Dell 300 User Manual 2
Preface
About This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who wants to upgrade or troubleshoot a Dell
PowerEdge 300 computer system. Before calling Dell for technical assistance, follow
the recommended procedure(s) in this guide to solve most hardware and software
problems yourself. The files are summarized as follows:
• Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides a brief overview of the system's service
features.
• Everyone should read Chapter 2, “Checking the Basics,” for some initial checks
and procedures that you can use to solve basic computer problems. It also
directs you to the appropriate file in this guide for more detailed troubleshooting
information and procedures to solve more complex problems.
• Whenever you receive an error message or code, you should read Chapter 3,
“Messages and Codes.” This file discusses system messages, system beep
codes, warning messages, diagnostics messages, alert log messages, and
enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) hard-disk drive indicator codes.
• If you suspect that the problems are software-related, or you are still having prob-
lems after testing the computer's hardware, read Chapter 4, “Finding Software
Solutions.”
• For hardware-related problems, read Chapter 5, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”
Chapter 6, “Checking the Equipment” and Chapter 7, “Checking Inside the Computer,” provide troubleshooting procedures for equipment connected to the
input/output (I/O) panel of the computer and components inside the computer,
respectively. Chapter 7 also provides information on removing the computer
covers.
• Chapter 8, “Installing System Board Options” and Chapter 9, “Installing Drives,”
are intended for anyone who wants to install or remove internal components,
such as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), expansion cards, and SCSI
devices.
• Chapter 10, “Getting Help,” describes the help tools Dell provides to assist you
should you have a problem with the computer. It also explains how and when to
call Dell for technical assistance. Getting Help also includes a Diagnostics Checklist that you can copy and fill out as you perform the troubleshooting procedures.
If you need to call Dell for technical assistance, use the completed checklist to tell
xv
the Dell technical support representative what procedures you performed to better help the representative give you assistance. If you must return a piece of
hardware to Dell, include a completed checklist.
• Appendix A, “Diagnostic Video Tests,” discusses the tests for the Video Test
Group in the Dell Diagnostics to help you test the monitor.
• Appendix B, “Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors,” is intended for anyone who
is troubleshooting the system or is adding internal options and needs to change
jumper or switch settings.
• Reference “Abbreviations and Acronyms” for a table of the abbreviations and
acronyms used throughout this guide and in other Dell documentation.
Other Documentation You May Need
Besides this Installation and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is
included with your system:
• The
• Documentation for Dell OpenManage system management software on the
You may also have one or more of the following documents.
NOTE: Documentation updates are sometimes included with the system to describe
changes to the system or software. Always read these updates before consulting any
other documentation because the updates often contain information that supersedes
the information in the other documents.
Dell PowerEdge 300 Systems User's Guide
tures and technical specifications, video and SCSI device drivers, the System
Setup program, software support utilities, and the Resource Configuration Utility.
OpenManage Server Assistant
CD or the
, which describes system fea-
Dell OpenManage Applications
Dell
CD.
• Operating system documentation is included with the system if you ordered the
operating system software from Dell. This documentation describes how to
install (if necessary), configure, and use the operating system software.
• Documentation is included with any options you purchase separately from the
system. This documentation includes information that you need to configure and
install these options in your Dell computer.
• Technical information files—sometimes called "readme" files—may be installed
on the hard-disk drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to
the system or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced
users or technicians.
xvi
Loading...