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Codes and Error Messages: Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems Service Manual

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Codes and Error Messages: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2400 Systems Service Manual

bullet (2).gif (1107 bytes) Overview bullet (2).gif (1107 bytes) Diagnostics Messages
bullet (2).gif (1107 bytes) System Messages bullet (2).gif (1107 bytes) Alert Log Messages From the Dell OpenManage HIP Application
bullet (2).gif (1107 bytes) System Beep Codes bullet (2).gif (1107 bytes) SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Codes
bullet (2).gif (1107 bytes) Warning Messages

Overview

This section describes beep codes and system error messages that can occur during system start-up or, in the case of some failures, during normal system operation. The tables in this section list faults that can cause a beep code or system error message to occur and the probable causes of the fault in each case. This section also suggests actions you can take to resolve problems indicated by a message.

If a faulty system does not emit beep codes or display system error messages to indicate a failure, you should run the appropriate tests in the Dell Diagnostics to help isolate the source of the problem. See "Running the Dell Diagnostics" in the Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.

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

  • SCSI hard-disk drive indicator codes

System Messages

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

If the table does not lead to the source of the problem, run the appropriate tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide) to assist in troubleshooting the problem.

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

Table 1. System Messages 
Message Cause Corrective Action
Address mark not found Faulty diskette/tape drive subsystem or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board)  Replace the system board.
Alert! Maximum memory size exceeded. Limiting memory size to 2 MB System supports up to 2 MB of memory. Remove one or more DIMMs so that total memory is 2 MB or less.
Alert! Uncorrectable memory error previously detected in xxxx xxxxh Improperly seated or faulty DIMMs  Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs.
Alert! Unsupported memory in DIMM slot(s) n. Unsupported DIMM(s) installed Replace one or more DIMMs so that all DIMMs are the same type. 
Alert! Single-bit memory error previously detected in xxxx xxxxh Improperly seated or faulty DIMMs  Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs.
Amount of memory has changed Missing or faulty DIMMs Check that DIMMs have not been removed. Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs.
Attachment failed to respond Diskette drive or hard-disk drive controller cannot send data to associated drive Replace the drive's interface cable.
Auxiliary device failure Mouse cable connector loose or improperly connected, defective mouse Check the mouse cable connection. If the problem persists, replace the mouse.
Bad error-correction code(ECC) on disk read

Controller has failed

Faulty diskette/tape drive subsystem or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board) Replace the system board.
CPUs with different level 2 cache sizes detected Two different types of microprocessors are installed. Install a correct version of the microprocessor so both microprocessors have the same level 2 cache size.
Data error Faulty diskette, diskette drive, or hard-disk drive Replace the diskette, diskette drive, or hard-disk drive.
Decreasing available 
memory
One or more DIMMs improperly seated or faulty Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs.
Detected missing RAID hardware for the onboard RAID channel. Potential for data loss exists!

Press <Y> to switch mode to SCSI, any other key to disable the channel.
Either the RAID DIMM or the RAID key is missing or is not properly seated in its socket Press Y to switch to the SCSI mode if you do not have the integrated RAID option.

Install the integrated RAID hardware option if it is available and restart the system.
Diskette drive 0 seek failure

Diskette drive 1 seek failure

Faulty or improperly inserted diskette, incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, loose diskette/tape drive interface cable, or loose power cable Replace the diskette. Run the System Setup program to correct the diskette drive type. See "Using the System Setup Program." Check the drive interface and power cables.
Diskette read failure Faulty diskette, faulty or improperly connected diskette/tape drive interface cable, or loose power cable Replace the diskette. Check the diskette/tape drive interface cable and power cable connections to the drive. See "Drives." Replace the diskette-drive interface cable.
Diskette subsystem reset failed Faulty diskette/tape drive controller (defective system board)  Replace the system board.
Diskette write 
protected
Diskette write-protect feature activated Move the write-protect tab on the diskette.
Drive not ready Diskette missing from or improperly inserted in diskette drive Reinsert or replace the diskette.
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.
Gate A20 failure Faulty keyboard controller (defective system board)  Replace the system board.
General failure Operating system corrupted or not installed properly Reinstall the operating system.
Hard disk controller failure Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, improperly connected hard-disk drive, faulty hard-disk drive controller subsystem (defective system board), or loose power cable Check the hard-disk drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. Reinstall the hard-disk drive. Check the interface cable and power cable connections to the backplane board.
Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program Incorrect ISA_CLR jumper configuration, incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or faulty battery  Remove the plug from the ISA_CLR jumper. See "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors" for instructions. Check the System Setup configuration settings. Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery."
Invalid CPU speed detected Microprocessor not supported by system 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 the Resource Configuration Utility No action is required.
I/O parity interrupt at address Expansion card improperly installed or faulty Reinstall the expansion cards (see "Expansion Cards"). If the problem persists, replace the expansion card.
Keyboard controller 
failure
Defective keyboard/mouse controller (defective system board) Replace the system board.
Keyboard failure Keyboard cable connector loose or improperly connected, defective keyboard, or defective keyboard/mouse controller (defective system board) Check the keyboard cable connection. Replace the keyboard. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Keyboard data line failure

Keyboard stuck key failure

Keyboard cable connector loose or improperly connected, defective keyboard, or defective keyboard/mouse controller (defective system board) Check the keyboard cable connection. Replace the keyboard. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Memory address line failure at address, read value expecting value

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

Faulty or improperly seated DIMMs or defective system board  Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
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.
Memory tests terminated by keystroke POST memory test terminated by pressing the spacebar No action is required.
No boot device available Faulty diskette, diskette/tape drive subsystem, hard-disk drive, hard-disk drive subsystem, or no boot disk in drive A If booting from a diskette, ensure the diskette is bootable. If booting from a hard-disk drive, replace the hard-disk drive. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
No boot sector on hard-disk drive Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or no operating system on hard-disk drive Verify the hard-disk drive System Setup information is correct. Install an operating system on the hard-disk drive.
No timer tick interrupt Defective system board Replace the system board.
Non-system disk or disk error Faulty diskette, diskette/tape drive subsystem, or hard-disk drive subsystem Ensure the diskette is a bootable diskette. If booting from a hard-disk drive, ensure the hard-disk drive is formatted and contains an operating system. Replace the system board.
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 "Microprocessors" for instructions. 
Read fault

Requested sector not found

Faulty diskette, diskette/tape drive subsystem, or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board) Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
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 "Drives." 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 "Drives."
ROM bad checksum = address Expansion card improperly installed or faulty Reinstall the expansion cards. If the problem persists, replace the expansion card.
Sector not found Defective sectors on diskette or hard-disk drive Replace the 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.
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.
Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program Incorrect Time or Date settings or defective system battery Check the Time and Date settings. See "Using the System Setup Program" for instructions. If the problem persists, replace the system battery. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
Timer chip counter 2 failed Defective system board Replace the system board.
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode 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.
Unsupported CPU detected in SLOT n

Unsupported CPU speed detected!
Microprocessor not supported by system Install a correct version of the microprocessor in the specified microprocessor connector. 
Unsupported CPU combination detected. System halted! One microprocessor is operating at a different internal frequency or cache size than the other microprocessor Ensure that both microprocessors are identical in type, operating frequency, and cache size. 
Unsupported CPU speed in CMOS Microprocessor not supported by BIOS Upgrade the BIOS. See "Using the System Setup Program" for instructions. 
Unsupported DIMM installed in the RAID DIMM slot! Unsupported DIMM(s) installed in the onboard RAID DIMM socket Install only unbuffered 64-MB SDRAM DIMM in the RAID DIMM socket.
Unsupported RAID key detected! Unsupported RAID key detected installed in the onboard RAID key connector Install the RAID key provided with the onboard RAID option kit in the integrated RAID hardware connector (RAID_KEY).
Utility partition not available A utility partition was not found when <F10> was pressed Install the utility partition in order to use it.
Warning! Detected mode switch from RAID to SCSI on the onboard RAID channel. Potential for data loss exists! Press <Y> to confirm the change; press any other key to cancel. Type of controller has changed since previous system boot Back up information on the drives before changing the type of controller used with the hard-disk drives.

If <Y> is pressed, this message appears:

Press <Y> to verify the change; press any other key to cancel the change.
Write fault

Write fault on selected drive

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

When a beep code is emitted, record it on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist, and then look it up in Table 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. See "Running the Dell Diagnostics" in the Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
 

Table 2. System Beep Codes 
Code Cause Corrective Action
1-1-3 CMOS write/read failure Replace the system board.
1-1-4 BIOS checksum failure Reflash the BIOS firmware. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
1-2-1


1-2-2

1-2-3

Programmable interval-timer failure

DMA initialization failure

DMA page register write/read failure

Replace the system board.
1-3-1 Main-memory refresh verification failure Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace one or more DIMMs. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
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.
1-3-3
 
 

1-3-4
 


1-4-1

 


1-4-2

 

2-1-1
through
2-4-4

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

Odd/even logic failure in the first 64 KB of main memory

Address line failure in the first 64 KB of main memory

Parity failure in the first 64 KB of main memory

Bit failure in the first 64 KB of main memory

Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
3-1-1 

3-1-2
 

3-1-3
 

3-1-4

Slave DMA-register failure

Master DMA-register failure

Master interrupt-mask register failure

Slave interrupt-mask register failure

Replace the system board.
3-2-4 Keyboard-controller test failure Check the keyboard cable and connector for proper connection. If the problem persists, 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.
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.
3-3-3 Keyboard controller not detected Replace the system board.
3-3-4 

3-4-2

3-4-3

Screen initialization failure

Screen-retrace test failure 

Search for video ROM failure

Run the video tests in the Dell Diagnostics. 
4-2-1

4-2-2

No timer tick

Shutdown failure

Replace the system board.
4-2-3 Gate A20 failure Replace the system board.
4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode Ensure that all expansion cards are properly seated, and then reboot the system.
4-3-1 Improperly seated or faulty DIMMs Remove and reseat the DIMMs. If the problem persists, replace the DIMMs. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
4-3-3 Defective system board Replace the system board.
4-3-4 Time-of-day clock stopped Replace the battery. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
4-4-1 Super I/O chip failure (defective system board) Replace the system board.
4-4-2 Parallel-port test failure (defective system board) Replace the system board.
4-4-3 Math coprocessor failure (defective microprocessor) Remove and reseat the specified microprocessor. If the problem still persists, replace the microprocessor.
4-4-4 Cache test failure (defective microprocessor) Remove and reseat the specified microprocessor. If the problem still persists, replace the microprocessor.

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 protect 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 your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide and the documentation that accompanied the operating system and application program for more information on warning messages.

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, 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 and the HP OpenView Network Node Manager (NNM) Special Edition (SE) with Dell OpenManage HIP User's Guide.)

Alert log messages consist of information, status, warning, and failure messages for drive, temperature, fan, and power conditions. They can assist you with identifying a problem and may provide you with information to help you resolve the problem. Table 3 lists some of the alert log messages from the Dell HIP application.
 

Table 3. Dell HIP Application Alert Log Messages 
Message Cause Corrective Action
Automatic management notification has occurred The server stopped functioning and called the notification number specified in the DC Console Actions tab. 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 System tab. If neither option was selected, the system can be reset using the Remote Management feature in the Dell Remote Assistant. 
Chassis intrusion detected* The chassis of an attached system has been opened. Check to make sure the system chassis is closed.
Fan sensor detected a failure* A failure of one or more fans was detected by the thermal-monitoring facility in the specified server. If possible, the chassis number and fan number are provided. 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.
Fan 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. 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.
Memory ECC fault detected An ECC error has occurred in system memory. Run the appropriate memory test(s) from the Dell Diagnostics.
Temperature sensor detected a failure* 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. Check for a fan failure. If needed, replace the fan. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Temperature sensor warning detected* 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. 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, replace the system board.
Voltage sensor detected a failure* 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. Check the power supply and backplane board connections. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Voltage sensor warning detected* The voltage probe on the backplane board, system board, or power supply for the specified server has exceeded its warning range. If possible, the chassis number and probe number are provided. Make sure the user-settable voltage thresholds are set correctly. If the problem persists, check the power supply and backplane board connections. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
* Supported for local server action

SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Codes

If a redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) controller such as the optional PowerEdge RAID Controller (PERC) 2/Si controller is installed in the system, 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 1). The SCSI backplane firmware controls the drive online and drive failure indicators.

Figure 1. Hard-Disk Drive Indicators

mess-1.gif (32471 bytes)
1 Drive online indicator
2 Drive activity indicator
3 Drive failure indicator

Table 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 4. SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Patterns 
Condition Indicator Code
Identify drive All three drive status indicators blink simultaneously.
Drive being prepared for removal The three drive status indicators flash sequentially.
Drive ready for insertion or removal All three drive status indicators are off.
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 failure 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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