Skip to main content

Problem determination tips

Use these tips to determine problems with the blade server.

Because of the variety of hardware and software combinations that you can encounter, use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If possible, have this information available when you request assistance from IBM.
  • Machine type and model
  • Microprocessor and hard disk drive upgrades
  • Failure symptoms
    • Does the blade server fail the diagnostic tests?
    • What occurs? When? Where?
    • Does the failure occur on a single server or on multiple servers?
    • Is the failure repeatable?
    • Has this configuration ever worked?
    • What changes, if any, were made before the configuration failed?
    • Is this the original reported failure?
  • Diagnostic program type and version level
  • Hardware configuration (print screen of the system summary)
  • BIOS code level
  • Operating-system type and version level
You can solve some problems by comparing the configuration and software setups between working and nonworking servers. When you compare servers to each other for diagnostic purposes, consider them identical only if all the following factors are exactly the same in all the blade servers:
  • Machine type and model
  • BIOS level
  • Adapters and attachments, in the same locations
  • Address jumpers, terminators, and cabling
  • Software versions and levels
  • Diagnostic program type and version level
  • Configuration option settings
  • Operating-system control-file setup