Dell 4100/200, 4100/180 manual Introduction, About This Guide

Chapter 1

Introduction

Dell® PowerEdge™ 4100/180 and Dell Power- Edge 4100/200 systems are high-speed, upgradable servers that offer a number of significant service and upgrade features.

The Dell PowerEdge 4100 systems’ service features make troubleshooting easy and effective. Every system includes CD-based Dell diagnostics software for diag- nosing system problems if the system can boot. The embedded server management hardware monitors tem- peratures and voltages throughout the system and notifies you if the system overheats or if one of the system cool- ing fans malfunctions. If the system has an optional power-supply paralleling board and redundant power supplies, the server management hardware also monitors the status of the power supplies.

The Dell PowerEdge 4100 system chassis simplifies removing and replacing computer components. Processor and memory upgrades can be performed without remov- ing the system board. The Dell-designed small computer system interface (SCSI) backplane board and hard-disk drive carriers eliminate the extensive cabling and drive configuration usually required for a SCSI subsystem. The plastic drive rails attached to devices mounted in the external drive bays allow you to remove devices without removing a single screw.

Among the many upgrade options offered for the Dell PowerEdge 4100 systems are a secondary micro- processor, additional main memory, a variety of expansion-card options (including the Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller host adapter), and addi- tional SCSI CD-ROM, tape, and hard-disk drives.

About This Guide

This guide provides directions for trained service technicians who are installing system options or are troubleshooting problems that have temporarily disabled a Dell PowerEdge system. Before calling for technical assistance, follow the recommended procedure(s) in this guide to solve most hardware and software problems yourself.

•Chapter 2, “Checking the Basics,” outlines some ini- tial checks and procedures and also directs you to the appropriate chapter in this guide for more detailed troubleshooting information.

•Whenever you receive an error message or code, you should read Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes.”

•If you suspect that the problems are software-related, or you are still having problems after testing the computer’s hardware, read Chapter 4, “Finding Soft- ware Solutions.”

•For hardware-related problems, read Chapter 5, “Running the System Diagnostics.” Chapter 6, “Checking the Equipment,” and Chapter 7, “Check- ing Inside the Computer,” provide troubleshooting procedures for equipment connected to the input/ output (I/O) panel of the computer and components inside the computer, respectively.

Chapter 7 also provides information on removing the computer covers and front bezel.

•If you are installing or removing system options, such as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), expansion cards, or SCSI devices, refer to Chapter 8, “Installing System Board Options,” Chapter 9, “Installing Drives in the External Bays,” or Chapter 10, “Installing Drives in the Internal Bays.”

Introduction 1-1