Service manual

Chapter 4 Diagnostics
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Use this topic to learn about how to use HP's NetServer DiagTools. The purpose of hardware diagnostic
software is to provide tools for checking for serious hardware problems. By design, diagnostic software
executes simple tests of each hardware component in turn. Usually, such tests create assurance that
hardware is not the source of system problems. This allows the user to eliminate hardware as the cause of
the problem and to focus on operating system configuration parameters, network connections, and
application software configuration parameters as the source of the problem.
If hardware problems are confirmed, the diagnostic software program can sometimes detect and diagnose
the subsystem or specific system component that is the cause of the problem. In addition, diagnostic tools
can capture information that allows support personnel to quickly assess the condition of system.
In order to be effective, diagnostic software tools must be used in the context of a wider troubleshooting
procedure.
DiagTools Capabilities
DiagTools for HP NetServers is a set of off-line diagnostic tests, including tests for system and processor
components, memory and storage elements, ports, and input/output devices. DiagTools is supplied on the
HP NetServer Navigator with HP NetServer series LC, LH, LP and LX.
The user prepares DiagTools software for use by transferring it to diskette. Then the DiagTools diskette is
used to boot the server. A basic suite of tools checks key NetServer components, and a menu of advanced
tests is available for in-depth testing.
DiagTools has the capability to test the following components:
l system board l processors
l memory modules l hard disk drives
l flexible disk drives l keyboards
l serial ports l parallel ports
l video monitor l CD-ROM drives
DiagTools is an off-line diagnostic test series. Off-line diagnostics do not use the main operating system (OS)
of the HP NetServer. The alternate DiagTools OS has far fewer features than the full-fledged OS. Thus, its
capabilities are limited to a set of basic tests and a series of advanced tests. In addition, DiagTools does not
use any tests which might write over and thus destroy user data. Tests which require user inputs or decisions
are left to the advanced series of tests.
You can use DiagTools to support troubleshooting to carry out the tasks listed below:
• display a high-level inventory of the system under test
• save and print a detailed inventory of hardware components
• conduct a basic test of components listed in the system inventory
• display “PASSED” or “FAILED” overall results of basic tests
• record detailed test results of basic system tests
• display a menu of advanced tests
• select and run one or a series of advanced tests
• add the record of results of advanced tests to the record of basic tests
• view a list to locate the meaning of a specific error code
• view one or more steps to help confirm and isolate error conditions
• browse the Support Ticket, which contains the detailed inventories and test results