Problem Determination Tips - IBM IntelliStation A Pro 6224 Hardware Maintenance Manual And Troubleshooting Manual

Problem determination tips

Because of the variety of hardware and software combinations that can be
encountered, use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If
possible, have this information available when requesting assistance from Service
Support and Engineering functions.
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor or hard disk upgrades
v Failure symptom
v Diagnostics version
v Hardware configuration
v Operating system software
Note: To eliminate confusion, identical systems are considered identical only if
they:
v Are the exact machine type and models
v Have the same BIOS level
v Have the same adapters/attachments in the same locations
v Have the same address jumpers/terminators/cabling
v Have the same software versions and levels
v Have the same diagnostics code (version)
v Have the same configuration options set in the system
v Have the same setup for the operation system control files
Comparing the configuration and software setup between working and non-working
computers will often lead to problem resolution.
– Do diagnostics fail?
– What message appears in the diagnostics log?
– What, when, where, single, or multiple computers?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– If it has been working, what changes were made before it failed?
– Is this the original reported failure?
– Type and version level
– Print (print screen) configuration currently in use
– BIOS level
– Type and version level
Chapter 6. Symptom-to-FRU index
105