The system, applications, and operating systems can identify problems and alert you to them. Any of the following can indicate when the system is not operating properly:
System indicators
LCD status messages
System messages
Beep codes
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.
Front-Panel Indicators and Features
System Status Indicator
The system status indicator incorporates blue and amber LEDs. The blue LED lights up when the system is operating correctly. The amber LED lights up when the system needs attention due to a problem with power supplies, fans, system temperature, or hard drives.
Table 2-1 lists the system status indicator's patterns. Different patterns are displayed as events occur in the system.
The LED has been activated through system management software or the system identification button to identify the system in a rack.
NOTE: While the system is being identified, the blue LED blinks even though an error has been detected. After the system is identified, the blue LED stops blinking and the amber indicator resumes blinking.
Figure 2-1 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located behind the optional bezel on the system's front panel. Table 2-2 describes the front-panel features.
Figure 2-1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators
Table 2-2. Front-Panel Indicators, Buttons, and Connectors
Indicator, Button, or Connector
Icon
Description
System status indicator
Lights blue when the system is operating correctly. Lights amber when the system needs attention due to a problem.
NOTE: When the bezel is removed, the system status indicator is disabled, and the LCD takes the place of the system status indicator to show system status.
LCD
Provides system identification, status information, and system error messages.
The LCD lights blue 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 due to a problem with power supplies, fans, system temperature, or hard drives.
NOTE: If the system is connected to AC power and an error has been detected, the LCD flashes amber regardless of whether the system has been powered on.
Power-on indicator, power button
Lights when the system power is on. The power-on indicator blinks when power is available to the system, but the system is not powered 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 an orderly 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.
System identification button
Used to identify and locate a particular system within a rack. When one of these buttons is pushed, the system status indicator on the front (and back) panel blinks blue until one of the buttons is pushed again.
USB connectors
Connects USB 2.0-compliant devices to the system.
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.
Video connector
Connects a monitor to the system.
Back-Panel Features and Indicators
Figure 2-2 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located on the system's back panel.
Figure 2-2. Back-Panel Features and Indicators
SCSI Hard-Drive Indicator Codes
If RAID is activated, two indicators on each of the hard-drive carriers provide information on the status of the SCSI hard drives. RAID can be enabled either by activating the system's integrated RAID controller or by using a RAID expansion card connected to the backplane. See Figure 2-3 and Table 2-3. The SCSI backplane firmware controls the drive power-on/fault indicator.
Figure 2-3. SCSI Hard-Drive Indicators
Table 2-3 lists the drive indicator patterns for systems with optional RAID support. 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: If a RAID controller is not present, the green power-on/fault indicator is on if power is available to the drive. The drive-activity indicator also blinks when the drive is being accessed.
Table 2-3. Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns (RAID Support Required)
Condition
Indicator Pattern
Identify drive
The green power-on/fault indicator blinks four times per second.
Drive being prepared for removal
The green power-on/fault indicator blinks two times per second.
Drive ready for insertion or removal
Both drive indicators are off.
Drive being prepared for operation
The green power-on/fault indicator is on.
Drive predicted failure
The power-on/fault indicator slowly blinks green, amber, and off.
Drive failed
The amber power-on/fault indicator blinks four times per second.
Drive rebuilding
The green power-on/fault indicator blinks slowly.
Drive online
The green power-on/fault indicator is on.
Power Indicator Codes
The power button on the front panel controls the power input to the system's power supplies. The power-on indicator on the power button can provide information on power status (see Figure 2-1). Table 2-4 lists the power-on indicator codes.
Table 2-4. Power-On Indicator Codes
Indicator
Function
On
Indicates that power is supplied to the system and the system is operational.
Off
Indicates that no power is supplied to the system.
Blinking
Indicates that power is supplied to the system, but the system is in a standby state. For information on standby states, see your operating system documentation.
The indicators on the optional redundant power supplies show whether power is present or whether a power fault has occurred (see Figure 2-4).
NOTE: If a power supply blank is installed in the second power supply bay, the power supply blank will only have a fault indicator. This indicator lights amber if there is a fault with the cooling fans in the power supply blank.
Figure 2-4. Power Supply Indicators
Table 2-5. 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 power status
Green indicates that a valid AC power source is connected to the power supply.
NIC Indicator Codes
Figure 2-5. NIC Indicators
Table 2-6. NIC Indicators
Link Indicator
Activity Indicator
Description
Off
Off
The NIC is not connected to the network or the NIC is disabled in the System Setup screen. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide.
Green
Off
Indicates that the network adapter is connected to a valid link partner on the network, but data is not currently being sent or received.
Green
Blinking amber
Indicates that network data is being sent or received.
LCD Status Messages
The system status indictor can signify when the system is operating correctly or when the system needs attention. When the system status indicator signifies an error condition, remove the optional bezel to see further status information provided by the LCD.
The LCD can display two lines of alphanumeric characters. The display color indicates the current system status:
Blue background — Information only; no action is required.
Amber background — The system needs attention.
Table 2-7 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: 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.
Table 2-7. LCD Status Messages
Line 1 Message
Line 2 Message
Causes
Corrective Actions
SYSTEM ID
SYSTEM NAME
SYSTEM ID is a unique name, five characters or less, defined by the user.
SYSTEM NAME is a unique name, 16 characters or less, defined by the user.
The system ID and name display under the following conditions:
The system is powered on.
The power is off and active POST errors are displayed.
This message is for information only.
You can change the system ID and name in the System Setup program. See your User's Guide for instructions.
E0000
OVRFLW CHECK LOG
LCD overflow message.
A maximum of three error messages can display sequentially on the LCD. The fourth message displays as the standard overflow message.
Check the SEL for details on the events.
E0119
TEMP AMBIENT TEMP BMC
Ambient system temperature is out of acceptable range.
Specified processor is out of acceptable temperature range and has halted operation.
See "Troubleshooting System Cooling Problems" in "Troubleshooting Your System." If the problem persists, ensure that the processor heat sinks are properly installed. See "Processors" in "Installing System Components."
NOTE: The LCD continues to display this message until the system's power cable 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.
E0876
PS n MISSING PS n STATUS
No power available from the specified power supply; specified power supply is improperly installed or faulty.
Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card. Faulty system board.
Remove and reseat the PCIe expansion cards. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting Expansion Cards" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
If the problem persists, the system board is faulty. See "Getting Help."
EB107
MEMORY MIRRORED
Memory mirroring enabled.
Information only.
EB107
MEMORY SPARED
Memory spare bank enabled.
Information only.
EFFF2
ROMB PRESENCE
Integrated RAID controller is activated.
Information only.
IB110
SBE LOG DISABLED LOGGING DISABLED
Information only.
IS000
INTRUSION
System cover has been removed.
Information only
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the Glossary in your User's Guide.
System Messages
System messages appear on the screen during system boot to notify you of a possible problem with the system. Table 2-8 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 2-8, 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.
Table 2-8. System Messages
Message
Causes
Corrective Actions
Alert! Redundant memory disabled! Memory configuration does not support redundant memory.
The current memory configuration does not support redundant memory.
Diskette missing or improperly inserted in diskette drive.
Reinsert or replace the diskette.
Embedded RAID error
An error has been generated by the firmware used by the optional integrated RAID controller.
Update the RAID firmware using the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Embedded RAID firmware is not present
The firmware used by the optional integrated RAID controller is not responding to system requests.
Restore the RAID firmware using the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Error: Incorrect memory configuration. Ensure memory in slots DIMM_1A and DIMM_1B, DIMM_2A and DIMM_2B on each memory card match identically in size, speed, and rank.
One or more unmatched pairs of memory modules are detected.
Error: Incorrect memory configuration. When mixing Dual and Single Rank memory on the same memory card, Dual Rank DIMMs must be in slots DIMM_1A and DIMM_1B, and Single Rank DIMMs must be in slots DIMM2_A and DIMM2_B.
Dual-rank memory modules are installed in slots DIMM2_A and DIMM2_B.
Ensure that the keyboard is properly connected. If the problem persists, replace the keyboard. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help."
Keyboard fuse has failed.
Keyboard fuse has failed.
Faulty system board.
Replace the keyboard.
If the problem persists, the system board is faulty. See "Getting Help."
Manufacturing mode detected
System is incorrectly configured.
After the message appears during system boot, press <Alt><f> to turn off manufacturing mode.
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 start address to end address
Memory write/read failure at address, read value expecting value
Faulty or improperly installed memory modules, or faulty system board.
Ensure that all memory modules are properly installed. See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in "Troubleshooting Your System." If the problem persists, see "Getting Help."
Memory mirroring enabled
Memory mirroring enabled.
You can enable memory mirroring using the System Setup program if the memory is configured to support mirroring. For more information, see "General Memory Module Installation Guidelines" in "Installing System Components," and see "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Memory tests terminated by keystroke
The spacebar was pressed during POST to terminate the memory test.
Information only.
No boot device available
Faulty or missing diskette drive, optical drive, or hard drive.
Check the Integrated Devices configuration settings in the System Setup program. See "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide. Ensure that either SCSI Controller, Diskette Controller, or IDE CD-ROM Controller is enabled. If the system is booting from a SCSI controller, ensure that the controller is properly connected. If the problem persists, replace the drive. See "Installing Drives."
No boot sector on hard-disk drive
An operating system is not on the hard drive.
Check the hard-drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. See "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
Loose cables to expansion card(s); faulty or improperly installed expansion card.
Ensure that all appropriate cables are securely connected to the expansion cards. See "Troubleshooting Expansion Cards" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
PCIe Degraded Link Width Error: Embedded Bus#nn/Dev#nn/Funcn
Faulty or improperly installed PCIe card in the specified slot number.
Reseat the PCIe card in the specified slot number. See "Expansion Cards." If the problem persists, see "Getting Help."
Plug & Play Configuration Error
Error encountered in initializing PCI device; faulty system board.
Install the NVRAM_CLR jumper and reboot the system. See Figure A-2 for jumper location. Check for a BIOS update. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting Expansion Cards" in "Troubleshooting Your System." If the problem persists, see "Getting Help."
Read fault
Requested sector not found
Faulty diskette, diskette drive, optical drive, or hard drive.
Replace the diskette. If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting SCSI Hard Drives" in "Troubleshooting Your System" for the appropriate drive installed in your system.
Shutdown failure
Shutdown test failure.
Ensure that all memory modules are properly installed. See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in "Troubleshooting Your System." If the problem persists, see "Getting Help."
Spare bank enabled
Memory spare bank enabled.
You can enable memory spare bank using the System Setup program if the memory is configured to support this feature. For more information, see "General Memory Module Installation Guidelines" in "Installing System Components," and see "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
The amount of system memory has changed.
Faulty memory module.
Information only, if you have changed the memory configuration.
Incorrect Time or Date settings; faulty system battery.
Check the Time and Date settings See "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting the System Battery" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
Replace a processor so that both processors match. See "Adding or Replacing a Processor" in "Installing System Components."
Check for a BIOS update using the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. If the problem persists, install a supported processor. See "Processors" in "Installing System Components."
Unsupported CPU stepping detected
Processor is not supported by the system.
Check for a BIOS update using the Dell Support website at support.dell.com. If the problem persists, install a supported processor. See "Processors" in "Installing System Components."
Utility partition not available
<F10> key was pressed during POST, but no utility partition exists on the boot hard drive.
Create a utility partition on the boot hard drive. See "Using the Dell OpenManage Server AssistantCD" in your User's Guide.
Warning: Detected mode change from RAID to SCSI x of the embedded RAID subsystem.
Type of controller has changed from optional RAID to SCSI since previous system boot.
Back up information on the hard drives before changing the type of controller used with the drives.
Warning: Detected mode change from SCSI to RAID x of the embedded RAID subsystem.
Type of controller has changed from SCSI to optional RAID since previous system boot.
Back up information on the hard drives before changing the type of controller used with the drives.
Warning! No microcode update loaded for processor n
Unsupported processor.
Update the BIOS firmware using the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Write fault
Write fault on selected drive
Faulty diskette, diskette drive, optical drive, hard drive.
If an error that cannot be reported on the screen occurs during POST, the system may emit a series of beeps that identifies the problem.
NOTE: If the system boots without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached, the system does not issue beep codes related to those peripherals.
If a beep code is emitted, write down the series of beeps and then look it up in Table 2-9. If you are unable to resolve the problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use system diagnostics to identify the possible cause. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, see "Getting Help."
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 "Finding Software Solutions" and 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.
Baseboard Management Controller Messages
The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) enables you to configure, monitor, and recover systems remotely. BMC uses the system's serial port and integrated NIC1 to support fault logging and SNMP alerting.
NOTE: If the integrated network controller is used in an Ether Channel team or link aggregation team, the BMC management traffic will not function properly. For more information about network teaming, see the documentation for the network controller.
For additional information on using the BMC, see the documentation for the BMC and systems management applications.
