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Basic Troubleshooting
Dell™PowerEdge™1750SystemsServiceManual
Initial User Contact
External Visual Inspection
Observing the Boot Routine
Internal Visual Inspection
Running the System Diagnostics
Performing basic troubleshooting procedures can often reveal the source of a system problem or indicate a starting point for servicing the system.
Perform the following procedures in the order presented.
Initial User Contact
Ask the user to describe the problem and the conditions under which it occurs. Then perform the following steps:
1. Have the user back up the data on the hard drive, if possible.
Refer the user to the documentation provided with the operating system or application software for information about backing up data.
2. Have the user duplicate the problem.
If the user cannot duplicate the problem, proceed to "External Visual Inspection."
3. Observe the user's actions for errors such as typing an incorrect key combination or entering a command incorrectly.
If the problem is a result of user error, instruct the user in the proper procedure. If it is not, proceed to "External Visual Inspection."
External Visual Inspection
1. Inspect the status indicators for indications of component malfunction.
2. Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
3. Verify that all power cables are properly connected to the system, peripherals, and their power sources.
4. Ensure that cables are properly connected to devices.
5. If a monitor is used, inspect the monitor controls for obvious damage or improper settings.
For proper settings of the monitor controls, see the monitor documentation.
6. If a keyboard is used, inspect the keyboard to ensure that keys are not sticking.
If keys are sticking, replace the keyboard.
7. Inspect the system and peripherals for signs of physical damage.
If a peripheral is damaged, see the peripheral documentation. If the system is damaged, see "Internal Visual Inspection."
Observing the Boot Routine
1. If the system is off, turn on all peripherals and the system. If the system is on, reboot the system.
2. During the boot routine, observe the system for any of the following indications:
l Beep codes indicate an error condition. See "System Beep Codes."
l System error messages indicate problems or provide status information. See "System Messages."
l Drive indicators light when data is transferred to or from the drives. If a drive indicator fails to light during the boot routine, troubleshoot the
appropriate drive subsystem.
l Three indicators on the upper-right corner of the keyboard should flash momentarily.
If the indicators flashed, proceed to the next step.
If the indicators did not flash, replace the keyboard with a keyboard that you know works. If the problem persists, troubleshoot the system
NOTE: Most steps in this procedure require observation of system functions and indications, some of which can occur simultaneously. You may need to
reboot the system several times to complete all of these steps.