Apple xserve early 2008 User Manual

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — General Information 141
Remote Monitoring Software
Server Monitor
Server Monitor is an application installed with Xserve system software, which can also be 
installed on a Mac OS X client computer, that provides ongoing status monitoring of the 
following information about a remote Xserve:Installed operating system
• 
Drive status and activity
• 
Power supply operation
• 
Enclosure and processor temperature
• 
Fan array operation
• 
Security
• 
Network operation
• 
You can also use Server Monitor to:
Retrieve logs of activity and Apple System Profiler reports on remote Xserves
• 
Restart and shut down a remote Xserve
• 
Alert you via email and/or page when a significant service issue arises
• 
Apple Xserve Diagnostics (AXD)
Apple Xserve Diagnostics performs several tests on the Xserve’s hardware and creates a test 
report. The diagnostic software is located on the Xserve’s Server Admin Tools disc, which can 
be used to start up the Xserve and execute these diagnostic tests.  Also, using a remote admin 
computer, you can run tests on either a working Xserve or on a Xserve that does not start up 
normally.  For more information on how to configure and use AXD, please refer to the user’s 
guide that comes with the diagnostic software. 
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 142
Symptom Charts
How to Use the Symptom Charts
The Symptom Charts included in this chapter will help you diagnose specific symptoms related 
to the product. Because diagnostic steps are listed on the charts in the order of most likely 
solution, try the steps in the order presented. Verify whether or not the product continues to 
exhibit the symptom. If the symptom persists, try the next step.
Note: If a step instructs you to replace a module, and replacing that module does not resolve the 
symptom, reinstall the original module before you proceed to the next step.
Startup
System is completely dead (no fan array movement and power LED is not 
illuminated)
Verify that the rear system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the opening 
1.  
in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.
Verify the power outlet is good.
2.  
Replace the power cord.
3. 
Disconnect external devices, including the display, and start up the Xserve.
4.  
Remove both internal PCI riser cards and any installed expansion cards and start up the 
5. 
Xserve.
Verify that the power supply is properly connected to the power distribution board.
6.  
Verify the front panel board cable is properly connected at both ends.
7.  
Reseat the front panel board.
8.  
Verify all cable connections to the logic board and drive interconnect backplane.
9. 
Replace the power supply.
10.  
Replace the front panel board cable.
11 .  
Replace the front panel board.
12.  
Replace the drive interconnect backplane.
13 .  
Replace the logic board.
14.   
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 143
Memory error message appears on the screen
Reseat the FB-DIMMs.
1.  
Verify that the correct FB-DIMMs are installed.
2.  
Run Apple Xserve Diagnostics. If the test finds bad memory, replace the FB-DIMMs one at a 
3. 
time and test until all bad FB-DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.
Flashing question mark appears on the connected display
Reseat the drive module in the first drive bay.
1.  
Start up from the system restore disc and check to see if the hard drive shows up on the 
2.  
desktop. If it does, go to step 3. If it does not, go to step 5.
Run Disk Utility to check the drive.
3. 
Reinstall system software using the system restore disc that came with the Xserve.
4.  
Replace the drive module in the first drive bay.
5. 
Server begins to power up, the fan array and hard drive are spinning, the power 
LED is illuminated, but there are no activity lights or video on external display
Verify that the rear system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the opening 
1.  
in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.
Reset the SMC. Refer to “Resetting the SMC” in this chapter.
2.  
Reseat both processors.
3. 
Verify all PCI riser cards and installed expansion cards are seated properly.
4.  
Replace both processors.
5. 
Replace the logic board.
6.  
Server begins to power up, but won’t boot, and top row of activity LEDs continue 
to light in sequence left to right and then right to left
Verify that the rear system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the opening 
1.  
in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.
Reset the SMC. Refer to “Resetting the SMC” in this chapter.
2.  
Remove the front bezel and make sure the front system ID button is not stuck. Reseat the 
3. 
button if necessary.
Reseat the front panel board and cable connectors.
4.  
Replace the front panel board.
5.  
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 14 4
System shuts down intermittently
Verify that the rear system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the opening 
1.  
in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.
Make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly.
2.  
Check that the power source is turned on and the correct voltage is present.
3. 
Make sure the air vents are clear.
4.  
Replace the power cord.
5. 
Check that the fan array connector is connected and the fan array is operational.
6.  
Check that the heat sink is properly attached to the processor.
7.  
Check that all thermal sensor cables are properly connected.
8.  
Reset the SMC. Refer to “Resetting the SMC” in this chapter.
9. 
Replace the power supply.
10.  
Replace the logic board.
11 .  
System shuts down almost immediately after startup
Reset the SMC. Refer to “Resetting the SMC” in this chapter.
1.  
Replace both processors.
2.  
Replace the power supply.
3. 
Replace the logic board.
4.  
Built-in Video
External display has no video, but activity lights flash at startup, drive operates, 
fan array is spinning, and power LED is illuminated.
Verify that the rear system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the opening 
1.  
in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.
Check mezzanine video card mini-DVI connector and pins.
2.  
Check mini-DVI adapter pins and replace the adapter, if necessary.
3. 
Test with a known-good display. Replace the display, if necessary.
4.  
Remove all third-party devices.
5. 
Reseat the mezzanine video card.
6.  
Clear parameter RAM. Hold down Command-Option-P-R during startup.
7.  
Reset the SMC. Refer to “Resetting the SMC” in this chapter.
8.  
Replace the mezzanine video card.
9. 
Replace the logic board.
10.   
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 145
Video is distorted
Refer to the adjustments section of the service manual or owner’s manual for the external 
1.  
display. Adjust display as necessary.
Check mini-DVI adapter pins and replace the adapter, if necessary.
2.  
Test with a known-good display. Replace the display, if necessary.
3. 
Reseat the mezzanine video card.
4.  
Replace the mezzanine video card.
5. 
Hard Drive Modules
Apple Drive Module does not mount or is not recognized by the Xserve
Verify that the correct, compatible drive module is being used.  See “Hard Drive Modules” in 
1.  
the take-apart chapter for more information regarding Apple Drive Module compatibility.  
Do not attempt to force an incompatible drive module into the Xserve or drive module and/
or drive bay connector damage could result.
Remove the drive module from the Xserve and inspect it for any damage to its connector 
2.  
or the connector in that drive bay of the Xserve.  Do not re-install the drive module if its 
connector is damaged or if the drive bay connector in the Xserve is damaged.  If there is any 
visible damage, replace the damaged component.
Start up from the system restore disc and check to see if the hard drive shows up on the 
3. 
desktop. If it does, go to step 4. If it does not, go to step 5.
Run Disk Utility to check the drive.
4.  
Replace the drive module.
5. 
Re-seat the backplane to logic board I/O cable.
6.  
Replace the drive interconnect backplane.
7.  
Internal Optical Drive
Optical disc icon does not appear on the desktop
If the Xserve is locked, unlock it.
1.  
Check to see if the optical drive is listed in System Profiler. If it is, go to step 3. If it is not, go to 
2.  
step 8.
Verify the correct type of disc is being used. Try using a known-good disc.
3. 
Try cleaning the disc. (It may not mount if it is dirty or scratched.)
4.  
If there is a disc stuck in the drive, eject it by connecting a USB mouse and restarting the 
5. 
Xserve while holding down the mouse button. 
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 146
Verify the firmware is the most recent version for that drive. Check Software Downloads for 
6.  
any current update.
Reinstall system software.
7.  
Reseat the optical drive cable at both connectors.
8.  
Replace the optical drive cable.
9. 
Replace the optical drive.
10.  
Optical drive does not accept disc
If the Xserve is locked, unlock it.
1.  
Verify the disc is not warped.
2.  
Verify the disc is not the wrong size. Refer to article 58641 “Macintosh: Using Nonstandard 
3. 
Discs in disc-ROM or DVD-ROM Drives.”
Replace the optical drive.
4.  
Optical disc will not eject
If the Xserve is locked, unlock it.
1.  
Verify the disc is not in use by the system.
2.  
Drag the disc icon to the trash or select it and press Command-E.
3. 
Connect a USB mouse and restart the Xserve while holding down the mouse button to 
4.  
attempt to eject the disc.
Verify that the bezel over the slot is not bent. If it is, gently bend it back into position.
5. 
Reseat the optical drive cable at both connectors.
6.  
Replace the optical drive cable.
7.  
Replace the optical drive.
8.  
USB Devices
At startup, cursor does not move with the Apple mouse
If the Xserve is locked, unlock it.
1.  
Verify that mouse and keyboard connections are secure.
2.  
If the mouse is connected to the keyboard, connect the mouse to one of the USB ports on 
3. 
the back panel instead. If the mouse works, replace the keyboard.
Replace the mouse.
4.  
If the mouse is connected to one of the USB ports on the back panel, switch to the other 
5. 
USB port. If the mouse operates correctly, replace the logic board. (You can also use System 
Profiler to verify USB ports.) 
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 14 7
No response to any key on keyboard
If the Xserve is locked, unlock it.
1.  
Verify that keyboard and mouse connections are secure.
2.  
Remove all USB devices, except the keyboard and mouse. If the keyboard operates correctly, 
3. 
troubleshoot the other USB devices.
Switch the keyboard to a different USB port. If the keyboard operates correctly, replace the 
4.  
logic board. (You can also use System Profiler to verify USB ports.)
Relaunch Finder.
5. 
Start up from the system installation disc or system restore disc that came with the Xserve. If 
6.  
the keyboard operates, reinstall system software.
Replace the keyboard.
7.  
Replace the logic board.
8.  
FireWire Devices
FireWire device connected to port on back panel: No FireWire device icon 
appears on the desktop
If the Xserve is locked, unlock it.
1.  
Verify that the FireWire device is turned on and the FireWire cable is securely connected to 
2.  
the device and the Xserve.
If the device requires external power, make sure it is plugged in.
3. 
Check that the FireWire device is listed in System Profiler. If it is, go to step 5. If it is not, go to 
4.  
step 6.
Check the FireWire device documentation to see if additional drivers are required. If so, make 
5. 
sure the drivers are installed.
Check for broken pins, dust, dirt, or wear on both FireWire cable connectors, the device 
6.  
FireWire port, and the Xserve FireWire port.
Reconnect the FireWire device to another FireWire port on the Xserve. If the Xserve has a 
7.  
bad FireWire port, replace the logic board.
Replace the FireWire cable.
8.  
Replace the FireWire device.
9. 
Replace the logic board.
10.   
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 14 8
FireWire device connected to port on front panel: No external FireWire device 
icon appears on the desktop
If the Xserve is locked, unlock it.
1.  
Verify that the FireWire device is turned on and the FireWire cable is securely connected to 
2.  
the device and the Xserve.
If the device requires external power, make sure it is plugged in.
3. 
Check that the FireWire device is listed in System Profiler. If it is, go to step 5. If it is not, go to 
4.  
step 6.
Check the FireWire device documentation to see if additional drivers are required. If so, make 
5. 
sure the drivers are installed.
Check for broken pins, dust, dirt, or wear on both FireWire cable connectors, the device 
6.  
FireWire port, and the Xserve FireWire port.
Reseat the front panel board cable on both ends.
7.  
Replace front panel board.
8.  
Network Problems
Server cannot be seen on network 
Open the Network system preference pane and select the built-in Ethernet option. Verify 
1.  
that you can now see devices on the network.
If only one Ethernet port is in use, verify that it is the lower port. If it is not, move the 
2.  
Ethernet cable to the lower port.
Boot the Xserve from the Installation disc. Go to another computer on the same subnet and 
3. 
start Server Assistant. If the Xserve can be seen, the Xserve hardware should be functioning 
correctly. Check the software configuration on the Xserve, or reinstall and reconfigure the 
Xserve.
Try a known-good Ethernet cable.
4.  
Clear parameter RAM. Hold down Command-Option-P-R during startup.
5. 
Try connecting to a known-good Ethernet port at the wall or external hub.
6.  
Verify that other users are experiencing the same problem. If so, contact the network 
7.  
administrator.
If connected to an Ethernet card, reseat the card.
8.  
If connected to an Ethernet card, replace the card.
9. 
Replace the logic board.
10.   
						

							 Service Source
© 2006, 2007, 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Views
Xserve (Late 2006) 
						

							Xserve (Late 2006) Views 150
Internal Views
Exploded View 1: Xserve (Late 2006)
Top Cover
922-7866
Front Panel Board Cable
922-7857
Airflow Duc t
922-7867
Fan  Array
076-1248
Backplane-to-Logic
Board Cable
922-7864 Expansion Card s
661-4047
661-4048
661-4197
661-4206
661-4194
661-4195
Vi deo Mezzanine Car d
661-4205
Riser Card  
PCI-X 922-7860
PCI-E 922-7861
FB-DIMMs
512 MB 661-4189
1 GB 661-4190
2 GB 661-4191
4 GB 661-4192
Power Distribution Board 922-7855
Processor Heatsink 076-1251
Processor
3.0 GHz 661-4223
2.6 GHz 661-4222
2.0 GHz 661-4221
Power Distribution Board Cable
922-7859
Drive Interconnect Backplane
661-4188