Dell PowerEdge 2400 User Manual

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™

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2400 Systems

INSTALLATION AND

TROUBLESHOOTING

GUIDE

www.dell.com

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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, PowerE dge , Dimension, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Latitude, Dell OpenManage, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation; OS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation; VESA is a registered trademark of Video Electronics Standards Association.

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 1999 P/N 9437P Rev. A01

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Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer or storage system from potential damage.

Notes, Notices, Cautions, and Warnings

Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, cautions, and warnings, and they are used as follows:

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer system.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious bodily injury

Safety Caution and Warnings

Observe the following caution and warnings while servicing this system:

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recom mended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING: This system may have more than one power supply cable. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect all power supply cables before servicing the system.

DÙLEITÉ UPOZORNÌNÍ: Tento systém mùe mít více napájecích kabelù. Ke sníení rizika úrazu elektrickým proudem je nutné, aby školený servisní technik pøed provádìním servisu systému odpojil všechny napájecí kabely.

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ADVARSEL: Dette system kan have mere end et strømforsyningskabel. For at reducere risikoen for elektrisk stød, bør en professionel servicetekniker frakoble alle strømforsyningskabler, før systemet serviceres.

VAROITUS: Tässä järjestelmässä voi olla useampi kuin yksi virtajohto. Sähköiskuvaaran pienentämiseksi ammattitaitoisen huoltohenkilön on irrotettava kaikki virtajohdot ennen järjestelmän huoltamista.

ПРЕДУПРЕЖДЕНИЕ: Данная система может иметь несколько кабелей электропитания. Во избежание электрического удара квалифицированный техник долж ен о тключить все кабели электропитания прежде, чем приступить к обслуживанию системы.

OSTRZE¯ENIE: System ten mo¿e mieæ wiêcej ni¿ jeden kabel zasilania. Aby zmniejszyæ ryzyko pora¿enia pr¹dem, przed napraw¹ lub konserwacj¹ systemu wszystkie kable zasilania powinny byæ od³¹czone przez przeszkolonego technika obs³ugi.

ADVARSEL! Det er mulig at dette systemet har mer enn én strømledning. Unngå fare for støt: En erfaren servicetekniker må koble fra alle strømledninger før det utføres service på systemet.

VARNING: Detta system kan ha flera nätkablar. En behörig servicetekniker måste koppla loss alla nätkablar innan service utförs för att minska risken för elektriska stötar.

Additional Safety Precautions

To reduce the risk of bodily injury, electrical shock, fire, and damage to the equipment, observe the following precautions.

General Precautions

Observe the following general precautions for using and working with your system:

• Observe and follow service markings. Do not service any Dell product except as

explained in your Dell system documentation. Opening or removing covers that are marked with the triangular symbol with a lightning bolt may expose you to electrical shock. Components inside these compartments should be serviced only by a Dell authorized service technician.

• If any of the following conditions occur, unplug the product from the electrical

outlet and replace the part or contact your Dell authorized service provider:

— The power cable, extension cord, or plug is damaged.

— An object has fallen into the product.

— The product has been exposed to water.

— The product has been dropped or damaged.

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— The product does not operate correctly when you follow the operating

instructions.

• Keep your system components away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do

not block cooling vents.

• Do not spill food or liquids on your system components, and never operate the

product in a wet environment. If the computer gets wet, see the appropriate section in your troubleshooting guide or contact a Dell-authorized service provider.

• Do not push any objects into the openings of your system components. Doing so

can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

• Use the product only with Dell products or other Dell-approved equipment.

• Allow the product to cool before removing covers or touching internal

components.

• Use the correct external power source. Operate the product only from the type

of power source indicated on the electrical ratings label. If you are not sure of the type of power source required, consult your Dell service provider or local power company.

• To help avoid damaging your system components, be sure the voltage selection

switch (if provided) on the power supply is set to match the power available at your location:

— 115 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some Far

Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan

— 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan

— 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East

Also be sure that your monitor and attached peripherals are electrically rated to operate with the power available in your location.

• Use only approved power cable(s). If you have not been provided with a power

cable for your computer or storage system or for any AC-powered option intended for your system, purchase a power cable that is approved for use in your country. The power cable must be rated for the product and for the voltage and current marked on the product’s electrical ratings label. The voltage and current rating of the cable should be greater than the ratings marked on the product.

• To help prevent electric shock, plug the system components and peripheral

power cables into properly grounded electrical outlets. These cables are equipped with three-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cord, use a three-wire cord with properly grounded plugs.

• Observe extension cord and power strip ratings. Make sure that the total ampere

rating of all products plugged into the extension cord or power strip does not exceed 80 percent of the extension cord or power strip ampere ratings limit.

• Do not use appliance/voltage converters or kits sold for appliances with your Dell

product.

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• To help protect your system components from sudden, transient increases and

decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

• Position cables and power cords carefully; route cables and the power cord and

plug so that they cannot be stepped on or tripped over. Be sure that nothing rests on your system components’ cables or power cord.

• Do not modify power cables or plugs. Consult a licensed electrician or your

power company for site modifications. Always follow your local/national wiring rules.

• To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning

off the system before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.

• Handle batteries carefully. Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external

contacts, dispose of in fire or water, or expose batteries to temperatures higher than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not attempt to open or ser vice batteries; replace batteries only with batteries designated for the product.

• Turn down the volume before using headphones or other audio devices.

Precautions for Server and Storage Systems

Follow the additional safety guidelines for your system:

• Unless your installation and/or troubleshooting documentation specifically allows

it, do not remove enclosure covers, attempt to override the safety interlocks, or access any components inside the system. Depending on your system, installa tion and repairs may be done only by individuals who are qualified to service your computer or storage system equipment and trained to deal with products capa ble of producing hazardous energy levels.

• When connecting or disconnecting power to hot-pluggable power supplies, if

offered with your Dell product, observe the following guidelines:

— Install the power supply before connecting the power cable to the power

supply.

— Unplug the power cable before removing the power supply.

— If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the sys-

tem by unplugging all power cables from the power supplies.

• Move products with care; ensure that all casters and/or stabilizers are firmly con-

nected to the computer or storage system. Avoid sudden stops and uneven surfaces.

Precautions for Rack-Mountable Products

Observe the following precautions for rack stability and safety. Also refer to the rack installation documentation accompanying the system and the rack for specific warn ing and/or caution statements and procedures.

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WARNING: Installing Dell system components in a Dell rack without the front and side stabilizers installed could cause the rack to tip over, potentially resulting in bodily injury under certain circumstances. Therefore, always install the stabilizers before installing components in the rack.

After installing system components in a rack, never pull more than one component out of the rack on its slide assemblies at one time. The weight of more than one extended component could cause the rack to tip over and injure someone.

NOTE: Dell’s server and storage systems are certified as components for use in Dell’s rack cabinet using the Dell customer rack kit. The final installation of Dell systems and rack kits in any other brand of rack cabinet has not been approved by any safety agen cies. It is the customer’s responsibility to have the final combination of Dell systems and rack kits for use in other brands of rack cabinets evaluated for suitability by a certi fied safety agency.

• System rack kits are intended to be installed in a Dell rack by trained service tech-

nicians. If you install the kit in any other rack, be sure that the rack meets the specifications of a Dell rack.

• Do not move large racks by yourself. Due to the height and weight of the rack,

Dell recommends a minimum of two people to accomplish this task.

• Before working on the rack, make sure that the stabilizers are secure to the rack,

extend to the floor, and that the full weight of the rack rests on the floor. Install front and side stabilizers on a single rack or front stabilizers for joined multiple racks before working on the rack.

• Always load the rack from the bottom up, and load the heaviest item in the rack

first.

• Make sure that the rack is level and stable before extending a component from

the rack.

• Extend only one component at a time from the rack.

• Use caution when pressing the component rail release latches and sliding a com-

ponent into or out of a rack; the slide rails can pinch your fingers.

• After a component is inserted into the rack, carefully extend the rail into a locking

position, and then slide the component into the rack.

• Do not overload the AC supply branch circuit that provides power to the rack. The

total rack load should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.

• Ensure that proper airflow is provided to components in the rack.

• Do not step on or stand on any system/component when servicing other

systems/components in a rack.

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Precautions for Products With Modems, Telecommunications, or Local Area Network Options

Observe the following guidelines when working with options:

• Do not connect or use a modem or telephone during a lightning storm. There

may be a risk of electrical shock from lightning.

• Never connect or use a modem or telephone in a wet environment.

• Do not plug a modem or telephone cable into the network interface controller

(NIC) receptacle.

• Disconnect the modem cable before opening a product enclosure, touching or

installing internal components, or touching an uninsulated modem cable or jack.

• Do not use a telephone line to report a gas leak while you are in the vicinity of the

leak.

Precautions for Products With Laser Devices

Observe the following precautions for laser devices:

• Do not open any panels, operate controls, make adjustments, or perform proce-

dures on a laser device other than those specified in the product’s documentation.

• Only authorized service technicians should repair laser devices.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before you remove the computer covers, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

NOTICE: Some Dell systems can be serviced only by trained service technicians because of high voltages and energy hazards. Do not attempt to service the computer system yourself, except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.

NOTICE: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the system before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.

1. Turn off your computer and any peripherals.

2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

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3. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.

In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

• 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 dis connecting 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 that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

• Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components or con-

tacts 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.

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your 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.

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 from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component in your 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 notice may appear throughout this document to remind you of these precautions:

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

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Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.

CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain.

For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when you set up and use your computer system:

• Position your system so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you

as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard.

• Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters

[20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).

• Make sure that the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you sit in

front of the monitor.

• Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and the lighting

around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the monitor screen.

• Use a chair that provides good lower back support.

• Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position

while you use the keyboard or mouse.

• Always leave space to rest your hands while you use the keyboard or mouse.

• Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.

• Sit erect, with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.

• When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the

front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.

• Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to

type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that use both hands.

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1 Monitor screen at or below eye level

2 Wrists relaxed and flat

3 Arms at desk level

4 Feet flat on the floor

5 Monitor and keyboard positioned directly in front of user

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Preface

About This Guide

This guide is intended for anyone who wants to upgrade or troubleshoot a Dell PowerEdge 2400 computer system. Before calling Dell for technical assistance, fol low the recommended procedure(s) in this guide to solve most hardware and software problems yourself. The sections are summarized as follows:

• Chapter 1, "Introduction" — Overview of the system's service features.

• Chapter 2, "Checking the Basics" — Initial checks and procedures used to solve

basic system problems and information on more detailed troubleshooting procedures to solve more complex problems.

• Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes" — System messages, system beep codes,

warning messages, diagnostics messages, alert log messages, and small computer system interface (SCSI) hard-disk drive indicator codes.

• Chapter 4, "Finding Software Solutions" — Software-related problems or prob-

lems after testing the computer's hardware.

• Chapter 5, "Running the Dell Diagnostics" — Hardware-related problems.

• Chapter 6, "Checking the Equipment," and Chapter 7, "Checking Inside the Com-

puter" — Troubleshooting procedures for equipment connected to the input/ output (I/O) panel of the computer and components inside the computer, respectively. "Checking Inside the Computer" also provides information on removing the computer covers.

• Chapter 8, "Installing System Board Options," Chapter 9, "Installing Drives in the

External Bays," Chapter 10, "Installing Hard-Disk Drives," and Appendix B, "Installing Redundant Power Supplies" — Installation or removal of system components, such as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), microprocessors, expansion cards, and SCSI devices.

• Chapter 11, "Getting Help" — Help tools Dell provides to assist with computer

problems and explanations on how and when to call Dell for technical assistance. 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 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 filled-out checklist.

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• Appendix A, "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors" — Jumper or switch settings

to change when troubleshooting the system or adding internal options.

• “Abbreviations and Acronyms” — Abbreviations and acronyms used throughout

this guide and in other Dell documentation for the system.

Introduction

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2400 computer systems are high-speed servers that offer significant service and upgrade features. These systems include the following service features to make troubleshooting and repair easy and effective:

• Dell Diagnostics, which checks for hardware problems (if the system can boot)

• Embedded server management hardware, which monitors temperatures and

voltages throughout the system and notifies you if the system overheats, if a system cooling fan malfunctions, or a power supply fails

• Optional redundant, hot-plug power supplies

The Dell PowerEdge 2400 system chassis simplifies removing and replacing computer components. You can perform processor and memory upgrades 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 following upgrade options are offered for the Dell PowerEdge 2400 systems:

• Additional microprocessors

• Additional memory

• An integrated redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) controller

• A 1 x 6 or 1 x 4 SCSI backplane

• A variety of expansion-card options

• Dual redundant, hot-plug power supplies

• A Dell OpenManage Remote Assistant Card 2 (DRAC 2) for advanced server

management

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CHAPTER 2

Checking the Basics

If your Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2400 system is not working as expected, begin troubleshooting using the procedures in this section. This section guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve basic computer problems. It can also direct you to the appropriate section 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.

Backing Up Files

If the system is behaving erratically, back up the files on the hard-disk drives immediately. See the documentation that came with the operating system for instructions on how to back up the files.

Basic 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 OpenManage™ Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server management application program?

Ye s . Go to "Alert Log Messages From the Dell OpenManage HIP Application Pro- gram" in Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes."

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.

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3. Perform the steps in the next section, "Checking Connections and Switches."

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. Follow the procedures described in "Look and Listen," found later in this chapter.

Did the 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 "System Messages" in Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes.”

No. Go to step 6.

6. Verify the settings in the System Setup program. (See Chapter 4, “Using the System Setup Program,” in your User’s Guide.

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 Dell Diagnostics. (See Chapter 5, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”)

Checking 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

the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily solve these problems.

all

Figure 2-1 shows the back-panel connections on the computer. Figure 2-2 shows the front-panel controls and indicators on the computer.

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Figure 2-1. Back-Panel Features

1 Optional redundant power supplies (2)

2 AC power receptacle(s)

3 Parallel port connector

4 Serial port 1

5 Serial port 2

6 Mouse connector

7 Keyboard connector

8 Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors (2)

9 Network interface controller (NIC) connector

10 Video connector

11 Expansion slots (6)

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Figure 2-2. Front-Panel Features

1 System alert indicator

2 Drive fault indicator

3 Drive access indicator

4 Reset button

5 Power button

6 Power indicator

7 Diskette drive

8 Keylock

9 CD-ROM drive

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To check all the connections and switches, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals (such as the monitor, keyboard, printer, external drives, scanners, and plotters). Disconnect all the AC power cables from their electrical outlets.

2. If the computer is connected to a power strip (or power distribution unit), turn the power strip off and then on again.

Is the power strip receiving 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 receiving power?

Ye s . The original electrical outlet probably does not function. Use a different elec- trical outlet.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Plug a different system into the electrical outlet.

Does the system receive power?

Ye s . The power strip is probably not functioning properly. Use another power strip.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet or power strip.

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, "Checking the Equipment."

8. Is the keyboard operating properly?

Ye s . Go to step 9.

No. Go to "Troubleshooting the Keyboard" in Chapter 6, "Checking the

Equipment."

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9. Are the mouse and printer operating properly?

Ye s . Continue with "Look and Listen" found next in this section.

No. Go to "Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions" in Chapter 6, "Checking the

Equipment."

Look 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

Look/Listen for: Action

An error message See Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes."

Alert messages from the Dell OpenManage HIP software

The monitor's power indicator Most monitors have a power indicator (usu-

The keyboard indicators Most keyboards have one or more indicators

The diskette-drive access indicator The diskette-drive access indicator should

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

The server management software has detected a problem inside the computer. See "Alert Log Messages From the Dell OpenManage HIP Application Program" in Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes."

ally on the front bezel). If the monitor's power indicator does not come on, see "Troubleshooting the Monitor" in Chapter 6, "Checking the Equipment."

(usually in the upper-right corner). Press the <Num Lock> key, the <Caps Lock> key, or the <Scroll Lock> key to toggle their respective keyboard indicators on and off. If the indicators do not light up, see "Troubleshooting the Keyboard" in Chapter 6, "Checking the Equipment."

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, "Checking Inside the Computer."

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Table 2-1. Boot Routine Indications (continued)

Look/Listen for: Action

The hard-disk drive activity indicators

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 ating system, you can test the drive by opening Windows

Windows NT® oper-

Explorer and clicking 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, "Checking Inside the Computer."

A series of beeps See "System Beep Codes" in Chapter 3,

"Messages and Codes."

An unfamiliar constant scraping or grinding sound when you access a drive

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 obtaining technical assistance from Dell.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

The 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 does not 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 setting, and reboot the sys tem. See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for detailed instructions on using the System Setup program.

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The Resource 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 Resource Configuration Utility. Although the Resource Configuration Utility can read changes from the System Setup program, changes are not recorded into configuration memory until you run the Resource Configuration Utility and save the new information. See Chapter 5, "Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the User's Guide for detailed instructions on using the Resource Configuration Utility and saving new information.

If after using the Resource Configuration Utility you have not resolved the problem, see Chapter 5, "Running the Dell Diagnostics."

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CHAPTER 3

Messages and Codes

Applications, 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

• Small computer system interface (SCSI) hard-disk drive indicator codes

This section 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.

System Messages

System messages alert you to a possible operating system problem or to a conflict between the software and hardware. Table 3-1 lists the system error messages that can occur and the probable cause for each message.

NOTE: If you receive a system message that is not listed in Table 3-1, check the documentation for the application that is running when the message appears and/or the operating system documentation for an explanation of the message and recom mended action.

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Table 3-1. System Messages

Message Cause Corrective Action

Address mark not found Faulty diskette/tape drive sub-

system or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board)

Alert! Maximum memory size exceeded. Limiting

System supports up to 2 MB of memory

memory size to 2 MB

Alert! Unsupported memory in DIMM slot(s)n

Alert! Single-bit memory error previously detected

Unsupported DIMM(s) installed in specified slot(s)

Improperly seated or faulty DIMMs

in xxxx xxxxh

Alert! Uncorrectable memory error previously

Improperly seated or faulty DIMMs

detected in xxxx xxxxh

Attachment failed to respond

Diskette drive or hard-disk drive controller cannot send data to associated drive

Replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Remove one or more DIMMs so that all DIMMS are the same type.

Replace one or more DIMMs so that all DIMMs are the same type.

Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Replace the drive's interface cable.

Auxiliary device failure Mouse cable connector loose or

improperly connected, defective mouse

Bad error-correction code(ECC) on disk read

Controller has failed

CPUs with different level 2 cache sizes detected

Faulty diskette/tape drive subsystem or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board)

Two different types of microprocessors are installed

Check the mouse cable connection. If the problem persists, replace the mouse.

Replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Install a correct version of the micorprocessor so both micro processors have the same level 2 cache size.

Data error Faulty diskette, diskette drive, or

hard-disk drive

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

3-2 Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Replace the diskette, diskette drive, or hard-disk drive.

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Table 3-1. System Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

Decreasing available memory

Diskette drive 0 seek failure

Diskette drive 1 seek failure

One or more DIMMs improperly seated or faulty

Faulty or improperly inserted diskette, incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, loose diskette/tape drive interface cable, or loose power cable

Diskette read failure Faulty diskette, faulty or improp-

erly connected diskette/tape drive interface cable, or loose power cable

Diskette subsystem reset failed

Faulty diskette/tape drive controller (defective system board)

Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Replace the diskette. Run the System Setup program to correct the diskette drive type. See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions. Check the diskette/tape drive interface cable and power cable connections to the drive.

Check the diskette/tape drive interface cable and power cable connections to the drive. See Chapter 9, "Installing Drives in the External Bays." Replace the diskette-drive interface cable.

Replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Diskette write protected Diskette write-protect feature

activated

Drive not ready Diskette missing from or improp-

Move the write-protect tab on the diskette.

Reinsert or replace the diskette.

erly inserted in diskette drive

Embedded server management error

Embedded server management is not present

Embedded server management memory may be temporarily corrupted

Shut down the system to clear the memory, and then restart the system. If the problem persists, see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Gate A20 failure Faulty keyboard controller (defec-

tive system board)

Replace the system board. 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 "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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Table 3-1. System Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

General failure Operating system corrupted or

not installed properly

Hard disk controller failure

Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, improp erly connected hard-disk drive, faulty hard-disk drive controller subsystem (defective system board), or loose power cable

Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program

Incorrect ISA_CLR jumper configuration, incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or faulty battery

Invalid CPU speed detected

Microprocessor not supported by system

Reinstall the operating system.

Check the hard-disk drive configu-

ration settings in the System Setup program. See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions. Reinstall the harddisk drive. Check the interface cable and power cable connections to the backplane board. See Chapter 10, "Installing Hard-Disk Drives."

Remove the plug from the ISA_CLR jumper. See Appendix A, "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors," for instructions. Check the System Setup configuration settings. See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions. Replace the battery. See Chapter 8, "Installing System Board Options."

Install a correct version of the microprocessor in the specified microprocessor connector.

Invalid NVRAM configuration, resource reallocated

System detected and corrected a resource conflict when system resources were allocated using

No action is required.

the Resource Configuration Utility

I/O parity interrupt at

address

Expansion card improperly installed or faulty

Reinstall the expansion cards (see Chapter 8, "Installing System Board Options"). If the problem persists, replace the expansion card.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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Table 3-1. System Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

Keyboard failure Keyboard cable connector loose

or improperly connected, defec tive keyboard, or defective keyboard/mouse controller (defective system board)

Keyboard controller failure

Keyboard data line failure

Keyboard stuck key failure

Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value

Defective keyboard/mouse controller (defective system board)

Keyboard cable connector loose or improperly connected, defective keyboard, or defective keyboard/mouse controller (defective system board)

Faulty or improperly seated DIMMs or defective system board

Memory double word logic failure at address, read value expecting value

Memory odd/even logic failure at address, read value expecting value

Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value

Check the keyboard cable con-

nection. Replace the keyboard. If the problem persists, replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Check the keyboard cable connection. Replace the keyboard. If the problem persists, replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Memory allocation error Faulty application Restart the application.

Memory parity interrupt at address

Improperly seated or faulty DIMMs

Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Memory tests terminated by keystroke

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

support.dell.com Messages and Codes 3-5

POST memory test terminated by pressing the spacebar

No action is required.

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Table 3-1. System Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

No boot device available Faulty diskette, diskette/tape

drive subsystem, hard-disk drive, hard-disk drive subsystem, or no boot disk in drive A

Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. If the problem persists, replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No boot sector on harddisk drive

Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or no operating system on hard-disk drive

Check the hard-disk drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Pro

gram," in the User's Guide for instructions.

No timer tick interrupt Defective system board Replace the system board. See

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Non-system disk or disk error

Faulty diskette, diskette/tape drive subsystem, or hard-disk drive subsystem

Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. If the problem persists, replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Not a boot diskette No operating system on diskette Use a bootable diskette.

Processor or terminator card not installed!

No microprocessor or terminator card installed in secondary microprocessor connector

Install a terminator card or microprocessor in the secondary microprocessor connector. See Chapter 8, "Installing System Board Options" for instructions.

Read fault

Requested sector not found

Faulty diskette, diskette/tape drive subsystem, or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective sys tem board)

Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. If the problem persists,

replace the system board. 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 "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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Table 3-1. System Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

Reset failed Improperly connected diskette/

tape drive, hard-disk drive, or power cable

Check the diskette/tape drive interface cable and power cable connections to the diskette drive. See Chapter 9, "Installing Drives in the External Bays." Replace the diskette/tape drive interface cable. Reinstall the hard-disk drive. Check the interface cable and power cable connections to the backplane board. See Chapter 10, " Installing Hard-Disk Drives."

ROM bad checksum =

address

Expansion card improperly installed or faulty

Reinstall the expansion cards (see Chapter 8, "Installing System Board Options"). If the problem persists, replace the expansion card.

Sector not found Defective sectors on diskette or

hard-disk drive

Seek error Defective sectors on diskette or

hard-disk drive

Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive.

Seek operation failed Faulty diskette or hard-disk drive Replace the diskette or hard-disk

drive.

Shutdown failure Defective system board Replace the system board. See

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Time-of-day clock stopped Defective battery or faulty chip

(defective system board)

Replace the system battery. If the problem persists, replace the system board. 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 "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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Table 3-1. System Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

Time-of-day not set please run SETUP program

Timer chip counter 2 failed

Unexpected interrupt in protected mode

Unsupported CPU detected in SLOT n

Unsupported CPU speed detected!

Incorrect Time or Date settings or defective system battery

Check the Time and Date settings. See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the

User's Guide

for instructions. If the problem persists, replace the system battery. If the problem still persists, replace the I/O board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Defective system board Replace the system board. See

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Improperly seated DIMMs or faulty keyboard/mouse controller chip (defective system board)

Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. If the problem still persists, replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Microprocessor not supported by system

Install a correct version of the microprocessor in the specified microprocessor connector.

Unsupported CPU speed in CMOS

Microprocessor not supported by BIOS

Upgrade the BIOS. See Chapter

4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

Unsupported DIMM installed in the RAID

RAID DIMM not supported by system

Install a correct version of the RAID DIMM.

DIMM slot!

Unsupported RAID key detected!

Utility partition not available

RAID hardware key not supported by system

<F10> key was pressed during POST, but no utility partition exists on the boot hard-disk drive

Install the RAID hardware key for your specific system.

Create a utility partition on the boot hard-disk drive. See “Using

Assistant CD” in your User’s Guide.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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Table 3-1. System Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

Warning! Detected mode switch from RAID to SCSI on the onboard RAID chan nel. Potential for data loss exists! Press Y to confirm the change; press any other key to cancel.

Write fault

Write fault on selected drive

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Mode of integrated RAID controller has changed from RAID to

SCSI since previous system boot

Faulty diskette or hard-disk drive Replace the diskette or hard-disk

Back up information on the harddisk drives before changing the mode of operation of the inte grated SCSI controller.

drive.

System Beep Codes

When an error that cannot be reported on the monitor occurs during a boot routine, 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 technical support representative if you need to call for technical assistance.

NOTE: If the system boots without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached, the computer will not issue beep codes related to these peripheerals.

When a beep code is emitted, record it on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in Chapter 11, "Getting Help," 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 Dell 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.

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Table 3-2. System Beep Codes

Code Cause Corrective Action

1-1-3 CMOS write/read failure Replace the system board. See

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-1-4 BIOS checksum failure This fatal error usually requires that

you replace the BIOS firmware. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-2-1 Programmable interval-timer

failure

Replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-2-2 DMA initialization failure

1-2-3 DMA page register write/read

failure

1-3-1 Main-memory refresh verifica-

tion failure

1-3-2 No memory installed Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If

the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. If the problem still persists, replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-3-3

Chip or data line failure in the first 64 KB of main memory

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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Table 3-2. System Beep Codes (continued)

Code Cause Corrective Action

1-3-4 Odd/even logic failure in the first

64 KB of main memory

1-4-1 Address line failure in the first

64 KB of main memory

1-4-2 Parity failure in the first 64 KB of

main memory

2-1-1 through

Bit failure in the first 64 KB of main memory

2-4-4

3-1-1 Slave DMA-register failure Replace the system board. See

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

3-1-2 Master DMA-register failure

3-1-3 Master interrupt-mask register

failure

3-1-4 Slave interrupt-mask register

failure

3-2-4 Keyboard-controller test failure Run the keyboard test in the Dell

Diagnostics to determine whether the keyboard or keyboard controller is faulty. If the keyboard controller is faulty, replace the system board. 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 "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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Table 3-2. System Beep Codes (continued)

Code Cause Corrective Action

3-3-1 CMOS failure Run the system board test in the

Dell Diagnostics to isolate the problem.

3-3-2 System configuration check

failure

Replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

3-3-3 Keyboard controller not

detected

3-3-4 Screen initialization failure Run the video test in the Dell

Diagnostics.

3-4-2 Screen-retrace test failure

3-4-3 Search for video ROM failure

4-2-1 No timer tick Replace the system board. See

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-2-2 Shutdown failure

4-2-3 Gate A20 failure Replace the system board. See

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in pro-

tected mode

Ensure that all expansion cards are properly seated, and then reboot the system.

4-3-1 Improperly seated or faulty

DIMMs

4-3-3 Defective system board Replace the system board. See

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

3-12 Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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Table 3-2. System Beep Codes (continued)

Code Cause Corrective Action

4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped Replace the battery. If the problem

persists, replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-4-1 Super I/O chip failure (defective

system board)

4-4-2 Parallel-port test failure (defec-

tive system board)

4-4-3 Math coprocessor failure (defec-

tive microprocessor)

4-4-4 Cache test failure (defective

microprocessor)

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Replace the system board. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Remove and reseat the specified microprocessor. If the problem still persists, replace the microprocessor. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Warning Messages

A warning message alerts you to a possible problem and asks you to take corrective action before the system continues a task. 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 pro tect against inadvertently erasing or writing over the data. These warning messages usually interrupt the procedure and require you to respond by typing y (yes) or n (no).

NOTE: Warning messages are generated by either the application program or the operating system. See Chapter 4, "Finding Software Solutions," and the documentation that accompanied the operating system and application program for more information on warning messages.

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Diagnostics Messages

When you run a test group or subtest in the Dell Diagnostics, an error message may result. These particular error messages are not covered in this section. Record the message on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see Chapter 11, “Getting Help”), and then follow the instructions in that section for obtaining technical assistance.

Alert Log Messages From the Dell OpenManage™ HIP Application

The Dell Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server management application program generates alert messages that 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.)

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.

3-3 lists some of the alert log messages from the Dell HIP application.

Tab le

Table 3-3. Dell HIP Application Alert Log Messages

Message Cause Corrective Action

Automatic management noti fication has occurred

Chassis intrusion detected*

Fan sensor detected a failure*

* Supported for local server action

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

The server stopped functioning and

called the notification number specified in the DC Console Actions tab.

The chassis of an attached system has been opened.

A failure of one or more fans was detected by the thermal-monitoring facility in the specified server. If possi ble, the chassis number and fan number are provided.

The server will reboot if the Reset or

Power Cycle option was selected in the Action on Hung Server Notification section of the System Console Sys tem tab. If neither option was selected,

the system can be reset using the Remote Management feature in the Dell Remote Assistant.

Check to make sure the system chassis is closed.

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 is still not resolved, see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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Table 3-3. Dell HIP Application Alert Log Messages (continued)

Message Cause Corrective Action

Fan sensor warning detected*

Memory ECC fault detected

Temperature sensor detected a failure*

Temperature sensor warning detected*

A fan sensor reading on the specified server has exceeded the user-settable warning thresholds. If possible, the chassis number and fan number are provided.

An ECC error has occurred in system memory.

A temperature probe on the backplane board, system board, or drive carrier in the specified server has exceeded its temperature failure range. If possible, the chassis number and probe number are provided.

A temperature probe on the backplane board, system board, or drive carrier in the specified server has exceeded its temperature warning range. If possible, the chassis number and probe number are provided.

Check for a possible blockage of or inadequate ventilation around the fan. If the fan is not blocked and ventilation is adequate, check fan connections. If the problem is still not resolved, see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Run the appropriate memory test(s) from the Dell Diagnostics. See Chapter 5, “Running the Dell Diagnostics.”

Check for a fan failure. If needed, replace the fan. Otherwise, turn off the system and see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Make sure the fan thresholds are set in a reasonable range. Check for a fan failure. Make sure the computer cover is properly installed. If the problem persists, turn off the system and see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Voltage sensor detected a failure*

Voltage sensor warning detected*

A failure has occurred with the system power supply or voltage probe(s) on the system board. If possible, the chassis number and probe number are provided.

The voltage probe on the backplane board, system board, or power supply for the specified server has exceeded its warning range. If possible, the chas sis number and probe number are provided.

Check the power supply and backplane board connections. If the power supply is connected properly, see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Make sure the user-settable voltage thresholds are set correctly. If the problem persists, check the power supply

and backplane board connections. If the power supply is connected properly, see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

* Supported for local server action

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Codes

If a redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) controller such as the optional PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller (PERC) 2/Si controller is installed in the sys tem, three light-emitting diode (LED) indicators on each of the hard-disk drive carriers provide information on the status of the SCSI hard-disk drives (see Figure 3-1). The SCSI backplane firmware controls the drive online and drive failure indicators.

Figure 3-1. Hard-Disk Drive Indicators

1 Drive online indicator

2 Drive activity indicator

3 Drive failure indicator

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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, followed by the "drive online" pattern.

NOTE: If you do not have a RAID controller installed, you will see only the "drive online" and "drive bay empty" indicator patterns.

Table 3-4. SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Patterns

Condition Indicator Code

Identify drive All three drive status indicators blink

simultaneously.

Drive being prepared for removal

Drive ready for insertion or

The three drive status indicators flash sequentially.

All three drive status indicators are off.

removal

Drive being prepared for operation

The drive online indicator is on. The drive activity light may flash briefly.

Drive bay empty All three drive status indicators are off.

Drive predicted failure The drive online indicator is on. The drive failure

indicator blinks on briefly each second.

Drive failed The drive online indicator turns off. The drive fail-

ure indicator blinks off briefly each second.

Drive rebuilding The drive online indicator blinks rapidly.

Drive online The drive online indicator is on.

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CHAPTER 4

Finding Software Solutions

Because most computer systems 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 system problem is caused by software by running the system board Diagnostics”). If all tests in the test group are completed successfully, the problem is most likely caused by software.

tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Chapter 5, “Running the Dell

This section 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.

Installing and Configuring Software

Use virus-scanning software to check newly acquired application programs and files for viruses before you install the programs on the computer's hard-disk drive. Viruses 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 available for purchase.

Before you install a program, 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.

The software installation routine assists you 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. Always read the installation instructions before running a program's installation routine.

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When you run the installation routine, be prepared to respond to prompts for information about how the computer's operating system is configured, what type of computer you have, and what peripheral devices are connected to the computer.

Using Software

The following subsections discuss errors that can occur as a result of software operation or configuration.

Error Messages

Error messages can be produced by an application program, the operating system, or the computer. Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes," provides information about the error messages that are generated by the computer. If you receive an error message that is not listed in Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes," check the operating system or application program documentation.

Input Errors

If you press a specific key or set of keys 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 these programs are the cause of the problem.

Device drivers, which are programs that use specialized subroutines, can 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 alternate method of running that particular program—by creating a start-up file made especially for that program, for example. Call the support service for the software you are using to help you with this problem.

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 IRQ line's default for each installed expansion card. Then consult Table 4-1 to configure the card for one of the available IRQ lines.

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Table 4-1. IRQ Line Assignment Defaults

IRQ Line Used By/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 2

IRQ3 Used by serial port 2 (COM2 and COM4) or PCI device

IRQ4 Used by serial port 1 (COM1 and COM3) or PCI device

IRQ5 Available unless used by a secondary parallel port

IRQ6 Used by the diskette drive controller

IRQ7 Used by the primary parallel port or PCI device

IRQ8 Used by the RTC

IRQ9 Used by ACPI

IRQ10 Available

IRQ11 Available

IRQ12 Used by the PS/2 mouse port

IRQ13 Reserved for floating-point errors

IRQ14 Available

IRQ15 Used by ESM

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

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CHAPTER 5

Running the Dell™ Diagnostics

Unlike many diagnostic programs, the Dell 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. If you find a problem that you cannot solve by yourself, the diagnostic tests can provide you with important information you will need when talking to Dell's technical assistance representative.

NOTICE: Use the Dell Diagnostics to test only Dell computer systems. If you use this program with other computers, incorrect computer responses or error messages may result.

Features of the Dell Diagnostics

The Dell Diagnostics provides a series of menus and options from which you choose particular device groups or devices. You can also control the sequence in which the tests are run. The diagnostic menus 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 is repeated

• The ability to display or print 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

• Help messages that briefly describe each test and its parameters

• Status messages that inform you whether device group or device tests are com-

pleted successfully

• Error messages that appear if any problems are detected

When to Use the Dell 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, and diskette drive) are working, you can use the Dell Diagnostics. If you know what

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component(s) you need to test, simply select the appropriate diagnostic device group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about the scope of the problem, read the rest of the information in this section.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics

You can run the Dell Diagnostics from either the utility partition on your hard-disk drive or from a set of diskettes that you create from the Dell OpenManage Server

Assistant

To run the diagnostics from the utility partition, perform the following steps:

1. Start the utility partition by pressing <F10> during the power-on self-test (POST).

2. From the utility partition's main menu, select the Run System Diagnostics

See "Utility Partition" in Chapter 2, "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant," in the User's Guide for additional information about the utility partition.

To run the Dell Diagnostics from the diskettes, perform the following steps:

1. Create a set of diagnostics diskettes using the Dell OpenManage Server Assis-

CD.

option from Run System Utilities.

tant CD.

See "Utility Partition" in Chapter 2, "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD," in the User's Guide for information on creating diskettes.

2. Boot the system from the first diagnostics diskette.

If the system fails to boot, see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

When you start the diagnostics, the Dell logo screen appears, followed by a message telling you that the diagnostics is loading. Before the diagnostics loads into memory, a program tests the random-access memory (RAM) that will be used by the diagnostics.

If no errors are found in the RAM, the diagnostics loads, and the Diagnostics menu appears. The menu allows you to run all or specific diagnostic tests or to exit the Dell Diagnostics.

NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, you may want to start the Dell Diagnostics so that you can see it on your monitor screen.

For a quick check of the system, select Quickly Test All Devices. This option runs only the device tests that do not require user interaction and that do not take a long time to run. Dell recommends that you choose this option first to increase the chance of tracing the source of the problem quickly. For a complete check of the system, select Fully Test All Devices. To check a particular area of the system, choose Select Devices to Test.

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Selecting Exit to MS-DOS exits the diagnostics and returns you to your operating system environment.

To select an option from the Diagnostics menu, highlight the option and press <Enter>, or press the key that corresponds to the highlighted letter in the option you choose.

How to Use the Dell Diagnostics

When you select Select Devices to Test from the Diagnostics menu, the main screen of the diagnostics appears.

Information on the main screen of the diagnostics is presented in the following areas:

• Two lines at the top of the main screen identify the diagnostics and give its ver-

sion number.

• On the left side of the screen, the Device Groups area lists the diagnostic device

groups in the order they will run if you select All under the Run Tests submenu. Press the up- or down-arrow key to highlight a device group.

• On the right side of the screen, the Devices for Highlighted Group area lists the

specific devices within a particular test group.

• Two lines at the bottom of the screen make up the menu area. The first line lists

the menu options you can select; press the left- or right-arrow key to highlight an option. The second line gives information about the highlighted option.

How to Use the Device Groups Menu

The Device Groups menu at the bottom of the screen provides options that enable you to select and run specific diagnostic tests from the diagnostics main screen. Press the left- and right-arrow keys to select the options on the menu. As you move from one menu option to another, a brief explanation of the highlighted option appears on the bottom line of the screen.

If you want more information about a device group or device, highlight the About option and press <Enter>. After you read the information, press <Esc> to return to the previous screen.

Device Groups Menu Options

Five options are listed at the bottom of the diagnostics main screen: Run Tests, Devices, Select, Config, and Help.

There are two ways to select a menu option:

• Look on the screen to see which letter in the option is capitalized, and type that

letter (for example, type r to select the Run option).

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• Move the highlight to the option you want to select by pressing the left- or right-

arrow key, and then press <Enter>.

Whenever one of the options is selected, additional choices become available.

The following subsections explain the menu options as listed from left to right in the Device Groups menu.

Run Tests

Run Tests displays seven options: One, All, Select, Options, Results, Errors, and Help. If you select One, all the devices within the highlighted device group are run. If

you select All, all of the tests in all of the device group tests are run. (The device group tests are run in the same order as they are listed.) If you choose Select, only the selected device groups or the devices that you selected within the device groups are run. Before you test any device groups or devices, consider setting global parame ters within Options. Global parameters offer you greater control over how the device group tests or device tests are run and how results are reported. Help displays a series of help options, including Menu, Keys, Device, Group, and Te s t .

Devices

Most of the device groups consist of several devices. Use the Devices option to select individual devices within the device group(s).

When you select Devices, the following options are displayed: Run Tests, Tests, Select, Parameters, and Help. Table 5-1 lists all of the possible values for each option.

Table 5-1. Devices Options

Option Functions

Run Tests Displays five options: Run Tests, Tests, Select, Parameters, and

Help.

Tests Allows you to select individual devices to tailor the testing process

to your particular needs. You can choose one or more devices from the list. When you choose Tests, four options are displayed: Run Tests, Select, Parameters, and Help.

Select Allows you to choose one or more devices from a particular device

group. Three options are displayed: One, All, and Help.

Parameters Determines how a particular test will be run. Table 5-2 lists all of the

possible values for each option. To change Parameters options, press the spacebar, the left- and right-arrow keys, or the plus (+) and minus (-) keys.

Help Displays a list of help topics.

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Table 5-2. Parameters Options

Option Possible Values

Number of Times to Repeat Test(s)

0001 through 9999 or 0000, which loops indefi- nitely until you press <Ctrl><Break>. The default is 1.

Maximum Errors Allowed 0000 through 9999, where 0000 means that

there is no error limit. The default is 1.

Pause for User Response Ye s , No

Allows you to decide whether tests will wait for user input.

The default is Ye s to wait for user input.

Message Logging None, Errors, All

Determines if any test results are saved to a file. The default is None.

Message Logging File Name Specifies the name of the logging file if the Mes-

sage Logging option is selected. The default is A: RESULT.

Select

The Select option in the Device Groups menu allows you to choose one or more devices from a particular device group. Three options are displayed: One, All, and Help.

Config

Choosing Config from the Device Groups menu display information about the particular device that is highlighted.

Error Messages

When you run a test in the diagnostics, error messages may result. Record the messages on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist; also see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance and informing the technical assistance representative of these messages.

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CHAPTER 6

Checking the Equipment

This section provides troubleshooting procedures for equipment that connects directly to the input/output (I/O) panel of the computer, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or printer. Before you perform any of the procedures in this section, see "Checking Connections and Switches" in Chapter 2, "Checking the Basics." Then follow the troubleshooting procedures for the equipment that is malfunctioning.

You need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:

• The Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD

• A blank, formatted diskette

• The system documentation

NOTE: When you see the question "Is the problem resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the operation that caused the problem.

Troubleshooting the Monitor

Troubleshooting video problems involves determining which of the following items is the source of the problem:

• Monitor and monitor interface cable

• Video memory

• Video logic of the computer or a video expansion card

If information on the monitor screen is displayed incorrectly or not at all, perform the following steps to solve the problem:

1. Turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.

2. Adjust the switches and controls including the horizontal and vertical position and size, as specified in the monitor's documentation, to correct the video image.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 3.

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3. Run the video tests in the Dell™ Diagnostics.

Is the monitor displaying text properly?

Ye s . Go to step 4.

No. If a video expansion card is installed in the computer, see "Troubleshooting

Expansion Cards" in Chapter 7, "Checking Inside the Computer." If no video expansion card is installed, the integrated video controller is faulty; see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4. Run the video tests in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem, or the problem is software-related. For informa- tion about installing video drivers, see Chapter 2, "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD," in the User's Guide.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.

Swap the monitor with one of the same type that is working, and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.

6. Run the video tests in the Dell Diagnostics again.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . The monitor must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instruc- tions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. If a video expansion card is installed in the computer, see "Troubleshooting Expansion Cards" in Chapter 7, "Checking Inside the Computer." If no video expansion card is installed, the integrated video controller is faulty; see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Keyboard

This procedure determines what kind of keyboard problem you may have. If a system error message indicates a keyboard problem when you start the computer system or while the Dell Diagnostics is running, perform the following steps:

1. Look at the keyboard and the keyboard cable for any signs of damage.

Press and release each key on the keyboard.

Do the keyboard and its cable appear to be free of physical damage, and do the keys work?

Ye s . Go to step 3.

No. Go to step 2.

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2. Swap the faulty keyboard with a working keyboard. To swap a faulty keyboard, unplug the keyboard cable from the computer's back panel and plug in a working keyboard.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The keyboard must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instruc- tions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 3.

3. Run the keyboard test in the Dell Diagnostics.

Can you use the keyboard to select the keyboard test?

Ye s . Go to step 5.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Swap the faulty keyboard with a working keyboard.

5. Did the keyboard test run successfully?

Ye s . The keyboard must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instruc- tions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. The keyboard controller on the system board is faulty. See Chapter 11, "Get- ting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions

This procedure determines whether the computer's basic I/O functions are operational. If a system error message indicates an I/O port problem or the device connected to the port does not function properly, perform the following steps:

1. Enter the System Setup program, and check the Serial Port 1, Serial Port 2, and Parallel Port settings.

Are the communications ports set to Enabled?

Ye s . Go to step 3.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Change the Serial Port 1, Serial Port 2, and Parallel Port settings to Enabled; then reboot the system.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 3.

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3. Check the contents of the start-up files. See "Installing and Configuring Software" in Chapter 4, "Finding Software Solutions."

Are the port configuration commands correct?

Ye s . Go to step 5.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Change the necessary statements in the start-up files. If the port problem is confined to a particular application program, see the application program's documentation for specific port configuration requirements.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Reboot the system from the diagnostics diskette, and run the serial ports test and/or the parallel ports test in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . Go to step 6.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

6. If the problem persists, go to one of the following sections, "Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer" or "Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device," depending on which device appears to be malfunctioning.

Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer

If the procedure in the preceding section, "Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions," indicates that the problem is with a parallel printer, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the parallel printer and computer.

2. Swap the parallel printer interface cable with a known working cable.

3. Turn on the parallel printer and computer.

4. Attempt a print operation on the parallel printer.

Did the print operation run successfully?

Ye s . The interface cable must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 5.

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5. Run the parallel printer's self-test.

Did the self-test run successfully?

Ye s . Go to step 6.

No. The printer is probably defective. If the printer was purchased from Dell, see

Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

6. Attempt another print operation on the parallel printer.

Did the print operation run successfully?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device

If the procedure in "Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions" found earlier in this chapter indicates that the problem is with a device connected to one of the serial ports, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the computer and any peripheral devices connected to the serial ports.

Are two serial devices connected to the computer?

Ye s . Go to step 2.

No. Go to step 4.

2. Disconnect the devices from serial ports 1 and 2, and connect the malfunctioning serial device to the opposite port.

3. Turn on the computer and the reconnected serial device.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The serial port may be defective. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instruc- tions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Swap the interface cable that connects the device to the serial port with a known working cable.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The interface cable must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 5.

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5. Turn off the computer and the serial device, and swap the device with a comparable working device.

For example, if the serial mouse has a problem, swap it with a serial mouse that you know is working properly.

6. Turn on the computer and the serial device.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The serial device must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a USB Device

If a system error message indicates a problem with the USB ports or the device connected to the port does not function properly, perform the following steps:

1. Enter the System Setup program, and check that the USB ports are enabled.

2. Turn off the computer and any devices connected to the USB ports.

Are two USB devices connected to the computer?

Ye s . Go to step 3.

No. Go to step 5.

3. Disconnect the devices from USB ports 1 and 2, and connect the malfunctioning device to the opposite port.

4. Turn on the computer and the reconnected device.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The USB port may be defective. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instruc- tions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 5.

5. If possible, swap the interface cable that connects the device to the USB port with a known working cable.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The interface cable must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 6.

6. Turn off the computer and the USB device, and swap the device with a comparable working device.

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7. Turn on the computer and the USB device.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The USB device must be replaced. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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CHAPTER 7

Checking Inside the Computer

This section provides troubleshooting procedures for components inside the computer. Before you start any of the procedures in this section, take the following steps:

• Perform the procedures described in "Checking Connections and Switches" and

"The System Setup Program" in Chapter 2, "Checking the Basics."

• Read the safety instructions in "Safety First—For You and Your Computer."

You need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:

• The Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD and a blank, formatted 3.5-inch

diskette

• The Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems User's Guide

• The key to the system keylock

NOTE: When you see the question "Is the problem resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the operation that caused the problem.

Safety First—For You and Your Computer

The procedures in this guide require that you remove the cover and work inside the computer. While working inside the computer, do not attempt to service the computer except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell™ documentation. Always follow the instructions closely.

WARNING FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THE EQUIPMENT

Before starting to work on the computer, perform the following steps in the sequence listed:

1. Turn off your computer and any peripherals (unless you are installing or removing a hard-disk drive).

2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the com puter, before touching anything inside your computer.

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3. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

4. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources (unless you are installing or removing a hard-disk drive). Also, disconnect any tele phone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

5. Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.

In addition, Dell recommends that you periodically review the safety instructions for this system.

Removing and Replacing the Computer Covers

The computer is enclosed by a front bezel and a left- and right-side cover. To troubleshoot problems inside the computer, you may need to remove the front bezel and one or both of the side covers. Removal of the right-side computer cover allows access to the system board, small computer system interface (SCSI) backplane board, and external SCSI devices. Removal of the left-side computer cover permits access to the diskette-drive interface cable.

Removing the Computer Covers

To remove the computer covers, perform the following steps:

1. Observe the precautions in "Safety First—For You and Your Computer." Also observe the safety instructions.

2. Turn the keylock on the front bezel of the computer to the unlocked position.

3. Grasp the bezel by the indentations on each side of the external drive bays and pull it slightly away from the chassis to release the two detents on the back of the bezel.

4. Pivot the bezel downward (see Figure 7-1) until it is at right angles to the computer chassis.

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Figure 7-1. Opening the Front Bezel

5. Grasp the bezel along the edge adjacent to the computer chassis and unsnap the bezel to remove it from the chassis.

6. Loosen the three thumbscrews along the front edge of either side cover (see Figure 7-2).

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Figure 7-2. Removing the Computer Covers

1 Thumbscrew (3 per cover)

2 Cover (2)

7. Slide one cover about a centimeter (a half-inch) toward the front of the computer, and grasp the top of the cover at both ends. Rotate the top edge of the cover away from the chassis, and lift it away from the chassis.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to remove the remaining side cover, if necessary.

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Replacing the Computer Covers

To replace a computer cover, perform the following steps.

NOTICE: Make sure that there are no cables or cable connectors lying on the top diskette drive in the upper drive cage. Foreign objects on top of the drive can interfere with drive operation and permanently damage the drive.

1. Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come loose during your work. Fold cables out of the way so that they do not catch on the computer cover.

2. Check that no tools or parts (including screws) are left inside the computer.

3. Fit the cover over the side rail at the bottom of the chassis, and slide it closed.

4. Secure the cover with the three thumbscrews.

5. Make sure the keylock is in the unlocked position.

6. Snap the two tabs near the lower inside edge of the front bezel into the corresponding metal clips on the chassis, and pivot the bezel upwards into its closed position.

7. Set the keylock to the locked position.

Removing and Replacing the Cooling Shroud

The plastic cooling shroud inside the system is used to improve airflow over the microprocessors. You may need to remove this shroud to access certain components on the system board.

Removing the Cooling Shroud

To remove the cooling shroud, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

2. Remove the right-side computer cover.

3. Unscrew and remove the two retention pins (see Figure 7-3).

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Figure 7-3. Removing the Cooling Shroud

1 Cooling fan

2 Cooling shroud

3 Retention pins (2)

4. Remove the shroud by lifting the end of the shroud closest to the microprocessor(s) until the opposite end of the shroud disengages from the cooling fan on the system back panel.

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Replacing the Cooling Shroud

To replace the cooling shroud, perform the following steps:

1. Hook the upper edge of the large opening on the end of the cooling shroud over the top of the cooling fan on the system back panel.

2. Lower the other end of the shroud into place over the microprocessor(s).

3. Secure the shroud by reinstalling the two retention pins.

Inside the Chassis

In Figure 7-4, the cover on the right side of the computer is removed to provide an interior view. Figure 7-4 also identifies the drive bays. Refer to these illustrations to locate interior features and components discussed later in this guide.

Figure 7-4. Inside the System (Right-Side View)

1 System board 4 DC power cable

2 SCSI backplane board 5 Hard-disk drive bays

3 Interface cable 6 External drive bays

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The system board holds the computer's control circuitry and other electronic components. Some hardware options are installed directly on the system board. The external drive bays provide space for up to three half-height 5.25-inch drives, typically CD-ROM drives or tape drives. The diskette drive bay holds a 3.5-inch diskette drive. The hard-disk drive bays provide space for up to four 1.6-inch or six 1-inch SCSI harddisk drives. These hard-disk drives are connected to a SCSI host adapter on the system board or on an expansion card, via the SCSI backplane board.

When you look inside the computer, note the power cables leading from the power supply(s). The power cables supply power to the system board, SCSI backplane board, externally accessible drives, and any expansion cards that connect to external peripherals.

For non-SCSI drives such as the diskette drive, an interface cable connects each drive to an interface connector on the system board or on an expansion card. For SCSI devices, interface cables connect externally accessible SCSI devices and the SCSI backplane board to a SCSI host adapter either on the system board or on an expansion card. (For more information, see Chapter 9, "Installing Drives in the External Bays," and Chapter 10, "Installing Hard-Disk Drives.")

During an installation or troubleshooting procedure, you may be required to change a jumper or switch setting. For information on the system board jumpers, see Appendix A, "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors."

Responding to a Dell OpenManage™ Hardware Instrumentation Package Alert Message

The Dell OpenManage Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server management application program monitors critical system voltages and temperatures, the system cooling fans, and the status of the SCSI hard-disk drives in the computer. The applica tion program generates alert messages that appear in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap log file. More information about the Alert Log window and options is provided in the Dell OpenManage HIP online help and the HP OpenView User's Guide.

Troubleshooting a Wet Computer

Liquid spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can cause damage to the system. If an external device (such as a printer or an external drive) gets wet, contact the device manufacturer for instructions. If the computer gets wet, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

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2. Remove the computer covers.

3. Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours.

Make sure that it is thoroughly dry before proceeding.

4. Remove all expansion cards installed in the computer.

5. Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.

Does the system have power?

Ye s . Go to step 6.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

6. Turn off the system, disconnect it from the electrical outlet, remove the right-side computer cover, and reinstall all expansion cards you removed in step 4.

7. Replace the computer cover, and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.

8. Run the Dell Diagnostics and test the system.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . The system is operating properly.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer

If the computer was dropped or damaged while being moved, you should check the computer to see if it functions properly. If an external device attached to the computer is dropped or damaged, contact the manufacturer of the device for instructions or see Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for information on obtaining technical assistance from Dell.

To troubleshoot a damaged computer, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

2. Remove the computer covers.

Check all the board and card connections in the computer.

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3. Check the following connections:

• Expansion-card connections to the system board

• Drive carrier connections to the SCSI backplane board

4. Verify all internal cable and component connections.

Make sure that all cables are properly connected and that all components are properly seated in their connectors and sockets.

5. Replace the computer covers and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.

6. Run the system board tests in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . The system is operating properly.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting the Battery

If an error message indicates a problem with the battery, or if the System Setup program loses the system configuration information when the computer is turned off, the battery may be defective.

To troubleshoot the battery, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

2. Remove the right-side computer cover.

3. Remove the cooling shroud.

4. Check the connection of the coin cell battery to the system board.

See "Replacing the Battery" in Chapter 8, "Installing System Board Options," for information on gaining access to the battery socket.

5. Is the battery firmly installed in the battery socket on the system board?

Ye s . Go to step 7.

No. Go to step 6.

6. Reseat the battery in its socket.

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7. Replace the cooling shroud and computer cover, and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The battery was loose. You have fixed the problem.

No. Continue with this procedure.

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Repeat steps 1 through 3.

9. Replace the battery.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The battery's charge was low. You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting Redundant Power Supplies

Dell PowerEdge™ 2400 systems may contain two optional, redundant, hot-pluggable power supplies. The two indicators on the back of each power supply (see Figure 7-5) signal the power supply's current status. If the red (lower) failure indicator lights up, replace the power supply as described in the following subsection.

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Figure 7-5. Power Supply Features

1 Power supply handle

2 Power indicator

3 Failure indicator

Removing and Replacing a Power Supply

To replace a power supply, perform the following steps.

NOTICE: The power supply is heavy. Support it with both hands when installing or removing it.

1. Unplug the power cord from the power supply.

2. Remove the power supply:

a. Using your thumb and index finger, squeeze the catch in the middle of the

power supply handle (see Figure 7-5).

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b. Rotate the handle downward to release the power supply from the system

chassis.

c. Slide the power supply out of the chassis.

3. Slide the new power supply into the chassis.

NOTICE: Do not use excessive force when sliding the power supply into the chassis.

4. Rotate the power supply handle to the closed position.

For better leverage, press against the upper corners of the handle

NOTE: The power supply will not function until the handle is closed.

5. Plug the power cord into the power supply.

Troubleshooting a Cooling Fan

Two cooling fans are installed in the Dell PowerEdge 2400 system chassis. If you observe that one of the cooling fans is not operating or if the Dell HIP servermanagement application issues a fan-related error message, perform the following steps to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its power source.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

2. Remove the right-side computer cover.

3. Check the fan cable connections to the system board.

4. Replace the right-side computer cover and reconnect the system to AC power.

5. Turn on the system.

Do the fans operate properly?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

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Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

If an error message indicates an expansion-card problem or if an expansion card seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the problem could be a faulty connection, a conflict with software or other hardware, or a faulty expansion card. To troubleshoot expansion cards, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Resource Configuration Utility, and verify that all Industry-Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion cards have been configured correctly. Save the con figuration before exiting the utility.

See Chapter 5, "Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the User's Guide for instructions.

2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its power source.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

3. Remove the right-side computer cover.

4. Verify that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.

Are the expansion cards properly seated in their connectors?

Ye s . Go to step 6.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Reseat the expansion cards in their connectors.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The connection was loose. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 6.

6. Verify that any appropriate cables are firmly connected to their corresponding connectors on the expansion cards.

For instructions on which cables should be attached to specific connectors on an expansion card, see the expansion card's documentation.

Are the appropriate cables firmly attached to their connectors?

Ye s . Go to step 7.

No. Go to step 8.

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7. Reconnect the cable connectors to the appropriate connectors on the expansion cards.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The cable connections were loose. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 8.

8. Is an ISA expansion card installed in the system?

Ye s . Go to step 9.

No. Go to step 11.

9. Inspect all jumpers and configuration switches on the ISA expansion card.

Most ISA expansion cards have configuration settings for an interrupt request (IRQ) line, a direct memory access (DMA) channel, and a base-memory or basic input/output system (BIOS) address. To keep expansion cards from conflicting with each other, you need to know both the starting memory address and the amount of memory required by each card. For instructions on jumpers and con

figuration settings, see the expansion card's documentation.

Is the expansion card configured correctly?

Ye s . Go to step 11.

No. Go to step 10.

10. Reconfigure the card according to the instructions in the card's documentation, and reinstall the card.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The configuration of the ISA card was incorrect. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 11.

11. Remove all expansion cards.

12. Replace the right-side computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

13. If you have removed or replaced an ISA expansion card, run the Resource Configuration Utility and update the configuration information.

See Chapter 5, "Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the User's Guide for instructions.

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14. Run the system memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the test run successfully?

Ye s . Go to step 15.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for information on obtaining technical

assistance.

15. Turn off the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the right-side computer cover.

16. Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 11, and repeat steps 12 through 13.

17. Run the system memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the test run successfully?

Ye s . Go to step 18.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for information on obtaining technical

assistance.

18. Repeat steps 15 through 17 for each of the remaining expansion cards that you removed in step 11.

Have you reinstalled all of the expansion cards without encountering a test failure?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for information on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting System Memory

A system memory problem can be a faulty dual in-line memory module (DIMM) or a faulty system board. If a random-access memory (RAM) error message appears, the system probably has a memory problem.

When you turn on or reboot the system, the Caps Lock and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard should flash momentarily and then turn off. If the Num Lock category in the System Setup program is set to On, the Num Lock indicator should flash momen tarily and then remain on; otherwise, it should turn off. Abnormal operation of these indicators can result from a defective DIMM in socket DIMM_A.

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To troubleshoot system memory, perform the following steps:

1. Turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.

Is there an error message indicating invalid system configuration information after the memory count is completed?

Ye s . Go to step 2.

No. Go to step 8.

2. Enter the System Setup program to check the Total Memory or System Mem- ory setting.

See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

Does the amount of memory installed match the Total Memory or System Memory setting?

Ye s . Go to step 9.

No. Go to step 3.

3. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

4. Remove the right-side computer cover.

5. Remove the cooling shroud.

6. Reseat the DIMMs in their sockets.

7. Replace the right-side computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

8. Enter the System Setup program and check the Total Memory or System Mem- ory setting again.

Does the amount of memory installed match the Total Memory or System Memory setting?

Ye s . Go to step 9.

No. Go to step 10.

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9. Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard.

Does the monitor screen remain blank, and do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard remain on?

Ye s . Go to step 10.

No. Go to step 14.

10. Repeat steps 3 through 5.

11. Swap the DIMM in socket DIMM_A with one of the same capacity.

12. Replace the cooling shroud and computer cover, and reconnect the system to an electrical outlet.

13. Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the indicators on the keyboard.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 14.

14. Run the system memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the test run successfully?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem

Troubleshooting video problems involves determining which of the following items is the source of the problem: the monitor, the monitor interface cable, the video mem ory, or the video logic of the computer. You can also have a high-resolution video expansion card installed, which overrides the video logic of the computer.

The following procedure troubleshoots problems with the video memory and video logic only. Before you begin, perform the procedure found in "Troubleshooting the Monitor" in Chapter 6, "Checking the Equipment," to determine whether or not the monitor is the source of the problem.

If you have a high-resolution video expansion card, first complete the steps in "Troubleshooting Expansion Cards," found earlier in this chapter, to verify that the card is configured and installed correctly.

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To troubleshoot the video subsystem, perform the following steps:

1. Run the video tests in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . The problem is not related to video hardware. Go to Chapter 4, "Finding Soft- ware Solutions."

No. Go to step 2.

2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

3. Remove the right-side computer cover.

4. Determine whether a video expansion card is installed.

Is a video expansion card installed?

Ye s . Go to step 5.

No. The integrated video controller is faulty. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for

instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

5. Remove the video expansion card, and connect the monitor interface cable to the video connector on the computer's back panel.

6. Replace the right-side computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . The video expansion card is faulty. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining assistance.

Troubleshooting the System Board

A system board problem can result from a defective system board component, a faulty power supply, or a defective component connected to the system board. If an error message indicates a system board problem, perform the following steps to trou bleshoot the problem:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

2. Remove the right-side computer cover.

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3. Remove all expansion cards except the SCSI host adapter card and the video expansion card (if they are installed).

4. Replace the right-side computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

5. If you removed an ISA expansion card in step 3, run the Resource Configuration Utility and update the configuration information.

See Chapter 5, "Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the User's Guide for instructions.

6. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.

7. Run the system board tests in the Dell Diagnostics.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . Go to step 12.

No. Go to step 13.

8. Turn off the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the right-side computer cover.

9. Reinstall one of the expansion cards that you removed in step 3, repeat steps 4, 5, and 6, and continue with step 10.

10. Run the system board tests again.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . Go to step 11.

No. Go to step 12.

11. Repeat step 8 through 10 for each of the remaining expansion cards that you removed in step 3.

Have you reinstalled all of the expansion cards without a test failure?

Ye s . Go to step 12.

No. One of the expansion cards is faulty. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for

instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

12. Disconnect the keyboard and reboot the system.

Does the system boot successfully to the operating system?

Ye s . Go to step 13.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

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13. Swap the keyboard with a comparable working keyboard and run the system board tests again.

Did the tests run successfully?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive Subsystem

If the monitor displays a system error message indicating a diskette drive problem during execution of either the boot routine or the Dell Diagnostics, the problem may be caused by any of the following conditions:

• The system configuration settings do not match the physical diskette subsystem

configuration.

• The diskette drive cable is not properly connected or is faulty.

• An expansion card is interfering with proper drive operations.

• A diskette drive is improperly configured.

• The diskette drive is faulty.

• The computer's power supply is not providing sufficient power for the drives.

• The computer's diskette drive logic is faulty.

To troubleshoot the diskette drive subsystem, perform the following steps:

1. Enter the System Setup program, and verify that the system is configured correctly for the Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B settings.

See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

2. If the system configuration settings are incorrect, make the necessary corrections in the System Setup program, and then reboot the system.

3. Run the diskette drives test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.

Do the tests complete successfully?

Ye s . If you were in the middle of another procedure, continue with the next step in the procedure you were performing.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its power source.

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NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

5. Remove both computer covers.

6. Check the diskette drive cabling.

Is the diskette drive securely connected to the diskette drive interface cable connector? Is the diskette drive interface cable connector securely connected to the interface connector (labeled "FLOPPY") on the system board? Is the drive's DC power cable firmly connected to the drive?

Ye s . Go to step 8.

No. Go to step 7.

7. Reconnect the cable connectors.

8. Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

9. Run the diskette drives test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.

Do the tests complete successfully?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 10.

10. Repeat steps 4 and 5, and remove all expansion cards.

11. Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

12. Run the diskette drives test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.

Do the tests complete successfully?

Ye s . An expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette drive logic, or you may have a faulty expansion card. Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3.

No. Go to step 14.

13. Repeat steps 4 and 5, and reinstall one of the expansion cards that you removed in step 10.

14. Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

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15. Run the diskette drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.

Do the tests complete successfully?

Ye s . Go to step 16.

No. Go to step 17.

16. Repeat steps 13 through 15 until all expansion cards have been reinstalled or until one of the expansion cards prevents the system from booting from the diagnostics diskette.

17. Repeat steps 4 and 5. Verify that the drive's termination is enabled and that the drive-select jumper is set to the DS1 position. For information about the drive's termination and drive-select settings, refer to the documentation for the drive.

Is the drive configured correctly?

Ye s . See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 19.

18. Correct the drive-select jumper and drive termination settings.

19. Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.

20. Run the diskette drives tests in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.

Do the tests complete successfully?

Ye s . You have solved the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting a SCSI Tape Drive

A SCSI tape drive can be an internal device installed in one of the externally accessible drive bays or an external device that attaches to a SCSI host adapter connector on the back panel of the computer. The SCSI tape drive is controlled by a SCSI host adapter card installed in the computer, which may also control other SCSI devices connected to one or more SCSI cables. SCSI devices often require device drivers for the particular operating system being used by the computer system.

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Tape drive problems often result from a defective tape drive, a defective tape cartridge, or software. To troubleshoot a SCSI tape drive, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the tape that was in use when the problem occurred, and replace it with a tape that you know is not defective.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The original tape was defective. Replace it with a new tape. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Reboot the system and press <F2> to enter the System Setup program.

Is Secondary SCSI set to Enabled?

Ye s . Go to step 4.

No. Go to step 3.

3. Verify that any required SCSI device drivers are installed on the hard-disk drive and are configured correctly. See Chapter 3, "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers," in the User's Guide for instructions on installing and configuring the SCSI device drivers for the system's integrated SCSI host adapter or Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller host adapter card. For any other type of SCSI host adapter card, see the documentation that accompanied the SCSI host adapter card.

Are the drivers installed and configured correctly?

Ye s . The SCSI device drivers were installed or configured incorrectly or were cor- rupted. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Reinstall the tape backup software as instructed in the tape-backup software documentation.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The tape backup software was corrupted. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Reboot the system and check for the presence of the tape drive during the ROM scan sequence.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The drive is correctly cabled and is receiving power. Go to step 10.

No. Go to step 6.

6. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its power source.

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NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

7. Remove the right-side computer cover.

8. Check the SCSI cable connections to the tape drive and to the SCSI host adapter connector. If the tape drive is an internal device, check the DC power cable connection to the tape drive.

Are the cables firmly connected?

Ye s . Go to step 10.

No. Go to step 9.

9. Reseat the cable connectors and replace the computer cover. Reconnect the system to AC power and turn it on.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 10.

10. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its power source. Then remove the right-side computer cover.

11. Remove the tape drive. Then verify that the tape drive is configured for a unique SCSI ID number and that the tape drive is terminated or not terminated as appropriate. See the documentation for the tape drive for instructions on selecting the SCSI ID and enabling or disabling termination.

Is the tape drive configured correctly?

Ye s . Go to step 14.

No. Go to step 12.

12. Reconfigure the tape drive's SCSI ID and termination settings as appropriate. Reinstall the tape drive, replace the computer cover, and reconnect the system to AC power and turn it on.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The tape drive was configured incorrectly. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 13.

13. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its power source. Then remove the right-side computer cover.

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14. Replace the SCSI cable that connects the tape drive to the SCSI host adapter. Replace the computer cover, and then reconnect the system to AC power and turn it on.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting SCSI Hard-Disk Drives

Hard-disk drive problems can be caused by a number of conditions, including problems with the drive itself, the SCSI backplane board, or a cable connected to the SCSI backplane board.

The SCSI backplane board monitors the SCSI hard-disk drives connected to the backplane board. In the event of a drive failure, systems using an optional Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller (PERC) 2/Si integrated RAID controller or optional Dell PERC 2 controller card will issue the following signals using the drive indicator lights adjacent to each SCSI hard-disk drive:

• If a drive shows signs of imminent failure, the drive online indicator stays on and

the drive failure indicator blinks on briefly each second.

• If a drive has failed, the drive online indicator turns off. The drive failure indicator

turns on, and blinks off briefly each second.

Other drive indicator patterns are listed in Table 3-4.

To troubleshoot a hard-disk drive problem, perform the following steps.

NOTICE: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data stored on the harddisk drive. Before you proceed, make sure you have backed up all the files on the hard-disk drive.

1. If the integrated SCSI host adapter is being used to control the SCSI backplane board, reboot the system and press <F2> to enter the System Setup program.

Is Primary SCSI set to Enabled?

Ye s . Go to step 3.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Change the Primary SCSI setting to Enabled, and reboot the system.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 3.

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3. Verify that the SCSI device drivers are installed and configured correctly.

See Chapter 3, "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers," in the User's Guide to determine which drivers are required and how they should be installed and configured.

Are the required SCSI device drivers installed and configured correctly?

Ye s . Go to step 5.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Reinstall and/or reconfigure the required SCSI device drivers. Then reboot the system.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 5.

5. Remove the drive carrier and install it in another drive bay.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The SCSI backplane board has a defective connector. See Chapter 11, "Get- ting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

No. Go to step 6.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions.

6. Remove the right-side computer cover.

7. Check the SCSI cable connections to the SCSI backplane board and to the SCSI host adapter. Check the DC power cable connection to the SCSI backplane board. The SCSI cable may be connected to the SCSI host adapter on the system board or to a SCSI host adapter card in an expansion slot. See Chapter 10, "Installing Hard-Disk Drives," for the location of the cable connectors on the SCSI backplane board and the SCSI host adapter.

Are the cables firmly connected?

Ye s . Go to step 9.

No. Go to step 8.

8. Reseat the cable connectors, and then reconnect the computer and peripherals to their AC power sources and turn them on.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The cable connections were faulty. You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 9.

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9. Partition and logically format the hard-disk drive. If possible, restore the files to the drive. To partition and logically format the drive, see the documentation for the computer's operating system.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . The hard-disk drive format was corrupted. You have fixed the problem.

No. See Chapter 11, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical

assistance.

Troubleshooting a RAID Controller

Your system may contain an optional Dell PERC 2/Si integrated RAID controller or optional Dell PERC 2 controller card.

Troubleshooting an Integrated PERC 2/Si RAID Controller

If you encounter problems with the optional integrated RAID controller on the system board, perform the following steps to help diagnose the problem:

1. Enter the System Setup program and check the setting for the integrated RAID controller. See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

Is the controller enabled?

Ye s . Go to step 8.

No. Go to step 2.

2. Change the RAID controller setting to Enabled; then reboot the system.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 3.

3. Refer to the documentation provided with the RAID controller software and check the software settings.

Is the problem resolved?

Ye s . You have fixed the problem.

No. Go to step 4.

4. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.

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