About Error Messages; Advantages And Limitations Of Hardware Diagnostics; Hp Toptools - HP Tc2110 - Server - 128 MB RAM Maintenance Manual

Chapter 4

About Error Messages

A hexadecimal number designates each error message reported by Diagtools; a short note on the type of
error; and a list of one or more steps the user can take in response. When you run a test, it exercises many
aspects of the hardware, so the number of possible error messages exceeds 300. Most of these are
encountered rarely, if ever.
Error codes can be viewed on line from the Diagtools User menu within the advanced series of tests, or you
can refer to Chapter 3 of the HP Server Diagtools Error Reference and User Guide.

Advantages and Limitations of Hardware Diagnostics

Off-line diagnostic software is useful in making sure the hardware has been eliminated as the cause for
possible Server problems. Such diagnostic tools can easily be shipped with a server, and they are relatively
easy to use.
Only experienced personnel knowledgeable of its limitations should use off-line diagnostic software.
Some limitations are:
· Booting the Server from the Startup CD-ROM
· No access to operating system error logs, since the OS is not operating at the same time as the
diagnostic tools
· Limited ability to test only a single component at a time
· Inability to indicate problems with wrongly configured Servers or the network

HP Toptools

HP Toptools is the browser-based management software that provides remote administration and monitoring
of critical server components. Toptools (with the server component) provides vital information for the fastest
troubleshooting and proactive management of your HP Servers. Processors, memory, storage, and NICs are a
few examples of the components managed by Toptools.
Toptools is included with every HP Server and should be installed to help your service provider troubleshoot
your HP Server. Toptools is located on the HP Toptools CD-ROM.
You can also download the Toptools software and documentation from the Toptools Web Site at:
http://www.hp.com/
Some of the features of Toptools include:
· Notification of problems with key hardware components, including memory, disk drives, SCSI
controllers, and NICs
· Unified event log to review a complete history of server activity in one place
· Predictive disk problem warning backed by HP's pre-failure warranty replacement
· Disk capacity threshold alert and usage tracking
· View of critical server inventory information, such as the BIOS version, driver and firmware versions,
PCI slot contents, and serial and parallel ports
· Easy linkage with leading management platforms, including HP OpenView Network Node Manager and
Computer Associates' Unicenter TNG and Tivoli products
· HP Toptools AutoAlert provides proactive warning of problems and advice on quick resolution through
a friendly "traffic light" user interface
· Support for DMI 2.0, which provides the same Desktop Management Interface inventory information
for servers as for desktop PCs
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Diagnostics