Diagnostic tools

POST error messages and error logs

The power-on self-test (POST) generates messages to indicate successful test completion or the detection of a problem.

Troubleshooting tables

These tables list problem symptoms and actions to correct the problems.

Integrated management module II

The integrated management module II (IMM2) combines service processor functions, video controller, and remote presence and blue-screen capture features in a single chip. The IMM provides advanced service-processor control, monitoring, and alerting function. If an environmental condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, the IMM lights LEDs to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the IMM event log, and alerts you to the problem. Optionally, the IMM also provides a virtual presence capability for remote server management capabilities. The IMM provides remote server management through the following industry-standard interfaces:

• Intelligent Platform Management Protocol (IPMI) version 2.0
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) version 3
• Common Information Model (CIM)
• Web browser

For more information about the integrated management module II (IMM2), see Using the integrated management module, Integrated management module II (IMM2) error messages, and the Integrated Management Module II User's Guide at the IBM Integrated Management Module II User's Guide website.

Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) Preboot diagnostic programs

The DSA Preboot diagnostic programs provide problem isolation, configuration analysis, and error log collection. The diagnostic programs are the primary method of testing the major components of the server and are stored in integrated USB memory. The diagnostic programs collect the following information about the server:

• System configuration
• Network interfaces and settings
• Installed hardware
• Vital product data, firmware, and UEFI configuration
• Integrated management module II (IMM2) status and configuration
• Hard disk drive health
• RAID adapter configuration
• Controller and IMM2 event logs, including the following information:
  • System error logs
  • Temperature, voltage, and fan speed information
  • Self-monitoring Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) data
  • Machine check registers
  • USB information
  • Monitor configuration information
  • PCI slot information

The diagnostic programs create a merged log that includes events from all collected logs. The information is collected into an XML file that you can send to IBM service and support. Additionally, you can view the server information locally through a generated text report file. You can also copy the outputs (xml.gz,txt, html) to removable media and view the html from a web browser.

Server LEDs

Use the LEDs on the server to diagnose system errors quickly. See Server controls, LEDs, and power for more information.

IBM Electronic Service Agent

IBM Electronic Service Agent is a software tool that monitors the server for hardware error events and automatically submits electronic service requests to IBM service and support. In addition, it can collect and transmit system configuration information on a scheduled basis so that the information is available to you and your support representative. It uses minimal system resources, and is available free of charge. For more information and to download IBM Electronic Service Agent, go to the IBM Electronic Service Agent portal.