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Preface

About This Guide

Thisguide is intended for anyone who wants to upgrade or troubleshoota Dell
PowerEdge300 computer system. Before callingDell for technical assistance, follow
therecommended procedure(s) in this guide to solve most hardwareand software
problemsyourself. The files are summarizedas follows:
•Chapter 1, “Introduc tion,” provides a brief ove rview of the system's se rvice
features.
•Everyoneshould read Chapter 2, “Checking the Basics,”for some initial checks
andprocedures that you can use to solve basic computer problems. Italso
directsyou to the appropriate file in this guide for more detailed troubleshooting
informationand procedures to solve more complex problems.
•Wheneveryou receive an error message or code, you shouldread Chapter 3,
“Messagesand Codes.” This file discusses system messages,system beep
codes,warning messages, diagnostics messages,alert log messages, and
enhancedintegrated drive electronics (EIDE) hard-diskdrive indicator codes.
•Ifyou suspect that the problems are software-related,or you are stillhaving prob-
lemsafter testing the computer's hardware, readChapter 4, “Finding Software
Solutions.”
•Forhardware-related problems, read Chapter 5, “Runningthe Dell Diagnostics.”
Chapter6, “Checking the Equipment” and Chapter 7,“Checking Inside theCom -
puter,”provide troubleshooting procedures for equipmentconnected to the
input/output(I/O) panel of the computer and components inside the computer,
respectively.Chapter 7 alsoprovides information on removingthe computer
covers.
•Chapter 8, “Installing System Board Opti ons” and Chapter 9, “Installing Dri ves,”
areintended for anyone who wants to install or removeinternal components,
suchas dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), expansion cards,and SCSI
devices.
•Chapter10, “Getting Help,” describesthe help tools Dell provides to assist you
shouldyou have a problem with the computer.It also explains how and when to
callDell for technical assistance. GettingHelp also includes a Diagnostics Check-
listthat you can copy and fill out as you performthe troubleshooting procedures.
Ifyou need to call Dell fortechnical assistance, usethe completed checklistto tell
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