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Chapter 5
Diagnostics
The user prepares Diagtools software for use by transferring it to a diskette. Then the Diagtools diskette is used
to boot the server. A basic suite of tools checks key server components, and a menu of advanced tests is
available for in-depth testing.
Diagtools has the ability to test the following components:
Diagtools is an offline diagnostic. Offline diagnostics do not use the main operating system (OS) of the HP
Server. 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 that require user inputs or decisions are left to the advanced
series of tests.
You can use Diagtools to perform the tasks listed below:
•
Display a high-level inventory of the server under test
•
Save and print a detailed inventory of hardware components
•
Conduct a basic test of components listed in the server inventory
•
Display “PASSED” or “FAILED” overall results of basic tests
•
Record detailed test results of basic server 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
•
Add comments to the support ticket
About Error Messages
A hexadecimal number designates each error message reported by Diagtools; a short note on the type of error;
and a list of one or more steps the user can take in response. When you run a test, it exercises many aspects of
the hardware, so the number of possible error messages exceeds 300. Most of these are encountered rarely, if
ever.
Error codes can be viewed online from the Diagtools User menu within the advanced series of tests, or you can
refer to Chapter 3 of the
HP Server Diagtools Error Reference and User Guide
.
Advantages and Limitations of Hardware Diagnostics
Offline diagnostic software is useful in making sure that hardware has been eliminated as the cause for possible
server problems. Such diagnostic tools can easily be shipped with a server, and they are relatively easy to use.
Only experienced personnel knowledgeable of its limitations should use offline diagnostic software.
Some limitations are:
•
system board
•
processors
•
memory modules
•
hard disk drives
•
flexible disk drives
•
keyboards
•
parallel ports
•
CD-ROM drives
•
video monitor
