Compaq ProLiant ML350 Server General Troubleshooting Guide

7-4 Compaq Servers Troubleshooting Guide
Compaq Confidential – Need to Know Required
Writer: Susana Weinstein Salazar Project: Compaq Servers Troubleshooting Guide Comments:
Part Number: 161434-001 File Name: h-ch7 Preventing Future Problems.doc Last Saved On: 9/2/99 1:52 PM
Use a Methodology
Following a set of procedures in your server use can help prevent problems
and should problems occur, make your troubleshooting easier.
■ Use uniform naming conventions for your servers. Consider using
names that denote server location. A uniform server naming convention
will help when you try to remember those details often overlooked that
can hold the clue to resolving the crisis.
■ Use unique IDs or names for your devices. You can reduce the risk of
components competing for the same resource if you have a list. Use the
Compaq System Configuration Utility to check for conflicts.
■ Make a habit of using the Compaq tools and resources, your software,
and third-party product resources to keep abreast of potential problems.
You may be able to avoid problems by noting the problems of others.
■ Have a reliable back-up plan. Schedule backups based on your server’s
needs. If data is changed frequently, you will want more frequent
backups. Maintain a library of backups based on your needs for
restoring information. Test your backups periodically to make sure your
data is correctly stored.
■ Have a plan of action before the server fails. For example, here is what
we do if a:
Mirror fails
SCSI card fails
NIC card fails
■ Check hard disk space periodically.
■ Scan for viruses weekly. Use the latest virus-scanning utilities available
to ensure your data is not corrupted.
■ Keep historical data. You will not know that the CPU utilization has
increased 50% if you do not know what it is initially. If you have
problems, you can use the data to compare before and after scenarios.
For example, you might want to know about these utilization rates:
User
Bus
Power