Basic Troubleshooting

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1600SC Systems Service Manual

	Initial User Contact		Running the System Diagnostics
	External Visual Inspection		System Diagnostics Features
	Internal Visual Inspection		System Diagnostics Testing Options
	Observing the Boot Routine		Using the Advanced Testing Options
	Using Server Administrator Diagnostics

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."

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.

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

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel").
Remove the cover (see "Removing the Cover").
Lay the system on its right side.

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 Installing Parts."

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.
Stand the system upright.
Install the cover (see "Installing the Cover").
Install the bezel (see "Installing the Bezel").
Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

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

Observing the Boot Routine

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 (see "Power Supplies"). If the troubleshooting procedure indicates that the system power supply is working, troubleshoot the memory (see "Memory Modules").

Observe the power-supply indicators.

If the fault indicator(s) is lit, troubleshoot the system power supply (see "Power Supplies").

Using Server Administrator Diagnostics

To assess a system problem, first use the online Server Administrator diagnostics. If you are unable to identify the problem, then use the system diagnostics.

To access the online diagnostics, log into the Server Administrator home page, and then click the Diagnostics tab. For information about using diagnostics, see the online help. For additional information, see the Server Administrator User's Guide.

Running the System Diagnostics

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

NOTICE: Use the system diagnostics to test only the system. Using this program with other systems may cause invalid results or error messages. In addition, use only the program that came with the system (or an updated version of that program).

From the Utility Partition

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

From the Diagnostics Diskettes

Create a set of diagnostics diskettes from the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD. See "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD" in the User's Guide for information on creating the diskettes.
Insert the first diagnostics diskette.
Reboot the system.

If the system fails to boot, see "Getting Help."

When you start the 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 the system diagnostics.

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

System Diagnostics Features

The system diagnostics provides a series of menus and options for particular device groups or devices. The system diagnostics menus and options allow you to:

Run tests individually or collectively.
Control the sequence of tests.
Repeat tests.
Display, print, or save test results.
Temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected or terminate testing when a user-defined error limit is reached.
View help messages that briefly describe each test and its parameters.
View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully.
View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing.

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. Use this option to quickly identify 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.
Information and Results	Displays test results.
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 System Utilities menu.

Using the Advanced Testing Options

When you select Advanced Testing from the Diagnostics menu, the main screen of the diagnostics appears and displays the following information:

Two lines at the top of the screen identify the diagnostics utility, the version number, and the system's service tag number.
The left side of the screen under Device Groups lists the diagnostic device groups in the order that they are tested if you select All under the Run Tests submenu. Press the up- or down-arrow keys to highlight a particular device group. Press the left- or right-arrow keys to select the options on the menu. As you move from one menu option to another, a brief explanation of the highlighted option appears at the bottom of the screen.
The right side of the screen under Devices for Highlighted Group lists the specific devices within a particular test group.
The menu area consists of two lines at the bottom of the screen. The first line lists the menu options that you can select; press the left- or right-arrow key to highlight an option. The second line provides information about the highlighted option.

For more information about a device group or device, highlight the Help option and press <Enter>. Press <Esc> to return to the previous screen.

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