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Netware 5.1 Problems

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by joshg 1 view

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I have an IBM eServer running Netare 5.1 SP2. The server will randomly "pause" for a few minutes and then start working again. By pausing I mean, you can't Alt+Esc to another screen and the apps on the clients will pause as well. Then when it clears up it may process fine for a few minutes or die all together. I get alot of NMI errors which I can't find info on.

Any thoughts?

10 replies

by budthegrey

Nearly all the unexplained NMI errors I've ever had to deal with were caused by bad RAM. NetWare seems to be one of hte best memory testers around. I have seen computers that could successfully run diagnostics for several hours, but would crash when running NetWare; yet replacing the RAM would solved the problem.

It could be that re-seating the RAM will help.

Since you're seeing a "pause" in processing, I would also be suspect of and IRQ conflict, or a piece of hardware hogging the bus (3Com cards used to be famous for that)

Are there any notices to the console of hard drives not responding to commands? (CONLOG may be useful there)

by weluvm$?

NMIs are almost exclusively caused by bad or poorly seated hardware. So first option is to go with Buds recommendation and reseat all memory and cards. However, do not stop there as it is also wise to reseat all options as well - redundant fans and power supplies etc. On that note, do you have a UPS installed? If not I would recommend that you get one ASAP, not only for protection against supply failures but also to clean up the supply. 'Dirty' power can also cause NMIs.

If the above does not work, then taking the server offline for a day and running the IBM doiagnostics routine for a day should identify hardware faults.

by manny_sanghera

Firstly backup your server and upgrade to sp4 or 5.
As stated by other techs check your a hardware, in particular RAM, replace if possible.
This is also the suggestion on the Novell website.
Good Luck my friend.

by slowlearner

If you have a UPS and its monitor program running, stop it for a while to see if it's fixed.
Good luck

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