5 Common server issues and how to troubleshoot them

Servers are critical components of any enterprise IT infrastructure. Whether physical or virtual, servers allow businesses to perform a range of crucial tasks, from the day-to-day to large-scale operations. Yet, server issues can quickly bring IT processes to a standstill. Consequences for businesses can include lost revenue, reduced productivity and unsatisfied customers.

In this article, discover our problem-solving tips to help organizations diagnose, resolve and avoid the most common server issues.

What is a server?

The first step to solving servers issues is understanding what is meant by a server. A server is an IT hardware device which stores and sends data, resources and services based on requests from other assets.

Servers allow businesses to share information, centralize file storage and automate tasks. Such tasks are key to efficient communications, data processing and resource management.
Types of servers include:

• Database servers
• Email servers
• File and storage servers
• Web servers

Servers play a critical role in every aspect of business operations. That’s why even common server issues can cause serious problems.

What qualifies as a server issue for enterprise environments?

In general, server issues in a business context refer to any problem that can affect the operations of the company, its security and its compliance with industrial norms. These cover any problems that can cause:

Issue	What does it look like?	How does it affect an enterprise?
Availability issues	Crashed services, failed reboots, unplanned downtime.	When users or systems cannot access services, this negatively affects productivity and user experience.
Security risks	Missing or failed security patches, certificate expiration or encryption failures, unauthorized access.	Server security vulnerabilities or breaches can threaten data integrity and confidentiality, expose the business to non-compliance penalties, and damage trust.
Performance degradation	Slow application response times, high CPU or memory usage, disk I/O bottlenecks, network latency.	Reduced performance impacts operational efficiency, disrupts business processes, and can lead to missed targets and service-level agreements (SLAs).

 

What should I consider when diagnosing server problems?

Server issues can present themselves in many different ways and have a range of causes. This means it requires well-considered diagnosis and preparation before acting. Essential factors to consider before the troubleshooting process are:

1. Systematic approach
   When troubleshooting server issues, approach the problem systematically. Start by identifying the symptoms of the problem. Then use diagnostic tools such as event logs and system monitoring software to identify the root cause.
2. Service impact and symptoms
   Identify the primary service or application the server provides and determine what functionality is failing. Clearly document the symptoms of the issue, including error messages, performance degradation, or service interruptions.
3. Knowledge of server configuration and capabilities
   Develop a strong understanding of a server’s hardware components and software configurations. Keep records of any changes made to the system. This will make it easier to identify problems and troubleshoot them more effectively.
4. Scope and timeline of the issueConfirm when the issue first occurred and whether other servers, devices, or services were affected at the same time. This helps determine whether the problem is isolated to a single server or part of a wider system or infrastructure failure.
5. Network connectivity checks
   Perform basic network tests, such as ping and traceroute, to verify server availability and network latency. These checks help determine whether connectivity issues are contributing to the problem or if the issue lies elsewhere within the server or application stack.

High ping results in slow or unreliable connections, while low ping supports faster and more reliable system communication.

Below you can find our step-by-step troubleshooting checklists.

Common Server issue #1: Hardware Issues

One of the most common server problems is hardware failure. Several server components are particularly prone to faults, including:

• Hard drives
• Motherboards
• Power sources

What are the symptoms of hardware failure?

Some of the key ways server hardware issues manifest include:

• Unexpected server shutdowns or reboots
• Slow or inconsistent system performance
• Frequent system crashes
• Failure to boot
• Unusual noises from the server (such as clicking)
• Overheating warnings or thermal shutdowns
• Error messages recorded in OS or BIOS logs

Common causes of server hardware failure

Server hardware can fail or develop faults for several reasons, such as:

• Voltage spikes
• Logical failures (such as data corruption)
• Poor electrical infrastructure inside the building or server room
• High temperatures and humidity
• hardware compatibility issues
• memory issues

These hardware-related issues can cause a server to slow down significantly or stop functioning altogether.

We can generally classify server hardware problems into external and internal causes. External causes include events such as power outages or power surges, while internal causes may involve issues like CPU overheating or component failure.

Why does heat matter in a data center?

Servers generate vast amounts of heat as they function. When a server or CPU works too hard, the component produces even more excess heat.

Overheating can also result from high temperatures and humidity or dust build-up in the data center, restricting airflow.

Overheating is a major concern in data centers. Excess heat can not only cause server faults, but also long-term server failure and even system-wide damage.

How do I troubleshoot hardware issues?

To effectively diagnose and troubleshoot hardware problems, follow these key steps:

Step	What to do	How to do it
1	Identify symptoms	Observe and document what is happening. For example, error messages, crashes, beeping or slow responses.
2	Check connections	Check that the distinct server hardware parts are properly connected and plugged in. These include cables, power supplies and peripherals.
3	Review System Logs	Access the server’s OS or BIOS logs to identify hardware-related errors. Repeated disk errors may indicate problems in the hard drive, while frequent memory or ECC errors recorded in the OS or BIOS logs may indicate failing RAM modules or an unstable memory configuration.
4	Run diagnostic tests	Employ built-in hardware diagnostics or external tools to identify faulty components. Ensure to test the RAM, CPU, and storage. Visual diagnosis also checks for any loose cables or physical damage to parts, such as burn marks.
5	Isolate the faulty part	Avoid any issues spreading to the rest of the system. Isolation can also help to confirm that the suspected component is indeed at fault.
6	Replace	If a component is faulty, repair it or replace it. Refurbished server parts present a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to new pieces.
7	Test	Monitor the server to ensure proper functionality. Stress tests also show if the repaired or new server is resilient.
8	Temperature control	Invest in a cooling system, such as liquid cooling, to keep the hardware temperature stable.

If you cannot diagnose or fix your server hardware’s issue yourself, contact a Third-Party Maintenance provider like Evernex. TPM providers can provide your business with specialist data center hardware services.

Disk failure and data recovery

Disk failure is one of the most common roots of server issues, while data is increasingly central to business operations. This combination makes data back up and recovery data a critical part of troubleshooting and disaster recovery.

Following a server failure, data recovery typically involves:

1. Identification of the cause of the data loss
2. System analysis
3. Hardware repair or replacement
4. Data restoration

After validating the integrity of the recovered data, you can restore it to a functional environment.

 

Common Server issue #2: Software Issues

While hardware issues stem from physical component failures, server software issues arise from problems within the operating system, applications, or configurations that control how the server functions.

What can cause server software problems?

A range of issues can lead to server software problems. These include:

• Poorly configured operating system settings
• Application conflicts
• Corrupted files

Operating system misconfigurations can cause poor resource allocation, while file corruption can cause data loss.

What are some symptoms of server software issues?

Some common software issues are:

• Operating system crashes
• Non-responsive applications
• Server services not starting
• Frequent error messages

All these problems can severely affect operational efficiency, user experience and eventually income. Reduced productivity and loss of clientele through poor UX will inevitably have a negative impact on businesses’ finances.

How can I fix software issues?

In principle, the basic method of troubleshooting software remains the same as for hardware: Inspect, diagnose, isolate, repair or replace, and test the solution to ensure functionality. However, resolving issues specifically in the server software also means bearing in mind:

Step	What to do
Configuration settings	Check that the hardware components of the server machine are properly connected and in their correct slots.
Software conflicts	Check for any software incompatibilities or conflicts. These can slow down operations or cause errors and unpredictable behaviour.
Updates	Ensure that applications are up to date and configured correctly. For example, a computer’s print server may have issues if the print spooler service is not working correctly.
Event log	If the server crashes frequently, check the server’s event logs to identify the root cause of the issue.
Check errors	Run system diagnostic tests and error-checking utilities to identify and resolve software problems.

 

Common Server issue #3: Network Issues

Business IT networks permit everything from videocalls to resource-sharing. Network issues can affect server performance and connectivity. In turn, this leads to slow data transfer rates and poor client/server communication.

User experience and transactions are key element of many businesses. This means that failure to connect to the server is a serious issue. Common network issues include:

• DNS server failures
• Poor network infrastructure
• Firewall configuration errors

What are some symptoms of server network problems?

Some of the ways network issues can manifest include:

• Inability to connect to the server locally or remotely
• Slow response times or high latency
• DNS resolution failures
• Packet loss or unstable network performance
• Services appearing online but unreachable over the network

What can cause server network issues?

Problems in the network can result from:

• damage to network hardware
• cyber attacks
• high traffic
• human error, such as poor configurations

How to diagnose server network issues

Finding out the root of the problem is key to resolving it and avoiding recurring issues. Here are the most important steps to help you identify the issue in your enterprise IT network:

Step/th>	What to do	How to do it
1	Identify the scope of the issue	Determine whether the problem affects a single server, multiple servers, or the wider network.
2	Review network configuration	Confirm that IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways, and DNS settings match documented standards.
3	Test basic connectivity	Use tools such as ipconfig/ifconfig, ping, and nslookup to verify connectivity and DNS resolution.
4	Verify DNS functionality	Ensure hostnames resolve correctly and DNS servers are properly configured.
5	Check server and system logs	Review logs for network-related errors such as timeouts, failed authentication, or blocked ports.
6	Confirm role-specific settings	Verify that servers with specific roles (e.g. domain controllers or mail servers) have appropriate network configurations, including static IPs.

How do I troubleshoot network issues?

When troubleshooting for network and connectivity issues, consider:

Step	What to do
Check network infrastructure	Inspect switches, routers, and cabling to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Review firewall and security rules	Confirm required ports and protocols are allowed and not being blocked.
Correct network configuration issues	Update incorrect IP, DNS, gateway, or subnet settings as identified.
Validate service-specific settings	Ensure services such as remote access or mail servers are configured to accept required connections.
Restart affected services	Restart network services or interfaces to apply changes. Avoid full reboots where possible.
Retest connectivity	Verify that network access and affected services are functioning normally.
Document the resolution	Record the cause and fix to support future troubleshooting and prevention.

Common Server issue #4: Performance Issues

Server performance refers to the efficiency with which the server executes its tasks. These include processing data, responding to “client” requests and arithmetic.

What can cause problems with server performance?

Performance problems can arise due to factors such as:

• high CPU usage
• insufficient memory
• low disk space
• misconfigured server applications

Such issues put strain on the server, making it difficult to function quickly and effectively.

Consequences include slow performance, non-responsiveness in the server and system crashes.

Troubleshooting Performance Issues

Diagnosing and troubleshooting performance issues involves:

Step	What to do
Identify performance bottlenecks	Monitor CPU usage, memory consumption, disk I/O, and available storage. This will help identify resource constraints contributing to performance issues.
Review application and service behavior	Identify applications or services consuming excessive resources or responding slowly. Check for abnormal processes or workloads.
Verify configuration settings	Ensure server and application configurations are optimised for performance. For example, terminal servers may require specific terminal services settings to support user load efficiently.
Apply corrective actions	Next steps can involve a range of tasks to improve server performance, such as: upgrading hardware components optimizing software settings removing unnecessary files
Monitor and validate improvements	Continue monitoring performance metrics to confirm that corrective maintenance actions have resolved the issue and that performance remains stable.

Common Server issue #5: Security Issues

What can lead to server security weaknesses?

A range of factors can cause security vulnerabilities and performance issues, including:

• weak passwords
• outdated software
• insecure network connections

These problems can make the server vulnerable to ransomware, viruses, unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive information. Data loss and leaks can severely affect client trust, while ransomware can paralyze business operations.

How to Troubleshoot Security Issues

Resolving security vulnerabilities is vital for your business’s operations, reputation and legal compliance. Here are some tips:

Step	What to do
Identify vulnerabilities	Assess the server’s security to identify any weak points.
Update patches and applications	Ensure that all software and operating systems are up to date. Stop unnecessary services running on the server. In the case of a printing device attached to the server, ensure that: the server’s print spooler service is secured. access to it is restricted to authorized users only.
Security measures	Configure firewalls and other security measures to protect the server from external threats.
Backups and disaster recovery	Failures, disasters and breaches could lead to data loss. Backups and recovery plans are therefore critical components of server maintenance.

Getting ahead of hardware issues

Monitor metrics with specialized tools

Keeping an eye on CPU usage, security patches, connectivity and other key metrics in real time will help your business quickly identify any performance drops or abnormalities. This way, you will be able to contain and resolve any issues before they spread, threaten your data or reach the end user.

If your team does not have the time or resources to perform such tasks, cannot physically reach your data center equipment regularly, or your server suffers an unexpected incident, external IT services such as Smart Hands provide onsite and remote assistance. These professional IT support teams allow you to manage and resolve the situation efficiently and expertly.

Prevent server issues with expert maintenance

Yes, finding solutions to existing problems is a priority. However, it’s important to remember that server support should be an ongoing process. Regularly monitor and update your server to avoid hardware failures and ensure that it remains secure and functional. Ensure to keep the server in an environment with consistent air flow and at a low temperature. Avoid dust build-up to prevent clogging the hardware. For a step-by-step guide on how to keep your server in strong condition, check out our server maintenance checklist.

For any issues you cannot resolve, seek assistance from a qualified network administrator or IT professional.

At Evernex, we provide expert multi-vendor third-party maintenance services. From fixing server issues to optimizing your data center, our experts keep your IT equipment in top condition. Our multi-brand, multi-model expertise allows us to provide specialist support for a wide range of IT brands. For instance, check out our specialized Dell EMC support and HPE support service pages.
Our comprehensive IT maintenance services:

• help you extend the life of your company’s IT assets.
• improve your business’s environmental sustainability.
• repair any and all hardware issues.
• sustainably dispose of your hardware when it reaches the end of its service life.

 

What if my server is out of warranty?

End-of-Life hardware may receive less OEM support than newer IT assets. Meanwhile, manufacturers completely withdraw support and updates for devices when they reach their EOSL dates. If left unchecked, out-of-warranty hardware can become vulnerable to performance and security issues, or even complete failure. However, Evernex specializes in IT lifecycle management for post-EOL and EOSL data center hardware. If your server is out of warranty and needs maintenance or troubleshooting, our expert teams will help you to continue getting the most out of your hardware.

If your server’s lifetime has come to its true end, you can also upgrade your hardware. For a cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternative to brand-new IT assets, consider refurbished IT hardware. Evernex’s e-shop provides a range of certified refurbished IT components, helping businesses save money without compromising on quality.

FAQ about common server issues