Chapter 1. Start Here; Diagnosing A Problem - IBM System x3650 M4 Type 7915 Problem Determination And Service Manual

Chapter 1. Start here

You can solve many problems without outside assistance by following the
troubleshooting procedures in this Problem Determination and Service Guide and
on the World Wide Web. This document describes the diagnostic tests that you can
perform, troubleshooting procedures, and explanations of error messages and error
codes. The documentation that comes with your operating system and software
also contains troubleshooting information.

Diagnosing a problem

Before you contact IBM or an approved warranty service provider, follow these
procedures in the order in which they are presented to diagnose a problem with
your server:
1. Return the server to the condition it was in before the problem occurred.
2. View the light path diagnostics LEDs and event logs.
3. Run IBM Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) and collect system data.
4. Check for and apply code updates.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2012
If any hardware, software, or firmware was changed before the problem
occurred, if possible, reverse those changes. This might include any of the
following items:
v Hardware components
v Device drivers and firmware
v System software
v UEFI firmware
v System input power or network connections
The server is designed for ease of diagnosis of hardware and software
problems.
v Light path diagnostics LEDs: See "Light path diagnostics LEDs" on page
129 for information about light path diagnostics LEDs that are lit and actions
that you should take.
v Event logs: See"Event logs" on page 26 for information about notification
events and diagnosis.
v Software or operating-system error codes: See the documentation for the
software or operating system for information about a specific error code. See
the manufacturer's website for documentation.
Run Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) to collect information about the hardware,
firmware, software, and operating system. Have this information available when
you contact IBM or an approved warranty service provider. For instructions for
running DSA, see the Dynamic System Analysis Installation and User's Guide.
To download the latest version of DSA code and the Dynamic System Analysis
Installation and User's Guide, go to http://www.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/
docdisplay?brand=5000008&lndocid=SERV-DSA.
Fixes or workarounds for many problems might be available in updated UEFI
firmware, device firmware, or device drivers.
Important: Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated
code updates. If the device is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest
level of code is supported for the cluster solution before you update the code.
a. Install UpdateXpress system updates.
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