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Chapter 4 Diagnostics
50
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 on line from the DiagTools User menu within the advanced series of tests, or you
can refer to 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:
· booting the server from the diagnostics diskette
· no access to operating system error logs, since the OS is not operating at the same time as the diagnostic
tools
· limited ability to test only a single component at a time
· inability to indicate problems with wrongly configured servers or the network
HP TopTools
HP TopTools is the browser-based management software that provides remote administration and monitoring
of critical server components. TopTools (with the server component) provides vital information for the fastest
troubleshooting and proactive management of your HP Servers. Processors, memory, storage, and NICs are a
few examples of the components managed by TopTools.
TopTools is included with every HP Server and should be installed to help your service provider troubleshoot
your HP Server. TopTools is located on the HP TopTools CD-ROM.
For sites with a single-server installation, you may not need the power of the web-based HP TopTools.
Instead, HP TopTools Auto Alert and Local TopTools for Servers, included on the HP Server Navigator CD-
ROM can provide all the tools you need to manage your small business environment. Local TopTools for
Servers provides the same information as HP TopTools but is run directly at the server. Local TopTools for
Servers is automatically installed on your server when using the HP Server Navigator CD to install your
Network Operating System. HP TopTools Auto Alert may be installed either from the HP TopTools CD-
ROM or the HP Server Navigator CD-ROM.
· See the HP Server Management Reference Guide for detailed installation instructions.
· You can also download the TopTools software and documentation from the TopTools Web Site at:
http://www.hp.com/toptools
Some of the features of TopTools include:
· Notification of problems with key hardware components, including memory, disk drives, SCSI
controllers, and NICs
· Unified event log to review a complete history of server activity in one place
· Predictive disk problem warning backed by HP's pre-failure warranty replacement
· Disk capacity threshold alert and usage tracking
· View of critical server inventory information, such as the BIOS version, driver and firmware versions,
PCI slot contents, and serial and parallel ports