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Preface: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2400 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

This guide is intended for anyone who wants to upgrade or troubleshoot a Dell PowerEdge 2400 computer system. Before calling Dell for technical assistance, follow the recommended procedure(s) in this guide to solve most hardware and software problems yourself. The sections  are summarized as follows:

• "Introduction" — Overview of the system's service features.
• "Checking the Basics" — Initial checks and procedures used to solve basic system problems and information on more detailed troubleshooting procedures to solve more complex problems.
• "Messages and Codes" — System messages, system beep codes, warning messages, diagnostics messages, alert log messages, and small computer system interface (SCSI) hard-disk drive indicator codes.
• "Finding Software Solutions" — Software-related problems or problems after testing the computer's hardware.
• "Running the Dell Diagnostics" — Hardware-related problems.
• "Checking the Equipment" and "Checking Inside the Computer" — Troubleshooting procedures for equipment connected to the input/output (I/O) panel of the computer and components inside the computer, respectively. "Checking Inside the Computer" also provides information on removing the computer covers.
• "Installing System Board Options," "Installing Drives in the External Bays," "Installing Hard-Disk Drives," and "Installing Redundant Power Supplies" — Installation or removal of system components, such as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), microprocessors, expansion cards, and SCSI devices.
• "Getting Help" — Help tools Dell provides to assist with computer problems and explanations on how and when to call Dell for technical assistance. Also includes a Diagnostics Checklist that you can copy and fill out as you perform the troubleshooting procedures. If you need to call Dell for technical assistance, use the completed checklist to tell the Dell technical support representative what procedures you performed to better help the representative give you assistance. If you must return a piece of hardware to Dell, include a filled-out checklist.
• "Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors" — Jumper or switch settings to change when troubleshooting the system or adding internal options.
• Abbreviations and Acronyms —Abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this guide and in other Dell documentation for the system.

Other Documentation You May Need

In addition to this Installation and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is included with your system:

• The Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems User's Guide, which describes system features and technical specifications, device drivers, the System Setup program, Resource Configuration Utility, and the System Setup Utility.

You may also have one or more of the following documents.

NOTE: Documentation updates are sometimes included with the system to describe changes to the system or software. Always read these updates before consulting any other documentation because the updates often contain information that supersedes the information in the other documents.

• Operating system documentation is included with the system if you ordered the operating system software from Dell. This documentation describes how to install (if necessary), configure, and use the operating system software.
• The HP OpenView Network Node Manager Special Edition User's Guide, which describes the features, requirements, installation, and basic operation of this optional server management software. Refer to the software's online help for information about the alert messages issued by the software.
• Documentation is included with any options you purchase separately from the system. This documentation includes information that you need to configure and install these options in your Dell computer.
• Technical information files—sometimes called "readme" files—may be installed on the hard-disk drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to the system or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.