Reference codes are diagnostic aids that help you determine the source of a hardware or operating system problem. To use reference codes effectively, use them in conjunction with other service and support procedures.
The PS703 or PS704 blade server produces several types of codes.
Progress codes: The power-on self-test (POST) generates eight-digit status codes that are known as checkpoints or progress codes, which are recorded in the management-module event log. The checkpoints indicate which blade server resource is initializing.
Error codes: The First Failure Data Capture (FFDC) error checkers capture fault data, which the service processor then analyzes. For unrecoverable errors (UEs), for recoverable events that meet or exceed their service thresholds, and for fatal system errors, an unrecoverable checkstop service event triggers the service processor to analyze the error, log the system reference code (SRC), and turn on the system attention LED.
The service processor logs the nine-word, eight-digit per word error code in the BladeCenter® management-module event log. Error codes are either system reference codes (SRCs) or service request numbers (SRNs). A location code might also be included.
Isolation procedures: If the fault analysis does not determine a definitive cause, the service processor might indicate a fault isolation procedure that you can use to isolate the failing component.
The PS703 or PS704 blade server does not display checkpoints or error codes on the remote console.
If the POST detects a problem, a 9-word, 8-digit error code is logged in the BladeCenter management-module event log. A location code that identifies a component might also be included. See Error logs for information about viewing the management-module event log.
Service request numbers can be viewed using the AIX® diagnostics CD, or various operating system utilities such as AIX diagnostics or the Linux service aid "diagela", if it is installed.