IBM 389, 387, 393, 391, 388, 441, 390 Troubleshooting and diagnostics, Troubleshooting procedure

Chapter 7. Troubleshooting and diagnostics

This chapter provides information about basic troubleshooting and diagnostic methods to help you solve problems that might occur in the server.

If you cannot diagnose and correct a problem by using the information in this chapter, see Chapter 8 “Getting information, help, and service” on page 175 for additional troubleshooting resources.

Troubleshooting procedure

Use the following information as a general procedure for diagnosing and troubleshooting problems you experience with your server:

1.Verify that the power cords and the cables for all attached devices are connected correctly and securely.

2.Verify that the server and all attached devices that require ac power are connected to properly grounded, functioning electrical outlets.

3.Verify that all installed hardware and attached devices are enabled in the BIOS settings of your server. For more information about accessing and changing the BIOS settings, see “Using the Setup Utility program” on page 55.

4.View the status and diagnostic LEDs to identify the system and device status and diagnose problems. See “Viewing the status and diagnostic LEDs” on page 167.

5.If the server is not working after you have added new software, installed a new optional device, or replaced a piece of hardware, remove or reinstall the software or device to see if the problem could be solved.

6.View the SEL to diagnose problems. See “Viewing the system event log” on page 168.

7.Turn on the server and press Esc as soon as you see the logo screen to view any diagnostic messages.

8.Download and use the PC-Doctor for DOS diagnostic program to diagnose problems. See “Using the diagnostic program” on page 168.

9.Refer to “Basic troubleshooting tables” on page 168 and follow the instructions for the type of problem you are experiencing. If the basic troubleshooting information does not help you resolve a problem, continue with the next step.

10.Try using a previously server configuration to see if a recent change to hardware or software settings has caused a problem. Before restoring your previous configuration, capture your current configuration in case the older configuration settings do not solve the problem or have adverse effect.

11.Use an antivirus program to see if your server has been infected by a virus. If the program detects a virus, remove the virus.

12.If none of these actions solve the problem, seek technical assistance. See Chapter 8 “Getting information, help, and service” on page 175.

Viewing the status and diagnostic LEDs

Your server has status and diagnostic LEDs on the front panel, the DIT panel (varies by model), the rear panel (Ethernet status LEDs), the system board, the hot-swap hard disk drives (if supported), and the optical drive(s). The various LEDs help you easily identify the system and device status and diagnose problems. For information about the LEDs, refer to the related topics in “Locations” on page 13.

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