HP 117755-003 - ProSignia - 740 User manual

Error Prevention Guide
August 2003 (First Edition)
Part Number 335894-001
HP CONFIDENTIAL
Writer: Ted Weiman File Name: 335894-1.doc
Codename: Part Number: 335894-001 Last Saved On: 7/28/03 8:48 AM

© 2003 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Hewlett-Packard Company shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein. The information in this document is provided “as is” without warranty of
any kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for HP products are set forth
in the express limited warranty statements accompanying such products. Nothing herein
should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Error Prevention Guide
August 2003 (First Edition)
Part Number 335894-001
HP CONFIDENTIAL
Writer: Ted Weiman File Name: 335894-1.doc
Codename: Part Number: 335894-001 Last Saved On: 7/28/03 8:48 AM

Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................... 5
Audience Assumptions ................................................................................ 5
Preparing for Changes.................................................................................. 5
Minimizing the Impact of Changes .............................................................. 6
Version Control .................................................................................................................. 6
Server Design ..................................................................................................................... 6
Software Updates ............................................................................................................... 6
Using a Methodology .................................................................................... 7
Visually Checking the Server ....................................................................... 8
Recognizing Power Problems Caused by Acts of Nature ......................... 9
Preventing Power Management Problems................................................ 10
General Power Requirements........................................................................................... 10
Power Consumption Considerations ................................................................................ 10
Power Supply Considerations........................................................................................... 11
Power Redundancy Considerations.................................................................................. 11
Preventing Damage to Removable Drives ................................................ 11
Preventing Electrostatic Damage .............................................................. 12
Preventing Cable Damage .......................................................................... 12
Preventing Tape Drive Errors..................................................................... 12
HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools ...................................................................... 12
Cleaning Drives................................................................................................................ 13
DAT Drives.................................................................................................................13
LTO, SDLT, and DLT Drives.....................................................................................13
AIT Drives ..................................................................................................................13
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Abstract
This guide provides information to help you avoid future system problems. While
many of the pointers provided are common-sense suggestions, these prevention tasks
are too important to overlook.
Audience Assumptions
This guide is for the person who installs, administers, and troubleshoots servers. HP
assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in
recognizing hazards in products with hazardous energy levels.
Preparing for Changes
Most problems occur when something in the server system has been changed. Follow
these tips when making any changes to the server:
• Back up the system often. Be sure that the backups are not corrupted before
making changes. If the system contains valuable data, have at least two complete
known functional backups of the operating system and data, a copy of the backup
software, and a functional tape drive that can read the backup. Two backups
ensure complete data recovery in the event that something happens to the first
tape or during the first restore attempt.
• Document the system settings. If the system configuration will be changed, first
obtain a record of the current system configuration settings using the Survey
Utility.
• Check the HP resources, the software documentation, and third-party product
documentation for information about potential problems. Websites are excellent
places to find this information.
• If possible, make changes one at a time. This minimizes variables and maintains
a controlled environment.
• Record the results of each change after it is executed, being sure to include any
error messages or additional information collected.
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• Be sure that you allow enough time to make the changes.
• Check for potential device conflicts before adding a device.
• If a fixed cable tray or other cable routing system is available for the server,
using this system can help prevent loose cabling and damage to cables that can
result from improper disconnection.
Minimizing the Impact of Changes
Version Control
Keep track of new versions of system software with the version control feature of
Insight Manager 7. Using this feature, you can easily determine whether version
updates are available for server BIOS, drivers, and agents.
Server Design
Design the server setup to minimize the impact of downtime. For example, on
enterprise class servers, high availability features such as Hot-Pluggable RAID
memory functionality and Hot-Plug PCI slots effectively minimize the amount of
downtime experienced due to memory or PCI card upgrades. If possible, divide the
workload between several machines rather than just one. If you can, group users
across different servers in the network. Anticipate the utilization rate and distribute
servers based on that rate.
Software Updates
Stay aware of the latest software updates for the operating system and applications,
and update software for fixes that you require.
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Using a Methodology
Following a set of procedures when using the server can help prevent problems, or
make troubleshooting easier if problems do occur.
• Use uniform naming conventions for the servers, such as names that denote
server location. Uniform naming conventions help when trying to remember
often overlooked details that can hold the key to resolving a crisis.
• Use unique IDs or names for the devices. You can reduce the risk of components
competing for the same resource if you have a list. Use the server setup utility to
check for conflicts.
• Make a habit of using the HP tools, resources, software, and third-party product
resources to keep abreast of potential problems. You may be able to avoid
problems by noting the problems of others.
• Have a reliable backup plan. Schedule backups based on the server needs. If data
is changed frequently, frequent backups are required. Maintain a library of
backups based on your information-restoring needs. Test the backups
periodically to be sure that the data is correctly stored.
• Have a plan of action before the server fails, planning for failures of different
hardware parts.
• Check hard disk space periodically. It is recommended that hard drives have a
minimum of 15 percent free space.
• Scan for viruses weekly. Use the latest virus-scanning utilities available to be
sure that the data is not corrupted.
• Keep historical data. You cannot know that the CPU utilization has increased
50 percent if you do not know what it was initially. If you have problems, you
can use the data to compare before and after scenarios. For example, you might
want to know about the user, bus, and power utilization rates.
• Keep a trend analysis so that you will know what to expect during certain points
in time. For example, if the CPU utilization rate always increases by 50 percent
during certain hours, you will know that increase is normal for the server you are
tracking.
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• Create a problem resolution notebook. When problems do occur, keep a log of
the actions you took to resolve them. This could help you solve the same problem
more quickly in the future. System configuration, Survey Utility, and Array
Diagnostic Utility (ADU) printouts, as well as utility diskettes, can also be stored
with the resolution notebook. This information can save a great deal of time in
the future and ensure accuracy, especially when dealing with future part
replacement.
• Keep an up-to-date network topology map in an accessible location. This will
help in troubleshooting networking problems.
• If you have a tape drive, maintain a scheduled cleaning program.
• If you have a tape drive, remember the importance of tape cartridge label
placement. Place the label on the exposed surface of the cartridge so that it
cannot fall off or get lodged inside the tape drive.
• Consider keeping certain spare parts available onsite. Spare parts to maintain (if
applicable to the server) include SCSI controllers, hot-pluggable redundant
power supplies, hot-pluggable fans, hot-pluggable drives, SCSI cables, network
adapters, Processor Power Modules (PPMs), and perhaps even complete I/O,
media, processor, and memory modules, if the server is modular.
• Restock spare parts as they are used.
• Do not clean card edge connectors with erasers; it removes the gold, causes static
discharge, and leaves residue. If connectors have to be cleaned, use isopropyl
alcohol or a special cleaning solution applied with a cotton-tipped swab.
Visually Checking the Server
Periodically, you should look at the following items on the server. A visual check can
prevent many problems.
• Be sure that systems and racks are not positioned tightly up against walls and that
adequate space exists around them for proper airflow.
• Move magnetized office items such as magnetized screwdrivers and telephones
with electromagnetic ringers away from the system.
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• Be sure the server does not share a power line with high-current machines, such
as laser printers, air conditioners, copiers, and coffee machines, or ungrounded
power strips.
• Periodically check AC grounded (earthed) outlets to see if they are in need of
repair.
• Take the system cover off, and then remove any dust buildup with a can of
compressed air, tighten any loose connections, reseat boards, and inspect any
cables for frays. Move the cables away from sources of heat and give them more
slack if possible.
CAUTION: To avoid potential problems, always read the cautionary information
in the server documentation before removing, replacing, reseating, or modifying
system components.
• Check for adequate airflow and dislodge anything blocking the fans.
• Check for dust on external server parts, such as fans.
• Check the server after power disruptions due to acts of nature. Refer to the
“Recognizing Power Problems Caused by Acts of Nature” section in this guide.
Recognizing Power Problems Caused by
Acts of Nature
Some power problems are caused by acts of nature, which can range from lightning
and excessive heat to ice, rain, and windstorms. Lightning can cause spikes and
surges (a spike is a quick impulse of undesirable high voltage on a power line,
typically lasting only a fraction of a second, whereas a surge is a sudden increase in
line voltage of short duration). Excessive heat from increased use of air conditioners
can overload utility grids, causing erratic voltages, brownouts, or power outages
(brownouts are voltage reductions by a utility company to counter excessive demand
on its generation and distribution system). Storms can cause total blackout conditions
due to downed power lines.
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Power disruptions take many forms, including power surges and sags, high-voltage
spikes, switching transients, brownouts, and complete power failure. When a power
disruption occurs, check the server for signs of data damage, data loss, file
corruption, and hardware damage. The difficulty of dealing with power fluctuations
is that the damage is not always immediately noticeable; thus, problems may not be
noticed until long after the power disruption has occurred. Power management
hardware like an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) minimizes the effect of power
fluctuations and disruptions and is highly recommended.
Preventing Power Management Problems
When determining the power requirements for the server, consider the factors in this
section.
General Power Requirements
Be sure that you are following the power requirements described in the server
documentation. Also, the installation of the system equipment must be in accordance
with local/regional electrical regulations governing the installation of information
technology equipment by licensed electricians.
For electrical power ratings on options, refer to the rating label on the product or user
documentation supplied with that option.
Power Consumption Considerations
Before configuring the server, you must evaluate power consumption requirements
and determine the appropriate number of power supplies to be sure that the server has
sufficient power capacity. In addition to determining the minimum power supply
requirements, you must also consider whether AC power redundancy is a
requirement, if applicable to the server. For more information on the specific power
capabilities of the server, refer to the server documentation. To obtain the most
accurate power capacity and assessment of power margin, use the power calculator
provided on the ActiveAnswers website at
http://activeanswers.compaq.com/aaconfigurator

Power Supply Considerations
After you determine the appropriate amount of power for the server, install the power
supplies needed for the level of redundancy you require.
Power Redundancy Considerations
If available for the server, power redundancy protects the server from power failures
caused by:
• Power failure in one of the two AC circuits providing power to the server
• Accidentally unplugging one of the power cords providing power to the server
• Failure of one power supply
IMPORTANT: The power redundancy described in this section is not the same as protection
provided by a UPS. In the event of a catastrophic power failure affecting each power cord
providing power to the server, the server loses power and shuts down. To provide complete
power protection, HP recommends installing a suitable UPS.
Refer to the server documentation to determine what power redundancy requirements
are necessary for the server.
Preventing Damage to Removable Drives
Removable drives are fragile components that must be handled with care. To prevent
damage to the computer, damage to a removable drive, or loss of information,
observe these precautions:
• Before removing a diskette drive, CD-ROM drive, or DVD drive, be sure that a
diskette or disc is not in the drive. Be sure that the CD-ROM or DVD tray is
closed.
• Before handling a drive, be sure that you are discharged of static electricity.
While handling a drive, avoid touching the connector.
• Handle drives on a work surface that has at least one inch of shockproof foam.
• Do not drop drives from any height onto any surface.
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• Do not expose a hard drive to products, such as monitors or speakers, that have
magnetic fields.
• Do not expose a drive to temperature extremes or liquids.
Preventing Electrostatic Damage
Many electronic components are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Circuitry
design and structure determine the degree of sensitivity. Networks built into many
integrated circuits provide some protection, but in many cases the discharge contains
enough power to alter device parameters or melt silicon junctions.
A sudden discharge of static electricity from your finger or other conductor can
destroy static-sensitive devices or micro-circuitry. Often the spark is neither felt nor
heard, but damage occurs. An electronic device exposed to electrostatic discharge
may not be affected at all and can work perfectly throughout a normal cycle.
However, the device may function normally for a while, then degrade in the internal
layers, reducing the life expectancy of the device.
Preventing Cable Damage
Handle cables with extreme care to avoid damage. Apply only the tension required to
unseat or seat the cables during removal and insertion. Handle cables by the
connector whenever possible. In all cases, avoid twisting or tearing cables. Make sure
that cables are routed in such a way that they cannot be caught or snagged by parts
being removed or replaced.
Preventing Tape Drive Errors
HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools
Use HP StorageWorks Library and Tape Tools (L&TT) to update tape drive
firmware, as well as manage and diagnose problems with the tape drive. For more
information, refer to
http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/ltt/index.html
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Error Prevention Guide 13
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Cleaning Drives
DAT Drives
Clean the tape heads of the drive regularly with a cleaning cartridge to maintain the
integrity of backup data. For optimum performance and to prevent the loss of data,
HP recommends that you incorporate a cleaning cycle into your backup routine.
As a general guideline, you should clean the tape heads after every fifth backup
cartridge. You should also clean the tape heads if the media caution signal (flashing
amber light) is displayed on a tape drive or the Clean Me message is displayed on an
autoloader. Refer to the device documentation for more information.
Cleaning Cartridges
Use only an HP cleaning cartridge to clean the tape heads. Do not use swabs or other
means of cleaning the heads. The cleaning cartridge uses a special tape to clean the
tape heads. A cleaning cartridge can only be used 50 times or as instructed on the
cartridge packaging. When the cartridge runs out of tape, discard it and use a new
one.
LTO, SDLT, and DLT Drives
Use the cleaning cartridge if cleaning is indicated by the backup software or if the
Cleaning LED is on. Refer to the device documentation for more information.
AIT Drives
The tape drive has a cleaning roller built in, which assists in preventing and
recovering from head contamination. This feature minimizes buildup on the
read/write heads so fewer cleaning cycles with a cleaning cassette are required.
However, HP recommends you schedule a routine cleaning every 100 hours of use to
keep the tape drive in good working order. The drive also needs cleaning when the
drive Status LED displays long flashes with short pauses. Refer to the device
documentation for more information.