Hardware Alert on Server: Troubleshooting Failed Component | CompTIA Server+ Exam SK0-004

Troubleshooting Hardware Alert on Server

Prev Question Next Question

Question

A technician is asked to troubleshoot a hardware alert on a server.

The server is up and running and all users can access their data.

Which of the following could the technician use to find the failed component? (Select TWO).

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D. E.

AD.

To troubleshoot a hardware alert on a server, a technician may use a combination of diagnostic tools and methods to identify the failed component. Here are the possible options for the technician:

  1. LEDs: LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are small lights that are often located on the front or back panel of a server. They indicate the status of different components such as power supply, fans, hard drives, and network interfaces. If one of the LEDs is not lit or is blinking, it could be a sign of a failed component. For example, a blinking hard drive LED could indicate a faulty hard drive. By consulting the server's manual, the technician can identify which LED corresponds to which component and use that information to pinpoint the failed part.

  2. Dataflow diagram: A dataflow diagram is a graphical representation of the data flow within a system. It shows the input, processing, and output of data and the interactions between different components. By analyzing the dataflow diagram of the server, the technician can identify which component is responsible for the error message or the alert. For example, if the error message is related to a network interface, the technician can follow the data flow from the network interface to the server's CPU and identify the potential failure points.

  3. Power supply tester: A power supply tester is a device that can measure the voltage and current output of a power supply unit (PSU). If the server's hardware alert is related to a power issue, such as a voltage drop or a power surge, the technician can use a power supply tester to check if the PSU is providing the correct voltage to the components. If the voltage is not within the acceptable range, it could indicate a faulty PSU that needs to be replaced.

  4. LCD messages: Some servers have built-in LCD displays that show system status messages or error messages. By checking the LCD messages, the technician can identify the source of the error and the failed component. For example, if the LCD message says "CPU fan failure," the technician can open the server case and check the CPU fan to see if it is spinning properly.

  5. Cabling diagram: A cabling diagram shows the physical connections between different components in a server. By consulting the cabling diagram, the technician can identify the cables and connectors that are related to the failed component. For example, if the error message is related to a storage device, the technician can follow the cable from the storage device to the server's motherboard and check the connectors for any loose or damaged pins.

In summary, the technician could use LEDs, a dataflow diagram, a power supply tester, LCD messages, or a cabling diagram to find the failed component in the server. The choice of diagnostic tool depends on the nature of the hardware alert and the available resources.