Read This First (3547)

^{IBM-AUSTRIA - PC-HW-Support 30 Aug 1999}

Read This First (3547)

Read This First

Before you go to the checkout guide, be sure to read this section.

Important NOTEs:

Only certified, trained personnel should service the computer.
Read FRU service procedures before replacing any FRUs.
Be extremely careful during write operations such as copying, saving, or formatting. Drives in the computer that you are servicing might have been rearranged or the drive startup sequence might have been altered. If you select an incorrect drive, data or programs can be written over.
Use only the correct FRUs. When you replace a FRU, make sure the model of the machine and FRU part number are correct by referring to the parts listing.
FRUs should not be replaced because of a single, un-reproducible failure. Single failures can occur from a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with a hardware defect such as: cosmic radiation, electrostatic discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement should only be considered when a recurring problem exists. If this is suspected, clear the error log and run the test again. Do not replace any FRUs if log errors do not reappear.
Be careful not to replace a non-defective FRU.

How to Use Error Messages

Use the error codes displayed on the screen to diagnose failures. If more than one error code is displayed, begin the diagnosis with the first error code. The cause of the first error code can result in false error codes being displayed. If no error code is displayed, see if the error symptom is listed in the 'Symptom-to-FRU Index'

How to Diagnose Multiple FRUs

When the adapter or device has more than one FRU, the error code could be caused by either FRU. Before replacing multiple FRUs, try removing or exchanging each FRU, one by one in the designated sequence, to see if the symptoms change.

What to Do First

The servicer must include the following in the parts exchange form or part return form that is attached to the returned FRU.

Name and phone number of servicer.
Date of service.
Date when part failed.
Date of purchase.
Failure symptoms, error codes appearing on display, and beep symptoms.
Procedure index and page number in which failing FRU was detected.
Failing FRU name and part number.
Machine type, model number, and serial number.
Customer's name and address.

Before servicing with the computer, determine if the warranty applies by referring to the following:

Warranty NOTE: During the warranty period, the customer may be responsible for repair costs if the computer damage was caused by misuse, accident, modification, unsuitable physical or operating environment, or improper maintenance by the customer. The following list provides some common items that are not covered under warranty and some symptoms that might indicate the system was subjected to stresses beyond normal use:

The following is not covered under warranty:

LCD panel cracked by applying excessive force or by being dropped.
Scratched (cosmetic) parts.
Cracked or broken plastic parts, broken latches, broken pins, or broken connectors caused by excessive force.
Damage caused by liquid spilled into the system.
Damage caused by improperly inserting a PCMCIA card or installation of an incompatible card.
Damage caused by foreign material in the FDD or UltraBay.
Diskette drive damage caused by pressing the diskette drive cover or inserting diskettes with multiple labels.
Damaged or bent diskette eject button.
CD-ROM drive damage caused by excessive forces shock, or by being dropped.
Fuses blown by attaching a non-supported device.
Forgotten computer or hard disk password. (making computer or hard disk unusable.)

NOTE: If the following symptoms are present, they might indicate damage caused by non-warranted activity:

Missing parts might be a symptom of unauthorized service or modification.
HDD spindles can become noisy if subjected to excessive force or by being dropped.
I9990303 errors can be caused by exposure to strong magnetic fields.

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