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Document ID: MCGN-3WDPFH

Crossbrand - EMC clip removal to fix floppy drive error

Applicable to: World-Wide, World-Wide

SYMPTOM:
The following error is displayed when booting the system to a bootable floppy diskette or accessing the floppy drive from the Operating System:

"General failure reading drive A"
"Retry / Abort / Cancel"

PROBLEM ISOLATION AIDS:
- The system is any model Netfinity 3500 server Type 8644 or any model IntelliStation M-Pro Type 6898 configured with a floppy drive FRU p/n75H9550.

- The system experiences the Symptoms described under the "Symptoms" section of this document.

- The floppy drive cables are properly connected.

FIX:
The EMC Clip responsible for the floppy drive failure has been removed from the systems presently manufactured.

WORKAROUND:
Remove the EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) clip connected to the 3.25" DASD Cage below the floppy drive as follows:

1-Power-Off and disconnect all peripheral devices connected to the system, then disconnect the system power cord.

2- Remove the floppy drive (refer to the Users Manual or the HMM section: "Installing or removing Internal drives").

3- Locate the copper colored EMC clip located and attached to the inside of the bottom of the DASD cage the floppy drive was located. The clip will be positioned at center from the sides and one third from the front of the cage.

4- Remove the EMC clip using needle nose pliers. Removal will only require a average pull on the EMC clip.

5- Re-install the floppy drive (refer to the User's Manual or the HMM as in step 2).

6- Re-connect the system power cord, and peripheral devices, power-on the peripheral devices, then power-on the system.

7- Access a known good diskette from the Operating System or boot the system from a bootable diskette to verify proper operation of the floppy drive.

DETAILS:
The floppy drive may fail if the EMC clip exerts pressure on the motor spindle of the drive.

SAS KEYWORDS:
PSY2, UNCLASSIFIED, PSY2FLOPPY, FLOPPY, EMC, CLIP, FAILURE, STABILITY, HEALTH, P/N75H9550, 75H9550, GENERAL, READING, WRITING, DRIVE A, D/T8644, NETFINITY, 3500, 8644, D/T6898, 6898, INTELLISTATION, M-PRO, R164143

Search Keywords

PSY2, UNCLASSIFIED, PSY2FLOPPY, FLOPPY, EMC, CLIP, FAILURE, STABILITY, HEALTH, P/N75H9550, 75H9550, GENERAL, READING, WRITING, DRIVE A, D/T8644, NETFINITY, 3500, 8644, D/T6898, 6898, INTELLISTATION, M-PRO, R164143

Hint Category

Diskette Drives, Retain

Date Created

14-07-98

Last Updated

30-10-98

Revision Date

29-10-99

Brand

IBM IntelliStation, IBM PC Server

Product Family

M Pro, Netfinity 3500

Machine Type

6898, 8644

Model

Various

TypeModel

Retain Tip (if applicable)

H164143

Reverse Doclinks
and Admin Purposes

USA=A, EMA=A, AFE=A, Date last altered: A98/07/13, Owning B.U.: USA