Back to Content Page
Checking Inside the Computer: Dell
PowerEdge 2300 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
This section
provides troubleshooting procedures for components inside the computer. Before you start
any of the procedures in this section, do the following:
You need the
following items to perform the procedures in this section:
- The Dell Server Assistant CD and a
blank, formatted 3.5-inch diskette
- The Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems User's
Guide
- The key to the system keylock
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 covers 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.
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:
1. Turn
off the computer and all peripherals.
2.
Disconnect the computer, peripherals, and power supplies from their AC power sources. Also
disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or
shock.
3. If you
are working inside the computer, wait until the STANDBY_LED indicator on the system board
is off before adding or removing components or connecting or disconnecting cables from the system board.
4. Touch
an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis, such as the power supply, before
touching anything inside the computer.
5. While
you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to
dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.
6. Never
place conductive objects such as tools, metal pens, or screws on the system board.
In addition,
Dell recommends that you periodically review the safety instructions.
When
following the procedures in this guide, assume that the locations or directions relative
to the computer are as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Computer Orientation
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. To access the hard-disk drives, you must remove the front bezel. Removal of the
right-side computer cover allows access to the system board, SCSI backplane board, and
external SCSI devices. Removal of the left-side computer cover permits access to the
diskette-drive interface cable.
Removing the Computer Covers
Use the
following procedure to remove the computer covers:
1. Observe
the precautions in Safety First--For
You and the Computer. Also observe the safety instructions.
2. Turn
the keylock on the front bezel of the computer to the unlocked position.
3. Grasp
the bezel on either 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.
4. Pivot
the bezel downward (see Figure 2) until it is at right angles to
the computer chassis.
5. Grasp
the bezel along the edge adjacent to the computer chassis and unsnap the bezel to remove
it from the chassis.
Figure 2.Opening the Front Bezel
6. Loosen
the three thumbscrews along the front edge of either side cover (see Figure
3).
7. Slide
one cover a half-inch (about a centimeter) or so toward the front of the computer, 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.
8. Repeat
steps 6 and 7 to remove the remaining side cover, if necessary.
Figure 3.Removing the Computer Covers
Replacing the Computer Covers
Use the
following procedure to replace a computer cover:
1. 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.
 |
CAUTION:
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. |
2. Check
that no tools or parts (including screws) are left inside the computer.
3. Fit the
cover over the side rail at the bottom of the chassis, and slide it closed.
4. Secure
the cover with the three thumbscrews.
5. Make
sure the keylock is in the unlocked position.
6. 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.
7. Set the
keylock to the locked position.
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.
The system
board--the large, vertical, printed circuit board at the left side of the chassis--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 small computer system interface (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 DC power cables leading from the power supply. The power
cables supply power to the system board, SCSI backplane board, externally accessible
drives, and any expansion cards that connect to external peripherals.
The wide
ribbon cables are the interface cables for internal drives. 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 and
Switches.
Figure 4. Inside the System (Right-Side View)
The Dell
Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server management application monitors critical
system voltages and temperatures, the system cooling fans, and the status of the SCSI
hard-disk drives in the computer. The application generates alert messages that appear in
the simple network management protocol (SNMP) trap log file. See Messages and Codes for a listing of these alert
messages. (More information about the Alert Log window and options is provided in the Dell
HIP online help and the HP OpenView NNM SE 1.1 With Dell OpenManage HIP 3.1 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, complete the following steps:
1. Turn
off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from
its power source.
2. Remove
the computer covers.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
3. Let the
computer dry for at least 24 hours.
Make sure that
it is thoroughly dry before proceeding.
4. Remove
all expansion cards installed in the computer.
See Removing an Expansion Card.
5. Replace
the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, 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.
6. Turn off
the system, disconnect it from AC power, remove the right-side computer cover, and
reinstall all expansion cards you removed in step 4.
See Installing an Expansion Card.
7. Replace
the right-side computer cover, and reconnect the system to AC power.
8. Run the
System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics.
Do the tests
complete 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. Follow these steps to troubleshoot a damaged computer:
1. Turn
off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from
its power source.
2. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. Replace
the right-side computer cover and reconnect the system to AC power.
6. Run the
System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics.
Do the tests
complete 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.
Follow these
steps to troubleshoot the battery:
1. Turn off
the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its
power source.
2. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
3. Check
the connection of the coin cell battery to the system board.
Is the battery
firmly installed in the battery socket on the system board?
Yes. Go to step
5.
No. Go to step
4.
4. Reseat
the battery in its socket.
Is the problem
resolved?
Yes. The battery
was loose. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step
5.
5. Replace
the battery.
See Replacing the Battery for instructions on
replacing 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.
Two cooling
fans are installed in the Dell PowerEdge 2300 system chassis. If you observe that one of
the cooling fans is not operating, if the cooling fan in the power supply bay is not
operating, or if the Dell HIP server-management application issues a fan-related error
message, follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem:
1. Turn
off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from
its power source.
2. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
3. Check
the fan cable connections to the system board.
4. Replace
the right-side computer cover and reconnect the system to AC power.
5. 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. Follow these steps to troubleshoot
expansion cards:
1. 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 Chapter 5,
"Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300
Systems User's Guide for instructions.
2. Turn off
the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its
power source.
3. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
4. 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.
5. Reseat
the expansion cards in their connectors.
See Removing an Expansion Card and Installing an Expansion Card for
instructions on removing and replacing expansion cards.
Is the problem
resolved?
Yes. The
connection was loose. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step
6.
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.
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.
8. Inspect
all jumpers and configuration switches on each 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 each
expansion card configured correctly?
Yes. Go to step
10.
No. Go to step
9.
9.
Reconfigure the card according to the instructions in the card's documentation.
Is the problem
resolved?
Yes. The memory
configuration of the card was incorrect. You have fixed the problem.
No. Go to step
10.
10. Remove
all expansion cards.
See Removing an Expansion Card for
information on removing expansion cards.
11. Replace
the right-side computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
12. Enter
the System Setup program, and update the system configuration information.
See Chapter 4,
"Using the System Setup Program," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems User's
Guide for instructions.
For any ISA
expansion cards, run the Resource Configuration Utility and update the configuration
information.
See Chapter 5,
"Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300
Systems User's Guide for instructions.
13. Run the
RAM Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step
14.
No. See Getting Help for information on obtaining
technical assistance.
14. Turn
off the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the right-side computer cover.
15.
Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 10, and repeat steps 11 through
13.
16. Run the
RAM Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step
17.
No. See Getting Help for information on obtaining
technical assistance.
17. Repeat
steps 14 through 16 for each of the remaining expansion cards that you removed in step 10.
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.
Follow these
steps to troubleshoot system memory:
1. Turn on
the system, including any attached peripherals.
Is there an
error message indicating invalid system configuration information after the memory count
completes?
Yes. Go to step
2.
No. Go to step
8.
2. Enter
the System Setup program to check the Total Memory or System Memory setting.
See Chapter 4,
"Using the System Setup Program," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems User's
Guide for instructions.
Does the amount
of memory installed match the Total Memory or System Memory setting?
Yes. Go to step
8.
No. Go to step
3.
3. Turn off
the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its
power source.
4. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
5. Reseat
the DIMMs in their sockets.
See Adding Memory for instructions on removing and
replacing DIMMs.
6. Replace
the computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
7. 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
8.
No. Go to step
9.
8. 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
9.
No. Go to step
11.
9. Turn off
the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the right-side computer cover.
10. If
possible, swap the DIMM in socket DIMM_A with one of the same capacity, 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
11.
11. Run the
RAM Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. You have
fixed the problem.
No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
Troubleshooting video problems involves determining which of the following 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.
Follow these
steps to troubleshoot the video subsystem:
1. Run the
Video Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics.
Most of the
tests in the Video Test Group are interactive; that is, you must respond before the
diagnostics continues with the next test.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. It is not a
video hardware problem. Go to Finding
Software Solutions.
No. Go to step
2.
2. Turn off
the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its
power source.
3. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
4.
Determine whether a video expansion card is installed.
Is a video
expansion card installed?
Yes. Go to step
5.
No. The on-board
video controller is faulty. See Getting
Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
5. Remove
the video expansion card, and repeat step 1.
Do the tests
complete 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
technical 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, follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem:
1. Turn off
the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its
power source.
2. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
3. Remove
all expansion cards except the SCSI host adapter card and the video expansion card (if
they are installed).
4. Replace
the right-side computer cover, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
5. For any
ISA expansion cards, run the Resource Configuration Utility and update the configuration
information.
See Chapter 5,
"Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300
Systems User's Guide for instructions.
6. Enter
the System Setup program, and update the system configuration information.
See Chapter 4,
"Using the System Setup Program," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems User's
Guide for instructions.
7. Run the
System Set Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step
8.
No. Go to step
13.
8. Turn off
the system, disconnect it from AC power, and remove the right-side computer cover.
9.
Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 3, repeat steps 4, 5, and 6, and
continue with step 10.
10.
Replace the computer cover, and reconnect the system to AC power.
11. Run the
System Set Test Group again.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step
12.
No. Go to step
13.
12. Repeat
steps 8, 9, and 10 for each of the remaining expansion cards you removed in step 3.
Have you
reinstalled all of the expansion cards without encountering a test failure?
Yes. Go to step
13.
No. The
expansion card is faulty. See Getting
Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
13.
Disconnect the keyboard and reboot the system.
Does the system
boot successfully?
Yes. Go to step
14.
No. See Getting Help for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
14. Swap
the keyboard with a comparable working keyboard, and run the System Set Test Group again.
Do the tests
complete 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 are faulty.
- An expansion card is interfering with proper
drive operations.
- A diskette drive may be 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.
Follow these
steps to troubleshoot the diskette drive subsystem:
1. Enter
the System Setup program, and verify that the system is configured correctly for the
Diskette Drive A and Diskette Drive B settings.
See Chapter 4,
"Using the System Setup Program," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems User's
Guide for instructions.
2. If the
system configuration settings are incorrect, make the necessary corrections in the System
Setup program, and then reboot the system.
3. Run the
Diskette Drives Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics to see whether the diskette drive
subsystem now works correctly.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics for more
information.
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.
4. Turn
off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from
its power source.
5. Remove
both computer covers.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
6. 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.
7.
Reconnect the cable connectors.
8. Replace
the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
9. Run the
Diskette Drives Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics to see whether the diskette drive
subsystem now works correctly.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics for more
information.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. You have
fixed the problem.
No. Go to step
10.
10. Repeat
steps 4 and 5, and remove all expansion cards.
See Removing an Expansion Card for
instructions.
11.
Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
12. Run
the Diskette Drives Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics to see 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
13.
13. Repeat
steps 4 and 5, and reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 10.
See Installing an Expansion Card for
instructions.
14.
Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
15. Run
the Diskette Drives Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics to see whether the diskette drive
subsystem now works correctly.
Do the tests
complete successfully?
Yes. Go to step
16.
No. Go to step
17.
16. 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.
17. 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.
NOTE: Some diskette drives may require
you to remove the drive from the computer to change the drive's termination and
drive-select settings.
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
18.
18. Correct
the drive-select jumper and drive termination settings.
19.
Replace the computer covers, reconnect the system to AC power, and turn on the system.
20. Run
the Diskette Drives Test Group in the Dell Diagnostics to see 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. Follow these steps to troubleshoot a SCSI tape drive:
1. 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.
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.
3. Verify
that any required SCSI device drivers are installed on the hard-disk drive and are
configured correctly.
See Chapter 3,
"Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems
User's Guide for instructions on installing and configuring the SCSI device drivers
for the system's on-board 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.
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.
5. Reboot
the system and check for the presence of the tape drive during the optional read-only
memory (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.
6. Turn off
the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the AC power cable from its
power source.
7. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
8. 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.
9. Reseat
the cable connectors and replace the computer cover. 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.
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.
11. Remove
the tape drive. Then verify that the tape drive is configured for a unique SCSI
identification (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.
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.
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.
14. Replace
the SCSI cable that connects the tape drive to the SCSI host adapter. Replace the computer
covers, 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 the optional Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID
Controller host adapter 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 and the drive failure indicator blinks off briefly each second.
Other drive
indicator patterns are listed in Table 4.
Use the
following procedure to troubleshoot a hard-disk drive problem.
 |
CAUTION:
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. |
1. If the
on-board 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.
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.
3. Verify
that the SCSI device drivers are installed and configured correctly.
See Chapter 3,
"Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers," in the Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems
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.
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.
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.
6. Remove
the right-side computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Covers.
7. 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.
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.
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.
Back to Content Page