Chapter 5. Solving problems

This chapter provides basic troubleshooting information to help you solve some common problems that might occur while you are setting up the server.

If you cannot diagnose and correct a problem by using the information in this chapter, see Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance,” on page 95, the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD, and the “Server Support” flowchart in the front of this document.

Diagnostic tools overview

The following tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-related problems:

vPOST beep codes

The power-on self-test beep codes indicate the detection of a problem.

One beep indicates successful completion of POST, with no errors.

More than one beep indicates that POST detected a problem. Error messages also appear during startup if POST detects a hardware-configuration problem.

See “POST beep code descriptions” and the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD for more information.

vTroubleshooting charts

These tables list problem symptoms and actions to correct the problems. See “Troubleshooting tables” on page 77 for more information.

vDiagnostic programs and error messages

The system diagnostic programs are provided on the IBM Enhanced Diagnostics CD. These diagnostic programs are used to troubleshoot problems in the server. See the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD for more information about the diagnostic programs and error messages.

vLight path diagnostics

Use light path diagnostics to diagnose system errors quickly. See “Light path diagnostics” on page 90 for more information.

vIBM Electronic Service Agent

IBM Electronic Service Agent is a software tool that monitors the server for hardware error events and automatically submits electronic service requests to the IBM Support Center. Also, it can collect and transmit system configuration information on a scheduled basis so that the information is available to you and your support representative. It uses minimal system resources, is available free of charge, and can be downloaded from the Web. For more information and to download Electronic Service Agent, go to http://www.ibm.com/support/electronic/.

POST beep code descriptions

POST emits one beep to signal successful completion. If POST detects a problem during startup, other beep codes might occur. Use the following beep code descriptions to help diagnose and solve problems that are detected during startup.

Note: See the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x

Documentation CD for more information about the POST beep codes.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2008

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IBM Type 7977 manual Diagnostic tools overview, Post beep code descriptions