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.
If
possible,
have
this
information
available
when
requesting
assistance
from
Service
Support
and
Engineering
functions.
v
Machine
type
and
model
v
Processor
or
hard
disk
upgrades
v
Failure
symptom
–
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?
v
Reference/Diagnostics
version
–
Type
and
version
level
v
Hardware
configuration
–
Print
(print
screen)
configuration
currently
in
use
–
BIOS
level
v
Operating
system
software
–
Type
and
version
level
Note:
To
eliminate
confusion,
identical
systems
are
considered
identical
only
if
they:
1.
Are
the
exact
machine
type
and
models
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.
Notices
References
in
this
publication
to
IBM
products,
programs,
or
services
do
not
imply
that
IBM
intends
to
make
these
available
in
all
countries
in
which
IBM
operates.
Any
reference
to
an
IBM
product,
program,
or
service
is
not
intended
to
state
or
imply
that
only
that
IBM
product,
program,
or
service
may
be
used.
Subject
to
IBM’s
valid
intellectual
property
or
other
legally
protectable
rights,
any
functionally
equivalent
product,
program,
or
service
may
be
used
instead
of
the
IBM
product,
program,
or
service.
The
evaluation
and
verification
of
operation
in
conjunction
with
other
products,
except
those
expressly
designated
by
IBM,
are
the
responsibility
of
the
user.
Chapter
10.
Related
service
information
183