Diagnostic Tools And When To Use Them - Sun Microsystems SPARC classic Service Manual

2.4

Diagnostic Tools and When to Use Them

TABLE 2-3
to use each tool.
TABLE 2-3
Diagnostic Tool
Power-On Self-Test (POST)
On-Board Diagnostics
Sundiag System Exerciser
Forth Toolkit
SunDiagnostic Executive
provides a summary of the available diagnostic tools and describes when
Diagnostic Tools
When or Why to Use the Tool
Executes automatically at power-on when Stop-d keys are pressed or when
the diag-switch? parameter is set to True. The POST code resides in the
boot PROM and is driven by the POK signal from the power supply. POST
tells you if there is a problem with the main logic board, the NVRAM, or
the DSIMMs in the default bank installed.
Tests functions such as the Ethernet and SCSI interfaces, system memory,
and the diskette drive controller. (The SCSI and diskette drive controller
tests do not apply to the SPARCclassic X terminal.) You must be at the ok
prompt (the Forth Toolkit) to run the On-Board Diagnostics. Enter n at the
> prompt to enter the Forth Toolkit. The On-Board Diagnostics reside in the
boot PROM.
Runs under the operating system. It displays real-time use of the system
resources and peripherals. The Sundiag System Exerciser tells you if your
system is functioning correctly. If Sundiag fails, run the Power-On Self-Test.
If all power-on self-tests pass, then run the SunDiagnostic Executive to
identify the problem. See the Sundiag User's Guide for more information.
(This test is not applicable to the SPARCclassic X terminal.)
Allows input to the system at the boot PROM level. Supports functions
such as changing NVRAM parameters, resetting the system, running
diagnostic tests, displaying system information, and redirecting input and
output. See the Open Boot Command Reference for more information.
Runs extensive, configurable subsystem tests that are independent of the
operating system. Run the SunDiagnostic Executive if all tests pass when
you run the POST. Running the SunDiagnostic Executive allows you to
determine which customer replaceable unit needs to be replaced. See the
latest version of SunDiagnostic Executive User's Guide for the SPARCstations
for more information. (This test is not applicable to the SPARCclassic X
terminal.)
Chapter 2 Troubleshooting Overview 2-7