Managing issues and errors with servers can be daunting, as such problems often cause disruption and even downtime for end users; the exact opposite of the service businesses want to provide. Most of us don’t have a high level of knowledge of servers, networking and storage hardware, and they certainly look very different to the PCs and devices we’re used to using on a daily basis.
This said, while many issues with servers require expert intervention from a specialist engineer, there are some common minor problems that can be dealt with by just about anyone. Read on to gain a little know-how in troubleshooting the most common server issues and resolving them without the need for hiring in anyone else
What to consider before beginning troubleshooting
There are several things to consider before you begin to troubleshoot server issues in your organisation. These include:
- Administrative permissions – are you the right person with the correct security permissions to be working with the server? Is there anyone else that should be notified or any BC (Business Continuity) processes that should be put in place before work begins?
- Approach to be taken – depending on your professional discipline, it may be that your usual approach to work needs to be amended to troubleshoot. It’s advised that troubleshooting is approached systematically; that is, identifying the symptoms first before the usage of more diagnostic tools to find the root cause
- Development of product knowledge – it is critical that anyone working with a server takes the time to develop a strong understanding of the product’s configuration and capabilities. The individual must have a good knowledge of the hardware, software systems configuration so that they’re able to identify issues or changes, in turn helping troubleshoot more effectively.
Troubleshooting Server Hardware issues
The most common causes of server hardware issues
Servers are often based in hot, loud environments surrounded by lots of other IT equipment and so can be prone to hardware failure. Such malfunctions can be caused by a myriad of reasons, including (but unfortunately by no means limited to):
- Power supply failure
- Power surge
- Poor electrical infrastructure (in the server room itself or in the building)
- Overheating
- Hard disk failure
- Hardware compatibility issue
- Lack of memory.
All of these issues may cause performance problems or even a cease in function altogether.
How to troubleshoot server hardware issues
First, it’s important to check all connections to power:
- Is everything plugged in?
- Are all power connections turned on?
This may seem somewhat common sense to do but with so much happening in server rooms and so many wires, it’s not unusual for things to be accidentally unplugged or moved!
Secondly, run hardware diagnostic tools:
- Do the tests flag any faulty components?
- Do the tests flag any malfunctioning components?
- Do the test flag any overheating components?
- Do the tests flag any components slowing on performance?
- Do the tests flag any components low on capacity?
Next, it’s time to physically check over the hardware equipment:
- Are any cables loose?
- Have any parts sustained any noticeable physical damage?
If any components are faulty, malfunctioning or damaged, they may need repair or replacement. If cables are loose, they may need re-installing.
If any components are slowing on performance or low on capacity, there is likely to be a memory issue. This can be addressed either by diverting capacity from other components to this area or by the installation of new memory.
If components are struggling to maintain a working temperature and are overheating, the installation of a cooling system may be required. This is a bigger project than something that can be instantly integrated, but will help to maintain a stable temperature conducive to good performance long-term.
Need advice on cooling systems, ongoing maintenance or replacement parts? Get in touch with the Procurri team!
Troubleshooting Server Software issues
The most common causes of server software issues
Server software issues are often more easily understood as they bear more resemblance to the problems many of us experience with the PCs and devices with which we work on daily. Most commonly, software issues are caused by:
- Crashes in OS (Operating System) software
- Applications becoming non-responsive
- Files becoming corrupted
- Applications conflicting and crashing or impacting on each other’s performance
- Server services not starting up within software.
How to troubleshoot server software issues
To first identify the root cause of any server software issues, first the configuration of the server’s hardware must be checked:
- As above, is everything correctly powered?
- As above, is everything correctly plugged in?
- As above, is everything functioning normally and at a normal temperature?
If there are any server hardware issues, these may be causing onward problems for software.
Secondly, check software and application performance:
- Are there any conflicting software programs attempting to run?
- Are all open applications up to date?
- Are all open applications configured correctly?
If there is still no clear cause for concern, open the servers event logs:
- Do any previous crashes present in a pattern?
Errors can then be further identified through running diagnostic tools:
- Do the tests flag any malfunctioning programs?
- Do the tests flag any programs slowing on performance?
- Do the tests flag any programs low on capacity?
If you’re still unable to find the root cause of your server software issue, contact the specialists at Procurri for further advice.
Troubleshooting network issues
The most common causes of network issues
Network issues can have onward impact onto the connectivity and performance of server, which can result in poor communication or slowing data transfer rates. Most commonly, these problems are caused by:
- Poor infrastructure of a network
- Firewall misconfiguration
- DNS server failure.
How to troubleshoot network issues
To troubleshoot issues with a network that may be having an onward negative impact on a server, first check the network’s infrastructure and ensure all is functioning normally and as expected.
If the server is remote access:
- Is it properly configured to accept inbound remote access calls? If there is any doubt, reconfigure.
For the configuration of the domain controller:
- Is the server’s IP address static?
For any server which hosts mail servers or mail domains:
- Is it properly configured to accept relay messages? If there is any doubt, reconfigure.
For DNS server settings:
- Are all DNS server setting are correctly configured?
- Do all remote clients have the correct static IP address?
If you’re unable to find the answer in troubleshooting your networking issues, contact an expert.
Troubleshooting performance issues
The most common causes of performance issues
Performance issues can be particularly frustrating, as you know a server is working but are finding it’s lagging, pausing, or not delivering the service you’d expect. Most of the time, performance issued are caused by:
- Insufficient memory
- Low disk space
- High levels of CPU usage
- Server applications that have been misconfigured.
How to troubleshoot performance issues
With so many performance issues arising as a result of the above, it’s key that first you check:
- What are the server’s levels of memory looking like?
- How much disk space is left?
- What is the current CPU usage level?
If none of these appear to present an immediate issue, take some steps to improve and update the system:
- Remove any unnecessary files
- Upgrade any hardware components
- Optimise and update any software.
From here, it’s advised to check configuration settings:
- Are all server applications configured correctly?
- Are all server applications optimised to run as best they can?
Troubleshooting security issues
The most common causes of security issues
Server security issues are an issue two-fold: because they can open up data vulnerabilities and they can slow performance. In most cases, you’ll find any security concerns are caused by:
- Insecure connections to network
- Outdated software
- Weak passwords.
How to troubleshoot security issues
First, assess the server’s specific security:
- Are there any weak points in the hardware or software that could present a vulnerability?
Next, complete some updating and configuration:
- Are all OS up to date?
- Are all software programs up to date?
- Are any unnecessary services running on the server? If so, remove them.
- Are all firewalls configured correctly and up to date?
Finally, if the server is attached to any printing devices, troubleshoot this as a source of vulnerability:
- Is the server’s print spooler properly secured?
- Is access to the server’s print spooler restricted to only authorised users?
If you’re unable to identify any security issues with your server this way, it may be time to speak to a specialist.
Identifying server problems before they happen
Only the most specialist of analysis services are able to identify issues before they escalate – or in some cases, before they occur at all. That’s why Procurri have launched Procurri Genie; with a proactive approach that allows for potential issues to be identified before they happen. Want to be safe? Be proactive. Be Procurri.