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Troubleshooting System issues - IBM IntelliStation

Troubleshooting


Problem

Solving common problems with the IBM IntelliStation

Resolving The Problem

This document is intended for trained servicers who are familiar with IBM workstation products. Use this document along with advanced diagnostic tests to troubleshoot problems effectively. Before servicing an IBM product, be sure to review the safety information. Click here to review safety information.

Message/Symptom
FRU/Action
CMOS backup battery inaccurate.
  1. CMOS backup battery See page "Safety information" on page 197.
  2. System board
Changing colors.
Display
Computer will not power-off. See "Power supply" on page 28.
  1. Power switch
  2. System board
Computer will not RPL from server
  1. Ensure network is in startup sequence as first device or first device after diskette.
  2. Ensure network adapter is enabled for RPL.
  3. Network adapter (Advise network administrator of new MAC address)
Computer will not Wake On LAN
  1. Check power supply and signal cable connections to network adapter.
  2. Ensure Wake On LAN feature is enabled in Setup/Configuration.
  3. See "Setup Utility program' on page 261. Ensure network administrator is using correct MAC address.
  4. Ensure no interrupt or I/O address conflicts.
  5. Network adapter (Advise network administrator of new MAC address)
Dead computer. See "Power supply" on page 28.
  1. Power switch
  2. Power supply
  3. System board
Diskette drive in-use light remains on or does not light when drive is active.
  1. Diskette drive
  2. System board
  3. Diskette drive cable
Flashing cursor with an otherwise blank display.
  1. System board
  2. Primary hard disk drive
  3. Hard disk drive cable
Incorrect memory size during POST.
  1. Run the memory tests.
  2. Memory module
  3. System board
"Insert a Diskette" icon appears with a known-good diagnostics diskette in the first 3.5-inch diskette drive.
  1. Diskette drive
  2. System board
  3. Diskette drive cable
  4. Network adapter
Intensity or color varies from left to right of characters and color bars.
  1. Display
  2. System board
No power, or fan not running.
See "Power supply" on page 28.
Non-system disk or disk error-type message with a known-good diagnostic diskette.
  1. Diskette drive
  2. System board
  3. Diskette drive cable
Other display symptoms not listed above (including blank or illegible display).
  1. See "Display" on page 32.
  2. System board
  3. Display
Power-on indicator or hard disk drive in-use light not on, but computer works correctly.
  1. Power supply
  2. System board
  3. LED cables
Printer problems.
See "Printer" on page 27.
Program loads from the hard disk with a known-good diagnostics diskette in the first 3.5-inch diskette drive.
  1. Run Setup
  2. Diskette drive
  3. Diskette drive cable
  4. System board
  5. Power supply
RPL computer cannot access programs from its own hard disk.
  1. If network admin. is using LCCM Hybrid RPL, check startup sequence: First device: network; Second device: hard disk
  2. Hard disk drive
RPL computer does not RPL from server
  1. Check startup sequence
  2. Check the 'Network adapter LED status" on page 11.
Serial or parallel port device failure (system board port).
  1. External sevice self-test OK?
  2. External device
  3. Cable
  4. System board
Serial or parallel port device failure (adapter port).
  1. External device self-test OK?
  2. External device
  3. Cable
  4. Alternate adapter
  5. System board
  6. Riser card
Some or all keys on the keyboard do not work.
  1. Keyboard
  2. Keyboard cable
  3. System board

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Document Location

Worldwide

Operating System

IntelliStation Pro:All operating systems listed

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Document Information

Modified date:
28 January 2019

UID

ibm1GSMH-3F9CSP

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