To perform certain procedures in this document, you must remove the system cover and work inside the system. While working inside the system, do not attempt to service the system except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in your system documentation.
CAUTION: Always follow the instructions closely, and ensure that you review all information in "Safety Instructions" in the System InformationGuide.
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
External Connections
Loose or improperly connected cables are the most likely source of problems for the system, monitor, and other peripherals (such as a keyboard, mouse, or other external device). Ensure that all external cables are securely attached to the external connectors on your system. See Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 for the front- and back-panel connectors on your system.
Checking Basic Power Problems
If the power indicator on the system front panel does not indicate that power is available to
the system, ensure that the power cable is securely connected to the power supply.
If the system is connected to a PDU or UPS, turn the PDU or UPS off and then on.
If the PDU or UPS is not receiving power, plug it into another electrical outlet. If it still is not
receiving power, try another PDU or UPS.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system.
Look and listen during the system's start-up routine for the indications described in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1. Start-Up Routine Indications
Look/listen for:
Action
An error message displayed on the monitor.
See "System Messages" in "Indicators, Codes, and Messages."
A series of beeps emitted by the system.
See "System Beep Codes" in "Indicators, Codes, and Messages."
Alert messages from the systems management software.
See the systems management software documentation.
The monitor's power indicator.
See "Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem."
The keyboard indicators.
See "Troubleshooting the Keyboard."
The diskette drive activity indicator.
See "Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive."
The CD drive activity indicator.
See "Troubleshooting a CD Drive."
The hard-drive activity indicator.
See "Troubleshooting SATA Hard Drives" or "Troubleshooting SCSI Hard Drives."
An unfamiliar constant scraping or grinding sound when you access a drive.
See "Getting Help."
Checking the Equipment
This section provides troubleshooting procedures for external devices attached to the system, such as the monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Before you perform any of the procedures, see "External Connections."
Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem
Problem
Monitor is not working properly.
Video memory is faulty.
Action
Check the system and power connections to the monitor.
Determine whether the system has monitors attached to both the front and rear video
connectors.
The system supports only one monitor attached to either the front or rear video connector. When a monitor is connected to the front panel, the back-panel video connector is disabled.
If two monitors are attached to the system, disconnect one monitor. If the problem is not resolved, continue to the next step.
Check the system and power connections to the monitor.
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
If the tests run successfully, the problem is not related to video hardware. See "Finding Software Solutions."
If the tests fail, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting the Keyboard
Problem
System message indicates a problem with the keyboard.
Keyboard is not functioning properly.
Action
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
If the test fails, continue to the next step.
Determine whether the system has monitors attached to both the front and back video
connectors.
The system supports only one monitor attached to either the front or back video connector. When a monitor is connected to the front panel, the back-panel video connector is disabled.
If two monitors are attached to the system, disconnect one monitor. If the problem is not resolved, continue to the next step.
Examine the keyboard and its cable for signs of damage.
System message indicates a problem with the mouse.
Mouse is not functioning properly.
Action
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
If the test fails, continue to the next step.
Determine whether the system has monitors attached to both the front and back video
connectors.
The system supports only one monitor attached to either the front or back video connector. When two monitors are connected, the back-panel video connector is disabled.
If two monitors are attached to the system, disconnect one monitor. If the problem is not resolved, continue to the next step.
Examine the mouse and its cable for signs of damage.
If you are using a USB mouse and it is not damaged, go to step 5.
If you are using a PS/2 mouse and it is not damaged, go to step 6.
If the mouse is damaged, continue to the next step.
Swap the faulty mouse with a working mouse.
If the problem is resolved, replace the faulty mouse. See "Getting Help."
Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the USB ports are enabled. See "Using the
System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
If the problem is not resolved, continue to the next step.
Error message indicates a problem with a serial port.
Device connected to a serial port is not operating properly.
Action
Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the serial port(s) are enabled. See "Using
the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide.
If the problem is confined to a particular application, see the application documentation for
specific port configuration requirements that the program may require.
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
If the tests run successfully but the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device."
Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device
Problem
Device connected to the serial port is not operating properly.
Action
Turn off the system and any peripheral devices connected to the serial port.
Swap the serial interface cable with a working cable, and turn on the system and the serial
device.
If the problem is resolved, replace the interface cable. See "Getting Help."
Turn off the system and the serial device, and swap the device with a comparable device.
Turn on the system and the serial device.
If the problem is resolved, replace the serial device. See "Getting Help."
If the problem persists, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting a USB Device
Problem
System message indicates a problem with a USB device.
Device connected to a USB port is not operating properly.
Action
Enter the System Setup program, and ensure that the USB ports are enabled. See "Using the
System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Turn off the system and any USB devices.
Disconnect the USB devices, and connect the malfunctioning device to the other USB
connector.
Turn on the system and the reconnected device.
If the problem is resolved, the USB connector might be defective. See "Getting Help."
If possible, swap the interface cable with a working cable.
If the problem is resolved, replace the interface cable. See "Getting Help."
Turn off the system and the USB device, and swap the device with a comparable device.
Turn on the system and the USB device.
If the problem is resolved, replace the USB device. See "Getting Help."
If the problem persists, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting a Network Adapter
Problem
Network adapter cannot communicate with network.
Action
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
If the tests fail, continue to the next step.
Check the appropriate indicator on the NIC connector. See "Table 2-2" in "Indicators,
Messages, and Codes."
If the link indicator does not light, check all cable connections.
If the activity indicator does not light, the network driver files might be damaged or missing.
Remove and reinstall the drivers if applicable. See the network adapter's documentation.
Change the autonegotiation setting, if possible.
Use another connector on the switch or hub.
If you are using a network adapter card instead of an integrated network adapter, see the documentation for the network adapter card.
Ensure that the appropriate drivers are installed and the protocols are bound. See the network
adapter's documentation.
Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the network adapters are enabled. See
"Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Ensure that the network adapters, hubs, and switches on the network are all set to the same
data transmission speed. See the network equipment documentation.
Ensure that all network cables are of the proper type and do not exceed the maximum length.
See "Network Cable Requirements" in your User's Guide.
Responding to a Systems Management Software Alert Message
Systems management software monitors critical system voltages and temperatures, fans, and hard drives in the system. Alert messages appear in the Alert Log window. For information about the Alert Log window, see the systems management software documentation.
Inside the System
In Figure 5-1, the bezel and system cover are removed to provide an interior view of the system.
Figure 5-1. Inside the System
The system board holds the system's control circuitry and other electronic components. Several hardware options such as the processor and memory are installed directly on the system board. Using a riser board, the system can accommodate up to two expansion cards. The upper slot supports PCI 32-bit, 33-MHz (5.0 V) expansion cards and the lower slot supports PCI-X 64-bit, 66-MHz (3.3 V) expansion cards.
The hard-drive bays provide space for up to two SATA or SCSI drives, an optional CD drive, and an optional diskette drive. The SCSI hard drives must be connected to a controller card. Power is supplied to the system board, hard drives, and internal peripherals through a single nonredundant power supply.
Opening the System
The system is enclosed by an optional bezel and cover. To upgrade or troubleshoot the system, remove the bezel and cover to access the CD and diskette drives, hard drives, power supply, and other internal system components.
Align the hole in the left-side bezel securing tab with the tab on the front panel.
While rotating the bezel toward the front panel, slide the bezel toward the key lock until
the bezel snaps into place.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
Troubleshooting a Wet System
Problem
Liquid spilled on the system.
Excessive humidity.
Action
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical
outlet.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached
peripherals.
If the system does not start properly, see "Getting Help."
If the system starts properly, shut down the system and reinstall all of the expansion cards that
you removed. See "Installing an Expansion Card" in "Installing System Options."
Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics to confirm that the system is working
properly. See "Running the System Diagnostics."
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
System message indicates a problem with the battery.
System Setup program loses system configuration information.
System date and time do not remain current.
NOTE: If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the NVRAM may lose its
system configuration information. This situation is caused by a defective battery.
Action
Re-enter the time and date through the System Setup program. See "Using the System Setup
Program" in your User's Guide.
Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet for at least one hour.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system.
Enter the System Setup program.
If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup program, replace the battery. See "System Battery" in "Installing System Components."
If the problem is not resolved by replacing the battery, see "Getting Help."
NOTE: Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems to
operate normally except for the time kept in the System Setup program, the problem may be caused by
software rather than by a defective battery.
Troubleshooting the Power Supply
Problem
The power LED on the front of the system is not lit.
Action
Check the connection of the power cable to the power supply and the outlet.
Systems management software issues a fan-related error message.
Action
Run the appropriate diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in Running
System Diagnostics."
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
Ensure that the fan assembly's power cable is firmly attached to the fan power connector on
the system board. See "Fan Assembly" in "Installing System Components."
NOTE: Wait 30 seconds for the system to recognize the fans and determine whether it is working
properly.
If the problem is not resolved, install a new fan assembly. See "Fan Assembly" in "Installing
System Components."
If the replacement fan assembly is working properly, close the system. See "Closing the System."
If the replacement fan assembly does not operate, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
Problem
Error message indicates a diskette drive problem.
Action
Enter the System Setup program and verify that the diskette drive is configured correctly. See
"Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide.
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
Run the diskette drive tests to check whether the diskette drive works correctly. See "Running
the System Diagnostics."
If the tests fail, continue to the next step.
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
Run the diskette drive tests to see whether the diskette drive works correctly.
If the tests run successfully, an expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette drive logic, or an expansion card may be faulty. Continue to the next step.
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
Ensure that the CD interface cable is securely connected to the CD drive and to the system
board.
Ensure that a power cable is properly connected to the drive.
Close the system. See "Closing the System."
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached
peripherals.
Run the IDE devices tests in the system diagnostics to determine whether the CD drive works
correctly.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting a SATA Hard Drive
Problem
Faulty hard drive.
Damaged or improperly connected hard-drive cables.
Action
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTICE: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data stored on the hard drive. Before you proceed,
back up all files on the hard drive.
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running the System Diagnostics."
If the test fails, continue to the next step.
Enter the System Setup program and verify that the system is configured correctly. See "Using
the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Ensure that the hard-drive interface cable is properly connected between the drive and the
system board.
To identify system board connectors, see Figure A-3.
If the hard drive is the boot drive, ensure that the drive is configured and connected properly.
See "Configuring the Boot Drive" in "Installing Drives."
Ensure that the power cable is properly connected to the drive.
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTICE: This procedure can destroy data stored on the hard drive. Before you continue, back up all files
on the hard drive.
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
For information about testing the controller, see the SCSI or RAID controller's documentation.
If the tests fail, continue to the next step.
Restart the system and enter the SCSI configuration utility.
NOTE: To enter the utility, press <Ctrl><h>, <Ctrl><a>, or <Ctrl><m>, depending on the utility. See
the documentation supplied with the controller for information about the configuration utility.
Ensure that the primary SCSI channel is enabled, and restart the system. Use the SCSI
controller documentation.
Ensure that the required device drivers are installed and configured correctly. See the Dell
OpenManage Server Assistant CD.
Ensure that the hard-drive interface cable is properly connected between the drive and the
controller card. See the documentation supplied with the controller card.
If the hard drive is the boot drive, ensure that the drive is configured and connected properly.
See "Configuring the Boot Drive" in "Installing Drives."
Ensure that a power cable is properly connected to the drive.
Ensure that the hard drive is configured with a unique SCSI ID number and that the drive is
terminated or not terminated as appropriate. See the documentation for the hard drive.
NOTE: When you are troubleshooting an expansion card, see the documentation for your operating
system and the expansion card.
Problem
Error message indicates a problem with an expansion card.
Expansion card performs incorrectly or not at all.
Action
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in
"Running System Diagnostics."
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
If you reinstall all of the expansion cards and the tests fail, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting System Memory
Problem
Faulty memory module.
Faulty system board.
Action
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
CAUTION: See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
