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: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Start-Up Routine
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
A status or error message displayed on the front-panel LCD.
See "LCD Status Messages" in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes."
CAUTION: Jumper CB_TYPE on the system board configures the system to match the AC line voltage range. If you relocate the system to a different geographic area, ensure that this jumper setting matches the AC line voltage range of the new location. See "System Board Jumpers" in "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors" for the location and settings of this jumper.
NOTICE: Your system supports one or two power supplies rated at an output of 1570 W.
NOTICE: If you connect the system to a power source in the range of 120 to 220 VAC, and if two power supplies are installed, the second power supply serves as a redundant, hot-plug power source.
NOTICE: If you connect the system to a power source in countries where the standard power source is less than 120 VAC, the power supply output will be limited to 1100 W. To support redundant power operation in these situations, you may need to operate the system in a limited configuration.
If the power-on indicator on the system front panel or power supply 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.
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 "Troubleshooting External Connections."
Troubleshooting External Connections
Loose or improperly connected cables are the most likely source of problems for the system, monitor, and other peripherals (such as a printer, 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-panel and back-panel connectors on your system.
Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem
Problem
Monitor is not working properly.
Video memory is faulty.
Action
Check the system and power connections to the monitor.
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.
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, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting Basic I/O Functions
Problem
Error message indicates a problem with the serial port.
Device connected to the serial port is not operating properly.
Action
Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the serial port is 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.
Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the NICs are enabled. See "Using the
System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Check the appropriate indicator on the NIC connector. See "NIC Indicator Codes" 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 NIC's documentation.
Use another connector on the switch or hub.
If you are using a NIC card instead of an integrated NIC, see the documentation for the NIC card.
Ensure that the appropriate drivers are installed and the protocols are bound. See the NIC's
documentation.
Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the NICs are enabled. See "Using the
System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Ensure that the NICs, 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 optional 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. The processors are installed directly on the system board. Memory is installed on up to four memory riser cards.
The SCSI backplane supports up to ten SCSI hard drives. A removable drive carrier supports an optional diskette drive and optional optical drive. The peripheral bays provide space for two half-height or one full-height 5.25-inch form factor devices, or two additional SCSI hard drives. Power is supplied to both the system board and the drives by one or two (optional) power supplies.
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 drives and internal system components.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: The following procedure applies to rack systems. The procedure for a tower system is similar, except the keylock is at the upper edge of the bezel when the system is upright.
Rotate the left end of the bezel away from the front panel.
Unhook the right end of the bezel and pull the bezel away from the system.
Figure 5-2. Installing and Removing the Optional Bezel
Unless you are installing a hot-plug cooling fan, turn off the system and attached peripherals,
and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and peripherals.
If you are working with a tower system, place the system on its side as shown in Figure 5-2.
To remove the system cover, loosen the two captive screws at the front of the system. See
Figure 5-3.
Slide the cover backward about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) to disengage the tabs on the back edge of
the cover, and grasp the cover on both sides.
Carefully lift the cover away from the system.
Figure 5-3. Installing and Removing the System Cover
Closing the System
Ensure that you did not leave tools or parts inside the system.
Place the cover over the sides of the chassis, and slide the cover forward.
Tighten the two captive screws at the front of the system to secure the cover. See Figure 5-3.
Reconnect the peripheral cables.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
To replace the optional bezel, hook the right end of the bezel onto the chassis, then fit the
free end of the bezel onto the system. Secure the bezel with the keylock. See Figure 5-2.
Troubleshooting a Wet System
Problem
Liquid spilled on the system.
Excessive humidity.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical
outlet.
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
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 Redundant Power Supplies
CAUTION: Jumper CB_TYPE on the system board configures the system to match the AC line voltage range. If you relocate the system to a different geographic area, ensure that this jumper setting matches the AC line voltage range of the new location. See "System Board Jumpers" in "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors" for the location and settings of this jumper.
NOTICE: Your system supports one or two power supplies rated at an output of 1570 W.
NOTICE: If you connect the system to a power source in the range of 120 to 220 VAC, and if two power supplies are installed, the second power supply serves as a redundant, hot-plug power source.
NOTICE: If you connect the system to a power source in countries where the standard power source is less than 120 VAC, the power supply output will be limited to 1100 W. To support redundant power operation in these situations, you may need to operate the system in a limited configuration.
The power-supply fault indicator is lit. See Figure 2-4.
NOTICE: The power supplies are hot-pluggable. Remove and install only one power supply at a time in a system that is powered on. The system is in the redundant mode when two power supplies are installed and both power supplies are connected to an AC power source. Operating the system with only one power supply installed and without a power supply blank installed for extended periods of time can cause the system to overheat.
Ensure that the power supply is properly installed by removing and reinstalling it. See "Power
Supplies" in "Installing System Components."
NOTE: After installing a power supply, allow several seconds for the system to recognize the power supply and to determine if it is working properly. The power-supply status indicator turns green to signify that the power supply is functioning properly. See Figure 2-4.
Systems management software issues a fan-related error message.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached
peripherals.
If the problem is not resolved, install a new fan. See "Fans" in "Installing System
Components."
If the replacement fan does not operate, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting System Memory
Problem
Faulty memory module.
Faulty system board.
Faulty memory riser board.
System status indicator is amber.
LCD error code or system beep code indicates a memory problem.
Systems management software issues a memory-related message through the LCD or systems management software.
Action
Memory-related beep code during system start-up.
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical
outlet.
Repeat step c through step f in step 6 for each memory module installed.
If you have tested all the memory modules and the problem persists, or none of the memory
modules passes, the system board is faulty. See "Getting Help."
The system starts up successfully but there are memory-related error messages.
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical
outlet.
Replace the memory module(s) identified by the diagnostics. See "Installing Memory
Modules" in "Installing System Components."
Enter the System Setup program and enable the Redundant Memory option, if disabled in
step 1.
Restart the system. If there are still memory-related errors on the system LCD, or in the SEL,
see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive
Problem
Error message or LCD code indicates a problem with the optional diskette drive.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Enter the System Setup program and verify that the diskette-drive controller is enabled and
the diskette drive is configured correctly. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's
Guide.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached
peripherals.
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test 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.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached
peripherals.
Run the appropriate online diagnostic test to see whether the diskette drive works correctly.
Repeat step 14 through step 19 until all expansion cards are reinstalled or one of the
expansion cards causes the tests to fail.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting an Optical Drive
Problem
System cannot read data from a CD.
Optical drive indicator does not blink during boot.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Try using a different CD that you know works properly.
Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the drive's IDE controller is enabled. See
"Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide.
Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical
outlet.
Remove and reinstall the diskette/optical drive carrier, making sure it is fully inserted in the
system chassis. See Figure 7-3.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached
peripherals.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help."
Troubleshooting a SCSI Tape Drive
Problem
Defective tape drive.
Defective tape cartridge.
Missing or corrupted tape-backup software or tape-drive device driver.
Defective SCSI controller card.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Run the System Setup program and ensure that the secondary SCSI channel is enabled and
set to SCSI.
See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide.
Remove the tape cartridge you were using when the problem occurred, and replace it with a
tape cartridge that you know works.
Ensure that the SCSI device drivers for the tape drive are installed and are configured
correctly.
Reinstall the tape-backup software as instructed in the tape-backup software documentation.
Ensure that the tape drive's interface cable is connected to the tape drive and SCSI controller
card, or the external SCSI connector on the system back panel. See Figure 2-2.
Verify that the tape drive is configured for a unique SCSI ID number and that the tape drive
is terminated or not terminated, based on the interface cable used to connect the drive.
See the documentation for the tape drive for instructions on selecting the SCSI ID number and enabling or disabling termination.
If the drive is connected to an optional SCSI controller card, check that the card is firmly
seated in its connector. See "Installing an Expansion Card" in "Installing System
Components."
If the drive is connected to the integrated SCSI controller using the optional external SCSI
connector on the system back panel, check the cable connection on the system board. See
Figure A-3.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system, including attached
peripherals.
If the problem is not resolved, see the documentation for the tape drive for additional
troubleshooting instructions.
If you cannot resolve the problem, see "Getting Help" for information on obtaining technical
assistance.
Troubleshooting SCSI Hard Drives
Problem
Device driver error.
Hard drive not recognized by the system.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTICE: This procedure can destroy data stored on the hard drive. Before you continue, back up all files on the hard drive.
For information about testing the controller, see the SCSI or RAID controller's documentation.
If the tests fail, continue to the next step.
See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide.
If the integrated SCSI host adapter controls the SCSI hard drives, restart the system and press
<Ctrl><a> to enter the SCSI configuration utility program.
NOTE: If your system has an optional RAID controller card or RAID on motherboard (ROMB) is enabled, restart the system and press <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.
See the documentation supplied with the controller for information about the configuration utility.
Verify that the device drivers are installed and configured correctly. See the operating system
documentation.
Remove the hard drive and install it in another drive bay.
If the problem is resolved, reinstall the hard drive in the original bay. See "Installing a SCSI
Hard Drive" in "Installing Drives."
If the hard drive functions properly in the original bay, the drive carrier could have intermittent problems. Replace the drive carrier. See "Getting Help."
If the problem persists, the SCSI backplane has a defective connector. See "Getting Help."
Check the SCSI cable connections inside the system:
Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from
the electrical outlet.
Verify that the SCSI cable is securely connected to the SCSI backplane, and to the SCSI
host adapter on the system board, or a SCSI host adapter card installed in an expansion
slot.
Error message indicates a problem with the optional integrated RAID controller.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the Primary SCSI Controller field is set to
RAID. See "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Ensure that the integrated RAID controller is configured properly. See the RAID controller's
documentation for information about configuration settings.
If the problem is not resolved, continue to the next step.
Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical
outlet.
CAUTION: Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. See the Product Information Guide for more information.
NOTE: When troubleshooting a RAID controller card, also see the documentation for your operating system and the RAID controller.
Problem
Error message indicates a RAID controller problem.
RAID controller performs incorrectly or not at all.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached
peripherals.
If the problem persists, see the RAID controller's documentation for more information on troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Expansion Cards
NOTE: When 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
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Front-panel status LCD indicates a problem with the processor, VRM, or system board.
Action
CAUTION: Many repairs may be done only by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
