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Troubleshooting Your System
Dell™PowerEdge™2500SystemsInstallationandTroubleshootingGuide
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:
lLay the system on its side.
lRead the "Safety Instructions" in your System Information document.
lRead "RunningtheDell™Diagnostics" for information about running diagnostics.
lGet the key to the system keylock.

Safety First—For You and Your System

The procedures in this guide require that you remove the cover and 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 Dell 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.

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 printer, 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 Specific System Problems

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals. Disconnect all the power cables from their electrical outlets.
2. If the system is connected to a PDU, turn the PDU off and then on again.
If it is not receiving power, plug it into another electrical outlet. If it still is not receiving power, try another PDU.
3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet or PDU.
Safety First—For You and Your System
External Connections
Checking Specific System Problems
Start-Up Routine
System Orientation
Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel
Removing and Replacing the System Cover
Checking the Equipment
Inside the System
Responding to a Dell OpenManage Server Agent Alert Message
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 Video Subsystem
Troubleshooting the System Board
Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
Troubleshooting a CD-ROM Drive
Troubleshooting an External SCSI Tape Drive
Troubleshooting Hard-Disk Drives
Troubleshooting an Integrated RAID Controller
Troubleshooting a RAID Controller Card
WARNING: The power supplies in this system produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service
technicians are authorized to remove the system cover 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 cover.