Problem determination tips
Due to the variety of hardware and software combinations
that can be encountered, use the following information to
assist you in problem determination.
Verify any recent hardware changes. See “Hardware
considerations” on page 342.
Verify any recent software changes. See “Software
considerations” on page 343.
Verify the BIOS is at the latest level. See “BIOS” on
page 343.
Verify the drivers are at latest levels. See “Drivers”
on page 343.
Verify the Configuration matches hardware. See
“System resource conflicts” on page 344.
Verify the Diagnostic diskette is at latest level. See
“File updates” on page 342.
As you go through problem determination, consider these
questions:
Do diagnostics fail?
What, when, where, single, or multiple systems?
Is the failure repeatable?
Has this configuration ever worked?
If it has been working, what changes were made prior
to it failing?
Is this the original reported failure?
Important
To eliminate confusion, systems are considered

identical

only if they:
1. Are the exact machine type and model
2. Have the same BIOS level
3. Have the same adapters/attachments in the
same locations
4. Have the same address
jumpers/terminators/cabling
5. Have the same software versions and levels
6. Have the same Reference/Diagnostics Diskette
(version)
7. Have the same configuration options set in the
system
8. Have the same setup for the operation system
control files
Comparing the configuration and software set-up
between “working and non-working” systems will often
lead to problem resolution.
Related Service Information 341