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Intermittent problems

  • Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem is solved.
  • If an action step is preceded by (Trained technician only), that step must be performed only by a trained technician.
SymptomAction
A problem occurs only occasionally and is difficult to diagnose.
  1. Make sure that:
    • All cables and cords are connected securely to the rear of the server and attached devices.
    • When the server is turned on, air is flowing from the fan grille. If there is no airflow, the fan is not working. This can cause the server to overheat and shut down.
  2. Check the event logs (see Event logs).
  3. See Solving undetermined problems.
The server resets (restarts) occasionally.
  1. If the reset occurs during POST and the POST watchdog timer is enabled (click System Settings --> Integrated Management Module --> POST Watchdog Timer in the Setup utility to see the POST watchdog setting), make sure that sufficient time is allowed in the watchdog timeout value (POST Watchdog Timer). If the server continues to reset during POST, see UEFI (POST) error codes and DSA diagnostic test results.
  2. If the reset occurs after the operating system starts, disable any automatic server restart (ASR) utilities, such as the IBM Automatic Server Restart IPMI Application for Windows, or any ASR devices that are be installed.
    Note
    ASR utilities operate as operating-system utilities and are related to the IPMI device driver. If the reset continues to occur after the operating system starts, the operating system might have a problem; see Software problems.
  3. If neither condition applies, check the event logs (see Event logs).