Dell 1600SC Finding Software Solutions, Before You Begin, Troubleshooting Errors and Conflicts

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Finding Software Solutions

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1600SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Before You Begin

Troubleshooting Errors and Conflicts

Software problems can be caused by:

Improper installation or configuration of an application

Application conflicts

Input errors

Interrupt assignment conflicts

Ensure that you are installing the software application according to the software manufacturer's recommended procedures. If a problem occurs after you install the software, you might need to troubleshoot your software application and your system.

See the documentation that accompanied the software or contact the software manufacturer for detailed troubleshooting information.

NOTE: If all of the system diagnostic tests complete successfully, then the problem is most likely caused by the software and not the hardware.

Before You Begin

Scan the software media with antivirus software.

Read the software documentation before you run the installation utility.

Be prepared to respond to prompts from the installation utility.

The installation utility may require you to enter information about your system, such as how the operating system is configured, and the type of peripherals that are connected to the system. Have this information available before running the installation utility.

Troubleshooting Errors and Conflicts

While configuring and running software, problems might occur that are caused by input errors, application conflicts, and/or IRQ assignment conflicts. The problems are sometimes indicated by error messages.

Error messages are generated by system hardware or software. "Indicators, Codes, and Messages" provides information about error messages that are hardware-based. If you receive an error message that is not listed, see your operating system or software program documentation for troubleshooting information.

Input Errors

Pressing a specific key or set of keys at the wrong time may produce unexpected results. See the documentation that came with the software application to ensure that the values or characters you are entering are valid.

Ensure that your operating system is configured properly to run the application. Remember that whenever you change the parameters of the operating system, the changes can conflict with an application's operating requirements. After you configure the operating system, you may need to reinstall or reconfigure a software application so that it can run properly in its new environment.

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Contents Initial release 22 Sep System Board Jumpers Jumpers, Switches, and ConnectorsJumpers-A General Explanation JumpersTable A-1. System Board Jumper Settings System Board ConnectorsJumper Setting Description Table A-2. System Board Connectors Disabling a Forgotten PasswordConnector Description Back to Contents Table B-1. I/O Connector Icons Ports and ConnectorsConnectors Icon ConnectorSerial Connector Autoconfiguration Serial ConnectorParallel Connector Pin Signal DefinitionTable B-3. Parallel Connector Pin Assignments PS/2-Compatible Keyboard and Mouse Connectors18-25 Video Connector USB ConnectorPin Signal I/O Definition Integrated NIC ConnectorNetwork Cable Requirements Abbreviations and Acronyms CGA Dimm EMI GUI LAN MBR Ntfs Pqfp SBE UMB ZIF Other Documents You May Need IntroductionObtaining Technical Assistance Indicators, Codes, and Messages Front-Panel FeaturesBack-Panel Features Component DescriptionPower Button Indicators Power Indicator CodesIndicator Function Hard-Drive Status Indicator Codes Hard-Drive Indicator CodesNIC Indicator Codes Drive-Status Indicator Indicator CodeSystem Messages NIC Indicator CodesIndicator Indicator Code System MessagesDiskette Drive, Troubleshooting a CD Drive, Troubleshooting Guide System Beep Codes System Beep Codes Code Cause Corrective ActionDiagnostics Messages Alert MessagesInput Errors Finding Software SolutionsTroubleshooting Errors and Conflicts Before You BeginIRQ Assignment Conflicts IRQ Assignment DefaultsApplication Conflicts IRQ Line AssignmentFeatures of the System Diagnostics Running the System DiagnosticsRunning Server Administrator Diagnostics When to Use the System DiagnosticsUsing the System Diagnostics Using the Device Groups Menu Error MessagesChecking Specific System Problems Troubleshooting Your SystemSafety First-For You and Your System External ConnectionsStart-Up Routine Indications Start-Up RoutineSystem Orientation Look/listen for ActionBezel Removing the BezelSystem Cover Installing the BezelInstalling the Cover BaffleChecking the Equipment Installing the BaffleTroubleshooting the Video Subsystem Removing the BaffleTroubleshooting the Keyboard Troubleshooting the MouseTroubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions Troubleshooting a Serial I/O DeviceTroubleshooting a Parallel Printer Troubleshooting a USB DeviceTroubleshooting a NIC Inside the SystemTroubleshooting a Wet System Responding to a Systems Management Alert MessageTroubleshooting a Damaged System Troubleshooting the System BatteryTroubleshooting Redundant Power Supplies Troubleshooting a Nonredundant Power Supply Troubleshooting System CoolingTroubleshooting Expansion Cards Troubleshooting System Memory Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive Troubleshooting a CD Drive Troubleshooting a Tape Drive Troubleshooting an IDE Tape DriveTroubleshooting a Scsi Tape Drive Troubleshooting Hard Drives Troubleshooting an IDE Hard DriveTroubleshooting an IDE Hard Drive in a RAID Configuration Troubleshooting a Scsi Hard Drive System With Scsi BackplaneHard-drive cables Device drivers Troubleshooting a RAID Controller Card Troubleshooting a MicroprocessorTroubleshooting the System Board Resetting Corrupted Bios Configuration Back to Contents System Fans Installing System OptionsRemoving the Front System Fan Installing the Back System Fan Installing the Front System FanRemoving the Back System Fan Removing a Redundant Power Supply Redundant Power SuppliesInstalling a Redundant Power Supply Installing an Expansion Card Expansion CardsRemoving and Installing an Expansion Card Removing an Expansion CardPerforming a Memory Upgrade Memory Upgrade KitsMemory Module Installation Guidelines Sample Memory Module ConfigurationsInstalling Memory Modules Removing and Installing a Memory ModuleMicroprocessors Removing and Installing a MicroprocessorRemoving Memory Modules Removing the Microprocessor Fan and Heat Sink Assembly System Battery Replacing the System BatteryReplacing the System Battery Drive Cable Configurations Installing DrivesConnecting Drives DC Power CablesScsi Interface Cables IDE Configuration InformationScsi Configuration Information Scsi ID NumbersDiskette Drive Configuring the Boot DriveInstalling a Diskette Drive Removing a Diskette DriveFront-Panel Drive Inserts Removing the Front-Panel Drive InsertsInstalling a 5.25-Inch Drive Installing the Front-Panel Drive InsertsInch Drives Page General Installation Guidelines Hard DrivesInstalling and Removing Non-Hot-Plug Hard Drives Removing and Installing a Non-Hot-Plug Hard DriveInstalling a Non-Hot-Plug Hard Drive Page Installing and Removing Hot-Plug Scsi Hard Drives Removing a Hot-Plug Hard Drive Installing a RAID Controller Card Installing a Hot-Plug Hard DriveBack to Contents Getting Help Online ServicesTechnical Assistance Technical Support Service AutoTech ServiceAutomated Order-Status Service Ftp.dell.comBefore You Call Antigua and Barbuda Diagnostics ChecklistContacting Dell Argentina Buenos AiresAustria Vienna Website support.euro.dell.com Australia Sydney0011 900Czech Republic Prague Website support.euro.dell.com ColombiaCosta Rica Denmark Copenhagen Website support.euro.dell.comGrenada Germany Langen Website support.euro.dell.comGreece Website support.euro.dell.com GuatemalaLuxembourg Website support.euro.dell.com Korea SeoulLatin America MacaoNorway Lysaker Website support.euro.dell.com New ZealandNicaragua PanamaSouth Africa Johannesburg Website support.euro.dell.com 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