Problem Determination Tips - IBM 7870B4U Service Manual

6. Install and turn on the blade server. If the problem remains, suspect the
If the problem is solved when you remove an I/O expansion card from the blade
server but the problem recurs when you reinstall the same card, suspect the I/O
expansion card; if the problem recurs when you replace the card with a different
one, suspect the system board.
If you suspect a networking problem and the blade server passes all the system
tests, suspect a network cabling problem that is external to the system.

Problem determination tips

Use these tips to determine problems with the blade server.
Because of the variety of hardware and software combinations that you can
encounter, use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If
possible, have this information available when you request assistance from IBM.
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor and hard disk drive upgrades
v Failure symptoms
v Diagnostic program type and version level
v Hardware configuration (print screen of the system summary)
v UEFI code level
v Operating-system type and version level
You can solve some problems by comparing the configuration and software setups
between working and nonworking servers. When you compare servers to each
other for diagnostic purposes, consider them identical only if all the following
factors are exactly the same in all the blade servers:
v Machine type and model
v UEFI level
v Adapters and attachments, in the same locations
v Address jumpers, terminators, and cabling
v Software versions and levels
v Diagnostic program type and version level
v Configuration option settings
v Operating-system control-file setup
following components in the following order:
a. DIMM
b. System board
c. Microprocessor
– Does the blade server fail the diagnostic tests?
– What occurs? When? Where?
– Does the failure occur on a single server or on multiple servers?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– What changes, if any, were made before the configuration failed?
– Is this the original reported failure?
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Chapter 6. Diagnostics