2 Diagnostics Overview



This chapter describes some of the applicable diagnostic software used to test the Desktop Storage Module.

The diagnostic software available includes the following:

When to Use Diagnostics

You should use the appropriate diagnostic tool to solve specific problems. Table 2-1 summarizes the available diagnostic tools, and indicates the correct use of each one.

    Table 2-1 Summary of Available Diagnostic Tools

Diagnostic Tool When or why to use On-Board Diagnostics These diagnostics reside in the system's boot PROM. Tests
such as the Ethernet test and the probe-scsi test are
available. You must be in the Forth Toolkit, ok prompt, to
run these diagnostics. Described later in this chapter. Sundiag System Exerciser These diagnostics are runs under SunOS. It displays real-time
use of the system resources and peripherals. The Sundiag
System Exerciser tells you if your system and attached devices
are functioning correctly. See the Sundiag User's Guide for
more information. SunDiagnostic Executive Runs extensive, configurable subsystem tests independent of
SunOS. Run the SunDiagnostic Executive if all tests pass when
you run Sundiag. Running the SunDiagnostic Executive allows
you to troubleshoot which field replaceable unit needs to be
replaced. See the latest version of SunDiagnostic Executive
User's Guide for Desktop SPARCstations for more information.

On-Board Diagnostics

You have access to a number of tests in your system called On-board diagnostics. To invoke these tests, you must enter the Forth Toolkit.

Caution -

In order to run On-board diagnostics, you must halt the system correctly. When the operating system or any other stand-alone program has already booted, do not use the L1-A keys to halt the system. Abruptly aborting program execution may cause damage to data files.

To run On-board diagnostics:
    1. Save all your work and quit all applications.
    2. As root, halt the system by entering /usr/etc/halt.

    You are presented with either the prompt or the ok prompt. The prompt is the default prompt. If you want to change the default prompt to the ok prompt, see the Introduction to Open Boot PROM 2.0.

    If you see the prompt, go to the next step. If you see the ok prompt, go to Step 4.

    3. Enter n to enter the Forth Toolkit.

    The ok prompt shows that you are in the Forth Toolkit.

    4. Enter help diag to list on-board diagnostic tests.

The following figure summarizes the steps you need to take to halt the system, enter the Forth Toolkit, and list the diagnostic tests.

    Figure 2-1 Halting the System and Displaying On-Board Diagnostics

These on-board tests allow you to test the network controller, the diskette drive system, memory, the SCSI bus connections, and the system clock. See "Diagnostic Routines" in the Introduction to Open Boot PROM 2.0 for a detailed description and step-by-step instructions of the available on-board diagnostic tests.

To return to the Monitor, prompt, enter the following:

Sundiag System Exerciser

The Sundiag System Exerciser, which runs under SunOS, displays real-time use of system resources and peripherals such as Desktop Storage Packs and Desktop Storage Modules. To verify that the system is functioning properly run the Sundiag System Exerciser.

The exerciser is shipped with SunOS and is preinstalled on SPARCstations equipped with at least one internal hard disk drive. If the Sundiag System Exerciser is not found on the system, you can load it from tape or compact disc. Sundiag can be run at any time and is found in the directory /usr/diag/sundiag.

For information on how to use the Sundiag System Exerciser, see the Sundiag User's Guide. If Sundiag passes, the system is operating properly. If Sundiag fails, the system is not operating properly.

If your Desktop Storage Module contains a disk drive, you can run rawtest (read and write test) to performs read-only and read-write tests on local disks, using generic SunOS routines. The fstest exercises the disk controller and the disk drive. See the following sections for more information on disk tests. If your DSM contains a tape drive, see "Tapetest" at a later part of this chapter.

Rawtest (Disk Drive)

This test performs read-only and read-write tests on local disks, using generic SunOS routines. It is shown on the control panel under "DISK DEVICES." The type of drive tested is named at the top of the option menu. For example, the Disk Option Menu header names the 1.3GB drive (for example sd0). If you click on a control panel disk Option button, this type of menu is displayed:

Caution -

The read-write disk rawtest may destroy the disk data during a power failure.

Fstest (Disk Controller)

This test exercises the disk controller and the disk drive. It writes two .5MB files with random data in /tmp, then reads and compares them. If the system does not have a /tmp directory, Sundiag creates a /tmp-disktop-sd directory to fill with random data, and removes it when you exit Sundiag. Sundiag selects the drive by issuing the SunOS command df and uses each local drive listed. A new feature auto-mounts any disk with a file system on it; therefore, the disk to be tested must contain valid file systems.

Tapetest (Tape drive)

The tapetest diagnostic rewinds the tape, erases it, and writes a pattern to the end of the tape. It then rewinds the tape and reads/compares the information just written. This test is shown on the control panel under "TAPE DEVICES." This test expects a device name and number of blocks as input parameters, and first writes to the device from a 126x512 byte buffer, then from a 512-byte buffer for any "left-over."

Note - Load a blank tape in your Desktop Storage Module before you start Sundiag. Otherwise Sundiag will show drive type: unknown on the option menu for the tape test.

Sundiag supports 8 mm tape drive testing. When you click on the tape test Option button, the following menu pops-up:

SunDiagnostic Executive

The SunDiagnostic Executive is an independent operating system. It runs exhaustive subsystem tests independent of SunOS. The SunDiagnostic Executive, which provides you with thorough diagnostics, is described in the SunDiagnostic Executive User's Guide for SPARCstations.