jskfan
asked on
IBM Xseries346
We have a network that is not documented at all.
There is an IBM Xseries346 server, it is powered on and connected to the network. I don't what OS installed on it or what application is running on it.
I plugged a monitor/keyboard/mouse to the back of it in order to see at least the first window, but I the only thing I can see is : "No Video Input" message on the screen.
Now I would like to know if there is any other trick to use to find out what OS is installed on the server, or any information about the server without restarting the server.
Note that I don't have its IP address or name of the server which is make more difficult.
There is an IBM Xseries346 server, it is powered on and connected to the network. I don't what OS installed on it or what application is running on it.
I plugged a monitor/keyboard/mouse to the back of it in order to see at least the first window, but I the only thing I can see is : "No Video Input" message on the screen.
Now I would like to know if there is any other trick to use to find out what OS is installed on the server, or any information about the server without restarting the server.
Note that I don't have its IP address or name of the server which is make more difficult.
ASKER
that's the reason I posted this question. I thought there should be a trick without rebooting the server.
Normally you can't connect keyboards or mice to a running system, often that can even break the port. Connecting a Display isn't a problem though, but you need some input from the PC to output a signal if it has gone to power saving mode. If it isn't in power saving mode and doesn't show anything on the display it might need a monitor with higher refresh rate or resolution, so you can try connecting a better monitor to make sure. Also, check for some kind of display switching system in that location. Servers are often connected to a KVM switch so you don't need a monitor, keyboard and mouse for every server...
Have a look at a client.
Look at the ipconfig/all display.
Check the IP address for DHCP server (if any) and DNS Server (if any) and Default Gateway.
These may give you a pointer to the IP for the server.
To see if it is a windows server. Try remote desktop to the IP addresses found for DHCP/DNS server and default gateway.
Look at the ipconfig/all display.
Check the IP address for DHCP server (if any) and DNS Server (if any) and Default Gateway.
These may give you a pointer to the IP for the server.
To see if it is a windows server. Try remote desktop to the IP addresses found for DHCP/DNS server and default gateway.
Check what shares are setup on the clients. These may show the server name or IP address.
ASKER
rindi
You said <<<<try connecting a better monitor to make sure>>>.
How do I know if it's a better monitor or not other than looking at the settings ?
example:
colors(16/32bits) Screen area(1024 by 786 pixels).
You said <<<<try connecting a better monitor to make sure>>>.
How do I know if it's a better monitor or not other than looking at the settings ?
example:
colors(16/32bits) Screen area(1024 by 786 pixels).
The resolution is probably OK, but if the refresh rate on the server is set to something like 80 Hz and your monitor can only do 60 Hz, it won't display anything. A normal LCD display usually only goes up to 60 Hz, while CRT go higher...
ASKER
If I setup the LCD monitor refresh frequency to 75HZ would this help?
The refresh frequency is set from the PC and not the monitor. The monitor just looks if there is a signal it can display, if there is a compatible signal it'll switch the monitor to the correct setting.
ASKER
I meant to set up the LCD monitor to 75 hz when it's plugged to the workstation, then I unplug it from the workstation and plug it to the server.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Were you able to find the OS version?
If not, first shut the server off and then connect the devices to it. Then while booting you should see what gets loaded.