– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this conguration ever worked?
– If it has been working, what changes were made prior to it failing?
– Is this the original reported failure?
• Diagnostics version
– Type and version level
• Hardware conguration
– Print (print screen) conguration currently in use
– BIOS level
• 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 diagnostic diskettes (version)
7. Have the same conguration options set in the system
8. Have the same setup for operating-system-controlled les
Comparing the conguration and software set-up between “working and non-working” systems will often
lead to problem resolution.
38 ThinkCentre Hardware Maintenance Manual