General problem determination proceduresUse the information in this section to resolve problems if the event log does not contain specific errors or theserver is inoperative.If you are not sure about the cause of a problem and the power supplies are working correctly, complete thefollowing steps to attempt to resolve the problem:1. Power off the server.2. Make sure that the server is cabled correctly.3. Remove or disconnect the following devices, one at a time, until you find the failure. Power on andconfigure the server each time you remove or disconnect a device.• Any external devices,• Surge-suppressor device (on the server).• Printer, mouse, and non-Lenovo devices,• Each adapter.• Hard disk drives.• DIMMs until you reach the minimum configuration that is supported for the server.Note: The minimum configuration required for the server to start is one processor and one 8 GB DIMM.4. Power on the server.If the problem is solved when you remove an adapter from the server, but the problem recurs when youinstall the same adapter again, suspect the adapter. If the problem recurs when you replace the adapter witha different one, try a different PCIe slot.If the problem appears to be a networking problem and the server passes all system tests, suspect a networkcabling problem that is external to the server.Resolving suspected power problemsPower problems can be difficult to solve. For example, a short circuit can exist anywhere on any of the powerdistribution buses. Usually, a short circuit will cause the power subsystem to shut down because of anovercurrent condition.Complete the following steps to diagnose and resolve a suspected power problem.Step 1. Check the event log and resolve any errors related to the power.Note: Start with the event log of the application that is managing the server. For more informationabout event logs, see “Event logs” on page 143.Step 2. Check for short circuits, for example, if a loose screw is causing a short circuit on a circuit board.Step 3. Remove the adapters and disconnect the cables and power cords to all internal and externaldevices until the server is at the minimum configuration that is required for the server to start. See“Specifications” on page 2 to determine the minimum configuration for your server.Step 4. Reconnect all ac power cords and turn on the server. If the server starts successfully, reseat theadapters and devices one at a time until the problem is isolated.If the server does not start from the minimum configuration, replace the components in the minimumconfiguration one at a time until the problem is isolated.Chapter 4. Problem determination 145
