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Checking Inside the Computer: Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems Installation and
Troubleshooting Guide
Back to Contents Page
Checking Inside the Computer: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2400
Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Overview • Safety First—For You and
Your Computer • Removing and
Replacing the Computer Covers • Removing and Replacing the Cooling
Shroud • Inside
the Chassis • Responding to a Dell HIP Alert
Message • Troubleshooting a Wet Computer • Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer • Troubleshooting the Battery • Troubleshooting Redundant
Power Supplies • Troubleshooting a Cooling Fan • Troubleshooting
Expansion Cards • Troubleshooting System Memory • Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem • Troubleshooting the System Board • Troubleshooting the
Diskette Drive Subsystem • Troubleshooting a SCSI Tape Drive • Troubleshooting SCSI Hard-Disk
Drives • Troubleshooting a RAID
Controller
This section provides troubleshooting procedures for components inside the computer.
Before you start any of the procedures in this section, take the following steps:
You need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:
- The Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD and a blank, formatted 3.5-inch diskette
- The Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems User's Guide
The key to the system keylock
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NOTE: When you see the question
"Is the problem resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the operation
that caused the problem. |
The procedures in this guide require that you remove the cover and work inside the
computer. While working inside the computer, do not attempt to service the computer except
as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow the
instructions closely.
Working inside the computer is safe—if you observe the following precautions.
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WARNING FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY
AND PROTECTION OF THE EQUIPMENT Before
starting to work on the computer, perform the following steps in the sequence listed:
- Turn off your computer and any peripherals (unless you are installing
or removing a hard-disk drive).
- Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the
chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer,
before touching anything inside your computer.
- While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the
computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
- Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources
(unless you are installing or removing a hard-disk drive). Also, disconnect any telephone
or telecommunication lines from the computer.
- Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
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In addition, Dell recommends that you periodically review the safety instructions for this system.
The computer is enclosed by a front bezel and a left- and right-side
cover. To troubleshoot problems inside the computer, you may need to remove the front
bezel and one or both of the side covers. Removal of the right-side computer cover allows
access to the system board, small computer system interface (SCSI) backplane board, and
external SCSI devices. Removal of the left-side computer cover permits access to the
diskette-drive interface cable.
To remove the computer covers, perform the following steps:
- Observe the precautions in "Safety First—For
You and Your Computer." Also observe the safety
instructions.
- Turn the keylock on the front bezel of the computer to the unlocked
position.
- Grasp the bezel by the indentations on each side of the external
drive bays and pull it slightly away from the chassis to release the two detents on the
back of the bezel.
- Pivot the bezel downward (see Figure 1) until it is at right angles
to the computer chassis.
Figure 1. Opening the Front Bezel
- Grasp the bezel along the edge adjacent to the computer chassis and
unsnap the bezel to remove it from the chassis.
- Loosen the three thumbscrews along the front edge of either side
cover (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Removing the Computer Covers
1
|
Thumbscrew (3 per cover) |
2 |
Cover (2) |
- Slide one cover about a centimeter (a half-inch) toward the front of
the computer, and grasp the top of the cover at both ends. Rotate the top edge of the
cover away from the chassis, and lift it away from the chassis.
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 to remove the remaining side cover, if
necessary.
To replace a computer cover, perform the following steps.
NOTICE: Make sure that there are no cables or cable
connectors lying on the top diskette drive in the upper drive cage. Foreign objects on top
of the drive can interfere with drive operation and permanently damage the drive.
- Check all cable connections, especially those that might have come
loose during your work. Fold cables out of the way so that they do not catch on the
computer cover.
- Check that no tools or parts (including screws) are left inside the
computer.
- Fit the cover over the side rail at the bottom of the chassis, and
slide it closed.
- Secure the cover with the three thumbscrews.
- Make sure the keylock is in the unlocked position.
- Snap the two tabs near the lower inside edge of the front bezel into
the corresponding metal clips on the chassis, and pivot the bezel upwards into its closed
position.
- Set the keylock to the locked position.
The plastic cooling shroud inside the system is used to improve
airflow over the microprocessors. You may need to remove this shroud to access certain
components on the system board.
Removing the
Cooling Shroud
To remove the cooling shroud, perform the following steps:
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable
from the electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Unscrew and remove the two retention pins (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Removing the Cooling Shroud
1
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Retention pins (2) |
2 |
Cooling shroud |
3 |
Cooling fan |
- Remove the shroud by lifting the end of the shroud closest to the
microprocessor(s) until the opposite end of the shroud disengages from the cooling fan on
the system back panel.
Replacing
the Cooling Shroud
To replace the cooling shroud, perform the following steps:
- Hook the upper edge of the large opening on the end of the cooling shroud over the top
of the cooling fan on the system back panel.
- Lower the other end of the shroud into place over the
microprocessor(s).
- Secure the shroud by reinstalling the two retention pins.
In Figure 4, the cover on the right side of the computer is removed
to provide an interior view. Figure 4 also identifies the drive bays. Refer to these
illustrations to locate interior features and components discussed later in this guide.
Figure 4. Inside the System
(Right-Side View)
1
|
System board |
2 |
SCSI backplane board |
3
|
Interface cable |
4 |
DC power cable |
5 |
Hard-disk drive bays |
6 |
External drive bays |
The system board holds the computer's control circuitry and other
electronic components. Some hardware options are installed directly on the system board.
The external drive bays provide space for up to three half-height 5.25-inch drives,
typically CD-ROM drives or tape drives. The diskette drive bay holds a 3.5-inch diskette
drive. The hard-disk drive bays provide space for up to four 1.6-inch or six 1-inch SCSI
hard-disk drives. These hard-disk drives are connected to a SCSI host adapter on the
system board or on an expansion card, via the SCSI backplane board.
When you look inside the computer, note the power cables leading
from the power supply(s). The power cables supply power to the system board, SCSI
backplane board, externally accessible drives, and any expansion cards that connect to
external peripherals.
For non-SCSI drives such as the diskette drive, an interface cable
connects each drive to an interface connector on the system board or on an expansion card.
For SCSI devices, interface cables connect externally accessible SCSI devices and the SCSI
backplane board to a SCSI host adapter either on the system board or on an expansion card.
(For more information, see "Installing Drives in the External
Bays" and "Installing Hard-Disk Drives.")
During an installation or troubleshooting procedure, you may be
required to change a jumper or switch setting. For information on the system board
jumpers, see "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors."
The Dell OpenManage Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server management
application program monitors critical system voltages and temperatures, the system cooling
fans, and the status of the SCSI hard-disk drives in the computer. The application program
generates alert messages that appear in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap
log file. More information about the Alert Log window and options is
provided in the Dell OpenManage HIP online help and the HP OpenView User's Guide.
Liquid spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can cause damage to the system. If an
external device (such as a printer or an external drive) gets wet, contact the device
manufacturer for instructions. If the computer gets wet, perform the following steps:
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from
the electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the computer covers.
- Let the computer dry for at least 24 hours.
Make sure that it is thoroughly dry before proceeding.
- Remove all expansion cards installed
in the computer.
- Replace the computer covers and front bezel,
reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
Does the system have power?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
- Turn off the system, disconnect it from the electrical outlet, remove the right-side computer
cover, and reinstall
all expansion cards you removed in step 4.
- Replace the computer
covers and front bezel, and reconnect the system to the electrical
outlet.
- Run the Dell Diagnostics and test the
system.
Did the tests run successfully?
Yes. The system is operating properly.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
If the computer was dropped or damaged while being moved, you should check the computer
to see if it functions properly. If an external device attached to the computer is dropped
or damaged, contact the manufacturer of the device for instructions or see "Getting Help" for information on obtaining technical
assistance from Dell.
To troubleshoot a damaged computer, perform the following steps:
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from
its electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the computer covers.
Check all the board and card connections in the computer.
- Check the following connections:
- Expansion-card connections to the system board
- Drive carrier connections to the SCSI backplane board
- Verify all internal cable and component connections.
Make sure that all cables are properly connected and that all components are properly
seated in their connectors and sockets.
- Replace the computer covers and front bezel
and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.
- Run the system board tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
Did the tests run successfully?
Yes. The system is operating properly.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
If an error message indicates a problem with the battery, or if the system setup
program loses the system configuration information when the computer is turned off, the
battery may be defective.
To troubleshoot the battery, perform the following steps:
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from
its electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Remove the cooling shroud.
- Check the connection of the coin cell battery to the system board.
See "Replacing the Battery" for
information on gaining access to the battery socket.
- Is the battery firmly installed in the battery socket on the system board?
Yes. Go to step 7.
No. Go to step 6.
- Reseat the battery in its socket.
- Replace the cooling shroud, computer cover, and front
bezel, and reconnect the system to the electrical outlet.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The battery was loose. You have fixed the problem.
No. Continue with this procedure.
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CAUTION: There is a
danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries
according to the manufacturer's instructions. |
- Repeat steps 1 through 3.
- Replace the battery.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The battery's charge was low. You have fixed the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Dell PowerEdge 2400 systems may contain two optional, redundant, hot-pluggable power
supplies. The two indicators on the back of each power supply (see Figure 5) signal the
power supply's current status. If the red (lower) failure indicator lights up, or server
management software indicates a problem (the rightmost [lowest] supply is designated as
power supply #1), replace the power supply as described in the following subsection.
Figure 5. Power Supply Features
1
|
Power supply handle |
2 |
Power indicator |
| 3 |
Failure indicator |
To replace a power supply, perform the following steps.
NOTICE: The power supply is heavy. Support it with both
hands when installing or removing it.
- Unplug the power cord from the power supply.
- Remove the power supply:
- Using your thumb and index finger, squeeze the catch in the middle of
the power supply handle (see Figure 5).
- Rotate the handle downward to release the power supply from the
system chassis.
- Slide the power supply out of the chassis.
- Slide the new power supply into the chassis.
NOTICE: Do not use excessive force when sliding the power
supply into the chassis.
- Rotate the power supply handle to the closed position.
For better leverage, press against the upper corners of the handle.
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NOTE: The power supply will not
function until the handle is closed. |
- Plug the power cord into the power supply.
Two cooling fans are installed in the Dell PowerEdge 2400 system
chassis. If you observe that one of the cooling fans is not operating or if the Dell HIP
server-management application issues a fan-related error message, perform the following
steps to troubleshoot the problem:
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and
disconnect the AC power cable from its power source.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer
cover.
- Check the fan cable connections to the system board.
- Replace the right-side computer
cover and front bezel and reconnect the system to AC power.
- Turn on the system.
Do the fans operate properly?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
If an error message indicates an expansion-card problem or if an
expansion card seems to perform incorrectly or not at all, the problem could be a faulty
connection, a conflict with software or other hardware, or a faulty expansion card. To
troubleshoot expansion cards, perform the following steps:
- Start the Resource Configuration Utility, and verify that all
Industry-Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion cards have been configured correctly. Save
the configuration before exiting the utility.
See "Using the Resource Configuration Utility" in the
User's Guide for instructions.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and
disconnect the AC power cable from its power source.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Verify that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.
Are the expansion cards properly seated in their connectors?
Yes. Go to step 6.
No. Go to step 5.
- Reseat the expansion
cards in their connectors.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The connection was loose. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 6.
- Verify that any appropriate cables are firmly connected to their corresponding
connectors on the expansion cards.
For instructions on which cables should be attached to specific connectors on an expansion
card, see the expansion card's documentation.
Are the appropriate cables firmly attached to their connectors?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 7.
- Reconnect the cable connectors to the appropriate connectors on the expansion cards.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The cable connections were loose. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 8.
Is an ISA expansion card installed in the system?
Yes. Go to step 9.
No. Go to step 11.
Inspect all jumpers and configuration switches on the ISA expansion card.
Most ISA expansion cards have configuration settings for an interrupt request (IRQ) line,
a direct memory access (DMA) channel, and a base-memory or basic input/output system
(BIOS) address. To keep expansion cards from conflicting with each other, you need to know
both the starting memory address and the amount of memory required by each card. For
instructions on jumpers and configuration settings, see the expansion card's
documentation.
Is the expansion card configured correctly?
Yes. Go to step 11.
No. Go to step 10.
Reconfigure the card according to the instructions in the card's
documentation, and reinstall the card.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The configuration of the ISA card was incorrect. You have
fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 11.
Remove all expansion
cards.
Replace the right-side computer
cover and front bezel, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
If you have removed or replaced an ISA expansion card, run the
Resource Configuration Utility and update the configuration information.
See "Using the Resource Configuration Utility" in the User's Guide for
instructions.
Run the system memory test in the Dell
Diagnostics.
Did the test run successfully?
Yes. Go to step 15.
No. See "Getting Help" for
information on obtaining technical assistance.
Turn off the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the
right-side computer cover.
Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 11, and
repeat steps 12 through 13.
Run the system memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.
Did the test run successfully?
Yes. Go to step 18.
No. See "Getting Help" for
information on obtaining technical assistance.
Repeat steps 15 through 17 for each of the remaining expansion cards
that you removed in step 11.
Have you reinstalled all of the expansion cards without encountering a test failure?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
information on obtaining technical assistance.
A system memory problem can be a faulty dual in-line memory module
(DIMM) or a faulty system board. If a random-access memory (RAM) error message appears,
the system probably has a memory problem.
When you turn on or reboot the system, the Caps Lock and Scroll Lock
indicators on the keyboard should flash momentarily and then turn off. If the Num
Lock category in the System Setup program is set to On, the Num
Lock indicator should flash momentarily and then remain on; otherwise, it should turn off.
Abnormal operation of these indicators can result from a defective DIMM in socket DIMM_A.
To troubleshoot system memory, perform the following steps:
- Turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.
Is there an error message indicating invalid system configuration information after the
memory count is completed?
Yes. Go to step 2.
No. Go to step 8.
Enter the System Setup program to check the Total Memory or System
Memory setting.
See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for
instructions.
Does the amount of memory installed match the Total Memory or System
Memory setting?
Yes. Go to step 9.
No. Go to step 3.
Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable
from the electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Remove the cooling shroud.
- Reseat the DIMMs in their sockets.
- Replace the right-side computer cover and front
bezel, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
- Enter the System Setup program and check the Total Memory or System
Memory setting again.
Does the amount of memory installed match the Total Memory or System
Memory setting?
Yes. Go to step 9.
No. Go to step 10.
- Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and
Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard.
Does the monitor screen remain blank, and do the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock
indicators on the keyboard remain on?
Yes. Go to step 10.
No. Go to step 14.
- Repeat steps 3 through 5.
- Swap the DIMM in socket DIMM_A with one of the same capacity.
- Replace the cooling shroud
and computer cover, and reconnect the system
to an electrical outlet.
- Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the indicators on the keyboard.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 14.
- Run the system memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.
Did the test run successfully?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem
Troubleshooting video problems involves determining which of the following items is the
source of the problem: the monitor, the monitor interface cable, the video memory, or the
video logic of the computer. You can also have a high-resolution video expansion card
installed, which overrides the video logic of the computer.
The following procedure troubleshoots problems with the video memory and video logic
only. Before you begin, perform the procedure found in "Troubleshooting the Monitor" to
determine whether or not the monitor is the source of the problem.
If you have a high-resolution video expansion card, first complete the steps in "Troubleshooting Expansion Cards" to
verify that the card is configured and installed correctly.
To troubleshoot the video subsystem, perform the following steps:
- Run the video tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
Did the tests run successfully?
Yes. The problem is not related to video hardware. Go to "Finding Software Solutions."
No. Go to step 2.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable
from the electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Determine whether a video expansion card is installed.
Is a video expansion card installed?
Yes. Go to step 5.
No. The integrated video controller is faulty. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
- Remove the video expansion card, and connect the monitor interface cable to the video
connector on the computer's back panel.
- Replace the right-side computer cover and front
bezel, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
Did the tests run successfully?
Yes. The video expansion card is faulty. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining assistance.
A system board problem can result from a defective system board component, a faulty
power supply, or a defective component connected to the system board. If an error message
indicates a system board problem, perform the following steps to troubleshoot the problem:
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from
its electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Remove all expansion cards except
the SCSI host adapter card and the video expansion card (if they are installed).
- Replace the right-side computer cover and front
bezel, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
- If you removed an ISA expansion card in step 3, run the Resource Configuration Utility
and update the configuration information.
See "Using the Resource Configuration Utility" in the User's Guide for
instructions.
- Run the system board tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
Did the tests run successfully?
Yes. Go to step 7 .
No. Go to step 11.
Turn off the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the right-side computer
cover.
Reinstall one of the expansion cards that you removed in step 3, repeat steps 4, 5, and
6, and continue with step 9.
Run the system board tests again.
Did the tests run successfully?
Yes. Go to step 10.
No. Go to step 11.
Repeat step 7 through 9 for each of the remaining expansion cards that you removed in
step 3.
Have you reinstalled all of the expansion cards without a test failure?
Yes. Go to step 11.
No. One of the expansion cards is faulty. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
Disconnect the keyboard and reboot the system.
Does the system boot successfully to the operating system?
Yes. Go to step 13.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Swap the keyboard with a comparable working keyboard and run the system board tests
again.
Did the tests run successfully?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
If the monitor displays a system error message indicating a diskette
drive problem during execution of either the boot routine or the Dell Diagnostics, the
problem may be caused by any of the following conditions:
- The system configuration settings do not match the physical diskette subsystem
configuration.
- The diskette drive cable is not properly connected or is faulty.
- An expansion card is interfering with proper drive operations.
- A diskette drive is improperly configured.
- The diskette drive is faulty.
- The computer's power supply is not providing sufficient power for the drives.
- The computer's diskette drive logic is faulty.
To troubleshoot the diskette drive subsystem, perform the following
steps:
- Enter the System Setup program, and verify that the system is configured correctly for
the Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B settings.
See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for
instructions.
- If the system configuration settings are incorrect, make the necessary corrections in
the System Setup program, and then reboot the system.
- Run the diskette drives test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine
whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. If you were in the middle of another procedure, continue
with the next step in the procedure you were performing.
No. Go to step 4.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power
cable from its power source.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove both computer covers.
- Check the diskette drive cabling.
Is the diskette drive securely connected to the diskette drive interface cable connector?
Is the diskette drive interface cable connector securely connected to the interface
connector (labeled "FLOPPY") on the system board? Is the drive's DC power cable
firmly connected to the drive?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 7.
- Reconnect the cable connectors.
- Replace the computer covers and front bezel,
reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
- Run the diskette drives test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine
whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 10.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5, and remove all expansion
cards.
- Replace the computer covers and front bezel,
reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
- Run the diskette drives test in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette
drive subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. An expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette
drive logic, or you may have a faulty expansion card. Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3.
No. Go to step 14.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5, and reinstall one of the expansion cards that you removed in
step 10.
- Replace the computer covers and front bezel,
reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
- Run the diskette drive tests in the Dell Diagnostics to determine
whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step 16.
No. Go to step 17.
- Repeat steps 13 through 15 until all expansion cards have been reinstalled or until one
of the expansion cards prevents the system from booting from the diagnostics diskette.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5. Verify that the drive's termination is enabled and that the
drive-select jumper is set to the DS1 position.
For information about the drive's termination and drive-select settings, refer to the
documentation for the drive.
Is the drive configured correctly?
Yes. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
No. Go to step 19.
- Correct the drive-select jumper and drive termination settings.
- Replace the computer covers and front bezel, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn
on the system.
- Run the diskette drives tests in the Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the diskette
drive subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests complete successfully?
Yes. You have solved the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
A SCSI tape drive can be an internal device installed in one of the externally
accessible drive bays or an external device that attaches to a SCSI host adapter connector
on the back panel of the computer. The SCSI tape drive is controlled by a SCSI host
adapter card installed in the computer, which may also control other SCSI devices
connected to one or more SCSI cables. SCSI devices often require device drivers for the
particular operating system being used by the computer system.
Tape drive problems often result from a defective tape drive, a defective tape
cartridge, or software. To troubleshoot a SCSI tape drive, perform the following steps:
- Remove the tape that was in use when the problem occurred, and replace it with a tape
that you know is not defective.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The original tape was defective. Replace it with a new
tape. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 2.
- Reboot the system and press <F2> to enter the System Setup program.
Is Secondary SCSI set to Enabled?
Yes. Go to step 4.
No. Go to step 3.
- Verify that any required SCSI device drivers are installed on the hard-disk drive and
are configured correctly.
See "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers" in the User's Guide for
instructions on installing and configuring the SCSI device drivers for the system's
integrated SCSI host adapter or Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller host adapter
card. For any other type of SCSI host adapter card, see the documentation that accompanied
the SCSI host adapter card.
Are the drivers installed and configured correctly?
Yes. The SCSI device drivers were installed or configured
incorrectly or were corrupted. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 4.
- Reinstall the tape backup software as instructed in the tape-backup software
documentation.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The tape backup software was corrupted. You have fixed the
problem.
No. Go to step 5.
- Reboot the system and check for the presence of the tape drive during the ROM scan
sequence.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The drive is correctly cabled and is receiving power. Go to
step 10.
No. Go to step 6.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power
cable from its power source.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Check the SCSI cable connections to the tape drive and to the SCSI host adapter
connector. If the tape drive is an internal device, check the DC power cable connection to
the tape drive.
Are the cables firmly connected?
Yes. Go to step 10.
No. Go to step 9.
- Reseat the cable connectors and replace the computer
cover and front bezel. Reconnect the system to AC power and turn it on.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 10.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power
cable from its power source. Then remove the right-side computer cover.
- Remove the tape drive. Then verify that the tape drive is configured for a unique SCSI
ID number and that the tape drive is terminated or not terminated as appropriate.
See the documentation for the tape drive for instructions on selecting the SCSI ID and
enabling or disabling termination.
Is the tape drive configured correctly?
Yes. Go to step 14.
No. Go to step 12.
- Reconfigure the tape drive's SCSI ID and termination settings as appropriate. Reinstall
the tape drive, replace the computer cover, and reconnect the system to AC power and turn
it on.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The tape drive was configured incorrectly. You have fixed
the problem.
No. Go to step 13.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power
cable from its power source. Then remove the right-side computer cover.
- Replace the SCSI cable that connects the tape drive to the SCSI host adapter. Replace
the computer cover and front bezel, and then reconnect the system to AC power and turn it
on.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Hard-disk drive problems can be caused by a number of conditions, including problems
with the drive itself, the SCSI backplane board, or a cable connected to the SCSI
backplane board.
The SCSI backplane board monitors the SCSI hard-disk drives connected to the backplane
board. In the event of a drive failure, systems using an optional Dell PowerEdge
Expandable RAID Controller (PERC) 2/Si integrated RAID controller or optional Dell PERC 2
controller card will issue the following signals using the drive
indicator lights adjacent to each SCSI hard-disk drive:
- If a drive shows signs of imminent failure, the drive online indicator stays on and the
drive failure indicator blinks on briefly each second.
- If a drive has failed, the drive online indicator turns off. The drive failure indicator
turns on, and blinks off briefly each second.
Other drive indicator patterns are listed in Table 4.
To troubleshoot a hard-disk drive problem, perform the following steps.
NOTICE: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data
stored on the hard-disk drive. Before you proceed, make sure you have backed up all the
files on the hard-disk drive.
- If the integrated SCSI host adapter is being used to control the SCSI backplane board,
reboot the system and press <F2> to enter the System Setup program.
Is Primary SCSI set to Enabled?
Yes. Go to step 3.
No. Go to step 2.
- Change the Primary SCSI setting to Enabled, and reboot
the system.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 3.
- Verify that the SCSI device drivers are installed and configured correctly.
See "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers" in the User's Guide to
determine which drivers are required and how they should be installed and configured.
Are the required SCSI device drivers installed and configured correctly?
Yes. Go to step 5.
No. Go to step 4.
- Reinstall and/or reconfigure the required SCSI device drivers. Then reboot the system.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 5.
- Remove the drive carrier and install it in another drive bay.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The SCSI backplane board has a defective connector. See
"Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.
No. Go to step 6.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Check the SCSI cable connections to the SCSI backplane board and to the SCSI host
adapter. Check the DC power cable connection to the SCSI backplane board.
The SCSI cable may be connected to the SCSI host adapter on the system board or to a SCSI
host adapter card in an expansion slot. See "Installing
Hard-Disk Drives" for the location of the cable connectors on the SCSI backplane
board and the SCSI host adapter.
Are the cables firmly connected?
Yes. Go to step 9.
No. Go to step 8.
- Reseat the cable connectors, and then reconnect the computer and peripherals to their AC
power sources and turn them on.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The cable connections were faulty. You have fixed the
problem.
No. Go to step 9.
- Partition and logically format the hard-disk drive. If possible, restore the files to
the drive.
To partition and logically format the drive, see the documentation for the computer's
operating system.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. The hard-disk drive format was corrupted. You have fixed
the problem.
No. See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Your system may contain an optional Dell PERC 2/Si integrated RAID controller or
optional Dell PERC 2 controller card.
Troubleshooting an Integrated PERC 2/Si RAID Controller
If you encounter problems with the optional integrated RAID
controller on the system board, perform the following steps to help diagnose the problem:
- Enter the System Setup program and check the setting for the integrated RAID controller.
See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for
instructions.
Is the controller enabled?
Yes. Go to step 8.
No. Go to step 2.
Change the RAID controller setting to Enabled;
then reboot the system.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 3.
Refer to the documentation provided with the RAID controller
software and check the software settings.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step 4.
Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the power cable
from the electrical outlet.
NOTICE: See "Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge."
- Remove the right-side computer cover.
- Remove the cooling shroud.
- Reseat the RAID DIMM in its socket.
See "Adding Memory" for general
instructions on removing and replacing DIMMs.
- Reseat the RAID hardware key in its socket.
See "System Board Features" for
information on the location of the RAID hardware key.
- Replace the cooling shroud,
computer cover, and front
bezel., reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and reboot the system.
Is the problem resolved?
Yes. You have fixed the problem.
No. See "Getting Help"
for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
Troubleshooting a PERC 2 Controller Card
If you encounter problems with a PERC 2 controller card, perform the
following steps to help diagnose the problem:
- Using the Dell Flexible Array Storage Tool (FAST) utility program,
select the controller.
See the Dell Flexible Array Storage Tool (FAST) User's Guide for details.
- Using Microsoft® Explorer, open the Program Files/Dell PERC2/System
folder.
- Double-click the getcfg.afa file.
Two new files will be generated—cfg.log
and cfg.str.
- See "Getting Help" for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance. E-mail these two files for analysis when
you contact Dell.
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