Overview

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 computer problems. It can also direct you to the appropriate section for detailed troubleshooting information and procedures to solve more complex problems.

NOTE: When you see the question "Is the problem resolved?" in a troubleshooting procedure, perform the operation that caused the problem.

Backing Up Files

If the system is behaving erratically, back up the files on the hard-disk drives immediately. See the documentation that came with the operating system for instructions on how to back up the files.

Basic Checks

The following procedure leads you through the checks necessary to solve some basic computer problems:

1. Was an alert message issued by the Dell OpenManage™ Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) server management application program?
   
   Yes. Go to "Alert Log Messages From the Dell OpenManage HIP Application Program."
   No. Go to step 2.
   
   
2. Is the computer wet or damaged?
   
   Yes. Go to "Checking Inside the Computer."
   No. Go to step 3.
   
   
3. Perform the steps in "Checking Connections and Switches."
   
   Is the problem resolved?
   
   Yes. The power to the computer system was faulty, or the connections to the computer system were loose. You have fixed the problem.
   No. Go to step 4.
   
   
4. Follow the procedures described in "Look and Listen."
   
   Did the system complete the boot routine?
   
   Yes. Go to step 5.
   No. A serious malfunction may have occurred. Go to "Getting Help."
   
   
5. Did you receive a system message or beep code?
   
   Yes. Go to "System Messages."
   No. Go to step 6.
   
   
6. Verify the settings in the System Setup program.
   
   Is the problem resolved?
   
   Yes. The system configuration information was incorrect. You have fixed the problem.
   No. Go to step 7.
   
   
7. Run the Dell Diagnostics.

Checking Connections and Switches

Improperly set switches and controls and loose or improperly connected cables are the most likely source of problems for the computer, monitor, or other peripherals (such as a printer, keyboard, mouse, or other external equipment). A quick check of all the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily solve these problems. Figure 1 shows the back-panel connections on the computer. Figure 2 shows the front-panel controls and indicators on the computer.

Figure 1. Back-Panel Features

1 Mouse connector 2 Keyboard connector 3 Power supplies (3)   (Lowest supply is supply #1) 4 Hot-plug PCI indicators (7) 5 Expansion slots (7) 6 Video connector 7 Serial port 2 connector 8 Parallel port connector 9 Serial port 1 connector 10 NIC connector 11 USB connectors (2) 12 External SCSI connectors (2 [optional])

Figure 2. Front-Panel Features

1 Power indicator 2 Power button 3 Hard-disk drive keylock 4 Drive access indicator 5 Fan/thermal status indicator 6 Power supply status indicator 7 CD-ROM drive 8 Diskette drive

To check all the connections and switches, perform the following steps:

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals (such as the monitor, keyboard, printer, external drives, scanners, and plotters).
   
   Disconnect all the AC power cables from their electrical outlets.
   
   
2. If the computer is connected to a power strip (or power distribution unit), turn the power strip off and then on again.
   
   Is the power strip receiving power?
   
   Yes. Go to step 5.
   No. Go to step 3.
   
   
3. Plug the power strip into another electrical outlet.
   
   Is the power strip receiving power?
   
   Yes. The original electrical outlet probably does not function. Use a different electrical outlet.
   No. Go to step 4.
   
   
4. Plug a system that you know works into the electrical outlet.
   
   Does the system receive power?
   
   Yes. The power strip is probably not functioning properly. Use another power strip.
   No. Go to step 5.
   
   
5. Reconnect the system to the working electrical outlet or power strip.
   
   Make sure that all connections fit tightly together.
   
   
6. Turn on the system.
   
   Is the problem resolved?
   
   Yes. The connections were loose. You have fixed the problem.
   No. Go to step 7.
   
   
7. Is the monitor operating properly?
   
   Yes. Go to step 8.
   No. Go to "Troubleshooting the Monitor."
   
   
8. Is the keyboard operating properly?
   
   Yes. Go to step 9.
   No. Go to "Troubleshooting the Keyboard."
   
   
9. Are the mouse and printer operating properly?
   
   Yes. Continue with "Look and Listen" found next in this section.
   No. Go to "Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions."
   

Look and Listen

Looking at and listening to the system is important in determining the source of a problem. Look and listen for the indications described in Table 1.

Table 1. Boot Routine Indications

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."