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Product Information |
Document ID: DDSE-44RNHM |
Servers - Software / Hardware Mismatch Problems
Applicable to: World-Wide
If a failure appears to be the result of a defective FRU, but the diagnostic tests run error-free, there might be a software and hardware mismatch. These problems might be intermittent, and they are usually difficult to diagnose.
If you are experiencing this type of problem, and the operating system is of the direct driver variety, which bypasses the BIOS interface, such as:
- AIX
- Netware
- SCO XENIX
- Some windowing interfaces
- Other Unix-based software
the most-likely cause of the problem is a mismatch between the software and the hardware.
Applications that use the Multiprotocol Adapter/A, magnetic tape drives, and some SCSI devices such as CD-ROM, require direct software drivers. There is no BIOS interface for these devices in PS/2 products.
The following information is provided to help you resolve these problems:
Software Can Be Sensitive to the Hardware
Direct-driver software is sensitive to variations in hardware design. The resulting incompatibilities are usually addressed with a revision (sometimes referred to as a patch), to the direct-driver software. Make certain the software is current and that all known revisions are installed. The IBM on-line bulletin board (sometimes referred to as PCPROD), and other software tools sources, such as Novell Netware, should be referenced by the software support personnel for any revisions provided by
the appropriate software vendor.
The most-likely cause of these types of problems, when direct-driver software is involved, is the failure to obtain the latest revisions from the software vendor.
Software Installation
It is very important to follow the vendor's installation procedures. The software should not be migrated from another system, unless the installation instructions indicate that migration is supported (especially from a different model in the product line).
Important
Migrating adapters from slower systems to faster systems might cause problems. This is due to device-specific, system-specific, or time-dependent software code, that controls these devices.
Adapter and Software Compatibility
Hardware adapters for some operating systems must be approved by the software vendor to be compatible with that software. The approval is specific to the system, adapter E.C. level, and the software version. Contact the software vendor to confirm that system and adapter configuration is supported by their software level. The compatibility support is especially important for, (but not limited to), all LAN adapters and RIPL applications.
Software Failures After a Hardware Change
After the initial installation, any changes in the hardware configuration (addition or changes of adapters or features), might result in computer failures and require the reinstallation of the operating system or the software revisions.
Specific hardware configuration changes (such as memory address, interrupt level, or programmable option select), might result in a computer failure if the software has unique operating requirements.
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Document Category |
Diagnostics | |
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Date Created |
03-02-99 | |
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Last Updated |
03-02-99 | |
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Revision Date |
03-02-2000 | |
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Brand |
IBM PC Server | |
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Product Family |
PC Server 300, PC Server 310, PC Server 320, PC Server 500, PC Server 520, PC Server 720, Rack/Storage Enclosures | |
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Machine Type |
8640, 8639, 8641, 8642, 3517, 3518 | |
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