This section describes the physical, firmware, and software interface features that provide and ensure the essential functioning of your system. The physical connectors on your system's front and back panels provide convenient connectivity and system expansion capability. The system firmware, applications, and operating systems monitor the system and component status and alert you when a problem arises. System conditions can be reported by any of the following:
Front or back panel indicators
System messages
Warning messages
Diagnostics messages
Alert messages
This section describes each type of message, lists the possible causes, and provides steps to resolve any problems indicated by a message. The system indicators and features are illustrated in this section.
Other Information You May Need
CAUTION: The Product Information Guide provides important safety and regulatory information. Warranty information may be included within this document or as a separate document.
The Rack Installation Guide or Rack Installation Instructions included with your rack solution describes how to install your system into a rack.
The Getting Started Guide provides an overview of system features, setting up your system, and technical specifications.
CDs included with your system provide documentation and tools for configuring and managing your system.
Systems management software documentation describes the features, requirements, installation, and basic operation of the software.
Operating system documentation describes how to install (if necessary), configure, and use the operating system software.
Documentation for any components you purchased separately provides information to configure and install these options.
Updates are sometimes included with the system to describe changes to the system, software, and/or documentation.
NOTE: Always check for updates on support.dell.com and read the updates first because they often supersede information in other documents.
Release notes or readme files may be included to provide last-minute updates to the system or documentation or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.
Accessing System Features During Startup
Table 1-1 describes keystrokes that may be entered during startup to access system features. If your operating system begins to load before you enter the keystroke, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.
Table 1-1. Keystrokes for Accessing System Features
Enters the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) Management Utility, which allows access to the system event log (SEL). See the BMC User's Guide for more information on setup and use of BMC.
<Ctrl+C>
Enters the SAS Configuration Utility. See your SAS adapter User's Guide for more information.
<Ctrl+R>
Enters the RAID configuration utility, which allows you to configure an optional RAID card. For more information, see the documentation for your RAID card.
<Ctrl+S>
Option is displayed only if you have PXE support enabled through the System Setup Program (see Integrated Devices Screen). This keystroke allows you to configure NIC settings for PXE boot. For more information, see the documentation for your integrated NIC.
<Ctrl+D>
If you have the optional Dell Remote Access Controller (DRAC), this keystroke allows access to selected DRAC configuration settings. See the DRAC User's Guide for more information on setup and use of DRAC.
Front-Panel Features and Indicators
Figure 1-1 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located behind the optional rack bezel on the system's front panel.
Figure 1-1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators
Table 1-2. Front-Panel LED Indicators, Buttons, and Connectors
Item
Indicator, Button, or Connector
Icon
Description
1
Power-on indicator, power button
The power-on indicator lights when the system power is on.
The power button controls the DC power supply output to the system.
NOTE: If you turn off the system using the power button and the system is running an ACPI-compliant operating system, the system performs a graceful shutdown before the power is turned off. If the system is not running an ACPI-compliant operating system, the power is turned off immediately after the power button is pressed.
2
NMI button
Used to troubleshoot software and device driver errors when using certain operating systems. This button can be pressed using the end of a paper clip.
Use this button only if directed to do so by qualified support personnel or by the operating system's documentation.
3
System identification button
The identification buttons on the front and back panels can be used to locate a particular system within a rack. When one of these buttons is pushed, the LCD panel on the front and the blue system status indicator on the back blink until one of the buttons is pushed again.
4
LCD panel
Provides system ID, status information, and system error messages.
The LCD lights during normal system operation. Both the systems management software and the identification buttons located on the front and back of the system can cause the LCD to flash blue to identify a particular system.
The LCD lights amber when the system needs attention, and the LCD panel displays an error code followed by descriptive text.
NOTE: If the system is connected to AC power and an error has been detected, the LCD lights amber regardless of whether the system has been powered on.
5
USB connectors (2)
Connects USB 2.0-compliant devices to the system.
6
Video connector
Connects a monitor to the system.
7
Hard drives (8)
Eight 2.5-inch hot plug OR Six 3.5-inch hot plug OR Four 3.5-inch hot-plug
8
Optical drive (optional)
One optional slimline IDE or DVD drive.
Hard-Drive Indicator Codes
The hard-drive carriers have two indicators—the drive-activity indicator and the drive-status indicator. See Figure 1-2. In RAID configurations, the drive-status indicator lights to indicate the status of the drive. In non-RAID configurations, only the drive-activity indicator lights; the drive-status indicator is off.
Figure 1-2. Hard-Drive Indicators
1
drive-status indicator (green and amber)
2
green drive-activity indicator
Table 1-3 lists the drive indicator patterns for RAID hard drives. Different patterns are displayed as drive events occur in the system. For example, if a hard drive fails, 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: For non-RAID configurations, only the drive-activity indicator is active. The drive-status indicator is off.
Table 1-3. Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns for RAID
Condition
Drive-Status Indicator Pattern
Identify drive/preparing for removal
Blinks green two times per second
Drive ready for insertion or removal
Off
Drive predicted failure
Blinks green, amber, and off.
Drive failed
Blinks amber four times per second.
Drive rebuilding
Blinks green slowly.
Drive online
Steady green.
Rebuild aborted
Blinks green three seconds, amber three seconds, and off six seconds.
Back-Panel Features and Indicators
Figure 1-3 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located on the system's back panel.
Figure 1-3. Back-Panel Features and Indicators
1
center PCI riser (slot 1)
2
left PCI riser (slot 2)
3
left PCI riser (slot 3)
4
power supplies (2)
5
system identification button
6
system status indicator
7
system status indicator connector
8
NIC2 connector
9
NIC1 connector
10
USB connectors (2)
11
video connector
12
serial connector
13
remote access controller (optional)
Connecting External Devices
When connecting external devices to your system, follow these guidelines:
Most devices must be connected to a specific connector and device drivers must be installed before the device operates properly. (Device drivers are normally included with your operating system software or with the device itself.) See the documentation that accompanied the device for specific installation and configuration instructions.
Always attach external devices while your system and the device are turned off. Next, turn on any external devices before turning on the system (unless the documentation for the device specifies otherwise).
The power button on the front panel controls the power input to the system's power supplies. The power indicator lights green when the system is on.
The indicators on the redundant power supplies show whether power is present or whether a power fault has occurred (see Figure 1-4). Table 1-4 lists the power supply indicator codes.
Table 1-4. Redundant Power Supply Indicators
Indicator
Function
Power supply status
Green indicates that the power supply is operational.
Power supply fault
Amber indicates a problem with the power supply.
AC line status
Green indicates that a valid AC source is connected to the power supply.
Figure 1-4. Redundant Power Supply Indicators
1
power supply status
2
power supply fault
3
AC line status
NIC Indicator Codes
Each NIC on the back panel has an indicator that provides information on network activity and link status. See Figure 1-5. Table 1-5 lists the NIC indicator codes.
Figure 1-5. NIC Indicators
1
link indicator
2
activity indicator
Table 1-5. NIC Indicator Codes
Indicator
Indicator Code
Link and activity indicators are off
The NIC is not connected to the network.
Link indicator is green
The NIC is connected to a valid link partner on the network.
Activity indicator is amber blinking
Network data is being sent or received.
LCD Status Messages
The system's control panel LCD provides status messages to signify when the system is operating correctly or when the system needs attention.
The LCD lights blue to indicate a normal operating condition, and lights amber to indicate an error condition. The LCD scrolls a message that includes a status code followed by descriptive text. Table 1-6 lists the LCD status messages that can occur and the probable cause for each message. The LCD messages refer to events recorded in the System Event Log (SEL). For information on the SEL and configuring system management settings, see the systems management software documentation.
CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTE: If your system fails to boot, press the System ID button for at least five seconds until an error code appears on the LCD. Record the code, then see Getting Help.
Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages
Code
Text
Causes
Corrective Actions
N/A
SYSTEM NAME
A 62-character string that can be defined by the user in the System Setup program.
The SYSTEM NAME displays under the following conditions:
The system is powered on.
The power is off and active POST errors are displayed.
Specified microprocessor is reporting an internal error.
See your system's Information Update Tech Sheet located on support.dell.com for the most current system information. If problem persists, see Getting Help.
E1414
CPU # Thermtrip
Specified microprocessor is out of acceptable temperature range and has halted operation.
NOTE: The LCD continues to display this message until the system's power cord is disconnected and reconnected to the AC power source, or the SEL is cleared using either Server Assistant or the BMC Management Utility. See the Dell OpenManage Baseboard Management Controller User's Guide for information about these utilities.
E1418
CPU # Presence
Specified processor is missing or bad, and the system is in an unsupported configuration.
Processors are in a configuration unsupported by Dell.
Ensure that your processors match and conform to the type described in the Microprocessor Technical Specifications outlined in your system's Getting Started Guide.
E141F
CPU Protocol
The system BIOS has reported a processor protocol error.
One of the DIMMs in the set implicated by "## & ##" has had a memory multi-bit error (MBE). If no memory card is present, the "Crd #" string is left out of the message.
The system BIOS has disabled memory single-bit error (SBE) logging, and will not resume logging further SBEs until the system is rebooted. "##" represents the DIMM implicated by the BIOS. If no memory riser card is present, the "Crd #" string is left out of the message.
The system BIOS has spared the memory because it has determined that the memory had too many errors. "## & ##" represents the DIMM pair implicated by the BIOS. If no memory card is present, the "Crd #" string is left out of the message.
The system BIOS has disabled memory mirroring because it has determined that one half of the mirror has had too many errors. "## & ##" represents the DIMM pair implicated by the BIOS. If no memory card is present, the "Crd #" string is left out of the message.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary.
Solving Problems Described by LCD Status Messages
The code and text on the LCD can often specify a very precise fault condition that is easily corrected. For example, if the code E1418 CPU_1_Presence appears, you know that a microprocessor is not installed in socket 1.
In contrast, you might be able to determine the problem if multiple related errors occur. For example, if you receive a series of messages indicating multiple voltage faults, you might determine that the problem is a failing power supply.
Removing LCD Status Messages
For faults associated with sensors, such as temperature, voltage, fans, and so on, the LCD message is automatically removed when that sensor returns to a normal state. For example, if temperature for a component goes out of range, the LCD displays the fault; when the temperature returns to the acceptable range, the message is removed from the LCD. For other faults, you must take action to remove the message from the display:
Clear the SEL — You can perform this task remotely, but you will lose the event history for the system.
Power cycle — Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet; wait approximately ten seconds, reconnect the power cable, and restart the system.
Any of these actions will remove fault messages, and return the status indicators and LCD colors to the normal state. Messages will reappear under the following conditions:
The sensor returns to a normal state but fails again, resulting in a new SEL entry.
The system is reset and new error events are detected.
A failure is recorded from another source that maps to the same display entry.
System Messages
System messages appear on the screen to notify you of a possible problem with the system. Table 1-3 lists the system messages that can occur and the probable cause and corrective action for each message.
NOTE: If you receive a system message that is not listed in Table 1-3, check the documentation for the application that is running when the message appears or the operating system's documentation for an explanation of the message and recommended action.
CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
Table 1-7. System Messages
Message
Causes
Corrective Actions
Alert! Redundant memory disabled! Memory configuration does not support redundant memory.
Installed memory modules are not the same type and size; faulty memory module(s).
Ensure that all memory modules are of the same type and size and that they are properly installed. If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting System Memory.
Attempting to update Remote Configuration. Please wait...
Remote Configuration request has been detected and is being processed.
Wait until the process is complete.
BIOS Update Attempt Failed!
Remote BIOS update attempt failed.
Retry the BIOS update. If problem persists, see Getting Help.
Caution! NVRAM_CLR jumper is installed on system board.
NVRAM_CLR jumper is installed. CMOS has been cleared.
Remove NVRAM_CLR jumper. See Figure 6-1 for jumper location.
CPUs with different cache sizes detected!
Microprocessors with different cache sizes are installed.
Ensure that all microprocessors have the same cache size and that they are properly installed. See Processors.
DIMM pairs must be matched in size, speed, and technology. The following DIMM pair is mismatched: DIMM x and DIMM y.
Mismatched or unmatched DIMMs installed; faulty or improperly seated memory module(s).
Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size and that they are properly installed. See System Memory. If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting System Memory.
DIMMs must be populated in sequential order beginning with slot 1. The following DIMM is electrically isolated: DIMM x.
The specified DIMM is inaccessible to the system due to its location. DIMMs must be populated in sequential order, beginning with slot 1.
Populate 2, 4, or 8 DIMMs sequentially beginning with slot 1. See System Memory.
DIMMs should be installed in pairs. Pairs must be matched in size, speed, and technology.
Mismatched or unmatched DIMMs installed; faulty or improperly seated memory module(s). The system will operate in a degraded mode with reduced ECC protection. Only memory installed in channel 0 will be accessible.
Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size and that they are properly installed. See System Memory. If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting System Memory.
Dual-rank DIMM paired with Single-rank DIMM - The following DIMM/rank has been disabled by BIOS: DIMM x Rank y
Mismatched DIMMs installed; faulty memory module(s). The system has detected a dual-rank DIMM paired with a single-rank DIMM. The second rank of the dual-rank DIMM will be disabled.
Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size and that they are properly installed. See System Memory. If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting System Memory.
Diskette drive n seek failure
Incorrect configuration settings in the System Setup program.
Error: Incorrect memory configuration. DIMMs must be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology.
Mismatched or unmatched DIMMs installed; faulty or improperly seated memory module(s).
Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size and that they are properly installed. See System Memory. If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting System Memory.
Error: Memory failure detected. Memory size reduced. Replace the faulty DIMM as soon as possible.
!!*** Error: Remote Access Controller initialization failure*** RAC virtual USB devices may not be available...
Remote Access Controller initialization failure
Ensure that the Remote Access Controller is properly installed. See Installing a RAC Card.
FBD training error: The following branch has been disabled: Branch x
The specified branch (channel pair) contains DIMMs that are incompatible with each other.
Ensure that only Dell-qualified memory is used. Dell recommends purchasing memory upgrade kits directly from www.dell.com or your Dell sales agent to ensure compatibility.
Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or no operating system on hard drive.
Check the hard-drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. See Using the System Setup Program. If necessary, install the operating system on your hard drive. See your operating system documentation.
PCIe Degraded Link Width Error: Embedded Bus#nn/Dev#nn/Funcn
Expected Link Width is n
Actual Link Width is n
Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card in the specified slot.
Reseat the PCIe card in the specified slot number. See Expansion Cards. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.
PCIe Degraded Link Width Error: Slot n
Expected Link Width is n
Actual Link Width is n
Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card in the specified slot.
Reseat the PCIe card in the specified slot number. See Expansion Cards. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.
PCIe Training Error: Embedded Bus#nn/Dev#nn/Funcn
PCIe Training Error: Slot n
Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card in the specified slot.
Reseat the PCIe card in the specified slot number. See Expansion Cards. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.
PCI BIOS failed to install
PCI device BIOS (Option ROM) checksum failure is detected during shadowing.
Loose cables to expansion card(s); faulty or improperly installed expansion card(s).
Reseat the expansion card(s). Ensure that all appropriate cables are securely connected to the expansion card(s). If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting Expansion Cards.
Plug & Play Configuration Error
Error encountered in initializing PCI device; faulty system board.
The operating system cannot read from the diskette or hard drive, the system could not find a particular sector on the disk, or the requested sector is defective.
System unable to process Remote Configuration request
Retry Remote Configuration.
ROM bad checksum = address
Expansion card improperly installed or faulty.
Reseat the expansion card(s). Ensure that all appropriate cables are securely connected to the expansion card(s). If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting Expansion Cards.
Memory has been added or removed or a memory module may be faulty.
If memory has been added or removed, this message is informative and can be ignored. If memory has not been added or removed, check the SEL to determine if single-bit or multi-bit errors were detected and replace the faulty memory module. See Troubleshooting System Memory.
The following DIMM pair is not compatible with the memory controller: DIMM x and DIMM y
The specified DIMM(s) are incompatible with the system.
Ensure that only Dell-qualified memory is used. Dell recommends purchasing memory upgrade kits directly from www.dell.com or your Dell sales agent to ensure compatibility.
The following DIMMs are not compatible: DIMM x and DIMM y
The specified DIMM(s) are incompatible with the system.
Ensure that only ECC FBD1 memory is used. Dell recommends purchasing memory upgrade kits directly from www.dell.com or your Dell sales agent to ensure compatibility.
Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program
Incorrect Time or Date settings; faulty system battery.
Warning: The current memory configuration is not optimal. Dell recommends a population of 2, 4, or 8 DIMMs. DIMMs should be populated sequentially starting in slot 1.
System has detected a legal but non-optimal population of DIMMs (for example, 1 DIMM, 6 DIMMs, 4 DIMMs in slots 1, 2, 5, and 6, etc.). The system will run with all memory accessible but will experience sub-optimal performance.
Populate 2, 4, or 8 DIMMs sequentially beginning with slot 1. See System Memory.
Write fault
Faulty diskette, optical/diskette drive assembly, hard drive, or hard-drive subsystem.
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary.
Warning Messages
A warning message alerts you to a possible problem and prompts you to respond before the system continues a task. For example, before you format a diskette, a message will warn you that you may lose all data on the diskette. Warning messages usually interrupt the task and require you to respond by typing y (yes) or n (no).
NOTE: Warning messages are generated by either the application or the operating system. For more information, see the documentation that accompanied the operating system or application.
Diagnostics Messages
When you run system diagnostics, an error message may result. Diagnostic error messages are not covered in this section. Record the message on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in Getting Help, and then follow the instructions in that section for obtaining technical assistance.
Alert Messages
Systems management software generates alert messages for your system. Alert messages include information, status, warning, and failure messages for drive, temperature, fan, and power conditions. For more information, see the systems management software documentation.
