Operation Manual

Diagnostic tools overview
The following tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-related
problems:
v POST beep codes, error messages, and error logs
The power-on self-test (POST) generates beep codes and messages to indicate
successful test completion or the detection of a problem. See “POST error logs”
for more information.
v Light path diagnostics feature
Use the light path diagnostics feature to identify system errors quickly. See “Light
path diagnostics” on page 18 for more information.
v Diagnostic programs and error messages
The diagnostic programs are stored in the system flash EPROM on the I/O
board. These programs are the primary method of testing the major components
of the server. See “Diagnostic programs and error messages” on page 22 for
more information.
POST error logs
When you turn on the server, it performs a series of tests to check the operation of
server components and some of the options installed in the server. This series of
tests is called the power-on self-test, or POST.
If POST finishes without detecting any problems, a single beep sounds, and the first
screen of the operating system opens or an application program starts.
If POST detects a problem, more than one beep might sound, or an error message
appears on the screen. See “Beep symptoms” on page 86 and “POST error codes”
on page 88 for more information.
Notes:
1. If a power-on password is set, you must type the password and press Enter,
when prompted, before POST will continue.
2. A single problem might cause several error messages. When this occurs, work
to correct the cause of the first error message. After you correct the cause of
the first error message, the other error messages usually will not occur the next
time you run the test.
The POST error log contains the three most recent error codes and messages that
were generated during POST. The system-error log contains all messages that were
generated during POST and all system status messages from the service
processor.
You can view the contents of the system-error log from the Configuration/Setup
Utility program or from the diagnostic programs.
Note: When troubleshooting PCI-X slots, you will notice that the error logs report
the PCI-X buses numerically. The numerical assignment will change
depending on your configuration.
Viewing error logs from the Configuration/Setup Utility program
Start the Configuration/Setup Utility program; then, select Error Logs from the main
menu. See “Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program” on page 11 for more
information.
Chapter 3. Diagnostics 17