Solving Undetermined Problems - IBM 88631SU - System x3850 - 8863 Service Manual

Solving undetermined problems

Use the information in this section if the diagnostic tests did not diagnose the failure
or if the server is inoperative.
If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or
intermittent), see "Software problems" on page 59.
Damaged data in CMOS memory or damaged BIOS code can cause undetermined
problems. To reset the CMOS data, use the password override jumper to override
the power-on password and clear the CMOS memory; see "I/O board internal
connectors and jumpers" on page 8. If you suspect that the BIOS code is damaged,
see "Recovering from a BIOS update failure" on page 88.
Damaged memory card connector pins or improperly installed memory cards can
prevent the server from starting or might cause a POST checkpoint halt. For
example, a memory card that is not completely installed or has bent connector pins
might cause the server to continually restart or display an F2 checkpoint halt.
Remove and inspect all memory card connector pins for bent or damaged interface
pins. Replace all memory cards that have damaged pins and ensure that the card is
completely latched into place.
Check the LEDs on all the power supplies (see "Power-supply LEDs" on page 67).
If the LEDs indicate that the power supplies are working correctly, complete the
following steps:
1. Turn off the server.
2. Make sure that the server is cabled correctly.
3. Remove or disconnect the following devices, one at a time, until you find the
The following minimum configuration is required for the server to turn on:
v One microprocessor
v Two 1 GB DIMMs on the memory card
v One power supply
v Power backplane
v Power cord
v I/O board
v PCI-X board
4. Turn on the server. If the problem remains, suspect the following components in
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IBM System x3850 Type 8863, 7362: Problem Determination and Service Guide
failure. Turn on the server and reconfigure it each time.
v Any external devices.
v Surge-suppressor device (on the server).
v Modem, printer, mouse, and non-IBM devices.
v Each adapter.
v Hard disk drives.
v Memory modules. The minimum configuration requirement is 2 GB (two 1 GB
DIMMs).
v Service processor.
the following order:
a. Power backplane
b. I/O board
c. Memory card
d. Microprocessor tray