Problem Determination Tips - Lenovo ThinkServer TS100 Hardware Maintenance Manual

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 Lenovo:
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor and hard disk drive upgrades
v Failure symptoms
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 Memory amount, type and configuration
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 247 for
information about calling Lenovo for service.
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ThinkServer TS100 Types 6431, 6432, 6433, and 6434: Hardware Maintenance Manual
– Does the server fail the diagnostic tests? If so, what are the error codes?
– 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, or has this failure been reported before?