User`s guide

6-1
Introducing Tasks and Service Aids
Chapter 6. Introducing Tasks and Service Aids
The AIX Diagnostic Package contains programs that are called Tasks. Tasks can be thought
of as performing a specific function on a resource; for example, running diagnostics, or
performing a service aid on a resource. This chapter describes the Tasks available in AIX
Diagnostics Version 4.2 and later.
Note: Many of these programs work on all system model architectures. Some programs
are only accessible from Online Diagnostics in Service or Concurrent mode, while
others might be accessible only from Standalone Diagnostics. Still other programs
may only be supported on a particular system architecture, such as CHRP (Common
Hardware Reference Platform).
To perform one of these tasks, use the Task Selection option from the FUNCTION
SELECTION menu.
After a task is selected, a resource menu may be presented showing all resources
supported by the task.
A fast path method is also available to perform a task by using the diag command and the
–T flag. By using the fast path, the user can bypass most of the introductory menus to
access a particular task. The user is presented with a list of resources available to support
the specified task. The fast path tasks are as follows:
• Certify – Certifies media
• Chkspares – Checks for the availability of spare sectors
• Download – Downloads microcode to an adapter or device
• Disp_mcode – Displays current level of microcode
• Format – Formats media
• Identify – Identifies the PCI RAID physical disks
• IdentifyRemove – Identifies and removes devices (Hot Plug)
To run these tasks directly from the command line, specify the resource and other
task–unique flags. Use the descriptions given in Diagnostic Information for Multiple Bus
Systems, order number 86 A1 26HX to understand which flags are needed for a given task.
For more information about Tasks and Service Aids, refer to Diagnostic Information for
Multiple Bus Systems, order number 86 A1 26HX, revision level 05 or higher.
Tasks
• Add Resource to Resource List
• AIX Shell Prompt
• Analyze Adapter Internal Log
• Backup and Restore Media
• Certify Media
• Change Hardware Vital Product Data
• Configure Dials and LPFKeys
• Configure Reboot Policy
• Configure Remote Maintenance Policy
• Configure Ring Indicate Power On Policy
• Configure Surveillance Policy