Appendix A. Getting Help And Technical Assistance; Before You Call; Using The Documentation - IBM System x3250 4364 Problem Determination And Service Manual

Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance

If you need help, service, or technical assistance or just want more information
about IBM products, you will find a wide variety of sources available from IBM to
assist you. This appendix contains information about where to go for additional
information about IBM and IBM products, what to do if you experience a problem
with your system or optional device, and whom to call for service, if it is necessary.

Before you call

Before you call, make sure that you have taken these steps to try to solve the
problem yourself:
v Check all cables to make sure that they are connected.
v Check the power switches to make sure that the system and any optional
v Use the troubleshooting information in your system documentation, and use the
v Go to the IBM support Web site at http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/
You can solve many problems without outside assistance by following the
troubleshooting procedures that IBM provides in the online help or in the
documentation that is provided with your IBM product. The documentation that
comes with IBM systems also describes the diagnostic tests that you can perform.
Most systems, operating systems, and programs come with documentation that
contains troubleshooting procedures and explanations of error messages and error
codes. If you suspect a software problem, see the documentation for the operating
system or program.

Using the documentation

Information about your IBM system and preinstalled software, if any, or optional
device is available in the documentation that comes with the product. That
documentation can include printed documents, online documents, readme files, and
help files. See the troubleshooting information in your system documentation for
instructions for using the diagnostic programs. The troubleshooting information or
the diagnostic programs might tell you that you need additional or updated device
drivers or other software. IBM maintains pages on the World Wide Web where you
can get the latest technical information and download device drivers and updates.
To access these pages, go to http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/xseries/
index.html and follow the instructions. Also, some documents are available through
the IBM Publications Center at http://www.ibm.com/shop/publications/order/.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2007
devices are turned on.
diagnostic tools that come with your system. Information about diagnostic tools is
in the Hardware Maintenance Manual and Troubleshooting Guide or Problem
Determination and Service Guide on the IBM Documentation CD that comes with
your system.
Note: For some IntelliStation models, the Hardware Maintenance Manual and
Troubleshooting Guide is available only from the IBM support Web site.
xseries/index.html to check for technical information, hints, tips, and new device
drivers or to submit a request for information.
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