Chapter 3. DiagnosticsThis chapter describes the diagnostic tools that are available to help you solveproblems that might occur in the server.If you cannot locate and correct a problem by using the information in this chapter,see Appendix A, “Getting help and technical assistance,” on page 281 for moreinformation.Diagnostic toolsThe following tools are available to help you diagnose and solve hardware-relatedproblems:v Troubleshooting tablesThese tables list problem symptoms and actions to correct the problems. See“Troubleshooting tables” on page 84 for more information.v Light path diagnosticsUse light path diagnostics to diagnose system errors quickly. See “Light pathdiagnostics” on page 101 for more information.v Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) Preboot diagnostic programsThe DSA Preboot diagnostic programs provide problem isolation, configurationanalysis, and error log collection. The diagnostic programs are the primarymethod of testing the major components of the server and are stored inintegrated USB memory. The diagnostic programs collect the followinginformation about the server:– System configuration– Network interfaces and settings– Installed hardware– Light path diagnostics status– Service processor status and configuration– Vital product data, firmware, and UEFI configuration– Hard disk drive health– RAID controller configuration– Controller and service processor event logs, including the followinginformation:- 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 informationThe diagnostic programs create a merged log that includes events from allcollected logs. The information is collected into a file that you can send to IBMservice and support. Additionally, you can view the server information locallythrough a generated text report file. You can also copy the log to removablemedia and view the log from a Web browser. See “Running the diagnosticprograms” on page 116 for more information.v IBM Electronic Service AgentIBM Electronic Service Agent is a software tool that monitors the server forhardware error events and automatically submits electronic service requests toIBM service and support. In addition, it can collect and transmit system© Copyright IBM Corp. 2010 23
