Dell 4100-200, 4100-180 User Manual
®
®
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
1995–1996 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and PowerEdge are registered trademarks, DellWare is a registered service mark, and Dell
Dimension is a trademark of Dell Co mputer Corporation; Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporatio n; Microsoft, Windows, and MS-DOS
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.; and PRODIGY is a registered
trademark of Prodigy Services Co.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
October 1996 P/N 40721
Safety Instructions
U
se the following safety guidelines to help protect
your computer system from potential damage and to
ensure your own personal safety.
W
hen Working Inside the
Computer
WARNING: The power supplies in this computer
system produce high voltages and energy hazards,
which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service
technicians are authorized to remove the computer
covers and access any of the components inside the
computer.
Before taking the covers off of the computer, perform the
following steps in the sequence indicated:
1. Turn off the computer and any peripherals.
2. Disconnect the computer and peripherals from
their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunications lines from the
computer.
Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or
shock.
3. Touch an unpainted metal surface on the com-
puter chassis, such as the power supply, before
touching anything inside the computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate
any static electricity that might harm internal
components.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when
appropriate:
•
To help avoid possible damage to the system board,
wait five seconds after turning off the system before
removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.
•
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector
or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.
Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if
you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on
the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As
you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned
to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before
you connect a cable, make sure both connectors are
correctly oriented and aligned.
•
Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch
the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by
its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a
component such as a microprocessor chip by its
edges, not by its pins.
Protecting Against Electrostatic
Discharge
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside the
computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of the
computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal
surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to remove any
static charge your body may have accumulated.
v
In addition to the preceding precautions, you can also
take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
•
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from
its shipping carton, do not remove the component’s
antistatic packing material until you are ready to
install the component in the computer. Just before
unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.
•
When transporting a sensitive component, first place
it in an antistatic container or packaging.
•
Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area.
If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench
pads.
The following caution appears throughout this document
to remind you of these precautions:
CAUTION: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic
Discharge” in the safety instructions at the front of
this guide.
W
hen Using the Computer
System
•
To help prevent electric shock, plug the computer
and peripheral power cables into properly grounded
power sources. These cables are equipped with
three-prong plugs to ensure proper grounding. Do
not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong
from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use
a three-wire cable with properly grounded plugs.
•
To help protect the computer system from sudden,
transient increases and decreases in electrical power,
use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply.
•
Be sure nothing rests on the computer system’s
cables and that the cables are not located where they
can be stepped on or tripped over.
•
Do not spill food or liquids on the computer. If the
computer gets wet, see Chapter 7, “Checking Inside
the Computer.”
•
Do not push any objects into the openings of the
computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock
by shorting out interior components.
•
Keep the computer away from radiators and heat
sources. Also, do not block cooling vents. Avoid
placing loose papers underneath the computer; do
not place the computer in a closed-in wall unit or on
a rug.
As you use the computer system, observe the following
safety guidelines:
•
Be sure the monitor and attached peripherals are
electrically rated to operate with the AC power available in your location.
vi
Preface
A
bout This Guide
This guide provides directions for trained service technicians who are installing system upgrade options in a Dell
PowerEdge 4100/180 or Dell PowerEdge 4100/200 computer system or are troubleshooting problems that have
temporarily disabled a system. Before calling for technical assistance, follow the recommended procedure(s) in
this guide to solve most hardware and software problems
yourself.
•
Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides a brief overview
of system service features.
•
Everyone should read Chapter 2, “Checking the
Basics,” for some initial checks and procedures that
can be used to solve basic computer problems. It also
directs you to the appropriate chapter 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
chapter discusses system messages, system beep
codes, warning messages, and diagnostics messages.
•
If you suspect that the problems are software-related,
or you are still having problems after testing the
computer’s hardware, read Chapter 4, “Finding Software Solutions.” It provides some general guidelines
for analyzing software problems.
•
For hardware-related problems, read Chapter 5,
“Running the System 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,”
Chapter 9, “Installing Drives in the External Bays,”
and Chapter 10, “Installing Drives in the Internal
Bays,” are intended for technicians who want to
install or remove options inside the computer, such
as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), expansion cards, or SCSI devices.
•
Chapter 11, “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.
•
Make a copy of the checklist in Appendix A, “Diagnostics Checklist,” and fill it out as you perform the
troubleshooting procedures. If you need to call Dell
for technical assistance, use the completed checklist
to tell the support technician what procedures you
performed to better help the Dell technician give you
assistance. If you must return a piece of hardware to
Dell, include a filled-out checklist.
•
Appendix B, “Diagnostic Video Tests,” discusses the
tests for the Video Test Group in the system diagnostics to help you test the monitor.
•
Appendix C, “Jumpers and Switches,” is intended
for technicians who are troubleshooting the system
or adding internal options and need to change jumper
or switch settings.
•
A table of the abbreviations and acronyms used
throughout this guide and in other Dell documentation for the system precedes the index.
vii
O
ther Documentation You May
Need
You may need to reference the following documentation
when performing the procedures in this guide:
•
The Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems User’s Guide, which describes system features
and technical specifications, video and small computer system interface (SCSI) device drivers, the
System Setup program, software support utilities,
and the EISA Configuration Utility.
•
The Dell PowerEdge 4100 Systems Rack Installation
Guide, which provides detailed instructions for
installing the system in a rack.
•
The Dell Hardware Instrumentation Package for
Intel LANDesk Server Manager User’s Guide, which
describes the alert messages issued by this server
management software.
You may also have one or more of the following
documents:
•
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, such as the
Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller SCSI
host adapter. This documentation includes information that you need to configure and install these
options in the Dell computer. Installation instructions for the options are included in the system
documentation.
•
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.
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.
N
otational Conventions
The following subsections list notational conventions
used in this document.
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
Throughout this guide, there may be blocks of text
printed in bold type within boxes or in italic type. These
blocks are warnings, cautions, and notes, and they are
used as follows:
WARNING: A WARNING indicates the potential
for bodily harm and tells you how to avoid the
problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells
you how to avoid the problem.
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that
helps you make better use of the computer system.
Typographical Conventions
The following list defines (where appropriate) and illustrates typographical conventions used as visual cues for
specific elements of text throughout this document:
•
Keycaps, the labeling that appears on the keys on a
keyboard, are presented in uppercase and enclosed in
angle brackets.
Example: <
•
Key combinations are series of keys to be pressed
simultaneously (unless otherwise indicated) to perform a single function.
Example: <
•
All items on a menu screen are presented in the
VETICA
font and in uppercase bold.
Example:
•
Commands presented in lowercase bold are for reference purposes only and are not intended to be typed
at that particular point in the discussion.
Example: “Use the format command to . . . .”
SETUP PASSWORD
>
ENTER
CTRL><ALT><ENTER
category
>
HEL-
viii
In contrast, commands presented in the Courier
font are intended to be typed as part of an instruction.
Example: “Typ e format a: to format the diskette in
drive A.”
•
Filenames and directory names are presented in
lowercase bold.
Examples: autoexec.bat and c:\windows
•
Syntax lines consist of a command and all its
possible parameters. Commands are displayed in
lowercase bold; variable parameters (those for which
you substitute a value) are displayed in lowercase
italics; constant parameters are displayed in lowercase bold. The brackets indicate items that are
optional.
Example: del [drive:] [path]filename [/p]
•
Command lines consist of a command and may
include one or more of the command’s possible
parameters. Command lines are presented in
Courier.
Example:
del c:\myfile.doc
•
Screen text is text that appears on the screen of the
monitor or display. It can be a system message, for
example, or it can be text that you are instructed to
type as part of a command (referred to as a command
line). Screen text is presented in Courier font.
Example: “Type md c:\dos, and then press
<
>.”
ENTER
Example: The following message appears on the
screen:
No boot device available
•
Variables are symbols for which you substitute a
value. They are presented in italics.
Example: EISAn (where n represents the expansion-
card connector number)
ix
x
Chapter 1
Introduction
D
ell® PowerEdge™ 4100/180 and Dell PowerEdge 4100/200 systems are high-speed, upgradable
servers that offer a number of significant service and
upgrade features.
The Dell PowerEdge 4100 systems’ service features
make troubleshooting easy and effective. Every system
includes CD-based Dell diagnostics software for diagnosing system problems if the system can boot. The
embedded server management hardware monitors temperatures and voltages throughout the system and notifies
you if the system overheats or if one of the system cooling fans malfunctions. If the system has an optional
power-supply paralleling board and redundant power
supplies, the server management hardware also monitors
the status of the power supplies.
The Dell PowerEdge 4100 system chassis simplifies
removing and replacing computer components. Processor
and memory upgrades can be performed without removing the system board. The Dell-designed small computer
system interface (SCSI) backplane board and hard-disk
drive carriers eliminate the extensive cabling and drive
configuration usually required for a SCSI subsystem. The
plastic drive rails attached to devices mounted in the
external drive bays allow you to remove devices without
removing a single screw.
Among the many upgrade options offered for the Dell
PowerEdge 4100 systems are a secondary microprocessor, additional main memory, a variety of
expansion-card options (including the Dell PowerEdge
Expandable RAID Controller host adapter), and additional SCSI CD-ROM, tape, and hard-disk drives.
A
bout This Guide
This guide provides directions for trained service
technicians who are installing system options or are
troubleshooting problems that have temporarily disabled
a Dell PowerEdge system. Before calling for technical
assistance, follow the recommended procedure(s) in this
guide to solve most hardware and software problems
yourself.
•
Chapter 2, “Checking the Basics,” outlines some initial checks and procedures and also directs you to the
appropriate chapter in this guide for more detailed
troubleshooting information.
•
Whenever you receive an error message or code, you
should read Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes.”
•
If you suspect that the problems are software-related,
or you are still having problems after testing the
computer’s hardware, read Chapter 4, “Finding Software Solutions.”
•
For hardware-related problems, read Chapter 5,
“Running the System 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 and front bezel.
•
If you are installing or removing system options, such
as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), expansion
cards, or SCSI devices, refer to Chapter 8, “Installing
System Board Options,” Chapter 9, “Installing Drives
in the External Bays,” or Chapter 10, “Installing
Drives in the Internal Bays.”
Introduction 1-1
•
Chapter 11, “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.
•
If you are performing troubleshooting procedures,
make a copy of Appendix A, “Diagnostics Checklist,” and fill it out. If you need to call Dell for
technical assistance, use the completed checklist to
tell the support technician what procedures you performed to better help the Dell technician give you
assistance. If you must return a piece of hardware to
Dell, include a filled-out copy of this checklist.
•
Appendix B, “Diagnostic Video Tests,” discusses the
tests for the Video Test Group in the system diagnostics to help you test the monitor.
•
Appendix C, “Jumpers and Switches,” is intended
for technicians who add internal options and need to
change jumper or switch settings.
•
A table of the abbreviations and acronyms used
throughout this guide and in other Dell documentation for the system precedes the index.
1-2 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Chapter 2
Checking the Basics
I
f a Dell PowerEdge 4100 computer system is not working as expected, start your troubleshooting with the
procedures in this chapter. This chapter guides you
through some initial checks and procedures that can solve
basic computer problems. It can also direct you to the
appropriate chapter in this guide for detailed troubleshooting information and procedures to solve more
complex problems.
NOTE: When you see the question, “Is the problem
resolved?” in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the
operation that caused the problem.
B
acking Up Files
If the system is behaving erratically, back up the files
immediately. See the documentation that came with the
operating system for instructions on how to back up the
files.
B
asic Checks
The following procedure leads you through the checks
necessary to solve some basic computer problems:
1. Was an alert message issued by the Dell HIP
server management program?
The Dell Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP)
server management application program generates
warning and failure messages for drive, temperature,
fan, and power conditions. These messages appear in
the simple network management protocol (SNMP)
trap log file. To see the trap log, select any enterprise
under the SNMP trap log icon. (More information
about the Alert Log window and options is provided
in the Dell HIP online help.)
Ye s . Go to “Alert Log Messages From the Dell HIP
Program” in Chapter 3.
No. Go to step 2.
2. Is the computer wet or damaged?
Ye s . Go to Chapter 7, “Checking Inside the
Computer.”
No. Go to step 3.
3. Perform the steps in “Checking Connections and
Switches” found next in this chapter.
Is the problem resolved?
Ye s . The power to the computer system was faulty, or
the connections to the computer system were loose.
You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 4.
4. Perform the steps in “Look and Listen” found
later in this chapter.
Did the computer system complete the boot routine?
Ye s . Go to step 5.
No. A serious malfunction may have occurred. Go to
Chapter 11, “Getting Help.”
5. Did you receive a system message or beep code?
Ye s . Go to Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes.”
No. Go to step 6.
Checking the Basics 2-1
6. Verify the settings in the System Setup program
as explained in “The System Setup Program”
found later in this chapter.
Is the problem resolved?
Ye s . The system configuration information was
incorrect. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 7.
7. Run the system diagnostics as described in Chapter 5.
C
hecking Connections and
Switches
Improperly set switches and controls and loose or
improperly connected cables are the most likely source of
problems for the computer, monitor, or other peripherals
(such as a printer, keyboard, mouse, or other external
equipment). A quick check of all the switches, controls,
and cable connections can easily solve these problems.
Figure 2-1 shows the back panel connections on the computer. Figure 2-2 shows the switches and controls on the
computer.
2-2 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
video connector
server-management
serial port
parallel port connector
serial port 2 connector
serial port 1 connector
mouse connector
keyboard connector
Figure 2-1. Back Panel Features
AC power receptacle
security cable slot
Checking the Basics 2-3
Figure 2-2. Switches and Controls
diskette-drive
access indicator
power switch
power indicator
reset button
hard-disk drive
online indicator (6)
hard-disk drive
activity indicator (6)
hard-disk drive failure
indicator (6)
Complete the following procedure to check all the connections and switches:
1. Turn off the system, including any attached
peripherals (such as the monitor, keyboard,
printer, external drives, scanners, or plotters).
Disconnect all the alternating current (AC) power
cables from their power sources.
2. If the computer is connected to a power strip,
turn the power strip off and then on again.
Is the power strip getting power?
Ye s . Go to step 5.
No. Go to step 3.
3. Plug the power strip into another electrical outlet.
Is the power strip getting power?
Ye s . The original electrical outlet probably does not
function. Use a different electrical outlet.
No. Go to step 4.
4. Plug a lamp that you know works into the electrical outlet.
Does the lamp get power?
Ye s . The power strip is probably not functioning
properly. Get another power strip.
No. Go to step 5.
5. Reconnect the system to AC power.
Make sure that all connections fit tightly together.
6. Turn on the system.
Is the problem resolved?
Ye s . The connections were loose. You have fixed the
problem.
No. Go to step 7.
7. Is the monitor operating properly?
Ye s . Go to step 8.
No. Go to “Troubleshooting the Monitor” in Chapter 6.
8. Is the keyboard operating properly?
Ye s . Go to step 9.
2-4 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
No. Go to “Troubleshooting the Keyboard” in Chap-
ter 6.
9. Is the mouse or printer operating properly?
Ye s . Continue with “Look and Listen” found next in
this chapter.
No. Go to “Troubleshooting I/O Ports” in Chapter 6.
L
ook and Listen
Looking at and listening to the system is important in
determining the source of a problem. Look and listen for
the indications described in Table 2-1.
.
Table 2-1. Boot Routine Indications
Listen for: Action
An error message See Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes.”
Alert messages from the Dell HIP software The server management software has detected a problem inside
the computer. See “Alert Log Messages From the Dell HIP Pro-
gram” in Chapter 3.
The monitor’s power indicator Most monitors have a power indicator (usually on the front
bezel). If the monitor’s power indicator does not come on, see
“Troubleshooting the Monitor” in Chapter 6.
The keyboard indicators Most keyboards have one or more indicators (usually in the
upper-right corner). Press the <
<
CAPS LOCK
> key, or the <
SCROLL LOCK
NUM LOCK
> key, the
key to toggle their
>
respective keyboard indicators on and off. If the indicators do
not light up, see “Troubleshooting the Keyboard” in Chapter 6.
The diskette-drive access indicator The diskette-drive access indicator should quickly flash on and
off when you access data on the diskette drive. If the diskettedrive access indicator does not light up, see “Troubleshooting
the Diskette Drive Subsystem” in Chapter 7.
The hard-disk drive activity indicator The hard-disk drive activity indicators should quickly flash on
and off when you access data on the hard-disk drives. On a
system running the Microsoft
®
Windows® operating system,
you can test the drive by opening File Manager and clicking on
the icon for drive C. If the hard-disk drive access indicator does
not come on, see “Troubleshooting SCSI Hard-Disk Drives” in
Chapter 7.
A series of beeps See Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes.”
Checking the Basics 2-5
Table 2-1. Boot Routine Indications
Listen for: Action
An unfamiliar constant scraping or grinding sound
when you access a drive
The absence of a familiar sound When you turn on the system, you should hear the hard-disk
If after looking and listening to the computer you have
not resolved the problem, continue with the instructions
in “The System Setup Program” found next in this
chapter.
T
he System Setup Program
You can easily correct certain system problems by verifying the correct settings in the System Setup program.
When you boot the system, the system checks the system
configuration information and compares it with the current hardware configuration. If the system hardware
configuration doesn’t match the information recorded by
the System Setup program, an error message may appear
on the screen.
This problem can happen if you changed the system’s
hardware configuration and forgot to run the System
Setup program. To correct this problem, enter the System
Setup program, correct the corresponding System Setup
category, and reboot the system. See Chapter 4, “Using
the System Setup Program,” in the system User’s Guide
for detailed instructions on using the System Setup
program.
Make sure the sound is not caused by the application program
you are running. The sound could be caused by a hardware malfunction. See Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions on
getting technical assistance from Dell.
drives spin up, and the system tries to access the boot files from
the hard-disk drive, the diskette drive, or CD-ROM drive. See
Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnostics.” If the system
does not boot, see Chapter 11, “Getting Help.”
T
he EISA Configuration Utility
If you are experiencing problems with the system, you
may have a conflict between the information stored by
the System Setup program and the EISA Configuration
Utility. Although the EISA Configuration Utility can read
changes from the System Setup program, the change is
not recorded into EISA configuration memory until you
run the EISA Configuration Utility and save the new
information. See Chapter 5, “Using the EISA Configuration Utility,” in the system User’s Guide for detailed
instructions on using the EISA Configuration Utility and
saving new information.
If after using the EISA Configuration Utility you have
not resolved the problem, see Chapter 5, “Running the
System Diagnostics,” in this guide.
2-6 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Chapter 3
Messages and Codes
A
pplication programs, operating systems, and the
computer itself are capable of identifying problems and
alerting you to them. When a problem occurs, a message
may appear on the monitor screen, or a beep code may
sound.
Several different types of messages can indicate when the
system is not functioning properly:
•
System messages
•
System beep codes
•
Warning messages
•
Diagnostics messages
•
Alert messages
This chapter describes each type of message and lists the
possible causes and actions you can take to resolve any
problems indicated by a message. To determine what
type of message you have received, read the following
sections.
S
ystem Messages
System messages alert you to a possible operating problem or to a conflict between the software and hardware. If
you receive a system message, see Table 3-1 for suggestions on resolving any problems indicated by the
message.
NOTE: If the system message you received is not listed in
Table 3-1, check the documentation for the application
program that was running at the time the message
appeared and/or the operating system documentation for
an explanation of the message and a recommended
action.
Messages and Codes 3-1
Table 3-1. System Messages
Message Cause Action
System battery
is dead Replace and run
Setup
System CMOS
checksum bad Run Setup
Incorrect drive
A type - Run
Setup
Incorrect drive
B type - Run
Setup
Keyboard error
Stuck key
System/Shadow
RAM failed at
offset:
Operating system not found
The battery on the system board is dead.
The CMOS configuration data is corrupted.
The installed diskette
drive type does not
match the diskette drive
type in CMOS.
A cable or connector
may be loose, or the
keyboard may be faulty.
One or more DIMMs
may be improperly
seated or faulty.
The diskette, CD, or
hard-disk drive may not
have a bootable operating system on it.
Replace the battery on the system board, and run the System
Setup program to restore the system configuration information. See “Replacing the Battery” in Chapter 8 for details.
Run the System Setup program to restore the system configuration information.
Run the System Setup program to correct the diskette drive
type.
Check the keyboard cable and connector for proper connection. If the problem persists, run the Keyboard Test Group in
the system diagnostics to determine whether the keyboard or
keyboard controller is faulty. See Chapter 5, “Running the
System Diagnostics.”
Remove and reseat the DIMMs. See “Installing DIMMs” and
“Removing DIMMs” in Chapter 8.
Insert a diskette or CD with a bootable operating system, or
load a bootable operating system on the hard-disk drive. Run
the System Set Test Group to determine whether the microprocessor chip is faulty. See Chapter 5, “Running the System
Diagnostics.”
System cache
error - cache
disabled
System timer
error
The microprocessor chip
on the system board may
be malfunctioning.
A chip on the system
board may be malfunctioning.
Run the System Set Test Group to determine whether the
microprocessor chip is faulty. See Chapter 5, “Running the
System Diagnostics.”
Run the System Set Test Group to determine whether the system timers are faulty. See Chapter 5, “Running the System
Diagnostics.” A faulty chip on the system board usually
requires that you replace the system board.
Real-time clock
error
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
3-2 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
The RTC on the system
board may be malfunctioning.
Run the System Set Test Group to determine whether the RTC
on the system board is faulty. See Chapter 5, “Running the
System Diagnostics.”
Table 3-1. System Messages
Message Cause Action
(Continued)
Keyboard controller error
EISA configuration NVRAM bad
EISA configuration error
Invalid CPU
speed detected check jumpers
Resource conflict
Warning: IRQ not
initialized
Expansion ROM
not initialized
System configuration data
write error
A cable or connector
may be loose, or the
keyboard controller may
be faulty.
The EISA jumper may
have been accidentally
installed.
The EISA data in
NVRAM does not
match the installed
EISA expansion cards.
The microprocessorspeed jumper plug may
be absent or installed on
the wrong pins.
The BIOS detected a
resource conflict while
configuring a Plug and
Play ISA or PCI expansion card.
A chip on the system
board may be malfunctioning.
Check the keyboard cable and connector for proper connection. If the problem persists, run the Keyboard Test Group in
the system diagnostics to determine whether the keyboard or
keyboard controller is faulty. See Chapter 5, “Running the
System Diagnostics.”
Remove the EISA jumper, reboot the system, and restore the
EISA configuration parameters. See Chapter 5, “Using the
EISA Configuration Utility,” in the User’s Guide.
Verify that any installed EISA expansion cards are properly
seated, and then run the EISA Configuration Utility to verify
that the configuration parameters are correct. See Chapter 5,
“Using the EISA Configuration Utility,” in the User’s Guide.
Check the microprocessor speed jumpers. See Table C-1.
See “Resolving Resource Conflicts” in Chapter 5 in the User’s
Guide.
Run the System Set Test Group. See Chapter 5, “Running the
System Diagnostics.” A faulty chip on the system board usually requires that you replace the system board.
System memory
size has changed
- Run Configuration Utility
DIMM memory may
have been added or
removed, or one or more
DIMMs may be improp-
Remove and reseat the DIMMs. See “Installing DIMMs” and
“Removing DIMMs” in Chapter 8. If the problem persists, run
the RAM Test Group in the system diagnostics. See Chapter 5,
“Running the System Diagnostics.”
erly seated or faulty.
Stepping of CPU1
is less than sA1
- System halted!
A Pentium
processor that is not
supported by the system
is installed in the
®
Pro micro-
Replace the microprocessor with a correct version of the Pentium Pro microprocessor from Dell. See “Upgrading the
Microprocessor or Installing a Secondary Microprocessor” in
Chapter 8 for details.
PROCESSOR1 socket.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
Messages and Codes 3-3
Table 3-1. System Messages
Message Cause Action
(Continued)
Stepping of CPU2
is less than sA1
- System halted!
Stepping of CPU
is less than sA1
- System halted!
Nonidentical
CPUs - System
halted!
Invalid CPU
speed detected Check speed
jumpers. System
halted.
Power supply
paralleling
board firmware
download failed
System backplane firmware
download failed
A Pentium Pro microprocessor that is not
supported by the system
is installed in the
PROCESSOR2 socket.
A Pentium Pro microprocessor that is not
supported by the system
is installed.
The cache memory size
of the two Pentium Pro
microprocessors must
match.
The microprocessor
speed detected is not
180 MHz or 200 MHz.
The server-management
bus cable connection to
the SCSI backplane
board may be loose,
preventing the firmware
from downloading during system start-up.
Replace the microprocessor with a correct version of the Pentium Pro microprocessor from Dell. See “Upgrading the
Microprocessor or Installing a Secondary Microprocessor” in
Chapter 8 for details.
Replace the microprocessor with a correct version of the Pentium Pro microprocessor from Dell. See “Upgrading the
Microprocessor or Installing a Secondary Microprocessor” in
Chapter 8 for details.
Replace one of the microprocessors so that the cache size of
the two microprocessors matches. See “Upgrading the Microprocessor or Installing a Secondary Microprocessor” in
Chapter 8 for details.
Check the microprocessor speed jumpers. See Table C-1.
Check the server-management bus cable connections to the
system board (labeled “SMB BACKPLANE”) and SCSI
backplane (labeled “SMB”).
Embedded server
management firmware download
failed
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
3-4 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
The embedded server
management memory
may be temporarily corrupted.
Turn off the system to clear the memory, then restart the system.
S
ystem Beep Codes
When errors occur during a boot routine that cannot be
reported on the monitor, the computer may emit a series
of beeps that identify the problem. The beep code is a pattern of sounds: for example, one beep, followed by a
second beep, and then a burst of three beeps (code 1-1-3)
means that the computer was unable to read the data in
nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM). This
information is valuable to the Dell support staff if you
need to call for technical assistance.
Table 3-2. System Beep Codes
Code Cause Action
1-2 Invalid expansion ROM checksum An expansion card could be improperly seated
1-2-2-3 Invalid BIOS ROM checksum Fatal error. This error usually requires that you
1-3-1-1 DRAM refresh failure Remove and reseat the DIMMs. See “Installing
When a beep code is emitted, write it down on a copy of
the Diagnostics Checklist found in Appendix A, and then
look it up in Table 3-2. If you are unable to resolve the
problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use
the system diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. If
you are still unable to resolve the problem, see Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
or faulty. Ensure that all expansion cards are
properly seated, then reboot the system. Refer to
the documentation that came with the expansion
card for troubleshooting information.
replace the BIOS firmware. See Chapter 11,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
DIMMs” and “Removing DIMMs” in Chapter 8.
Reboot the system. If the problem persists, have
the system board replaced. See Chapter 11,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
1-3-1-3 Keyboard controller error Check the keyboard cable and connector for
proper connection. If the problem persists, run
the Keyboard Test Group in the system diagnostics to determine whether the keyboard or
keyboard controller is faulty. See Chapter 5,
“Running the System Diagnostics.”
1-3-3-1 No DIMM memory installed Remove and reseat the DIMMs. See “Installing
DIMMs” and “Removing DIMMs” in Chapter 8.
If the problem persists, have the system board
replaced. See Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
Messages and Codes 3-5
Table 3-2. System Beep Codes
Code Cause Action
(Continued)
1-3-4-1
1-3-4-3
1-4-1-1
1-4-2-1 CMOS failure Run the System Test Group in the system diag-
1-4-3-1 Memory controller failure or DIMM
2-2-3-1 Unexpected interrupt Ensure that all expansion cards are properly
3-2-2-1
4-2-4-4
4-2-4-3 Keyboard controller error Have the system board replaced. See Chapter 11,
DRAM failure Remove and reseat the DIMMs. See “Installing
DIMMs” and “Removing DIMMs” in Chapter 8.
If the problem persists, run the RAM Test Group
in the system diagnostics. See Chapter 5, “Run-
ning the System Diagnostics.” If the problem
still persists, have the system board replaced.
See Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for instructions
on obtaining technical assistance.
nostics to isolate the problem. See Chapter 5,
“Running the System Diagnostics.”
Check the DIMMs to ensure that they are prop-
failure
Gate A20 failure Have the system board replaced. See Chapter 11,
erly seated. If the problem persists, run the RAM
Test Group in the system diagnostics. See Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnostics.”
seated, then reboot the system.
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
“Getting Help,” for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
W
arning Messages
A warning message alerts you to a possible problem and
asks you to do something before execution continues. For
example, before you format a diskette, a message may
warn you that you may lose all data on the diskette as a
way to protect against inadvertently erasing or writing
over the data. These warning messages usually interrupt
the procedure and require you to respond by typing a y
(yes) or n (no).
NOTE: Warning messages are generated by either the
application programs or the operating system. See Chapter 4, “Finding Software Solutions,” and the
3-6 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
documentation that accompanied the operating system
and application programs.
D
iagnostics Messages
When you run a test group or subtest in the system diagnostics, an error message may result. These particular
error messages are not covered in this chapter. Record the
message on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist found in
Appendix A, then see Chapter 11, “Getting Help,” for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
A
lert Log Messages From the
Dell HIP Program
The Dell Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP)
server management application program generates alert
messages which appear in the simple network management protocol (SNMP) trap log file. To see the trap log,
select any enterprise under the SNMP trap log icon.
(More information about the Alert Log window and
Table 3-3. Dell HIP Alert Log Messages
Message Cause Action
options is provided in the Dell HIP online help and the
Dell HIP User’s Guide.)
Alert log messages consist of information, status, warning, and failure messages for drive, temperature, fan, and
power conditions. They can assist you with identifying a
problem and may provide you with information to help
you resolve the problem.
Table 3-3 alphabetically lists critical HIP alert log mes-
Composite drive failure
detected.
Fan sensor detected a
failure.
Fan sensor warning
detected.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
A composite drive has failed in the
specified server. If possible, the
chassis number is provided.
A failure of one or more fans was
detected by the thermal-monitoring
facility in the specified server. If
possible, the fan number is also provided.
A fan sensor reading on the
specified server has exceeded the
user-settable thresholds. If possible,
the fan number is also provided.
Notify the supervisor. Determine
which physical drive(s) have failed
within the composite, and remove
and replace the failed drive(s). You
will then need to configure the
drive. If a drive replaced was not a
redundant drive, the information
contained on that drive is lost.
Check for a possible blockage on or
inadequate ventilation around the
fan. If the fan is not blocked and
ventilation is adequate, check fan
connections. If the problem persists,
replace the fan. See “Replacing a
Cooling Fan” in Chapter 8.
Check for a possible blockage on or
inadequate ventilation around the
fan. If the fan is not blocked and
ventilation is adequate, check fan
connections. If the problem persists,
replace the fan. See “Replacing a
Cooling Fan” in Chapter 8.
Messages and Codes 3-7
Table 3-3. Dell HIP Alert Log Messages
Message Cause Action
(Continued)
Memory ECC fault
detected.
Physical drive failure
detected.
Power supply degraded
redundancy detected.
Power supply lost redundancy detected.
Temperature sensor violation detected.
Temperature sensor warning detected.
An ECC error has occurred in system memory.
A physical drive, which is not part
of a composite array, has failed in
the specified server. If possible, the
chassis number and drive number
are also provided.
In a system with redundant power
supplies, more power is being drawn
from the pair of power supplies than
one of the power supplies could support.
In a system with redundant power
supplies, one power supply has been
disconnected or has failed. (If a
power supply has failed, you should
be receiving voltage and current
failure messages as well.)
A thermal probe in the specified
server has exceeded temperature
range. If possible, the chassis number and probe number are also
provided.
Run the appropriate memory test(s)
in the system diagnostics. See
Chapter 5, “Running the System
Diagnostics,” for more information.
Notify the supervisor. Remove and
replace the drive.
Reduce power consumption by disconnecting some peripherals or
cards.
Make sure both power supplies are
properly connected to their power
sources.
Check for a fan failure. If the problem persists, replace the fan. See
“Replacing a Cooling Fan” in Chapter 8.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
3-8 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Table 3-3. Dell HIP Alert Log Messages
Message Cause Action
(Continued)
Voltage sensor detected
a failure.
Voltage sensor warning
detected.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
A failure has occurred with the system power supply or voltage
probe(s) on the SCSI backplane
board in the specified server. If possible, the chassis number and probe
number are also provided.
The voltage probe on the backplane
board or system board has exceeded
its range.
Check the power supply and SCSI
backplane board connections. If the
power supply is connected properly,
replace the power supply (or, if possible, switch it with another power
supply that is working properly to
determine whether the power supply
is the problem). See “Replacing a
Power Supply in Chapter 7. If the
problem persists, see Chapter 11,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
If the problem persists, check the
SCSI backplane board connections.
If the power supply is connected
properly, replace the power supply
(or, if possible, switch it with
another power supply that is working properly to determine whether
the power supply is the problem). If
the problem persists, see Chapter 11,
“Getting Help,” for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
S
CSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator
Codes
The three light-emitting diode (LED) indicators adjacent
to each of the six SCSI hard-disk drive bays provide
information on the status of the SCSI hard-disk drives.
The SCSI backplane firmware controls the drive online
and drive fault indicators, while the drive access indicator
is usually controlled by the drive itself.
Table 3-4 lists the drive indicator patterns established by
the SCSI backplane firmware. Different patterns are displayed as drive events occur in the system. For example,
in the event of a hard-disk drive failure, the “drive failed”
pattern appears. After the drive is selected for removal,
the “drive being prepared for removal” pattern appears,
followed by the “drive ready for insertion or removal”
pattern. After the replacement drive is installed, the
“drive being prepared for operation” pattern appears,
then the “drive online” pattern.
Messages and Codes 3-9
Table 3-4. SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator
Patterns
Condition Indicator Pattern
Identify drive All three drive status
indicators blink simultaneously.
Drive being prepared
for removal
The three drive status
indicators are flashed
sequentially.
Drive ready for inser-
All three indicators are off.
tion or removal
Drive being prepared
for operation
The drive online indicator is
on. The drive activity light
may flash briefly.
Drive bay empty All three indicators are off.
Drive predicted failure
The drive online indicator
turns off. The drive fault
indicator blinks on briefly
each second.
Drive failed The drive online indicator
turns off. The drive fault
indicator blinks off briefly
each second.
Drive rebuilding The drive online indicator
blinks rapidly.
Drive online The online indicator is on.
3-10 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Chapter 4
Finding Software Solutions
B
ecause most computers have several application programs installed in addition to the operating system,
isolating a software problem can be confusing. Software
errors can also appear to be hardware malfunctions at
first. Software problems can result from the following
circumstances:
•
Improper installation or configuration of a program
•
Input errors
•
Device drivers that may conflict with certain application programs
•
Interrupt conflicts between devices
You can confirm that a computer problem is caused by
software by running the System Set Test Group as
described in Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnostics.” If all tests in the test group complete successfully,
the error condition is most likely caused by software.
This chapter provides some general guidelines for analyzing software problems. For detailed troubleshooting
information on a particular program, see the documentation that accompanied the software or consult the support
service for the software.
I
nstalling and Configuring
Software
available for purchase, and most bulletin board services
(BBSs) archive freely distributed virus-scanning programs that you can download with a modem.
Before installing a program, the user should read its
documentation to learn how the program works, what
hardware it requires, and what its defaults are. A program
usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and a software installation routine
on its program diskettes.
The software installation routine assists users in transferring the appropriate program files to the computer’s
hard-disk drive. Installation instructions may provide
details about how to configure the operating system to
successfully run the program. Users should always read
the installation instructions before running a program’s
installation routine.
When users run the installation routine, they should be
prepared to respond to prompts for information about
how the computer’s operating system is configured, what
type of computer they have, and what peripherals are
connected to the computer.
U
sing Software
The following subsections discuss errors that can occur
as a result of software operation or configuration.
The user should check newly acquired programs and files
for viruses with virus-scanning software before installing
the programs on the computer’s hard-disk drive. Viruses,
which are pieces of code that can replicate themselves,
can quickly use all available system memory, damage
and/or destroy data stored on the hard-disk drive, and
permanently affect the performance of the programs they
infect. Several commercial virus-scanning programs are
Error Messages
Error messages can be produced by an application program, the operating system, or the computer. Chapter 3,
“Messages and Codes,” discusses the error messages that
are generated by the system. If you receive an error message that is not listed in Chapter 3, check the operating
system or application program documentation.
Finding Software Solutions 4-1
Input Errors
If a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrong
time, a program may give you unexpected results. See the
documentation that came with the application program to
make sure that the values or characters you are entering
are valid.
Make sure that the operating environment is set up to
accommodate the programs you use. Keep in mind that
whenever you change the parameters of the computer’s
operating environment, you may affect the successful
operation of the programs. Sometimes, after modifying
the operating environment, you may need to
reinstall a program that no longer runs properly.
Program Conflicts
Some programs may leave portions of their setup information behind, even though you have exited from them.
As a result, other programs cannot run. Rebooting the
system can confirm whether or not these programs are
the cause of the problem.
There are also programs that use specialized subroutines
called device drivers that can also cause problems with the
computer system. For example, a variation in the way the
data is sent to the monitor may require a special screen
driver program that expects a certain kind of video mode or
monitor. In such cases, you may have to develop an alternative method of running that particular program—the
creation of a boot file made especially for that program, for
example. Call the support service for the software you are
using to help you with this problem.
Table 4-1. Default IRQ Line Assignments
IRQ Line Used/Available
IRQ0 Used by the system timer
IRQ1 Used by the keyboard to signal that
the output buffer is full
IRQ2 Used by interrupt controller 1 to
enable IRQ8 through IRQ15
IRQ3 Used by serial port 2
IRQ4 Used by serial port 1
IRQ5 Available
IRQ6 Used by the diskette/tape drive con-
troller
IRQ7 Used by the parallel port
IRQ8 Used by the RTC
IRQ9 Available
IRQ10 Available
IRQ11 Available
IRQ12 Used by the mouse port
IRQ13 Used by the math coprocessor (if
applicable)
IRQ14 Available
Avoiding Interrupt Assignment
Conflicts
Problems can arise if two devices attempt to use the same
interrupt request (IRQ) line. To avoid this type of conflict, check the documentation for the default IRQ line
setting for each installed expansion card. Then consult
Table 4-1 to configure the card for one of the available
IRQ lines.
4-2 Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
IRQ15 Available
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym
used in this table, see the abbreviation and acronym list.
Chapter 5
Running the System Diagnostics
U
nlike many diagnostic programs, Dell’s system diagnostics helps you check the computer’s hardware without
any additional equipment and without destroying any
data. By using the diagnostics, you can have confidence
in the computer system’s operation. And if you find a
problem you cannot solve by yourself, the diagnostic
tests can provide you with important information you
will need when talking to Dell’s service and support
personnel.
CAUTION: Use the system diagnostics to test only
Dell computer systems. Using this program with
other computers may cause incorrect computer
responses or result in error messages.
F
eatures of the System
Diagnostics
The system diagnostics provides a series of menus and
options from which you choose particular test groups or
subtests. You can also control the sequence in which the
tests are run. The diagnostic test groups or subtests also
have these helpful features:
•
Options that let you run tests individually or
collectively
•
An option that allows you to choose the number of
times a test group or subtest is repeated
•
The ability to display or print out test results or to
save them in a file
•
Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is
detected or to terminate testing when an adjustable
error limit is reached
•
A menu category called
each test and its parameters
•
Status messages that inform you whether test groups
or subtests were completed successfully
•
Error messages that appear if any problems are
detected
W
hen to Use the System
ABOUT
that briefly describes
Diagnostics
Whenever a major component or device in the computer
system does not function properly, you may have a component failure. As long as the microprocessor and the
input and output components of the computer system (the
monitor, keyboard, or CD-ROM drive) are working, you
can use the system diagnostics. If you know what component(s) you need to test, simply select the appropriate
diagnostic test group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure
about the scope of the problem, read the rest of this
chapter.
Running the System Diagnostics 5-1
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