Initial Inspection of the Server

C H A P T E R 2

This chapter includes the following topics:

Service Troubleshooting Flowchart

Gathering Service Information

System Inspection

2.1 Service Troubleshooting Flowchart

Use the following flowchart as a sequence for using the subjects in this book to troubleshoot the server.

TABLE 2-1 Troubleshooting Flowchart
Task No.	Description	Section or Document
1	Gather initial service information.	Gathering Service Information
2	Investigate any power-on problems.	Troubleshooting Power Problems
3	Perform external visual inspection and internal visual inspection.	Externally Inspecting the Server Internally Inspecting the Server
4	View BIOS event logs and POST messages.	Viewing Event Logs Power-On Self-Test (POST)
5	View service processor logs and sensor information	Sun Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM) 2.0 User’s Guide

2.2 Gathering Service Information

The first step in determining the cause of a problem with the server is to gather information from the service call paperwork or the onsite personnel. Use the following general guideline steps when you begin troubleshooting:

1. Collect information about the following items:

Events that occurred prior to the failure

Whether any hardware or software was modified or installed

Whether the server was recently installed or moved

How long the server exhibited symptoms

The duration or frequency of the problem

2. Document the server settings before you make any changes.

If possible, make one change at a time in order to isolate potential problems. In this way, you can maintain a controlled environment and reduce the scope of troubleshooting.

3. Note the results of any change that you make. Include any errors or informational messages.

4. Check for potential device conflicts before you add a new device.

5. Check for version dependencies, especially with third-party software.

2.3 System Inspection

Controls that have been improperly set and cables that are loose or improperly connected are common causes of problems with hardware components.

2.3.1 Troubleshooting Power Problems

If the server powers on, skip this section and go to Externally Inspecting the Server.

If the server does not power on, check the following:

1. Check that AC or DC power cords are attached firmly to the server’s power supplies and to the AC or DC sources.

2. Check that the main cover is firmly in place.

An intrusion switch on the motherboard automatically shuts down the server power to Standby mode when the cover is removed.

2.3.2 Externally Inspecting the Server

1. Inspect the external status indicator LEDs, which can indicate component malfunction.

For the LED locations and descriptions of their behavior, see Server LEDs.

2. Verify that nothing in the server environment is blocking air flow or making a contact that could short out power.

3. If the problem is not evident, continue with the next section, Internally Inspecting the Server.

2.3.3 Internally Inspecting the Server

1. Choose a method for shutting down the server from main power mode to Standby power mode. See FIGURE 2-1 .

Graceful shutdown - Use a ballpoint pen or other stylus to press and release the Power button on the front panel. This action causes Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) enabled operating systems to perform an orderly shutdown of the operating system. Servers not running ACPI-enabled operating systems will shut down to standby power mode immediately.

Emergency shutdown - Use a ballpoint pen or other stylus to press and hold the Power button for four seconds to force main power off and enter Standby power mode.

Caution - Performing an emergency shutdown can cause open files to become corrupt. Use an emergency shutdown only when necessary.

When main power is off, the Power OK LED on the front panel will begin flashing, indicating that the server is in Standby power mode.

Caution - When you use the Power button to enter Standby power mode, power is still directed to service processor and power supply fans, indicated when the Power OK LED is flashing. To completely power off the server, you must disconnect the AC or DC power cords from the rear panel of the server.

FIGURE 2-1 Server Front Panel

Graphic showing the Sun Netra X4250 front panel.

Figure Legend
1	Locator LED Button
2	Power Button

2. Remove the server cover.

For instructions on removing the server cover, see Removing the Top Cover.

3. Inspect the internal status indicator LEDs. These can indicate component malfunction.

For the LED locations and descriptions of their behavior, see the service procedures for the motherboard CRUs and FRUs.

Note - The server must be in standby power mode for viewing the internal LEDs.

You can hold down the Locator LED button on the server back panel or front panel for 5 seconds to initiate a “push-to-test” mode that illuminates all other LEDs both inside and outside of the chassis for 15 seconds.

4. Verify that there are no loose or improperly seated components.

5. Verify that all cable connectors inside the system are firmly and correctly attached to their appropriate connectors.

6. Verify that any after-factory components are qualified and supported.

For a information supported PCI cards and DIMMs, check with your Sun customer representative..

7. Check that the installed DIMMs comply with the supported DIMM population rules and configurations, as described in FB-DIMM Guidelines.

8. Replace the server cover.

9. To restore the server to main power mode (all components powered on), use a ballpoint pen or other stylus to press and release the Power button on the server front panel (FIGURE 2-1).

When main power is applied to the full server, the Power OK LED next to the Power button lights and remains lit.

10. If the problem with the server is not evident, you can obtain additional information by viewing the power-on self-test (POST) messages and BIOS event logs during system startup. See Viewing Event Logs.