Running the eServer stand-alone diagnostics from CD-ROM

If the system or logical partition where you would like to run diagnostics has AIX(R) installed but it cannot be started, or you have Linux(R) installed, use this procedure to perform diagnostic procedures from CD-ROM when directed from another procedure or by your next level of support.

Diagnostics, which are available for AIX and Linux systems and logical partitions, can help you perform hardware analysis. If a problem is found, you will receive a service request number (SRN) or a service reference code (SRC) that can help pinpoint the problem and determine a corrective action.

Additionally, there are various service aids in the diagnostics that can help you with service tasks on the system or logical partition.

Running the eServer stand-alone diagnostics from CD on a server with an HMC attached

Learn how to run the eServer stand-alone diagnostics on a system with an HMC attached.

If you have logical partitions, note the following considerations:

Perform the following steps from the HMC to run stand-alone diagnostics:

Note:
If you need help with any of these steps, contact your system operator.

  1. Remove all tapes, diskettes, CDs, or DVDs, and insert the diagnostic CD into the CD drive on the managed system (not the CD drive on the HMC).
  2. Shut down the operating system from the HMC by performing the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, select Server and partition -> Server Management.
    2. In the contents pane, expand the server that contains the partition you want to test.
    3. Right-click the partition and select Open Terminal Window.
    4. In the VTerm window, log in as root user and enter any requested passwords.
    5. Shut down the operating system using one of the following commands:
      • If AIX is running, type the shutdown -F command.
      • If Linux is running, type the shutdown -h now command
    6. Close the VTerm window.
  3. From the HMC, right-click the partition and select Activate.
  4. Ensure the Open a terminal window or console session box is selected and click OK.
  5. When the keyboard POST indicator (the word keyboard) is shown on the firmware console, and before the last POST indicator (the word speaker) is shown, press the 5 key on either the attached keyboard or the ASCII keyboard to indicate that a service mode boot should be initiated using the default service mode boot list.
  6. Continue with Selecting testing options.
Selecting testing options
  1. When the keyboard POST indicator (the word keyboard) is shown on the firmware console, and before the last POST indicator (the word speaker) is shown, press the 5 key on either the attached keyboard or the ASCII keyboard to indicate that a service mode boot should be initiated using the default service mode boot list.
  2. When the Welcome screen is shown, define the following:
  3. When the Diagnostics Operating Instructions appear, press Enter.
    Note:
    If you are unable to load the diagnostics to the point where the "Diagnostic Operating Instructions" display is shown, contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider.
  4. From the Function Select screen, select one of the following:
  5. Select Problem determination and press Enter.
  6. Check the list of resources that is displayed. Does the list of resources match what you know to be installed in your system or partition?
  7. Select All Resources, or the specific resource or resources to be tested, and press the P7 (commit) key.
  8. Record any error information you receive during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs) or SRCs, to report to your service provider.
  9. When testing is complete, press the F3 key to return to the Diagnostic Operating Instructions.
  10. Choose from the following options:
  11. Select Task Selection list and press Enter.
  12. To perform one of these tasks, select the Task Selection option from the Function Selection menu. After a task is selected, a resource menu might be presented showing all resources supported by the task.
  13. From the Task selection list, select the service aid task you want to perform. For example, Update and manage system Flash.
  14. Follow the instructions for the task selected on each menu or panel.
  15. Record any information you receive during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs), to report to your service provider.
  16. When testing is complete, press the F3 key to return to the Diagnostic Operating Instructions.
  17. Choose from the following options:
  18. Remove the CD from the drive.
  19. When finished, contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider with any information you received during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs) and any missing resources. This ends the procedure.

Running the eServer stand-alone diagnostics from CD on a server without an HMC attached

Learn how to run the eServer stand-alone diagnostics on a system without an HMC attached.

  1. Choose from the following options:
  2. If the system is powered on, perform these steps:
    1. Let the system administrator and system users know that the system unit will be shut down.
    2. Stop all programs including the operating system. For details, see Powering on and powering off.
    3. Continue with step 4.
  3. If the system is powered off, perform the following steps:
    1. Start the server so you will be able to insert the diagnostic CD into the CD drive during the next step.
    2. Continue with step 4.
  4. Insert the diagnostic CD in the CD drive.
  5. Re-start the server.
  6. Continue with Selecting testing options.
Selecting testing options
  1. When the keyboard POST indicator (the word keyboard) is shown on the firmware console, and before the last POST indicator (the word speaker) is shown, press the 5 key on either the attached keyboard or the ASCII keyboard to indicate that a service mode boot should be initiated using the default service mode boot list.
  2. When the Welcome screen is shown, define the following:
  3. When the Diagnostics Operating Instructions appear, press Enter.
    Note:
    If you are unable to load the diagnostics to the point where the "Diagnostic Operating Instructions" display is shown, contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider.
  4. From the Function Select screen, select one of the following:
  5. Select Problem determination and press Enter.
  6. Check the list of resources that is displayed. Does the list of resources match what you know to be installed in your system or partition?
  7. Select All Resources, or the specific resource or resources to be tested, and press the P7 (commit) key.
  8. Record any error information you receive during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs) or SRCs, to report to your service provider.
  9. When testing is complete, press the F3 key to return to the Diagnostic Operating Instructions.
  10. Choose from the following options:
  11. Select Task Selection list and press Enter.
  12. To perform one of these tasks, select the Task Selection option from the Function Selection menu. After a task is selected, a resource menu might be presented showing all resources supported by the task.
  13. From the Task selection list, select the service aid task you want to perform. For example, Update and manage system Flash.
  14. Follow the instructions for the task selected on each menu or panel.
  15. Record any information you receive during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs), to report to your service provider.
  16. When testing is complete, press the F3 key to return to the Diagnostic Operating Instructions.
  17. Choose from the following options:
  18. Remove the CD from the drive.
  19. When finished, contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider with any information you received during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs) and any missing resources. This ends the procedure.