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AIX Version 4.3 Problem Solving Guide and Reference

Check the Device Software

Correct a device software problem by:

Checking the Error Log

Check the error log to see whether any errors are recorded for either the device, its adapter, or the application using the device. Go to "Error Logging Facility" to perform this check. Return to this step after completing the procedures.

Did you correct the problem with the device?

Yes Your check of the error log identified the problem.
No Go to the next step, "Listing All Devices" .

Listing All Devices

Use the lsdev -C command to list all defined or available devices.

The command shows the characteristics of all the devices in your system.

Is the device in the list of devices?

Yes Go to the next step, "Checking the State of a Device".
No Go to "Defining a New Device" .

Checking the State of a Device

Find the device in the list generated from the lsdev -C command. Check whether the device is in the Available state.

Is the device in the Available state?

Yes Go to the next step, "Checking the Attributes of a Device".
No Go to "Defining a New Device" .

Checking the Attributes of a Device

Enter the lsattr -E -l DeviceName command to list the attributes of your device.

The lsattr command shows attribute characteristics and possible values of attributes for devices in the system. Refer to the publications for the specific device for the correct settings.

Are the device attributes set correctly?

Yes Go to "Using a Device with Another Application".
No Go to the next step, "Changing the Attributes of a Device".

Changing the Attributes of a Device

Enter the chdev -l Name -a Attribute=Value command to change device attributes.

The chdev command changes the characteristics of the device you name with the -l Name flag. Refer to the AIX Version 4.3 Commands Reference for information before running this command.

Did you correct the problem with the device?

Yes Changing the device attributes has corrected the problem.
No Go to "Using a Device with Another Application".

Using a Device with Another Application

Try using the device with another application. If the device works properly with another application, there might be a problem with the first application.

Did the device work correctly with another application?

Yes You might have a problem with the first application. Report the problem to your software service representative.
No Go to "Defining a New Device" .

Defining a New Device

Note: You must either have root user authority or be a member of the security group to use the mkdev command.

Use the mkdev command to add a device to the system.

The mkdev command can either define and make available a new device or make available a device that is already defined. You can uniquely identify the predefined device by using any combination of the -c, -s, and -t flags.

Did you correct the problem with the device?

Yes Defining the device has corrected the problem.
No You can either stop and report the problem to your service representative or use a diagnostics program to test your device. If you want to diagnose the problem with your device, go to "Hardware Diagnostics"


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