Problem Determination Tips - IBM System x3350 Type 4192 Problem Determination And Service Manual

4. Turn on the server. If the problem remains, suspect the following components in
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

Because of the variety of hardware and software combinations that you can
encounter, use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If
possible, have this information available when you request assistance from IBM.
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor or hard disk upgrades
v Failure symptom
v Diagnostic program type and version level
v Hardware configuration (print screen of the system summary)
v BIOS code level
v Operating system type and version level
You can solve some problems by comparing the configuration and software setups
between working and nonworking servers. When you compare servers to each
other for diagnostic purposes, consider them identical only if all the following factors
are exactly the same in all the servers:
v Machine type and model
v BIOS level
v Adapters and attachments, in the same locations
v Address jumpers, terminators, and cabling
v Software versions and levels
v Diagnostic program type and version level
v Configuration option settings
v Operating-system control-file setup
See Appendix A, "Getting help and technical assistance," on page 223 for
information about calling IBM for service.
the following order:
a. Power backplane
b. System board
– Does the server fail the diagnostic tests?
– What occurs? When? Where?
– Does the failure occur on a single server or on multiple servers?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– What changes, if any, were made before the configuration failed?
– Is this the original reported failure?
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Chapter 5. Diagnostics