Basic Troubleshooting

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1750 Systems Service Manual

Performing basic troubleshooting procedures can often reveal the source of a system problem or indicate a starting point for servicing the system.

Perform the following procedures in the order presented.

Initial User Contact

Ask the user to describe the problem and the conditions under which it occurs. Then perform the following steps:

Have the user back up the data on the hard drive, if possible.

Refer the user to the documentation provided with the operating system or application software for information about backing up data.

Have the user duplicate the problem.

If the user cannot duplicate the problem, proceed to "External Visual Inspection."

Observe the user's actions for errors such as typing an incorrect key combination or entering a command incorrectly.

If the problem is a result of user error, instruct the user in the proper procedure. If it is not, proceed to "External Visual Inspection."

External Visual Inspection

Inspect the status indicators for indications of component malfunction.
Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the system, peripherals, and their power sources.
Ensure that cables are properly connected to devices.
If a monitor is used, inspect the monitor controls for obvious damage or improper settings.

For proper settings of the monitor controls, see the monitor documentation.

If a keyboard is used, inspect the keyboard to ensure that keys are not sticking.

If keys are sticking, replace the keyboard.

Inspect the system and peripherals for signs of physical damage.

If a peripheral is damaged, see the peripheral documentation. If the system is damaged, see "Internal Visual Inspection."

NOTE: Most steps in this procedure require observation of system functions and indications, some of which can occur simultaneously. You may need to reboot the system several times to complete all of these steps.

If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the system. If the system is on, reboot the system.
During the boot routine, observe the system for any of the following indications:
- Beep codes indicate an error condition. See "System Beep Codes."
- System error messages indicate problems or provide status information. See "System Messages."
- Drive indicators light when data is transferred to or from the drives. If a drive indicator fails to light during the boot routine, troubleshoot the appropriate drive subsystem.
- Three indicators on the upper-right corner of the keyboard should flash momentarily.

If the indicators flashed, proceed to the next step.

If the indicators did not flash, replace the keyboard with a keyboard that you know works. If the problem persists, troubleshoot the system power supply. If the troubleshooting procedure indicates that the system power supply is working, troubleshoot the memory. See the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.

Observe the power-supply indicators.

If the fault indicator(s) is lit, troubleshoot the system power supply. See the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.

Internal Visual Inspection

NOTICE: Before proceeding with the internal visual inspection, save all open files and exit all open applications, if possible.

Visual inspection of a system's interior can often locate the source of a problem, such as a loose expansion card or cable connector. See "Jumpers and Connectors" to locate components referenced in the inspection procedure.

If your system has the optional front bezel installed, remove the bezel. See "Optional Front Bezel."
Turn off the system, including attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlets.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

Open the system covers. See "Opening the System Covers."

CAUTION: The microprocessor and heat-sink assembly can get extremely hot during system operations. Ensure that both components have had sufficient time to cool before touching them.

CAUTION: When handling the processor and heat-sink assembly, avoid sharp edges on the heat sink.

Ensure that all components (memory modules, expansion cards, and processors) are properly and securely installed. See "Removing and Replacing System Components."
Verify that all jumpers are set correctly. See "Jumpers and Connectors."
Ensure that all cables inside the system are firmly attached to their appropriate connectors.
Close the system covers. See "Closing the System Covers."
If the system has an optional front bezel, install the bezel. See "Replacing the Bezel."
Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system, including attached peripherals.

If the problem is resolved, no further steps are necessary. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to "Observing the Boot Routine."

Running the System Diagnostics

You can run system diagnostics from either the utility partition on your hard drive or from a set of diskettes that you create from the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD.

From the Utility Partition

As the system boots, press <F10> during POST.
From the utility partition's main menu under Run System Utilities, select Run System Diagnostics.

From the Diagnostics Diskettes

Create a set of diagnostics diskettes using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD.

See "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD" in the User's Guide for information on creating diskettes.

Insert the first diagnostics diskette.
Reboot the system.

When you start system diagnostics, a message is displayed stating that the diagnostics are initializing. Next, the Diagnostics menu appears. The menu allows you to run all or specific diagnostics tests or to exit system diagnostics.

NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, start system diagnostics so that you can see the utility on your screen.

System Diagnostics Testing Options

To select an option from the Diagnostics menu, highlight the option and press <Enter>, or press the key that corresponds to the highlighted letter in the option.

Table 2-1 provides a brief explanation of testing options.

Table 2-1. System Diagnostics Testing Options

Testing Option	Function
Quick Tests	Performs a quick check of the system. Select Test All Devices and then select Quick Tests. This option runs device tests that do not require user interaction and that run quickly. Use this option to quickly assess the source of your problem.
Test One Device	Tests a particular device.
Extended Tests	Performs a more thorough check of the system. Select Test All Devices and then select Extended Tests.
Advanced Testing	Checks a particular area of the system. The main system diagnostics screen lists the system's device groups and the system's service tag number.
Information and Results	Displays test result data.
Program Options	Sets various test parameters.
Device Configuration	Displays an overview of the devices in the system.
Exit to MS-DOS	Exits the diagnostics and returns to the Diagnostics menu.

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