Data processing system diagnostics

Details Data processing system diagnostics Data processing system diagnostics

1998-06-26

2001-02-13

Beausoliel, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 2785)

Error detection/correction and fault detection/recovery

Data processing system error or fault handling

Reliability and availability

C713S002000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06189114

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to diagnostic testing in a data processing system, and more specifically, to a non disk-based diagnostics procedure for use in a data processing system.
2. Description of Related Art
The complexity of modern-day data processing systems provides many benefits to the user. However, the variety and complexity of different components in the system can give rise to problems in diagnosing the source of a problem in the system. Accordingly, it is an ongoing requirement to provide for diagnostic testing of data processing systems, especially systems such as, for example, network file servers where a problem can lead to significant network downtime and/or loss of user data. Comprehensive diagnostic testing involves exercising the operation of many different components of the system in order to determine the cause of a fault.
The most common type of diagnostics is disk-based where the diagnostics program is stored on either a hard disk drive or a floppy disk drive. The diagnostics program is retrieved from the disk drive and executed on the computer under the control of an operation system. One limitation of disk-based diagnostics programs is that in order to run the diagnostics program, the computer needs functioning components such as the disk drive, a keyboard, a central processing unit (CPU), a memory and a monitor. Therefore, disk-based diagnostics programs can only be used when the necessary components of the computer are functioning. However, it is commonly the case that the faults to be diagnosed prevent the computer from booting (initiating start-up operations) in the first place.
In order to diagnose such faults, therefore, a second type of diagnostics program is incorporated in the computer firmware. This type of diagnostics is referred to as a ROM-based diagnostics program because the diagnostics program is stored in a read-only memory (ROM), or similar type of non-volatile memory. One well known type of ROM-based diagnostics program used in personal computers is called a power-on self test (POST) diagnostics program which is stored in the system BIOS (basic input output system). The POST is executed each time the computer powers-on in order to check the presence and operation of various critical computer components.
The POST is, however, limited in its capabilities for two main reasons. First, as it executes at every power-on, it is designed to have a rapid execution time in order that the computer user is not significantly delayed before the computer is available for use. Second, the space available in system ROM BIOS for the POST diagnostics program is severely limited.
An example of a ROM-based diagnostics program is described in U.S. Pat. No.: 5,398,333, issued Mar. 14, 1995, entitled “Personal Computer Employing Reset Button To Enter ROM-Based Diagnostics”, by Schieve et al. The method employed by Schieve et al. comprises storing a diagnostics routine in ROM, monitoring the status of a reset button coupled to the personal computer and executing the diagnostics routine if the reset button is pressed twice within a predefined period of time.
One problem common to the prior art disk-based and ROM-based diagnostics programs is the need for the person initiating the diagnostics program to be physically located at the computer to be tested, either to insert a diagnostics diskette or, in the case of the system disclosed by Schieve et al., to press the computer reset button. If the person initiating the diagnostics needs to test a number of systems which may be at different locations, the process can be substantially time-consuming and inefficient.
In view of the disadvantages of the prior art device described above, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to provide an improved technique for performing diagnostic testing of a data processing system, such as file server system, which overcomes these disadvantages.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
It is a first object and advantage of this invention to provide a diagnostics testing technique that overcomes the foregoing and other problems.
It is another object and advantage of this invention to provide a nondisk-based diagnostics testing technique.
It is a further object and advantage of this invention to provide a remotely initiated, non-disk based diagnostics testing technique.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing and other problems are overcome and the objects of the invention are realized by methods and apparatus in accordance with embodiments of this invention, wherein an improved diagnostics testing technique is provided. In a first aspect of the present invention, a data processing system is provided which includes a non-volatile memory having code stored therein for performing diagnostic tests on portions of the system. The data processing system includes diagnostic test indicator means settable by a signal from a controlling computer system remote from the computer system requesting that diagnostics are to be performed on the data processing system. Also included are means operable, during a reboot of the data processing system, to check the status of the indicator means and, on a determination that diagnostics are to be performed, to cause the execution of the diagnostic test code from the non-volatile memory.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of performing remotely-initiated diagnostic testing of a data processing system. The data processing system includes a non-volatile memory for storing diagnostics test code operable to perform diagnostic tests on the data processing system. A method of the present invention includes steps of: in response to a command from a remote computer system requesting performance of diagnostic testing, setting diagnostic indicator means in the data processing system; on power-on of the data processing system, checking the status of the indicator means; and on a determination that the indicator means is set, executing the diagnostics test code.
Thus, the present invention provides a non-disk based procedure and system for permitting remotely-initiated testing of a data processing system (for example, a file server of a computer network). In the non-disk based system a remote control computer, at the behest of a system administrator, issues a command to the data processing system to set indicator means, preferably in the form of a flag in CMOS RAM, to indicate that, on the next power-on, the data processing system is to execute diagnostic code held in the non-volatile memory in the system. The non-volatile memory in which the code is stored is preferably flash ROM. However, the diagnostic code may reside in a standard EEPROM, a flash EEPROM or indeed CMOS RAM as long as the RAM retains the diagnostic code when the system is powered down.
In a preferred arrangement, the diagnostics code includes a plurality of modules, each designed to test the function of a component or subassembly of the system. In such an arrangement, the system and method of the present invention are preferably enhanced by providing the means to allow the remote computer to define which diagnostic modules are to be executed during testing. In response to a set-up command from the remote computer specifying which module or modules are to be executed, a run list is defined in the data processing system. This run list is stored in CMOS RAM.
During execution of the diagnostic tests, the results are temporarily held in a system buffer before they are transferred to non-volatile storage in the system. In one preferred arrangement, all the test results are held in non-volatile storage. In another preferred arrangement, only error information is held in storage.
It may be convenient, in some circumstances, for the system administrator to physically visit the tested system(s) to gain access to the diagnostic results. In a preferred system and met

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