep occurs, and
the server startup is completed.
If POST detects a problem, several beeps might sound, or an error message is
displayed. See "POST beep codes" on page 122 and "POST error codes" on page
127 for more information.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2008
The power-on self-test (POST) generates beep codes and messages to indicate
successful test completion or the detection of a problem. See "POST" for more
information.
These tables list problem symptoms and actions to correct the problems. See
"Troubleshooting tables" on page 139.
Use the LEDs on the server to diagnose system errors quickly. See "Error LEDs"
on page 152 for more information.
The Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) diagnostic programs are the primary
method of testing the major components of the server. The DSA diagnostic
programs are on the IBM Dynamic System Analysis Preboot Diagnostic CD. See
"Diagnostic programs and messages" on page 155 for more information.
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