Compaq BL10e System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv
Compaq BL10e - HP ProLiant - 512 MB RAM Manual
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- Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 1
several methods for troubleshooting memory problems in ProLiant servers. The purpose of this white paper is to assist HP customers in troubleshooting system memory problems by successfully isolating the specific DIMMs causing the problem. This helps to prevent nonessential replacement of unaffected - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 2
Why Should I Troubleshoot Every Memory Problem? Accurate diagnosis of system memory problems in ProLiant servers has many advantages, including: • Prevents unnecessary hardware replacement. • Prevents the return of parts that test NFF (No Fault Found). • Prevents server downtime. Best Practice: Many - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 3
. Therefore, further troubleshooting is necessary to determine which specific DIMM is failing. Use the LEDs as a tool in identifying that a memory problem may exist, but do not rely solely on the status of the LEDs to determine if hardware should be replaced. What Tools are Available from HP to Help - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 4
hardware for its status every few minutes. Refer to Figure 2 below for an example of events displayed on the System page. For more information on HP SIM, refer to the following URL: http://h18013.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/hpsim/index.html 4 - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 5
Figure 2: HP Systems Insight Manager 5 - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 6
servers running Linux operating systems, refer to either of the following: • Integrated Management Log (IML) • varlog/messages file Microsoft Windows Operating Systems: Using system from HP System Tools. Figure 3 below shows the Integrated Management Log accessed via SMH. System memory issues, if - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 7
Microsoft Windows Operating Systems: Using Event Viewer The Event Viewer is a software tool available as part of Microsoft Windows operating systems. It can be accessed by navigating to HP System Tools via the Start menu. Figure 4 shows an example of server events that are logged in this tool. - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 8
. The example below is from a ProLiant DL380 G4 system board; however, similar graphics for specific systems can be found in server user guides and other system documentation. Memory Problem Indicators Example DL 380 G4 DIMM Slot LEDs on the System Board 9/5/2006 5 DIMM failure slot 6C Amber - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 9
system memory problem is suspected based on one of the methods outlined above, the first step is to schedule downtime for troubleshooting. HP recommends using HP Insight Diagnostics, available on the HP SmartStart CD, to begin the troubleshooting process. HP Insight Diagnostics is a proactive server - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 10
space testing is maximized because a very small Linux kernel is used. Helpful Links: HP Insight Diagnostics User Guide: www.hp.com/servers/diags Troubleshooting Flowcharts The following troubleshooting flowcharts can be used as another tool for diagnosing specific DIMMs that have failed. They can be - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 11
General Troubleshooting Flowchart for a Bootable System Using HP insight Diagnostics 11 - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 12
General Troubleshooting Flowchart for a Non-Bootable System Use this flowchart to help diagnose a memory problem in any of the following conditions: • The system stops responding and displays a "parity error" message on the screen during boot. • The system beeps and all of the DIMM LEDs illuminate - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 13
in Troubleshooting Memory Problems? Many product issues that result in hardware replacement, including issues in which memory problems are suspected, are preventable or correctable with a firmware update. HP recommends checking for a firmware update before sending a part back to HP for replacement - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 14
after purchase, use the HP Support and Drivers page on HP.COM, rather than the Firmware Maintenance CD that shipped with the server. In addition, Guide at the following URL: http://www.compaq.com/support/files/server/us/webdoc/rom/OnlineROMFlashUserGuide.pdf Smart Components for HP ProLiant servers - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 15
a floppy-disk based method of upgrade. The firmware is downloaded onto a floppy diskette and then the system is booted to the floppy drive. The ROM Update Utility is located on the Firmware Maintenance CD, or can be downloaded to a USB Drive Key using the HP Drive Key Boot Utility. Note: Hard Drive - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 16
.www1.hp.com/products/servers/technology/whitepapers/adv-technology.html#2 Other Troubleshooting Resources The HP ProLiant Troubleshooting Guide is located at the following URL and may be helpful in diagnosing memory or other system problems: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 17
in DIMM Slots 5 Through 8: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?locale=en_US&objectID=c00633786 Summary Before replacing memory in ProLiant servers, ensure that accurate troubleshooting methods are used. Taking the time to isolate specific DIMMs that are failing can prevent - Compaq BL10e | System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP ProLiant Serv - Page 18
to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors
System Memory Troubleshooting Best Practices for HP
ProLiant Servers
Accurately troubleshooting system memory issues in ProLiant server configurations is an important process that
can help prevent unnecessary replacement of hardware components. In addition, accurate problem diagnosis
prevents customers from experiencing unnecessary downtime while waiting for hardware that may not need
to be replaced.
Following standard troubleshooting guidelines and using them each time a memory issue is
suspected helps to establish this.
HP has developed several methods for troubleshooting memory problems in ProLiant servers.
The purpose of this white paper is to assist HP customers in troubleshooting system memory problems by
successfully isolating the specific DIMMs causing the problem. This helps to prevent nonessential replacement
of unaffected DIMMs or, in some cases, entire banks of memory. In addition, effective troubleshooting can
help determine if a firmware or other software download can resolve a problem without replacing hardware.
This white paper covers the following topics:
•
Why should I troubleshoot every system memory problem?
•
How can I tell if a memory problem has occurred?
•
What tools are available from HP to help identify a failing DIMM?
•
Troubleshooting using HP Insight Diagnostics Online Edition
•
Troubleshooting using HP Insight Diagnostics Offline Edition
•
Troubleshooting flowchart for bootable systems
•
Troubleshooting flowchart for non-bootable systems
•
What role does firmware play in solving system memory problems?
•
Why Buy HP Memory?
•
Other troubleshooting resources