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Chapter 4 Diagnostics
49
HP Server DiagTools
The purpose of hardware diagnostic software is to provide tools for checking hardware problems. By design,
diagnostic software executes simple tests of each hardware component. Usually, such tests assure that
hardware is not the source of server problems. This allows the user to eliminate hardware as the cause of the
problem and to focus on operating system configuration parameters, network connections, and application
software configuration parameters as the source of the problem.
If hardware problems are confirmed, the diagnostic software program can sometimes detect and diagnose the
subsystem or specific server component causing the problem. In addition, diagnostic tools can capture
information that allows support personnel to quickly assess the condition of the server.
In order to be effective, diagnostic software tools must be used in the context of a wider troubleshooting
procedure.
DiagTools for HP Servers is a set of offline diagnostic tests, including tests for system and processor
components, memory and storage elements, ports, and input/output devices. DiagTools is supplied on the HP
StartUp CD-ROM.
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:
· system board · processors
· memory modules · hard disk drives
· flexible disk drives · keyboards
· parallel ports · CD-ROM drives
· video monitor
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