Chapter 2. Diagnostics; Diagnostic Tools; Post - IBM System x3200 Problem Determination And Service Manual

Chapter 2. Diagnostics

This chapter describes the diagnostic tools that are available to help you solve
problems that might occur in the server.
If you cannot locate and correct a problem using the information in this chapter, see
Appendix A, "Getting help and technical assistance," on page 139 for more
information.

Diagnostic tools

The following tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-related
problems:
v POST beep codes, error messages, and error logs
v Troubleshooting tables
v Server LEDs
v Diagnostic programs, messages, and error messages

POST

When you turn on the server, it performs a series of tests to check the operation of
the server components and some optional devices in the server. This series of tests
is called the power-on self-test, or POST.
If a power-on password is set, you must type the password and press Enter, when
prompted, for POST to run.
If POST is completed without detecting any problems, one short beep occurs, and
the server startup is completed.
If POST detects a problem, several beeps might sound, or an error message is
displayed. See "POST beep codes" on page 16 and "POST error codes" on page
19 for more information.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2005
The power-on self-test (POST) generates beep codes and messages to indicate
successful test completion or the detection of a problem. See "POST" for more
information.
These tables list problem symptoms and actions to correct the problems. See
"Troubleshooting tables" on page 29.
Use the LEDs on the server to diagnose system errors quickly. See "Error LEDs"
on page 42 for more information.
The diagnostic programs are the primary method of testing the major
components of the server. The diagnostic programs are on the IBM Enhanced
Diagnostics CD that comes with the server. See "Diagnostic programs,
messages, and error codes" on page 43 for more information.
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