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Checking Inside the Computer: Dell PowerEdge 2300 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

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Checking Inside the Computer: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2300 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Safety First-For You and Your Computer
Computer Orientation
Removing and Replacing the Computer Covers
Inside the Chassis
Responding to a Dell HIP Alert Message
Troubleshooting a Wet Computer
Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer
Troubleshooting the Battery
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

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.


Safety First--For You and Your Computer

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.


Computer Orientation

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

#inside-1

Removing and Replacing the Computer Covers

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

#inside-2

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

#inside-3

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.


Inside the Chassis

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)

#inside-4

Responding to a Dell HIP Alert Message

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.)


Troubleshooting a Wet Computer

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.


Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer

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.


Troubleshooting the Battery

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.


Troubleshooting a Cooling Fan

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.


Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

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.


Troubleshooting System Memory

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 the Video Subsystem

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.


Troubleshooting the System Board

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.


Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive Subsystem

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.


Troubleshooting a SCSI Tape Drive

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.


Troubleshooting SCSI Hard-Disk Drives

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.

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