Lenovo x Series — FFDC Log Collection Guide

This guide explains how to export FFDC log packages from the IMM2 management port of Lenovo System x series servers (such as x3650 M5, x3550 M5, etc.).

Applicable Models

System x3650 M5
System x3550 M5
System x3850 X6
Other x series models equipped with IMM2 (Integrated Management Module II)

Collection Steps

1. Connect and log in to the IMM2 management interface

The IMM2 management port is usually labeled "IMM" or has a wrench icon. Mainstream models like x3650 M5 have a dedicated management port; lower-end models like x3250 M5 share the management port with regular network ports.

Location of the IMM2 management port on x3650 M5

English localization of the IMM port connection example. The image uses laptop address .100; the IPv4 dialog below uses .201. Both are examples on the same subnet.

If a management IP is configured, access it directly via a browser. If not configured previously, connect your laptop directly to the management port using an Ethernet cable. In the properties of the laptop's wired network card for "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)", select "Use the following IP address" and set it to 192.168.70.xx subnet (e.g., 192.168.70.201), subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

Open network card properties

English localization of Windows Ethernet Properties: select IPv4, then Properties.

Configure laptop IP address

English localization of the example static IPv4 settings; gateway and DNS fields remain blank.

IMM2 normally attempts DHCP first. Without a DHCP server, the documented fallback address is https://192.168.70.125. Use the actual configured address if it has changed.

IMM2 Login Page

Localized legacy IMM2 login example. Use the configured credentials for your server.

Default Account
The legacy default username is USERID and the password is PASSW0RD (the character after W is digit zero). Use the configured credentials if these defaults have changed.

2. Navigate to the Service Data Download page

After logging in, navigate using the following path:

Service and Support → Download Service Data

Service and Support menu

3. Download the FFDC log package

Click the "Download Now" button. IMM2 begins collecting data. Upon completion, the browser will prompt you to save a .tgz compressed archive.

Click Download Now

Generating service data

Localized service-data generation example. Wait until the download is ready.

Save tgz file

Localized download dialog. Save the .tgz archive; the source example’s masked serial remains masked.

Download Duration
Collecting service data takes a few minutes. Download time depends on network speed; please wait patiently.

4. Verify filename format

After download, ensure the filename format resembles:

MachineTypeModel_SerialNumber_imm2_Date_Time.tgz

For example: 5462AC1_J300ABCD_imm2_20250305_143022.tgz

Filename is critical
Keep the original archive filename, including its imm2_ marker, when uploading it for analysis.

5. Upload to ITCheck.ai

Log in to the ITCheck.ai platform, enter the Log Console, and upload the downloaded .tgz file. The system will automatically recognize it as a Lenovo x series FFDC log and begin analysis.

Common Issues

What if the IMM2 interface does not open?
Check the management cable, subnet and actual IMM2 IP; use ping to test connectivity. Some entry-level legacy models, including x3100 M4 and x3250 M4, require IMM Standard for web access. The source gives boot-time DSA with F2 as an alternative for supported legacy models; confirm the model’s startup procedure before using it.

Is the downloaded file very small (less than 1MB)?
FFDC data collection may not have completed. Wait a few minutes and try downloading again, or manually trigger FFDC data collection within the IMM2.