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Troubleshooting Your System

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1650 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

  Safety First—For You and Your System

  External Connections

  Checking Basic System Problems

  Start-Up Routine

  Checking the Equipment

  Responding to a System Management Alert Message

  Inside the System

  Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

  Opening the System Doors

  Troubleshooting a Wet System

  Troubleshooting a Damaged System

  Troubleshooting the System Battery

  Troubleshooting Redundant Power Supplies

  Troubleshooting a Cooling Fan

  Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

  Troubleshooting System Memory

  Troubleshooting the System Board

  Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive

  Troubleshooting a CD Drive

  Troubleshooting an External SCSI Tape Drive

  Troubleshooting SCSI Hard Drives

  Troubleshooting IDE Hard Drives

  Troubleshooting the Optional ROMB Card

  Troubleshooting a RAID Controller Expansion Card

If your system is not working as expected, begin troubleshooting using the procedures in this section. This section guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve basic system problems and provides troubleshooting procedures for components inside the system. Before you start any of the procedures in this section, take the following steps:

• Read the "Safety Instructions" in your System Information document.
  
  
• Read "Running the System Diagnostics" for information about running diagnostics.
  
  
• Get the key to the system keylock (if your system has the optional front bezel).
  
  

You may also need to refer to the system User's Guide and other system documentation.

Safety First—For You and Your System

The procedures in this guide require that you work inside the system. While working inside the system, do not attempt to service the system except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in your system documentation. Always follow the instructions closely. Make sure to review all of the procedures in "Safety Instructions" in your System Information document.

Working inside the system is safe—if you observe the following precautions.

CAUTION: The power supplies in this system may produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system and access any of the components inside the system.

CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document before performing any procedure which requires you to open the system.

External Connections

Improperly set switches, controls, and loose or improperly connected cables are the most likely source of problems for the system, monitor, or other peripherals (such as a keyboard, mouse, or other external equipment). A quick check of all the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily solve these problems. See Figure 2-3 for the back-panel features and connectors.

Checking Basic System Problems

1. If the system is not receiving power, check that a power cable is attached to power connector PS1 on the system back panel (see Figure 2-3).
   
   

If your system has two power supplies, also check that a second power cable is attached to power connector PS2.

2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all power cables from their electrical outlets.
   
   
3. If the system is connected to a PDU, turn the PDU off and then on again.
   
   
4. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet or PDU.
   
   

If the system is still not receiving power, plug the system into another electrical outlet on the PDU. If it still is not receiving power, try another PDU.

5. Is the monitor working properly?
   
   

See "Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem."

6. Is the keyboard working properly?
   
   

See "Troubleshooting the Keyboard."

7. Is the mouse working properly?
   
   

See "Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions."

Start-Up Routine

Looking at and listening to the system is important in determining the source of a problem. Look and listen during the system's start-up routine for the indication described in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1. Start-Up Routine Indications 

Look/listen for:	Action
An error message	See "Indicators, Messages, and Codes."
Alert messages from the server management software	See the documentation provided with the server management software.
The monitor's power indicator	See "Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem."
The keyboard indicators	See "Troubleshooting the Keyboard."
The diskette-drive access indicator	See "Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive."
The hard-drive activity indicators	See "Troubleshooting SCSI Hard Drives."
A series of beeps	See "Indicators, Messages, and Codes."
An unfamiliar constant scraping or grinding sound when you access a drive	See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Checking the Equipment

This section provides troubleshooting procedures for equipment that connects directly to the I/O (back) panel of the system, such as the monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Before you perform any of the procedures, see "External Connections."

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem

Problem

• Monitor
  
  
• Monitor interface cable
  
  
• Video memory
  
  
• Video logic
  
  

Action

1. Check the system and power connections to the monitor.
   
   
2. Run the video tests in the system diagnostics.
   
   

If the tests run successfully, the problem is not related to video hardware. See "Finding Software Solutions."

If the tests did not run successfully, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Keyboard

Problem

• System error message indicates a keyboard problem
  
  

NOTE: If you connect a monitor to the video connector on the system's front panel, you can connect a PS/2 keyboard and mouse only to the PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors on the system front panel. (You can connect a USB keyboard and mouse to any USB port, regardless of where a monitor is connected.)

Action

1. Look at the keyboard and the keyboard cable for any signs of damage.
   
   
2. Press and release each key on the keyboard.
   
   

If the keyboard and its cable appear to be free of physical damage, and the keys work, go to step 4.

If the keyboard or its cable are damaged, continue to step 3.

3. Swap the faulty keyboard with a working keyboard.
   
   

If the problem is resolved, the keyboard must be replaced. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4. Run the keyboard test in the system diagnostics.
   
   

If you can use the keyboard to select the keyboard test, go to step 6.

If you cannot use the keyboard to select the keyboard test, continue to step 5.

5. Swap the faulty keyboard with a working keyboard.
   
   
6. Did the keyboard test run successfully?
   
   

If the problem is resolved, the faulty keyboard must be replaced.

If the problem is not resolved, the keyboard controller on the system board is faulty. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions

Problem

• System error message indicates an I/O port problem
  
  
• Device connected to the port does not function properly
  
  

Action

1. Enter the System Setup program (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions) and check the port setting.
   
   

If the communications port is disabled, go to step 3.

If the communications port is enabled, continue to step 2.

2. Change the port setting to Auto, and then reboot the system.
   
   
3. Check the port setting in the System Setup program. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.
   
   

If the settings are correct, go to step 5.

4. Change the necessary setting in the System Setup program. If the port problem is confined to a particular application program, see the application program's documentation for specific port configuration requirements.
   
   
5. Reboot the system from the diagnostics diskette, and run the port test in the system diagnostics.
   
   

If the test did not run successfully, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

If the test runs successfully but the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device" or " Troubleshooting a USB Device," depending on the malfunctioning device.

Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device

Problem

• Device connected to the serial port not working
  
  

Action

1. Turn off the system and any peripheral devices connected to the serial port.
   
   
2. Swap the interface cable with a known working cable.
   
   

If the problem is resolved, the interface cable must be replaced. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

3. Turn off power to the system and the serial device, and swap the device with a comparable device.
   
   
4. Turn on the system and the serial device.
   
   

If the problem is resolved, the serial device must be replaced.

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a USB Device

Problem

• System error message indicates problem
  
  
• Device connected to the port not working
  
  

Action

1. Enter the System Setup program and check that the USB ports are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.
   
   
2. If possible, swap the interface cable with a known working cable.
   
   

If the problem is resolved, the interface cable must be replaced.

3. Disconnect all USB devices, and connect the malfunctioning device to the other port.
   
   

If the problem is resolved, the USB port may be defective. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

If the problem is not resolved and there is only one USB device connected to the system, go to step 5.

4. Swap the USB device with a comparable device.
   
   

If the problem is resolved, the suspect USB device must be replaced. See "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Integrated NICs

Problem

• Integrated NICs cannot communicate with the network
  
  

Action

1. Check the two indicators on the left and right corners of the NIC connectors on the system's back panel (see Figure 5-1).
   
   

The green link indicator on the left side of the connector shows that the adapter is connected to a valid link partner. The amber activity indicator is on if network data is being sent or received.

• If the link indicator is not on, check all cable connections.
  
  
• Try changing the auto-negotiation setting, if possible.
  
  
• Try another port on the switch or hub.
  
  

Figure 5-1. NIC Indicators

2. If the activity indicator does not light, the network driver files might be damaged or deleted.
   
   

Check the drivers and remove and reinstall the drivers if applicable.

You must reboot your system for the reinstalled drivers to become active.

3. Make sure the appropriate drivers are installed and the protocols are bound.
   
   
4. Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the NICs are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.
   
   

Responding to a System Management Alert Message

The optional system management applications monitor critical system voltages and temperatures, the system cooling fans, and the status of the hard drives in the system. Alert messages appear in the alert log window. For information about the alert log window and options, see your system management software documentation.

Inside the System

In Figure 5-2, the system doors are open and the bezel is removed to provide an interior view of the system.

Figure 5-2. Inside the System

The system board can accommodate one or two microprocessors. A riser board accommodates one or two PCI expansion cards. Up to four memory modules may be installed on the system board.

The hard-drive bays provide space for up to three 1-inch SCSI hard drives or two IDE hard drives. SCSI hard drives are connected to a SCSI host adapter on the system board through the SCSI backplane board. IDE hard drives are connected directly to the system board.

The peripheral bays provide space for an optional 3.5-inch diskette drive and a CD drive.

The power distribution board (PDB) provides hot-plug logic and power distribution for the system. Two hot-pluggable, redundant power supplies provide power to the system board and internal peripherals.

During an installation or troubleshooting procedure, you may be required to change a jumper. For information on the system board jumpers, see "Jumpers and Connectors."

Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

The front bezel has system status indicators. A lock on the bezel restricts access to the power button, diskette drive, CD drive, hard drive(s), and the interior of the system.

• To remove the bezel, use the system key to unlock the keylock on the bezel, press the tab at each end of the bezel, and then pull the bezel away from the system (see Figure 5-3).
  
  
• To replace the front bezel, fit the tabs on the bezel into the corresponding slots in the front panel and lock the keylock.
  
  

Figure 5-3. Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

Opening the System Doors

Two doors on the top of the system provide access to the system board and other internal components.

To open the system doors, perform the following steps:

1. Observe the precautions in "Safety First—For You and Your System," found earlier in this section. Also observe the safety instructions in the System Information document.
   
   
2. Slide the system out of the rack.
   
   
3. If the front bezel is installed, remove the front bezel (see "Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel").
   
   
4. If the optional security screw is installed on the system cover (see Figure 5-4), remove it now.
   
   

Figure 5-4. Opening the System Doors

5. Press the latch on the system front panel and lift the left door.
   
   
6. Lift the right door.
   
   

When closing the doors, be sure to close the right door first and then the left door.

Troubleshooting a Wet System

Problem

• Liquid spills
  
  
• Splashes
  
  
• Excessive humidity
  
  

Action

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
   
   
2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   
3. Remove all expansion cards installed in the system (see "Installing Expansion Cards" in "Installing System Board Options").
   
   
4. Let the system dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours.
   
   
5. Close the system doors, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
   
   

If the system does not start up properly, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

6. If the system starts up normally, shut down the system and reinstall all expansion cards you removed in step 3 (see "Installing Expansion Cards" in "Installing System Board Options").
   
   
7. Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics to confirm that the system is working properly.
   
   

If the tests did not complete successfully, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a Damaged System

Problem

• System dropped or damaged
  
  

Action

1. Check the following connections:
   
   
   • Expansion-card connections to the system board
     
     
   • Drive-carrier connections to the SCSI backplane board
     
     
2. Make sure that all cables are properly connected and that all components are properly seated in their connectors and sockets.
   
   
3. Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics.
   
   

If the tests did not complete successfully, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the System Battery

Problem

• Error message shows problem with the battery
  
  
• System Setup program loses system configuration information
  
  
• System date and time do not stay current
  
  

Action

1. Re-enter the time and date through the System Setup program.
   
   
2. Turn off and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet for a few hours.
   
   
3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn the system on again.
   
   
4. Enter the System Setup program.
   
   

If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup program, replace the battery (see "Replacing the System Battery").

If the problem is not resolved by replacing the battery, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

NOTE: Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems to operate normally except for the time kept in the System Setup program, the problem may be caused by software rather than by a defective battery.

NOTE: If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the NVRAM may lose its system configuration information. This situation is not caused by a defective battery.

Troubleshooting Redundant Power Supplies

Problem

• Front-panel amber fault indicator or bezel amber caution indicator is on
  
  
• Power supply red fault indicator is on
  
  

Action

1. Open the left system door (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   

CAUTION: The power supplies are hot-pluggable. Remove and replace only one power supply at a time.

CAUTION: The connectors on the PDB contain high voltages. Do not remove the metal cover from the PDB or touch the connectors on the PDB or power supply.

2. Identify the failed supply using the red fault indicator on the top of the supply (see Figure 2-5 in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes").
   
   

CAUTION: Disconnect the AC cord for the failed power supply before removing the power supply. (To identify the correct power connector, see Figure 2-3 in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes.")

3. While grasping the power supply handle, slide the power supply away from the PDB 0.75 inch (2 cm), and then lift the power supply out of the chassis (see Figure 5-5).
   
   

Figure 5-5. Removing a Power Supply

4. To install the replacement power supply, align the stud on the side of the power supply (see Figure 5-5) with the corresponding notch in the chassis, and then lower the power supply into the chassis.
   
   
5. Slide the power supply toward the PDB until the power supply connector is fully seated in the PDB connector.
   
   

Troubleshooting a Cooling Fan

Problem

• Front-panel amber fault indicator or bezel amber caution indicator is on
  
  
• The server management application program issues a fan-related error message
  
  

Action

1. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   

CAUTION: The cooling fans are hot-pluggable. To maintain proper cooling while the system is on, replace only one fan at a time.

2. Locate the faulty fan.
   
   

The amber fault indicator adjacent to the fan power connector blinks if the fan is faulty.

3. Check the cooling fan power cable connection on the system board or control panel board (see Figure 5-6).
   
   

Figure 5-6. Cooling Fan

4. If the problem is not resolved, install a replacement cooling fan.
   
   
   1. Disconnect the fan power cable from the system board or control panel board.
      
      
   2. Lift the defective fan straight up out of the power-supply bay or fan bracket (see Figure 5-6).
      
      
   3. Insert the new fan into the power-supply bay or fan bracket.
      
      

When replacing the fan bracket, ensure that the finger guard on the fan faces the back of the system and that the label on the fan faces upward (see Figure 5-6).

4. Connect the fan power cable to the system board or control panel board.
   
   

5. If the replacement fan does not operate, the control panel, control panel cable, or system board is faulty (see "Getting Help" for information on obtaining technical assistance).
   
   

NOTE: After installing a new fan, allow up to 30 seconds for the system to recognize the fan and determine whether it is working properly.

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

Problem

• Error message indicates an expansion-card problem
  
  
• Expansion card seems to perform incorrectly or not at all
  
  

Action

1. Shut down the system and open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   
2. Verify that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.
   
   
3. Verify that the expansion-card riser board is seated in its connector on the system board.
   
   
4. Verify that any appropriate cables are firmly connected to their corresponding connectors on the expansion cards.
   
   
5. Close the system doors and turn on the system.
   
   
6. Run the Quick Tests in the system diagnostics.
   
   

If the problem still exists, go to step 7.

7. Shut down the system and open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   
8. Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.
   
   
9. Run the Quick Tests in the system diagnostics.
   
   

If the tests do not complete successfully, see "Getting Help" for information on obtaining technical assistance.

10. Shut down the system and reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 8.
    
    
11. Close the system doors and start up the system.
    
    
12. Run the Quick Tests in the system diagnostics.
    
    
13. Repeat steps 9 through 12 until all expansion cards are installed.
    
    

If you have reinstalled all of the expansion cards and the Quick Tests are still failing, see "Getting Help" for information on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting System Memory

Problem

• Faulty memory module
  
  
• Faulty system board
  
  

Action

1. Turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.
   
   

If there are no error messages, go to step 14.

2. Enter the System Setup program to check the indicated system memory (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions).
   
   
3. If the amount of memory matches the installed system memory, go to step 14.
   
   
4. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
5. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   

CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

6. Reseat the memory modules in their sockets.
   
   
7. Close the system doors, reconnect the system to power, and turn on the system.
   
   
8. Enter the System Setup program and check the system memory again.
   
   
9. If the amount of memory installed does not match the system memory setting, reboot the system and observe the monitor screen and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard.
   
   

If the monitor screen remains blank and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard remain on, continue to step 10.

If the monitor screen does not remain blank and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard remain on, continue to step 14.

10. Turn off the system and open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
    
    
11. Swap the memory module pair in bank 1 (DIMM_A and DIMM_B) with another known good pair of the same capacity.
    
    
12. Close the system doors and reconnect the system to power.
    
    
13. Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the indicators on the keyboard.
    
    

If the problem still exists, repeat steps 10 through 13 if additional memory is installed.

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

14. Run the system memory test in the system diagnostics.
    
    

If the test does not complete successfully, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the System Board

Problem

• Error message indicates system board problem
  
  

Action

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   
3. Remove all expansion cards.
   
   
4. Close the system doors.
   
   
5. Run the Quick Tests in the system diagnostics.
   
   

If the tests do not run successfully, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

6. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
7. Reinstall one of the expansion cards that you removed in step 3.
   
   
8. Connect the system to its electrical outlet and turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.
   
   
9. Run the Quick Tests again.
   
   

If the tests do not complete successfully, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

10. Repeat steps 6 through 9 if you removed an additional expansion card in step 3.
    
    

If you have reinstalled all of the expansion cards and the problem still persists, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive

Problem

• Error message indicates a diskette drive problem
  
  

Action

1. Enter the system setup program and verify that the system is configured correctly (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide).
   
   
2. Run the diskette drive tests from the diagnostics diskette to see whether the diskette drive now works correctly.
   
   
3. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
4. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   
5. Verify that the diskette drive interface cable is securely connected between the back of the diskette drive and the SCSI backplane board or system board.
   
   
6. Close the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   
7. Connect the system to its electrical outlet and turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.
   
   
8. Run the diskette drive tests in the system diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive works correctly.
   
   
9. If the drive still does not work, remove all expansion cards (see "Installing Expansion Cards" in "Installing System Board Options").
   
   
10. Run the diskette drive tests from the system diagnostics diskette to determine whether the diskette drive now works correctly.
    
    

If the test ran successfully, an expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette drive logic, or you may have a faulty expansion card. Continue to step 11.

If the test failed, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

11. Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 9 (see "Installing Expansion Cards" in "Installing System Board Options").
    
    
12. Restart the system and run the diskette drives test in the system diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.
    
    
13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 until all expansion cards have been reinstalled or until one of the expansion cards prevents the system from booting from the diagnostics diskette.
    
    

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a CD Drive

Problem

• System cannot read data from a CD
  
  
• CD drive indicator fails to flash during boot
  
  

Action

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   
3. Verify that the CD drive interface cable is securely connected between the back of the CD drive and the SCSI backplane board or system board.
   
   
4. Connect the system to its electrical outlet and turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.
   
   
5. Enter the System Setup program to check that the IDE device is enabled (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide).
   
   
6. Run the IDE devices test in the system diagnostics to determine whether the CD drive now works correctly.
   
   

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting an External SCSI Tape Drive

Problem

• Defective tape drive
  
  
• Defective tape cartridge
  
  
• Software or device driver
  
  
• Defective SCSI host adapter
  
  

Action

1. Remove the tape that was in use when the problem occurred and replace it with a tape that you know is not defective.
   
   
2. Verify that any required SCSI device drivers are installed on the hard drive and are configured correctly.
   
   

For instructions on installing and configuring device drivers for the system's integrated SCSI host adapter, see "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD" in the User's Guide.

For a SCSI host adapter card, see the documentation that accompanied the card.

3. Reinstall the tape-backup software as instructed in the tape-backup software documentation.
   
   
4. Check the external cable connections to the drive.
   
   
   1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
      
      
   2. Check the SCSI cable connection to the host adapter card and the SCSI tape drive and the DC power cable connection to the tape drive.
      
      
   3. 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.

4. Reconfigure the tape drive's SCSI ID and termination settings as appropriate and reinstall the tape drive.
   
   
5. Replace the SCSI cable that connects the tape drive to the SCSI host adapter.
   
   
6. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system.
   
   

5. If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
   
   

Troubleshooting SCSI Hard Drives

Problem

• The drive itself
  
  
• SCSI backplane board
  
  

Systems with a ROMB card issue the following signals by using the drive indicator lights:

• If a drive shows signs of imminent failure, the power-on/fault indicator slowly blinks green, amber, and off.
  
  
• If a drive has failed, the amber power-on/fault indicator blinks four times per second.
  
  

Action

CAUTION: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data stored on the hard drive. Before you proceed, back up all the files on the hard drive.

1. Reboot the system and press <Ctrl><a> to enter the SCSI configuration utility program.
   
   

NOTE: If your system has an RAID controller card installed, reboot the system and press <Ctrl><h>, <Ctrl><a>, or <Ctrl><m>, depending on the utility. See the documentation supplied with the controller for information on the configuration utility.

2. Check that the primary SCSI channel is enabled, and reboot the system.
   
   
3. Verify that the device drivers are installed and configured correctly (see the operating system's documentation).
   
   
4. Remove the hard drive and install it in the another drive bay.
   
   
5. If the problem is resolved, reinstall the hard drive in the original bay.
   
   

If the hard drive functions properly in the original bay, the drive carrier could have intermittent problems. Replace the drive carrier (see "Connecting External SCSI Hard Drives").

If the drive carrier still does not function properly in the original bay, the SCSI backplane board has a defective connector (see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance).

6. Partition and logically format the hard drive. If possible, restore the files to the drive.
   
   

To partition and logically format the drive, see the operating system documentation.

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting IDE Hard Drives

Problem

• The drive itself
  
  
• IDE controller on the system board
  
  
• The IDE drive data and power cables
  
  

Action

CAUTION: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data stored on the hard drive. Before you proceed, back up all the files on the hard drive.

1. Reboot the system and press <F2> to enter the System Setup program.
   
   
2. Check the system configuration settings for the installed hard drive(s).
   
   
3. If necessary, correct the settings, and then reboot the system.
   
   
4. Check the cable connections inside the system:
   
   
   1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
      
      
   2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
      
      
   3. Check the power cable and data cable connections to the IDE drive and the system board.
      
      
   4. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system.
      
      
5. If the problem is not resolved, partition and logically format the hard drive. If possible, restore the files to the drive.
   
   

To partition and logically format the drive, see the operating system documentation.

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Optional ROMB Card

Problem

• Error message indicates a ROMB card problem
  
  

Action

1. Enter the System Setup program and check the setting for the ROMB card (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide).
   
   

If the controller is enabled, go to step 4.

2. Change the RAID controller setting to RAID Enabled, and then reboot the system.
   
   
3. See the documentation provided with the RAID controller software and check the software settings.
   
   

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your System."

4. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
5. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors").
   
   

CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

6. Reseat the ROMB card in its socket (see "Installing a ROMB Card" in "Installing System Board Options").
   
   

See Figure 6-1 for the location of the ROMB card.

7. Check that the back-up battery power cable is attached to the connector on the ROMB card.
   
   
8. Close the system doors, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and reboot the system.
   
   

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a RAID Controller Expansion Card

Your system may contain an optional RAID controller expansion card. If you encounter problems with the controller, see the card's documentation for information on troubleshooting.

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