SCSI Error on IBM F40/AIX 4.2.1

[Cyril Perrin]

Hello,


We operate several IBM F40s running AIX 4.2.1. They all make use of SCSI
disks Ultrastar 18ES (DNES-309170 - 9.0 GB), except one that uses an
Ultrastar 36LP (DPSS-309170 - 9.1 GB). When we install an 18ES in the F40
that usually uses a 36LP, it boots and works OK (no error reported in
errpt), but the error 21A0000104-A0-8 is permanently displayed on the LCD
screen of the F40. Strangely enough, the exact contrary, i.e. installing the
36LP in a F40 that usually uses an 18ES does NOT generate any error,
including on the LCD screen.


According to the maintenance manual, the error 21A0000104-A0-8 indicates a
hardware failure (SCSI cable, drive or adapter), however we know that is not
true since:

1) the system works fine in spite of the error

2) the same disk in another F40 does not generate this error

In addition we've employed SMIT to display all the parameters and
characteristics related to the disks and they are exactly the same on all
the F40s, including the one that operates the 36LP.


Therefore we'd like to know how to get ride of the error 21A0000104-A0-8.
Any hint or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,


Cyril.

 

[Folkert Rienstra]

Hello,


We operate several IBM F40s running AIX 4.2.1. They all make use of SCSI
disks Ultrastar 18ES (DNES-309170 - 9.0 GB), except one that uses an
Ultrastar 36LP (DPSS-309170 - 9.1 GB). When we install an 18ES in the F40
that usually uses a 36LP, it boots and works OK (no error reported in
errpt), but the error 21A0000104-A0-8 is permanently displayed on the LCD
screen of the F40. Strangely enough, the exact contrary, i.e. installing the
36LP in a F40 that usually uses an 18ES does NOT generate any error,
including on the LCD screen.


According to the maintenance manual, the error 21A0000104-A0-8 indicates a
hardware failure (SCSI cable, drive or adapter), however we know that is not
true since:

1) the system works fine in spite of the error

2) the same disk in another F40 does not generate this error

In addition we've employed SMIT to display all the parameters and
characteristics related to the disks and they are exactly the same on all
the F40s, including the one that operates the 36LP.

So it looks like the difference is in the software/firmware(?) that is respon-
sible for the error message display itself.