Running stand-alone diagnostics from CD or DVD on a server with a management console attached

Learn to run the stand-alone diagnostics on a system that has an attached management console.

About this task

If you have logical partitions, note the following considerations:
  • When running diagnostics in a logically partitioned system, you must run diagnostics in the logical partition containing the resource or resources that you want to test.
  • The device from which you are loading stand-alone diagnostics must be made available to the logical partition on which you want to run diagnostics. This action might require moving the device to the logical partition on which you want to run diagnostics. For example, the CD or DVD drive or the network adapter that is connected to the Network Installation Management (NIM) server.
When preparing to run the stand-alone diagnostics from a CD or DVD with an attached management console, perform the following steps from the management console:
Note: If you need help with any of these steps, contact your system operator.

Procedure

  1. Remove all tapes, diskettes, CDs, or DVDs, and insert the diagnostic CD or DVD into the CD or DVD drive on the managed system (not the CD or DVD drive on the management console).
  2. To shut down the operating system by using the Hardware Management Console, complete the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, click the Resources icon Resources, and then click All Systems.
    2. In the content pane, click the server name that contains the partition you want to test.
    3. In the content pane, select the partition, and then click Actions > Console > Open Terminal Window.
    4. To enable the tasks for the server, select the required server name.
    5. In the VTerm window, log in as root user and enter any requested passwords.
    6. Shut down the operating system by using one of the following commands:
      • If AIX® is running, type the shutdown -F command.
      • If Linux® is running, type the shutdown -h now command.
    7. Close the VTerm window.
  3. To activate the server partition by using the Hardware Management Console, select the partition in the content pane and click Actions > Activate.
  4. Ensure that the Open a terminal window or console session box is selected and click OK.
  5. When the keyboard POST indicator (the word keyboard) is shown on the firmware console, and before the last POST indicator (the word speaker) is shown, press the 5 key. The 5 key is available on the attached keyboard or the ASCII keyboard. This action initiates a service mode boot by using the default service mode boot list.
  6. Continue with Selecting testing options when running stand-alone diagnostics with an HMC attached.

Selecting testing options when running stand-alone diagnostics with an HMC attached

Learn about the testing options that are available when using the stand-alone diagnostics CD or DVD on a system that is connected to a Hardware Management Console (HMC).

About this task

To view the available testing options, perform the following steps in the order listed:

Procedure

  1. When the keyboard POST indicator (the word keyboard) is shown in the firmware console, and before the last POST indicator (the word speaker) is shown, press the 5 key. The 5 key is available on the attached keyboard or the ASCII keyboard. This action initiates a service mode boot using the default service mode boot list.
  2. When the Welcome screen is shown, define the following items:
    • System console
    • Language to be used
    • Type of terminal
      Note: Depending on the terminal emulator that is selected, the function keys (Fn) might not function. In this case, use ESC and the number in the screen menus. For example, F3 = ESC key and the #3.
  3. When the Diagnostics Operating Instructions appear, press Enter.
    Note: If you are unable to load the diagnostics to the point where the Diagnostic Operating Instructions display is shown, contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider.
  4. From the Function Select screen, select one of the following options:
    • If you want to run diagnostics in Problem Determination mode, continue with the next step.
    • If you want to run diagnostics in Task Selection (Service Aids) mode, go to step 11.
  5. Select Problem determination and press Enter.
  6. Check the list of resources that is displayed. Does the list of resources match what you know to be installed in your system or partition?
    • Yes: Continue with the next step.
    • No: Record any information that you have about the missing resource and check to ensure that the missing resource is installed correctly. If you cannot correct the problem with a missing resource, replace the missing resource (contact your service provider if necessary). To test the available resources, continue with the next step.
  7. Select All Resources, or the specific resource or resources to be tested, and press the P7 (commit) key.
  8. Record any error information that you receive during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs) or SRCs, to report to your service provider.
  9. When testing is complete, press the F3 key to return to the Diagnostic Operating Instructions.
  10. Choose from the following options:
    • To continue testing, return to step 7.
    • To exit stand-alone diagnostics, select the exit function key from the menu and press Enter. Continue with step 18.
  11. Select Task Selection list and press Enter.
  12. To perform one of these tasks, select the Task Selection option from the Function Selection menu.
    After a task is selected, a resource menu might be presented showing all resources that are supported by the task.
  13. From the Task selection list, select the service aid task that you want to perform. For example, Update and manage system flash.
  14. Follow the instructions for the task that is selected on each menu or panel.
  15. Record any information that you receive during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs), to report to your service provider.
  16. When testing is complete, press the F3 key to return to the Diagnostic Operating Instructions.
  17. Choose from the following options:
    • To continue testing, return to step 13.
    • To exit stand-alone diagnostics, select the exit function key from the menu and press Enter. Continue with the next step.
  18. Remove the CD or DVD from the drive.
  19. Contact your next level of support or your hardware service provider with any information you received during the diagnostics, including service request numbers (SRNs) and any missing resources.
    This ends the procedure.