Author: paul.deluca

How do I run diagnostics on my IBM AIX server?

To run diagnostics on your IBM AIX server:

  • Log into the server as root via Eterm (telnet), PuTTY (telnet, ssh), the HMC or the local console.
  • If you would like to display the previous diagnostic results, for instance, after noticing an amber attention indicator on the server:
/usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin/diagrpt -o
  • Note any on-screen messages regarding hardware problems to be reported to IBM
  • Press ENTER to continue
  • Use the arrow keys to select Diagnostic Routines and press ENTER
  • Use the arrow keys to select Problem Determination and press ENTER
  • If you are prompted to select resources, use the arrow keys to select All Resources and press ENTER
  • Press ESC-7 or F7 to begin the diagnostics
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to continue diagnostics
  • Note any on-screen messages regarding hardware problems
  • If you wish to cancel, press ESC-0 at any time

For assistance with running diagnostics, or to answer any questions regarding your IBM server, you may contact IBM directly.

References:

Can I adjust the number of no dial tone failures before VSI-FAX disables the modem?

Yes. You may adjust the number of nodials encountered before disabling the modems in the /u2/vsifax/lib/vsisrv.ini file, under the VFXSCHED section, by setting the max-no-dials value to something other than the default value of 3.

Reference: http://doc.esker.com/vsi/6.1/en/referenceaddendum/index.asp?page=cfgfiles%2Ehtml

If you have further questions, please contact Esker directly.

Where can I buy an IBM dumb terminal for my IBM pSeries server?

NOTE: The IBM 3151 or 3153 dumb terminals are end-of-life and therefore not supported by IBM or Eclipse.

The IBM 3151 and 3153 ASCSII Display Stations typically deployed with older, standalone IBM pSeries servers have long since been discontinued and are unavailable from IBM for purchase or support. If you are looking for a replacement console for system administration, you have a few options:

  • Hyperterminal/PuTTY (supported by IBM): you may simply connect the console serial port of the IBM pSeries server to a Windows workstation or server and use Hyperterm to open a console session.
  • IBM Hardware Management Console (supported by IBM): the IBM Hardware Management Console is the only supported method for administering current-generation pSeries servers. It provides local and network interfaces to the service processor of your pSeries server. If you would like a quote, please contact your Epicor Direct sales representative. The HMC connects to a standard VGA monitor and PS/2 keyboard or KVM switch for local administration.
  • Boundless ADDS 3153 LF (supported by Boundless): this is a replacement text terminal from the company that designed manufactured the original IBM 3151/3153 terminals. This terminal connects to a standard VGA monitor and PS/2 keyboard or KVM switch for local administration. Please contact Boundless for more information.
  • IBM 3151/3153 (unsupported): you may be able to find refurbished IBM 3151/3153 terminals on sites like eBay.

Eclipse System Administration Best Practices

Always follow these Eclipse system administration best practices:

  1. Perform and verify backups prior to all system maintenance.
  2. Perform all system maintenance off-hours where potential impact to end-users is minimized.
  3. Keep your system up-to-date by installing updates (e.g. operating system, software, and firmware updates) and rebooting on a monthly basis.
  4. Proceed with caution when logged into any system as a “super user” (e.g. root, administrator).
  5. Review all administration documentation thoroughly prior to completing an administration procedure.
  6. Ask questions of Eclipse and/or the software/hardware vendor(s) if there is ever any confusion.