Solving undetermined problems

If Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) did not diagnose the failure or if the server is inoperative, use the information in this section.

If you suspect that a software problem is causing failures (continuous or intermittent), see Software problems.

Corrupted data in CMOS memory or corrupted UEFI firmware can cause undetermined problems. To reset the CMOS data, use the CMOS clear jumper (JP1) to clear the CMOS memory and override the power-on password; see System-board switches and jumpers for more information. If you suspect that the UEFI firmware is corrupted, see Recovering the server firmware (UEFI update failure).

If the power supplies are working correctly, complete the following steps:

  1. Turn off the server.
  2. Make sure that the server is cabled correctly.
  3. Remove or disconnect the following devices, one at a time, until you find the failure. Turn on the server and reconfigure it each time.
    • Any external devices.
    • Surge-suppressor device (on the server).
    • Printer, mouse, and non-Lenovo devices.
    • Each adapter.
    • Hard disk drives.
    • Memory modules. The minimum configuration requirement is 2 GB DIMM in slot 1.
  4. Turn on the server.

If the problem is solved when you remove an adapter from the server but the problem recurs when you reinstall the same adapter, suspect the adapter; if the problem recurs when you replace the adapter with a different one, suspect the riser card.

If you suspect a networking problem and the server passes all the system tests, suspect a network cabling problem that is external to the server.

Parent topic: Troubleshooting