A diagnostic port for diagnosing a rack mount server while the server is installed in a rack. Diagnosis may be performed using an external computer in one of two ways. First, the external computer is connected to the diagnostic port to run server operating system debug algorithms. Second, the diagnostic port may provide access to data and routines in a server management device located within the server. Each of these functions is accessible via separate connectors located on the user-accessible faceplate at the front the server. Alternatively, the functions may be accessible via an adapter that connects to a single connector at the front of the server. The server management functions are ordinarily accessible from the rear using existing network connections, but an internal switch selectably enables the diagnostic port if a mating connector is inserted.