User guide

Troubleshooting 98
2. Record any error messages displayed by the system.
3. Remove all diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and USB drive keys.
4. Power down the server and peripheral devices if you will be diagnosing the server offline. If possible,
always perform an orderly shutdown:
a. Exit any applications.
b. Exit the operating system.
c. Power down the server (on page 20).
5. Disconnect any peripheral devices not required for testing (any devices not necessary to power up the
server). Do not disconnect the printer if you want to use it to print error messages.
6. Collect all tools and utilities, such as a Torx screwdriver, loopback adapters, ESD wrist strap, and
software utilities, necessary to troubleshoot the problem.
o You must have the appropriate Health Drivers and Management Agents installed on the server.
To verify the server configuration, connect to the System Management homepage and select Version
Control Agent. The VCA gives you a list of names and versions of all installed HP drivers,
Management Agents, and utilities, and whether they are up-to-date.
o HP recommends you have access to the server documentation for server-specific information.
o HP recommends you have access to the SmartStart CD for value-added software and drivers
required during the troubleshooting process. Download the current version of SmartStart from the
HP website (http://www.hp.com/servers/smartstart).
Performing processor procedures in the troubleshooting process
Before performing any troubleshooting steps that involve processors, review the following guidelines:
• Be sure that only authorized personnel perform the troubleshooting steps that involve installing,
removing, or replacing a processor.
• Always locate the documentation for your processor model before performing any steps that require
installing, removing, or replacing a processor. If you cannot locate the hard copy of the instructions that
shipped with the processor, see the processor ("Processor option" on page 35) instructions in this
document.
• Some processor models require the use of a processor installation tool, and specific steps are
documented to ensure that you do not damage the processor or processor socket on the system board.
For server models that have pins inside the processor socket, remember that THE PINS ON THE SYSTEM
BOARD ARE VERY FRAGILE AND EASILY DAMAGED. If you damage the socket, you must replace the
system board.
• Depending on the server model, the contacts may be on the processor or they may be inside the
processor socket. Never touch the contacts. THE PINS ON THE SYSTEM BOARD ARE VERY FRAGILE AND
EASILY DAMAGED. If the contacts inside the processor socket are damaged, the system board must be
replaced.
• Always complete all other troubleshooting procedures before removing or replacing a processor.
Breaking the server down to the minimum hardware configuration
During the troubleshooting process, you may be asked to break the server down to the minimum hardware
configuration. A minimum configuration consists of only the components needed to boot the server and
successfully pass POST.