© Copyright IBM Corp. 1999 1
General checkout
The server diagnostic programs are stored in upgradable read-only memory (ROM)
on the system board. These programs are the primary method of testing the major
components of the server: The system board, Ethernet controller, video controller,
RAM, keyboard, mouse (pointing device), diskette drive, serial ports, hard drives,
and parallel port. You can also use them to test some external devices. See
“Diagnostic programs and error messages” on page 25.
Also, if you cannot determine whether a problem is caused by the hardware or by the
software, you can run the diagnostic programs to confirm that the hardware is
working properly.
When you run the diagnostic programs, a single problem might cause several error
messages. When this occurs, work to correct the cause of the first error message.
After the cause of the first error message is corrected, the other error messages might
not occur the next time you run the test.
A failed system might be part of a shared DASD cluster (two or more systems sharing
the same external storage device(s)). Prior to running diagnostics, verify that the
failing system is not part of a shared DASD cluster.
A system might be part of a cluster if:
• The customer identifies the system as part of a cluster.
• One or more external storage units are attached to the system and at least one of
the attached storage units is additionally attached to another system or
unidentifiable source.
• One or more systems are located near the failing system.
If the failing system is suspected to be part of a shared DASD cluster, all diagnostic
tests can be run except diagnostic tests which test the storage unit (DASD residing in
the storage unit) or the storage adapter attached to the storage unit.
Notes:
1. For systems that are part of a shared DASD cluster, run one test at a time in
looped mode. Do not run all tests in looped mode, as this could enable the DASD
diagnostic tests.
2. If multiple error codes are displayed, diagnose the first error code displayed.
3. If the computer hangs with a POST error, go to the “Symptom-to-FRU index” on
page 143.
4. If the computer hangs and no error is displayed, go to “Undetermined problems”
on page 170.
5. Power supply problems, see “Symptom-to-FRU index” on page 143.
6. Safety information, see “Safety information” on page 180.
7. For intermittent problems, check the error log; see “POST error messages” on
page 14.
1. IS THE SYSTEM PART OF A CLUSTER?