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Problem determination tips, File updates – IBM NETVISTA 2251 User Manual

Page 140

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Problem determination tips

Because there is a large variety of hardware and software combinations that can be
encountered, use the following information to assist you in problem determination.

v Verify any recent hardware changes. See “Hardware considerations” on page

134.

v Verify any recent software changes. See “Software considerations” on page 133.

v Verify that the BIOS is at the latest level. See “BIOS” on page 133.

v Verify that the drivers are at the latest levels. See “Drivers” on page 133.

v Verify that the Configuration matches the hardware. See “System resource

conflicts” on page 135.

v Verify that the Diagnostics diskette is at the latest level. See “File updates”.

As you go through problem determination, consider these questions.
v Do diagnostics fail?
v What, when, where, single, or multiple systems?
v Is the failure repeatable?
v Has this configuration ever worked?
v If it has been working, what changes were made prior to it failing?
v Is this the original reported failure?

Important:

To eliminate confusion, systems are considered identical only if the following are exactly
identical for each system:

1.

Machine type and model

2.

BIOS level

3.

Adapters/attachments (in same locations)

4.

Address jumpers/terminators/cabling

5.

Software versions and levels

6.

Reference/Diagnostics Diskette

7.

Configuration options set in the system

8.

Setup for operation system control files

Comparing the configuration and software setup between “working” and “non-working”
systems will often resolve problems.

File updates

Use the World Wide Web (WWW) to download Diagnostic, BIOS Flash, and Device
Driver files.

To download NetVista file, do the following:
v Go to http://www.ibm.com/.
v Select Support.
v Select Desktop computing from the ″Search by Category″ pull-down menu.
v Select NetVista from the ″Product Family″ list.
v Search for the machine type in the ″Quick Path″ box on the left.
v Select the appropriate file type from the ″Downloadable files by Category″

pull-down menu or go directly to the link from the

″Downloadable files by date″

list.

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