Compaq ProLiant ML350 Server General Troubleshooting Guide

Preventing Future Problems 7-5
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
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Keep a trend analysis. You will know what to expect during certain
points in time. For example, if the CPU utilization rate always increases
by 50% during certain hours, you will know that increase is normal for
the server you are tracking.
■ Create a problem resolution notebook. When problems do occur, keep a
log of the actions you took to resolve it. This could help you more
quickly solve the same problem in the future. System configuration,
Inspect and Drive Array Advanced Diagnostic printouts and utility
diskettes can also be stored with the resolution notebook. These can
save a great deal of time in the future and ensure accuracy, especially
when dealing with future part replacement.
■ Keep an up-to-date network topology map in an accessible location.
This will help in troubleshooting networking problems.
■ If you have a tape drive, maintain a scheduled cleaning program.
■ If you have a tape drive, remember the importance of tape cartridge
label placement. If the label is placed on the exposed surface of the
cartridge, it cannot fall off or get lodged inside the tape drive.
■ Store all processor slot terminators replaced by installed processors. It is
helpful to replace one or more processors with terminators when
diagnosing a failed processor.
NOTE: It is required that all processor slots contain either a processor or terminator,
properly seated, for the server to power up.
■ Consider keeping certain spare parts available onsite. Spare parts to
maintain include SCSI controllers, hot-pluggable redundant power
supplies, hot-pluggable fans, hot-pluggable drives, SCSI cables, network
adapters, power processor modules, and perhaps even complete I/O,
Media and Processor and Memory modules, if your server is modular.
■ Restock spare parts as they are used.
■ Do not clean card edge connectors with erasers; it removes the gold,
causes static discharge, and leaves residue. If connectors have to be
cleaned, use isopropyl alcohol or a special cleaning solution applied
with a cotton-tipped swab.