Solving Undetermined Problems; Problem Determination Tips - IBM System x3550 Type 7978 Problem Determination And Service Manual

Solving undetermined problems

If the diagnostic tests did not diagnose the failure or if the server is inoperative, use
the information in this section.
If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or
intermittent), see "Software problems" on page 55.
Damaged data in CMOS memory or damaged BIOS code can cause undetermined
problems. To reset the CMOS data, use the CMOS jumper to clear the CMOS
memory and override the power-on password; see "System-board switches and
jumpers" on page 11. If you suspect that the BIOS code is damaged, see
"Recovering the BIOS code" on page 76.
Check the LEDs on all of the power supplies, see "Power-supply LEDs" on page
60. If the LEDs indicate that the power supplies are working correctly, complete the
following steps:
1. Turn off the server.
2. Check all connections and cables.
3. Make sure that the server is cabled correctly.
4. Check all internal and external devices for compatibility.
5. Remove or disconnect the following devices, one at a time, until you find the
6. Turn on the server.
If the problem is solved when you remove an adapter from the server but the
problem recurs when you reinstall the same adapter, suspect the adapter; if the
problem recurs when you replace the adapter with a different one, suspect the riser
card.
If you suspect a networking problem and the server passes all the system tests,
suspect a network cabling problem that is external to the server.

Problem determination tips

Due to 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
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IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: 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 Printer, mouse, and non-IBM devices.
v Each adapter.
v Hard disk drives.
v Memory modules. The minimum configuration requirement is 1 GB (two 512
MB DIMMs in DIMM slots 1 and 3).
– Do diagnostics fail?
– What, when, where, single, or multiple systems?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– If it has been working, what changes were made prior to it failing?