Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Introduction Indicators, Messages, and Codes Finding Software Solutions Running System Diagnostics Troubleshooting Your System Installing System Components Installing Drives Getting Help Jumpers and Connectors I/O Connectors Service Only Parts Replacement Procedures Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
Back to Contents Page Jumpers and Connectors Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Jumpers—A General Explanation System Board Jumpers System Board Connectors Disabling a Forgotten Password This section provides specific information about the system jumpers. It also provides some basic information on jumpers and switches and describes the connectors on the various boards in the system.
Table A-1. System Board Jumper Settings Jumper Setting PASS Description (default) The password feature is enabled. The password feature is disabled. CLR CMOS (default) The configuration settings in NVRAM are retained at system boot. The configuration settings in NVRAM are cleared at next system boot. jumpered unjumpered System Board Connectors See Figure A-3 and Table A-2 for the location and description of system board connectors.
Connector Description BATTERY System battery CLR CMOS CMOS CPU FAN Processor fan power DIMM_x Memory modules (4) FLOPPY Diskette drive FRONT PANEL Front-panel switches and indicators PASS Password POWER System board power SATA0 SATA hard drive0 SATA1 SATA hard drive1 SCSI LED SCSI hard drive activity connector for SCSI controller card I/O expansion cards Expansion card slots: l l l l l PRI IDE PCI Express [x8] 1: 32-bit/33-MHz PCI 2: 32-bit/33-MHz PCI 3: 32-bit/33-MHz PCI PCI Expre
Back to Contents Page I/O Connectors Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Serial Connector Parallel Connector PS/2-Compatible Keyboard and Mouse Connectors Video Connector USB Connector Integrated NIC Connector Network Cable Requirements I/O connectors are the gateways that the system uses to communicate with external devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor. This section describes the various connectors on your system.
Table B-1.
The PS/2-compatible keyboard and mouse cables attach to 6-pin, miniature DIN connectors. Figure B-4 illustrates the pin numbers for these connectors and Table B-3 defines the pin assignments for these connectors. Figure B-4. PS/2-Compatible Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pin Numbers Table B-3.
Figure B-6. USB Connector Pin Numbers Table B-5. USB Connector Pin Assignments Pin Signal I/O Definition 1 Vcc N/A Supply voltage 2 DATA I Data in 3 +DATA O Data out 4 GND Signal ground N/A Integrated NIC Connector The system's integrated NIC functions as a separate network expansion card while providing fast communication between servers and workstations. Figure B7 illustrates the pin numbers for the NIC connector and Table B-6 defines the pin assignments for the connector. Figure B-7.
Back to Contents Page Service Only Parts Replacement Procedures Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Before You Begin Recommended Tools Bezel Control Panel I/O Panel Chassis Intrusion Switch System Board Before You Begin CAUTION: See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
Installing the Bezel 1. Align the three bezel release tabs with the system's front panel. 2. Press the bezel onto the system until it snaps into place. 3. Install the screw that secures the bezel to the front panel. See Figure C-1. 4. Install any 5.25-inch optical or tape drives that you removed to gain access to the bezel release tab. See "5.25-Inch Optical and Tape Drives" in "Installing Drives." 5. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 6.
Installing the Control Panel 1. Align the two alignment holes in the control panel with the two alignment pins on the front panel. See Figure C-2. 2. Lower the control panel onto the two alignment pins. 3. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, install the screw that secures the control panel to the front panel. 4. Connect the control panel cable from the I/O panel to the control panel. See Figure C-2. 5. Install the bezel. See "Installing the Bezel." 6. Close the system.
5. Slide the I/O panel upward and remove the I/O panel from the system. Installing the I/O Panel 1. Align the I/O panel with the mounting hole on the front panel. See Figure C-3. 2. Slide the I/O panel down until it stops. 3. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, install the screw that secures the I/O panel to the chassis. 4. Connect the following cables: l I/O panel l Chassis intrusion switch l Control panel 5. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 6.
5. Remove the switch and its attached cable from the system. Installing the Chassis Intrusion Switch 1. Align the chassis intrusion switch with the securing bracket notch. See Figure C-4. 2. Slide the switch into the securing bracket notch. 3. Connect the switch cable to the switch connector on the I/O panel. See Figure C-3. 4. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 5. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
NOTE: Record the memory-module socket locations to ensure proper reinstallation of the memory modules. NOTICE: The processor and heat sink can become extremely hot. Allow sufficient time for the processor and heat sink to cool before handling. NOTICE: To prevent damaging the processor, do not pry the processor off the heat sink. NOTICE: Use caution when removing and installing the processor. Bending or damaging the processor socket pins will permanently damage the system board. 6. Remove the processor.
l If applicable, SATA hard-drive data cable(s) from SATA0 and SATA1 connector(s) 8. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshootng Your System." 9. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
Back to Contents Page Introduction Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Other Documents You May Need Your system includes system diagnostics, which checks for hardware problems (if the system can boot).
Back to Contents Page Indicators, Messages, and Codes Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Front-Panel Indicators and Features Back-Panel Indicators and Features System Messages System Beep Codes Warning Messages Diagnostics Messages The system, applications, and operating systems can identify problems and alert you to them.
Green blinking The system is in a low power state. Check the diagnostic indicators to see if the specific problem is identified. See Table 22. Diskette drive Green blinking Indicates diskette-drive activity. Hard drive Green blinking Indicates hard-drive activity. The front panel also incorporates two USB 2.0 connectors. See Figure 2-1. Table 2-2. Diagnostic Indicator Codes Code Causes Corrective Action A possible processor failure has occurred. Reinstall the processor.
Back-Panel Indicators and Features Figure 2-2 shows the back-panel indicators and features. Figure 2-3 shows the indicators for the integrated network adapter and Table 2-2 details the conditions associated with the indicator codes. Figure 2-2. Back-Panel Indicators and Features Figure 2-3. NIC Indicators Table 2-3.
Message Causes A required .DLL file was not found Corrective Actions Do not use these characters in filenames. A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. Remove and then reinstall the program. See the program documentation for installation instructions. Alert! Cover was previously removed. The system was opened. Information only.
See "Troubleshooting System Memory" in "Troubleshooting Your System." Diskette drive 0 seek failure A cable might be loose or the system configuration information might not match the hardware configuration. See "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" in "Troubleshooting Your System." Diskette read failure The diskette might be defective, or a cable might be loose. If the diskette-drive indicator turns on, try a different disk. See "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" in "Troubleshooting Your System.
No timer tick interrupt A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning. Run the system diagnostics. See "Running System Diagnostics." Non-system disk or disk error The diskette in the diskette drive or your hard drive does not have a bootable operating system installed on it. Replace the diskette with one that has a bootable operating system or remove the diskette, and then restart the system.
of the beep code, use system diagnostics to identify the possible cause. If you are still unable to resolve the problem, see "Getting Help." Table 2-5. Server Module Beep Codes Code Cause Corrective Action 1-1-2 CPU register test failure See "Troubleshooting the Processor" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 1-1-3 CMOS write/read failure; faulty system board Faulty system board. See "Getting Help.
Diagnostics Messages When you run system diagnostics, an error message may result. Diagnostic error messages are not covered in this section. Record the message on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in "Getting Help," and then follow the instructions in that section for obtaining technical assistance.
Back to Contents Page Finding Software Solutions Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Before You Begin Troubleshooting Errors and Conflicts Software problems can be caused by: l Improper installation or configuration of an application l Application conflicts l Input errors l Interrupt assignment conflicts Ensure that you are installing the software application according to the software manufacturer's recommended procedures.
IRQ7 Parallel port IRQ8 Real-time clock IRQ9 ACPI functions (used for power management) IRQ10 Available IRQ11 Available IRQ12 PS/2 mouse port unless the mouse is disabled through the System Setup program IRQ13 Math coprocessor IRQ14 IDE CD drive controller IRQ15 Available Application Conflicts Some applications can leave unnecessary files or data behind after they are deleted from your system. Device drivers can also create application errors.
Back to Contents Page Running System Diagnostics Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Using Server Administrator Diagnostics System Diagnostics Features When to Use the System Diagnostics Running the System Diagnostics Using the Advanced Testing Options Error Messages If you experience a problem with your system, run the diagnostics before calling for technical assistance.
1. Create a set of diagnostics diskettes from the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant for PowerEdge SC Products CD. See "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant for PowerEdge SC Products CD" in your User's Guide for information on creating the diskettes. 2. Insert the first diagnostics diskette. 3. 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.
Back to Contents Page Troubleshooting Your System Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Safety First—For You and Your System Troubleshooting the System Battery Start-Up Routine Troubleshooting the Power Supply Opening the System Troubleshooting System Cooling Problems Closing the System Troubleshooting System Memory Checking the Equipment Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive Troubleshooting the Keyboard Troubleshooting a CD Drive Troubleshooting Basic I/O Functions
Closing the System 1. Ensure that all cables are connected, and fold cables out of the way. 2. Ensure that no tools or extra parts are left inside the system. 3. Close the system cover. 4. 5. a. Rotate the cover down. See Figure 5-1. b. Press down on the cover until the cover release latches are fully engaged. If applicable, install the padlock. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.
Action 1. Check the system and power connections to the monitor. 2. If the problem persists, replace the monitor with a known good monitor. 3. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help." Troubleshooting the Keyboard Problem l System message indicates a problem with the keyboard. l Keyboard is not functioning properly. Action 1. Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in "Running System Diagnostics." 2.
l Error message indicates a problem with a serial or parallel port. l Device connected to a serial or parallel port is not operating properly. Action 1. Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the serial port(s) and parallel port are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide. 2. If the problem is confined to a particular application, see the application documentation for specific port configuration requirements that the program may require. 3.
Troubleshooting a USB Device Problem l System message indicates a problem with a USB device. l Device connected to a USB port is not operating properly. Action 1. Enter the System Setup program, and ensure that the USB ports are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide. 2. Turn off any USB devices. 3. Disconnect the USB devices, and connect the malfunctioning device to the other USB connector. 4. Turn on the reconnected device.
Inside the System In Figure 5-2, the system cover is opened to provide an interior view of the system. Figure 5-2. Inside the System The system board can accommodate one processor, five expansion cards (three 32-bit, 33-MHz PCI, one 2.5-GHz PCI-Express [x1] and one 2.5-GHz PCIExpress [x8]), and four 400-MHz or 533-MHz DDR II SDRAM memory modules upgradable to 4 GB. The drive bays provide space for up to two 1-inch SATA drives with the integrated SATA controller or two SCSI hard drives.
8. If the system starts properly, shut down the system and reinstall all of the expansion cards that you removed. See "Installing an Expansion Card" in "Installing System Options." 9. Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in "Running the System Diagnostics." If the tests fail, see "Getting Help." Troubleshooting a Damaged System Problem l System was dropped or damaged.
If the problem is not resolved by replacing the battery, see "Getting Help." NOTE: Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems to operate normally except for the time kept in the System Setup program, the problem may be caused by software rather than by a defective battery. Troubleshooting the Power Supply Problem l Power indicator is not lit.
Problem l A fan-related error message. Action CAUTION: See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge. 1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in Running System Diagnostics." 2. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. 3. Open the system. See "Opening the System." 4.
11. Reinstall the memory modules. See "Installing a Memory Module" in "Installing System Options." 12. Close the system. See "Closing the System." 13. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. 14. Enter the System Setup program and check the system memory setting. See "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help.
19. Close the system. See "Closing the System." 20. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. 21. Run the appropriate online diagnostic test to see whether the diskette drive works correctly. 22. Repeat step 16 through step 21 until all expansion cards are reinstalled or one of the expansion cards causes the tests to fail. If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help.
NOTE: To enter the utility, press or , depending on the utility. See the documentation supplied with the controller for information about the configuration utility. For information about testing the controller, see the SCSI controller's documentation. 2. Ensure that the primary SCSI channel is enabled, and restart the system. 3. Ensure that the required device drivers are installed and configured correctly. See the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant for PowerEdge SC Products CD. 4.
7. Close the system. See "Closing the System." 8. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. 9. Format and partition the hard drive. See the operating system documentation. 10. If possible, restore the files to the drive. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help.
Problem l Error message indicates a problem with an expansion card. l Expansion card performs incorrectly or not at all. Action CAUTION: See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge. 1. Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in "Running System Diagnostics." 2.
1. Run the appropriate online diagnostics test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in "Running the System Diagnostics." 2. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. 3. Open the system. See "Opening the System." NOTICE: Use caution when removing and installing the processor. Bending or damaging the processor socket pins or dropping any type of foreign material into the processor slot will permanently damage the system board. 4.
Back to Contents Page Installing System Components Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Expansion Cards Power Supply Cooling Fan System Memory Processor System Battery This section describes how to install the following system components: l Expansion cards l Power supply l Cooling fan l System memory l Processor l System battery Expansion Cards The system supports up to five half-length PCI expansion cards (three 32-bit, 33-MHz PCI, one 2.
5. Prepare the card for installation. See the documentation that came with the card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing it for your system. NOTE: Some NICs automatically start the system when they are connected to a network. 6. Place the card-edge connector in the expansion-card connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot. 7. Lower the retention arm, ensuring that: 8. a.
CAUTION: See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge. 1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. 2. Open the system. See "Opening the System." 3.
Cooling Fan The processor cooling fan shroud is part of the cooling fan assembly. The fan and shroud are replaced as a unit. Removing the Cooling Fan CAUTION: See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge. 1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. 2. Open the system. See "Opening the System." 3.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the system during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new memory modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new memory modules from Dell. Use only unregistered or unbuffered ECC DDR II memory modules. Table 6-1 illustrates sample memory configurations. See "Memory Module Installation Guidelines" for detailed information. Table 6-1.
6. Pull up on the securing clips to lock the module into place. If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module. When the memory module is properly seated in the connector, the securing clips on the memory module socket should align with the securing clips on the other connectors with memory modules installed. 7. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 8.
CAUTION: See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge. CAUTION: The processor and heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Ensure that they have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them. 1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. 2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System.
NOTICE: Use caution when removing and installing the processor. Bending or damaging the processor socket pins will permanently damage the system board. 8. Remove the processor socket protective cover (if present). 9. Carefully set the processor in the socket and press it down lightly to seat it. See Figure 6-5. 10. Rotate the retention latch onto the processor, and then rotate the release lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place, securing the processor. 11.
4. Remove the battery by pressing on the tab. See Figure 6-6. Figure 6-6. Replacing the Battery 5. Install the new battery with the side labeled "+" facing up, and press down until it snaps into place. 6. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 7. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. 8. Enter the System Setup program to confirm that the battery operates properly. 9.
Back to Contents Page Installing Drives Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide General Installation Guidelines Front-Panel Inserts Hard Drives Installing a SCSI Controller Card Diskette Drive (Optional) 5.25-Inch Optical and Tape Drives The drive bays in your system provide space for up to two SATA or SCSI hard drives, two 5.25-inch drives, and an optional diskette drive. See Figure 7-1. Figure 7-1.
SCSI Device Termination SCSI logic requires that termination be enabled for the two drives at opposite ends of the SCSI chain and disabled for all drives in between. For internal SCSI drives, termination is configured automatically. See the documentation provided with any optional SCSI drive you purchase for information on disabling termination. Configuring the Boot Drive The drive or device from which the system boots is determined by the boot order specified in the System Setup program.
Figure 7-3. Removing or Installing a SCSI Hard Drive Figure 7-4. Removing or Installing a SATA Hard Drive 4. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out of the drive bay. 5. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 6. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.
6. Slide the new drive into the drive bay until the tabs on the rails click securely into position. 7. Connect the power cable to the drive. See Figure 7-3 and Figure 7-4. 8. Connect the interface cable to the drive: l Connect SATA hard drives to the SATA0 and SATA1 connectors on the system board. l Connect SCSI hard drives to the SCSI controller card. See the documentation for the controller card. See Figure A-3 for the location of the drive interface connectors on the system board. 9. 10.
1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. 2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 3. Disconnect the power and interface cables from the diskette drive. See Figure 7-6. 4. Press in on the tabs on each side of the drive and slide the drive up and out of the drive bay. 5. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System." 6.
5.25-Inch Optical and Tape Drives You can install an additional 5.25-inch drive of your choice in the second 5.25-inch drive bay. See Figure 7-1. If you are installing a tape backup unit (TBU), it must be installed in the second bay. Installing a 5.25-Inch Drive CAUTION: See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge. 1. Unpack the drive and prepare the drive for installation.
Back to Contents Page Getting Help Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Technical Assistance Dell Enterprise Training and Certification Problems With Your Order Product Information Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Before You Call Contacting Dell Technical Assistance If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps: 1. Complete the procedures in "Troubleshooting Your System." 2.
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the system diagnostics. 4. Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (such as power cables, media such as CDs and diskettes, and guides) if the return is for credit. 5. Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials. You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell. Collect-on-delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.
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Back to Contents Page Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
