Dell Poweredge 500Sc Installation And Troubleshooting Guide

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Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Introduction
Other Documents You May Need
Getting Help
Indicators, Messages, and Codes
Start-Up Routine
Checking Connections and Switches
System Messages
System Beep Codes
Warning Messages
Diagnostics Messages
Alert Log Messages From the System Management Server Agent
Finding Software Solutions
Installing and Configuring Software
Using Software
Running the System Diagnostics
Features of the System Diagnostics
When to Use the System Diagnostics
Starting the System Diagnostics
How to Use the System Diagnostics
How to Use the Device Groups Menu
Device Groups Menu Options
Error Messages
Troubleshooting Your System
Safety First—For You and Your System
Removing and Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam
Removing and Replacing the Bezel
Checking the Equipment
Inside the System
Responding to a System Management Server Agent Message
Troubleshooting a Wet System
Troubleshooting a Damaged System
Troubleshooting the System Battery
Troubleshooting the Power Supply
Troubleshooting the Cooling Fan
Troubleshooting Expansion Cards
Troubleshooting System Memory
Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem
Troubleshooting the System Board
Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
Troubleshooting CD and DVD Drives
Troubleshooting Hard Drives
Installing System Board Options
Removing and Replacing the Fan Assembly
Adding and Replacing Expansion Cards
Adding Memory
Upgrading the Microprocessor
Replacing the System Battery
Installing Drives
Configuring the EIDE Subsystem
Configuring the Boot Device
Connecting Drives
Removing and Reinstalling the Drive Cage
Adding or Replacing Hard Drives
Adding or Replacing Other Drives
Getting Help
Help Overview
Dell Contact Numbers
Jumpers and Connectors
Jumpers—A General Explanation
System-Board Jumpers
Disabling a Forgotten Password
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Figures
Tables

Notes, Notices, Cautions, and Warnings
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 potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in severe injury.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, PowerEdge, Dell OpenManage, Dimension, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Optiplex, Latitude, and DellWare are trademarks of Dell Computer

Corporation; Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows NT, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Novell and
NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

June 2001

Back to Contents Page

Figures
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

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2-1. Bezel Indicators
2-2. Back-Panel Features
5-1. Removing the System Cover
5-2. Removing and Replacing the Support Beam
5-3. Removing and Replacing the Bezel
5-4. NIC Indicators
5-5. Inside the System
6-1. System Board Features
6-2. Removing the Cooling Shroud
6-3. Removing the Fan
6-4. Removing the Filler Bracket
6-5. Installing Expansion Cards
6-6. Seating an Expansion Card
6-7. Memory Module Sockets
6-8. Installing a Memory Module
6-9. Removing a Memory Module
6-10. Securing Clip
6-11. Removing the Microprocessor
6-12. Pin-1 Identification
6-13. Installing the Microprocessor
6-14. Installing the Heat-Sink
6-15. Installing the Battery
7-1. Drive Bays
7-2. Connecting the Power Cable
7-3. Connecting the Interface Cable
7-4. Removing and Reinstalling the Drive Cage
7-5. Adding or Removing a Hard Drive in the Lower 3.5-inch Bay
7-6. Adding or Replacing a Hard Drive in the Upper 3.5-inch Bay
7-7. Removing the Hard Drive and Drive Bracket
7-8. Detaching or Attaching the Hard Drive
7-9. Removing the Drive Bracket
7-10. Removing the Insert
7-11. Adding or Removing a 5.25-inch Device
7-12. Removing and Installing a Diskette Drive
A-1. Jumpers
A-2. System-Board Jumpers

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Tables
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Table
Table
Table
Table
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Table
Table

2-1. Start-Up Routine Indications
2-2. System Messages
2-3. System Beep Codes
3-1. IRQ Line Assignment Defaults
4-1. Options
4-2. Devices Options
6-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets
6-2. Sample Memory Module Configurations
A-1. System-Board Jumper Settings

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Jumpers and Connectors
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Jumpers—A General Explanation
System-Board Jumpers
Disabling a Forgotten Password
This section provides specific information about the jumpers on the system board.

Jumpers—A General Explanation
Jumpers provide a convenient and reversible way of reconfiguring the circuitry on a printed circuit board. When reconfiguring the system, you may need to
change jumper settings on the system board. You may also need to change jumper settings on expansion cards or drives.

Jumpers
Jumpers are small blocks on a circuit board with two or more pins emerging from them. Plastic plugs containing a wire fit down over the pins. The wire connects
the pins and creates a circuit. To change a jumper setting, pull the plug off its pin(s) and carefully fit it down onto the pin(s) indicated. Figure A-1 shows an
example of a jumper.

Figure A-1. Jumpers

WARNING: Make sure the system is turned off before you change a jumper setting. Otherwise, damage to the system or unpredictable results
may occur.
A jumper is referred to as open or unjumpered when the plug is pushed down over only one pin or if there is no plug at all. When the plug is pushed down
over two pins, the jumper is referred to as jumpered. The jumper setting is often shown in text as two numbers, such as 1-2. The number 1 is printed on the
circuit board so that you can identify each pin number based on the location of pin 1.
Figure A-2 shows the location and default settings of the jumper blocks on the system board. See Table A-1 for the designations, default settings, and
functions of the system's jumpers.

System-Board Jumpers
Figure A-2 shows the location of the configuration jumpers on the system board. Table A-1 lists the function of these jumpers.

Figure A-2. System-Board Jumpers

Table A-1. System-Board Jumper Settings

Jumper

Setting

PASSWORD

Description
The password feature is enabled.

(default)
The password feature is disabled.
NVRAM

The configuration settings are retained at system boot.
(default)
The configuration settings are cleared at next system boot. (If the configuration settings become corrupted to the point where the
system will not boot, install the jumper plug and boot the system. Remove the jumper before restoring the configuration
information.)
jumpered

unjumpered

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Disabling a Forgotten Password
The system's software security features include a system password and a setup password, which are discussed in "Using the System Setup Program," in the
User's Guide. A password jumper on the system board enables these password features or disables them and clears any password(s) currently in use.
To disable a forgotten system password or setup password, perform the following steps.
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in your System Information document.

Remove the system cover.

Refer to Figure A-2 for the location of the password jumper (labeled "PASSWORD") on the system board.

Remove the jumper plug from the PASSWORD jumper.

Replace the system cover, and then reconnect the system to an electrical outlet and turn it on.
The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the PASSWORD jumper plug removed. However, before you assign a new
system and/or setup password, you must install the jumper plug.
NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper plug still removed, the system disables the new password(s) the next
time it boots.

Repeat step 1.

Install the jumper plug on the PASSWORD jumper.

Replace the system cover, and then reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn them on.

Assign a new system and/or setup password.
To assign a new system password using the System Setup program, see "Assigning a System Password" in the User's Guide.

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Abbreviations and Acronyms
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

The following list defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in Dell user documents.

A
ampere(s)

AC
alternating current

ACPI
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface

ADC
analog-to-digital converter

BIOS
basic input/output system

bpi
bits per inch

bps
bits per second

C
Celsius

CD
compact disc

cm
centimeter(s)

CMOS
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

C.O.D.
collect on delivery

CPU
central processing unit

DAT
digital audio tape

dB
decibel(s)

dBA
adjusted decibel(s)

DC
direct current

DIMM
dual in-line memory module

DIN
Deutsche Industrie Norm

DMA
direct memory access

DOC
Department of Communications (in Canada)

dpi
dots per inch

DRAM
dynamic random-access memory

DS/DD
double-sided double-density

DS/HD
double-sided high-density

ECC
error checking and correction

EDO
extended-data out

EGA
enhanced graphics adapter

EIDE
enhanced integrated drive electronics

EMI
electromagnetic interference

EMM
expanded memory manager

ESD
electrostatic discharge

ESM
embedded server management

F
Fahrenheit

FAT
file allocation table

FCC
Federal Communications Commission

ft
feet

g
gram(s)

G
gravities

GB
gigabyte(s)

GUI
graphical user interface

h
hexadecimal

Hz
hertz

I/O
input/output

ICBM
inter-chassis management bus

ID
identification

IDE
integrated drive electronics

IRQ
interrupt request

ISA
Industry-Standard Architecture

K
kilo- (1024)

KB
kilobyte(s)

KB/sec
kilobyte(s) per second

Kb
kilobit(s)

Kbps
kilobit(s) per second

kg
kilogram(s)

kHz
kilohertz

LAN
local area network

lb
pound(s)

LED

light-emitting diode

LIF
low insertion force

LN
load number

lpi
lines per inch

LVD
low voltage differential

m
meter(s)

mA
milliampere(s)

mAh
milliampere-hour(s)

MB
megabyte(s)

Mb
megabit(s)

Mbps
megabit(s) per second

MBR
master boot record

MDA
monochrome display adapter

MGA
monochrome graphics adapter

MHz
megahertz

mm
millimeter(s)

ms
millisecond(s)

mV
millivolt(s)

NIC
network interface controller

NiCad
nickel cadmium

NiMH

nickel-metal hydride

ns
nanosecond(s)

NTFS
NT File System

NVRAM
nonvolatile random-access memory

PCI
Peripheral Component Interconnect

PDU
power distribution unit

PGA
pin grid array

POST
power-on self-test

ppm
pages per minute

RAID
redundant arrays of independent disks

RAM
random-access memory

RCU
Resource Configuration Utility

RFI
radio frequency interference

ROM
read-only memory

rpm
revolutions per minute

RTC
real-time clock

SCSI
small computer system interface

SDS
Scalable Disk System

sec
second(s)

SEC
single-edge contact

SDRAM
synchronous dynamic random-access memory

SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol

SRAM
static random-access memory

SSU
system setup utility

tpi
tracks per inch

TSR
terminate-and-stay-resident

UPS
uninterruptible power supply

V
volt(s)

VAC
volt(s) alternating current

VDC
volt(s) direct current

VGA
video graphics array

VRAM
video random-access memory

W
watt(s)

WH
watt-hour(s)

Z
ZIF
zero insertion force

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Introduction
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Other Documents You May Need
Getting Help
Your system is a high-speed server that offers significant service and upgrade features. Your system includes the following service features:
l

Embedded server management hardware, which monitors temperatures and voltages throughout the system and notifies you if the system overheats, if
a system cooling fan malfunctions, or a power supply fails

System diagnostics, which checks for hardware problems (if the system can boot)

The following system upgrade options are offered:
l

Expansion-card options

Additional memory

Microprocessors

Other Documents You May Need
Besides this Installation and Troubleshooting Guide, the following documentation is included with your system:
l

User's Guide, which describes system features and technical specifications, the system setup program, and software support utilities.

Server management documentation, which describes the features, requirements, installation, and basic operation of the server management software.
Refer to the software's online help for information about the alert messages issued by the software.

System Information document, which includes important safety, regulatory, and warranty information.

You may also have one or more of the following documents.
NOTE: Documentation updates are sometimes included with the system to describe changes to the system or software. Always read these updates
before consulting any other documentation because the updates often contain information that supersedes the information in the other documents.
l

Operating system documentation is included with the system if you ordered the operating system software with your system. This documentation
describes how to install (if necessary), configure, and use the operating system software.

Documentation is included with any options you purchase separately from the system. This documentation includes information that you need to
configure and install these options in your system.

Technical information files—sometimes called "readme" files—may be installed on the hard drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes
to the system or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.

Getting Help
If at any time you do not understand a procedure described in this guide, or if your system does not perform as expected, a number of tools are available to
help you. For more information on these help tools, see "Getting Help."

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Indicators, Messages, and Codes
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Start-Up Routine
Checking Connections and Switches
System Messages
System Beep Codes
Warning Messages
Diagnostics Messages
Alert Log Messages From the System Management Server Agent
Application programs, operating systems, and the system itself are capable of identifying problems and alerting you to them. When a problem occurs, a
message may appear on the monitor screen or a beep code may sound.
Several different types of messages can indicate when the system is not functioning properly:
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System messages

System beep codes

Warning messages

Diagnostics messages

Alert messages

This section also describes each type of message and lists the possible causes and actions you can take to resolve any problems indicated by a message.
Performing some initial checks and procedures can solve many basic system problems. The system indicators and the back-panel features are illustrated in
Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2.

Start-Up Routine
Looking at and listening to the system is important in determining the source of a problem. Look and listen during the system's start-up routine for the
indications described in Table 2-1.

Bezel Indicators
When the bezel is in place on the system, it has four indicators (see Figure 2-1). There is a CD drive activity indicator, diskette drive activity indicator, hard drive
activity indicator, and system power indicator.

Figure 2-1. Bezel Indicators

Look and listen for the indications described in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1. Start-Up Routine Indications
Look/Listen for:

Action

An error message

See "System Messages."

Alert messages from the system management server agent software See "Alert Log Messages From the System Management Server Agent" in "System
Messages."
The monitor's power indicator

See "Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

The keyboard indicators

See "Troubleshooting the Keyboard" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

The diskette-drive activity indicator

See "Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

The hard drive activity indicators

See "Troubleshooting Hard Drives" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

A series of beeps

See "System Beep Codes."

An unfamiliar constant scraping or grinding sound when you access
a drive

See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Checking Connections and Switches
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 2-2 for the back-panel features and connectors.

Back-Panel Features
Figure 2-2 shows the back-panel features of the system.

Figure 2-2. Back-Panel Features

Complete the following procedure to check all the connections and switches:

Checking Specific System Problems
1.
2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals. Disconnect all the power cables from their electrical outlets.
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.

Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet or PDU.

Is the monitor working properly?
See "Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem."

Is the keyboard working properly?
See "Troubleshooting the Keyboard."

Are the mouse and printer working properly?
See "Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions."

System Messages
System messages alert you to a possible operating system problem or to a conflict between the software and hardware. Table 2-2 lists the system error
messages that can occur and the probable cause for each message.
NOTE: If you receive a system message that is not listed in Table 2-2, check the documentation for the application program that is running when the
message appears and/or the operating system documentation for an explanation of the message and recommended action.

Table 2-2. System Messages
Message

Cause

Corrective Action

Address mark not found

Faulty diskette, CD-ROM, or hard drive
subsystem (defective system board).

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Alert! Maximum memory
size exceeded. Limiting
memory size to 2 GB

System supports up to 2 GB of memory.

Remove a memory module pair so that the maximum amount of memory is 2 GB or
less. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options."

Alert! Single-bit
memory error previously
detected in xxxx xxxxh

Improperly seated or faulty memory
modules.

Remove and reseat the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing
System Board Options." If the problem persists, replace the memory modules. See
"Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem persists, see
"Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Alert! Previous
processor thermal
failure

The microprocessor exceeded its
recommended operating temperature
during the previous operating session.

Remove and replace the defective microprocessor. See "Replacing the
Microprocessor" in "Installing System Board Options."

Alert! Primary
processor is out of rev

System detected that the primary
processor is not the correct revision.

Replace the microprocessor. See "Replacing the Microprocessor" in "Installing
System Board Options."

Alert! Processor
thermal probe failure
detected

Faulty processor or defective system
board.

Replace the defective microprocessor. See "Replacing the Microprocessor" in
"Installing System Board Options." If the problem persists, the system is defective.
See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Alert! Unsupported
memory in DIMM slot(s)

Unsupported memory module(s) installed
in specified slot(s).

Replace one or more memory modules so that the memory module pairs are the
same type. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options."

Alert! Uncorrectable
memory error previously
detected in xxxx xxxxh

Improperly seated or faulty memory
modules.

Attachment failed to
respond

Diskette drive or hard drive controller
cannot send data to associated drive.

Replace the defective drive. See "Installing Drives." If the problem persists, see
"Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Auxiliary device
failure

Mouse cable connector loose or improperly
connected, defective mouse.

Check the mouse cable connection. "Checking Connections and Switches." If the
problem persists, replace the mouse. See "Getting Help," for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.

Bad command or file
name

Command entered does not exist, is faulty,
or is not in pathname specified.

Faulty command and syntax, or incorrect filename.

Bad error-correction
code(ECC) on disk read

Faulty diskette, CD-ROM, or hard drive
subsystem (defective system board).

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Boot: Couldn't find
NTLDR

A nonbootable diskette formatted with
Win-dows NT was detected in the diskette
drive.

A nonbootable diskette is preventing the system from booting. Remove the diskette
to boot the system from the hard drive or from a bootable diskette.

CAUTION! NVRAM_CLR
jumper is installed on
system board. Please
run SETUP

The NVRAM jumper is installed.

Remove the NVRAM jumper. See "Figure A-2" for jumper location. Run the System
Setup program to correct the diskette drive type. See "Using the System Setup
Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

CD-ROM drive not found

Improperly connected or missing CD drive.

Check that the CD drive unit is seated properly against the interposer board on the
peripheral cage. See "Inside the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System" for the
location of the CD drive. Replace the drive. See "Installing Drives." If the problem
persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Data error

Faulty diskette, diskette drive, or hard
drive.

Replace the diskette, diskette drive, or hard drive. See "Installing Drives."

Decreasing available
memory

One or more memory modules improperly
seated or faulty.

Controller has failed

Faulty or improperly inserted diskette,
incorrect configuration settings in System
Setup program, loose diskette drive
interface cable.

Replace the diskette. Run the System Setup program to correct the diskette drive
type. See "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.
Check the interface cable and power cable connections to the system board. See
"Installing Drives."

Diskette read failure

Faulty diskette, faulty or improperly
connected diskette drive.

Check the interface cable and power cable connections to the system board. See
"Installing Drives."

Diskette subsystem
reset failed

Faulty diskette controller (defective system
board).

Replace the system board. See "Installing Drives," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Diskette write
protected

Diskette write-protect feature activated.

Move the write-protect tab on the diskette.

Drive not ready

Diskette missing from or improperly
inserted in diskette drive.

Reinsert or replace the diskette.

Gate A20 failure

Faulty keyboard controller (defective
system board).

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

General failure

Operating system corrupted or not
installed properly.

Reinstall the operating system.

Hard disk controller
failure

Incorrect configuration settings in System
Setup program, improperly connected hard
drive, faulty hard drive controller
subsystem (defective system board), or
loose power cable.

Check the hard drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. See
"Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions. Reinstall the
hard drive. See "Installing Drives." Check the interface cable and power cable
connections to the system board. See "Installing Drives."

Invalid configuration
information - please
run SETUP program

Incorrect configuration settings in System
Setup program, faulty battery, or NVRAM
jumper is installed.

Check the System Setup configuration settings. See "Using the System Setup
Program," in the User's Guide for instructions. Replace the battery. See "Replacing
the System Battery" in "Installing System Board Options." Remove the NVRAM
jumper. See "Figure A-2" for jumper location.

Invalid CPU speed
detected

Microprocessor not supported by system.

Install a correct version of the microprocessor in the specified microprocessor
connector. See "Replacing the Microprocessor" in "Installing System Board Options."

Invalid NVRAM
configuration, resource
reallocated

System detected and corrected a resource
conflict when system resources were
allocated using the System Setup program.

No action is required.

I/O parity interrupt at
address

Expansion card improperly installed or
faulty.

Keyboard failure

Keyboard cable connector loose or
improperly connected, defective keyboard,
or defective keyboard/mouse controller
(defective system board).

Check the keyboard cable connection. Replace the keyboard. If the problem
persists, replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Keyboard controller
failure

Defective keyboard/mouse controller
(defective system board).

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Memory address line
failure at address,
read value expecting
value

Faulty or improperly seated memory
modules or defective system board.

Memory allocation error

Faulty application program.

Restart the application program.

Memory parity interrupt
at address

Improperly seated or faulty memory
modules.

Memory tests terminated
by keystroke

POST memory test terminated by pressing
the spacebar.

No action is required.

No boot device
available

Faulty diskette, diskette subsystem, hard
drive, hard drive subsystem, or no boot
disk in drive A.

Replace the diskette or hard drive. See "Installing Drives." If the problem persists,
replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

No boot sector on hard
drive

Incorrect configuration settings in System
Setup program, or no operating system on
hard drive.

Check the hard drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. See
"Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

Diskette drive 0 seek
failure
Diskette drive 1 seek
failure

Hard disk drive read
failure
Hard disk failure

Keyboard data line
failure
Keyboard stuck key
failure
Keyboard clock line
failure

Memory data line
failure at address,
read value expecting
value
Memory double word
logic failure at
address, read value
expecting value
Memory odd/even logic
failure at address,
read value expecting
value
Memory write/read
failure at address,
read value expecting
value

No timer tick interrupt

Defective system board.

Replace the system board. See, "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Non-system disk or disk
error

Faulty diskette, diskette subsystem, or
hard drive subsystem.

Replace the diskette or hard drive. See "Installing Drives." If the problem persists,
replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

Not a boot diskette

No operating system on diskette.

Use a bootable diskette.

Read fault

Faulty diskette, diskette subsystem, or
hard drive subsystem (defective system
board).

Replace the diskette or hard drive. See "Installing Drives." If the problem persists,
replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

Reset failed

Improperly connected diskette drive, CD
drive, hard drive, or power cable.

Check the interface cable and power cable connections to the diskette drive, CD
drive, or hard drive. See "Installing Drives." Reinstall the hard drive. Check the
interface cable and power cable connections to the system board. See "Getting
Help."

ROM bad checksum =
address

Expansion card improperly installed or
faulty.

Reinstall the expansion cards. See "Installing Expansion Cards" in "Installing
System Board Options." If the problem persists, replace the expansion card. See
"Removing Expansion Cards" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Sector not found

Defective sectors on diskette or hard drive.

Replace the diskette or hard drive. See "Installing Drives."

Seek error

Defective sectors on diskette or hard drive.

Replace the diskette or hard drive. See "Installing Drives."

Seek operation failed

Faulty diskette or hard drive.

Replace the diskette or hard drive. See "Installing Drives."

Shutdown failure

Defective system board.

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

System halted

System microprocessor is not supported.

Replace the unsupported microprocessor with a supported microprocessor. See
"Replacing the Microprocessor" in "Installing System Board Options."

Time-of-day clock
stopped

Defective battery or faulty chip (defective
system board).

Replace the system battery. See "Replacing the System Battery" in "Installing
System Board Options." If the problem persists, replace the system board. See
"Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Time-of-day not set please run SETUP
program

Incorrect Time or Date settings, defective
system battery, or NVRAM jumper is
installed.

Check the Time and Date settings. See "Using the System Setup Program," in the
User's Guide for instructions. If the problem persists, replace the system battery.
See "Replacing the System Battery" in "Installing System Board Options." If the
problem persists, replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance. Remove the NVRAM jumper. See "Figure A-2" for
jumper location.

Timer chip counter 2
failed

Defective system board.

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

Unexpected interrupt in
protected mode

Improperly seated memory modules or
faulty keyboard/mouse controller chip
(defective system board).

Unsupported CPU speed
in CMOS

Microprocessor not supported by BIOS.

Upgrade the BIOS. See "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for
instructions.

Utility partition not
available

key was pressed during POST, but
no utility partition exists on the boot hard
drive.

Create a utility partition on the boot hard drive. See "Using the Dell OpenManage
Server Assistant CD" in your User's Guide.

Write fault

Faulty diskette or hard drive.

Replace the diskette or hard drive. See "Installing Drives."

Requested sector not
found

Write fault on selected
drive
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

System Beep Codes
When an error that cannot be reported on the monitor occurs during a boot routine, the system may emit a series of beeps that identify the problem.
NOTE: If the system boots without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached, the system will not issue beep codes related to these peripherals.

When a beep code is emitted, record it on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in "Getting Help," and then look it up in Table 2-3. If you are unable to resolve
the problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use the system diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. If you are still unable to resolve the
problem, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Table 2-3. System Beep Codes
Code

Cause

Corrective Action

1-1-3

CMOS write/read failure

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-1-4

BIOS checksum failure

This fatal error usually requires that you replace the BIOS firmware. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.

1-2-1

Programmable intervaltimer failure

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-2-2

DMA initialization failure

1-2-3

DMA page register
write/read failure

Remove and reseat the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, replace the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-3-1

Main-memory refresh
verification failure

Remove and reseat the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, replace the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-3-2

No memory installed

Remove and reseat the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, replace the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-3-3

Chip or data line failure in
the first 64 KB of main
memory

Remove and reseat the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, replace the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-3-4

Odd/even logic failure in
the first 64 KB of main
memory

Remove and reseat the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, replace the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

1-4-

Address line failure in the
first 64 KB of main memory

1-4-2

Parity failure in the first 64
KB of main memory

2-1-1
through
2-4-4

Bit failure in the first 64 KB
of main memory

3-1-1

Slave DMA-register failure

3-1-2

Master DMA-register failure

3-1-3

Master interrupt-mask
register failure

3-1-4

Slave interrupt-mask
register failure

3-2-4

Keyboard-controller test
failure

Check the keyboard cable and connector for proper connection. If the problem persists, run the keyboard test in the
system diagnostics to determine whether the keyboard or keyboard controller is faulty. See "Running the System
Diagnostics." If the keyboard controller is faulty, replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.

3-3-1

CMOS failure

Run the system board test in the system diagnostics to isolate the problem. See "Running the System Diagnostics."

3-3-2

System configuration check Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
failure

3-3-3

Keyboard controller not
detected

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

3-3-4

Screen initialization failure

Run the video test in the system diagnostics. See "Running the System Diagnostics."

3-4-2

Screen-retrace test failure

3-4-3

Search for video ROM
failure

4-2-1

No timer tick

4-2-2

Shutdown failure

4-2-3

Gate A20 failure

4-2-4

Unexpected interrupt in
protected mode

4-3-1

Improperly seated or faulty Remove and reseat the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
memory modules
persists, replace the memory modules. See "Adding Memory" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-3-3

Defective system board

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-3-4

Time-of-day clock stopped

Replace the battery. See "Replacing the System Battery" in "Installing System Board Options." If the problem
persists, replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-4-1

I/O chip set failure
(defective system board)

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-4-2

Parallel-port test failure
(defective system board)

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

4-4-3

Math coprocessor failure
(defective microprocessor)

Remove and reseat the specified microprocessor. See "Upgrading the Microprocessor" in "Installing System Board
Options." If the problem persists, replace the microprocessor. See "Upgrading the Microprocessorr" in "Installing
System Board Options." If the problem persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

4-4-4

Cache test failure
(defective microprocessor)

Remove and reseat the specified microprocessor. See "Upgrading the Microprocessor" in "Installing System Board
Options." If the problem persists, replace the microprocessor. See "Replacing the Microprocessor" in "Installing
System Board Options." If the problem persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

Replace the system board. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Replace the system board. "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Ensure that all expansion cards are properly seated, and then reboot the system.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Warning Messages
A warning message alerts you to a possible problem and asks you to take corrective action before the system continues a task. For example, before you
format a diskette, a message may warn you that you may lose all data on the diskette, as a way to protect against inadvertently erasing or writing over the
data. These warning messages usually interrupt the procedure and require you to respond by typing y (yes) or n (no).
NOTE: Warning messages are generated by either the application program or the operating system. See "Finding Software Solutions," and the
documentation that accompanied the operating system and application program for more information on warning messages.

Diagnostics Messages
When you run a test group or subtest in the system diagnostics, an error message may result. These particular error messages are not covered in this
section. Record the message on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Getting Help"), and then follow the instructions in that section for obtaining technical
assistance.

Alert Log Messages From the System Management Server Agent
The optional system management software generates alert messages for your system. For example, the server agent generates messages that appear in the
SNMP trap log file. Alert messages consist of information, status, warning, and failure messages for drive, temperature, fan, and power conditions. More
information about alert messages is provided in the system management software documentation found on the Online Documentation CD that shipped with
your system.

Back to Contents Page

Finding Software Solutions
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Installing and Configuring Software
Using Software
Because most systems have several application programs installed in addition to the operating system, isolating a software problem can be confusing.
Software errors can also appear to be hardware malfunctions at first.
Software problems can result from the following circumstances:
l

Improper installation or configuration of an application program

Input errors

Device drivers that may conflict with certain application programs

Interrupt conflicts between devices

You can confirm that a system problem is caused by software by running the system diagnostics. See "Running the System Diagnostics." If all tests in the test
group are completed successfully, the problem is most likely caused by software.
This section provides some general guidelines for analyzing software problems. For detailed troubleshooting information on a particular application program,
see the documentation that accompanied the software or consult the support service for the software.

Installing and Configuring Software
Use virus-scanning software to check newly acquired application programs and files for viruses before installing the application programs on the system's hard
drive. Viruses can quickly use all available system memory, damage and/or destroy data stored on the hard drive, and permanently affect the performance of
the application programs they infect. Several commercial virus-scanning programs are available for purchase.
Before installing an application program, read its documentation to learn how the application program works, what hardware it requires, and what its defaults
are. An application program usually includes installation instructions in its accompanying documentation and a software installation routine.
The software installation routine assists users in transferring the appropriate application program files to the system's hard drive. Installation instructions may
provide details about how to configure the operating system to successfully run the application program. Always read the installation instructions before
running an application program's installation routine.
When you run the installation routine, be prepared to respond to prompts for information about how the system's operating system is configured, what type
of system you have, and what peripherals are connected to the system.

Using Software
The following subsections discuss errors that can occur as a result of software operation or configuration.

Error Messages
Error messages can be produced by an application program, the operating system, or the system. "Indicators, Messages, and Codes" discusses the error
messages that are generated by the system. If you receive an error message that is not listed in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes," check the operating
system or application program documentation.

Input Errors
If a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrong time, an application program may give you unexpected results. See the documentation that came with
the application program to make sure that the values or characters you are entering are valid.
Make sure that the operating environment is set up to accommodate the application programs you use. Keep in mind that whenever you change the
parameters of the system's operating environment, you may affect the successful operation of the application programs. Sometimes, after modifying the
operating environment, you may need to reinstall an application program that no longer runs properly.

Application Program Conflicts
Some application programs may leave portions of their setup information behind, even though you have exited from them. As a result, other application
programs cannot run. Rebooting the system can confirm whether these application programs are the cause of the problem.
Device drivers, which are application programs that use specialized subroutines, can cause problems with the system. For example, a variation in the way the
data is sent to the monitor may require a special screen driver application program that expects a certain kind of video mode or monitor. In such cases, you
may have to develop an alternate method of running that particular application program—by creating a start-up file made especially for that application
program, for example. Call the support service for the software you are using to help you with this problem.

Avoiding Interrupt Assignment Conflicts
Problems can arise if two devices attempt to use the same IRQ line. To avoid this type of conflict, check the documentation for the IRQ line's default for each
installed expansion card. Then consult Table 3-1 to configure the card for one of the available IRQ lines.

Table 3-1. IRQ Line Assignment Defaults
IRQ Line

Used By/Available

IRQ0

Used by the system timer

IRQ1

Used by the keyboard controller

IRQ2

Used by interrupt controller 1 to enable IRQ8 through IRQ15

IRQ3

Available

IRQ4

Used by serial port 1 (COM1 – COM4)

IRQ5

Available unless used by USB ports

IRQ6

Used by the diskette drive controller

IRQ7

Used by the primary parallel port

IRQ8

Used by the real-time clock

IRQ9

Reserved for ACPI functions

IRQ10

Available

IRQ11

Available

IRQ12

Used by the PS/2 mouse port if the mouse is enabled in the System Setup program

IRQ13

Used by the math coprocessor

IRQ14

Primary IDE controller (IDE 1)

IRQ15

Secondary IDE controller (IDE 2)

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Back to Contents Page

Running the System Diagnostics
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Features of the System Diagnostics
When to Use the System Diagnostics
Starting the System Diagnostics
How to Use the System Diagnostics
How to Use the Device Groups Menu
Device Groups Menu Options
Error Messages
The system diagnostics provided with your system helps you check the system's hardware without any additional equipment and without destroying any data.
By using the diagnostics, you can have confidence in the system's operation. If you find a problem that you cannot solve by yourself, the diagnostic tests can
provide you with important information you will need when talking to a technical assistance representative.
NOTICE: Use the system diagnostics to test only your system. If you use this program with other systems, incorrect system responses or error
messages may result.

Features of the System Diagnostics
The system diagnostics provide a series of menus and options from which you choose particular device groups or devices. You can also control the sequence in
which the tests are run. The diagnostic menus also have these helpful features:
l

Options that let you run tests individually or collectively

An option that allows you to choose the number of times a test is repeated

The ability to display or print test results or to save them in a file

Options to temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected or to terminate testing when an adjustable error limit is reached

Help messages that briefly describe each test and its parameters

Status messages that inform you whether device group or device tests are completed successfully

Error messages that appear if any problems are detected

When to Use the System Diagnostics
Whenever a major component or device in the system does not function properly, you may have a component failure. As long as the microprocessor and the
input and output components of the system (the monitor, keyboard, and diskette drive) are working, you can use the system diagnostics. If you know what
component(s) you need to test, simply select the appropriate diagnostic device group(s) or subtest(s). If you are unsure about the scope of the problem, read
the rest of the information in this section.

Starting the System Diagnostics
You can run the system diagnostics from either the utility partition on your hard drive or from a set of diskettes that you create from the Dell OpenManage
Server Assistant CD.
To run the diagnostics from the utility partition, perform the following steps:
1.
2.

Start the utility partition by pressing during POST.
From the utility partition's main menu, select the Run System Diagnostics option from Run System Utilities.
See "Utility Partition" in "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD," in the User's Guide for additional information about the utility partition.

To run the system diagnostics from the diskettes, perform the following steps:
1.

Create a set of diagnostics diskettes using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD.
See "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD" in the User's Guide for instructions on creating diagnostics diskettes.

Boot the system from the first diagnostics diskette.

If the system fails to boot, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
When you start the diagnostics a message is displayed telling you that the diagnostics is loading. The Diagnostics menu appears. The menu allows you to run
all or specific diagnostic tests or to exit the system diagnostics.
NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, you may want to start the system diagnostics so that you can see it on your monitor screen.

For a quick check of the system, select Test All Devices and then select Quick Tests. This option runs only the device tests that do not require user

interaction and that do not take a long time to run. Dell recommends that you choose this option first to increase the chance of tracing the source of the
problem quickly. For a complete check of the system, select Test All Devices and then select Extended Tests. To check a particular area of the system, choose
Advanced Testing.
Selecting Exit to MS-DOS exits the diagnostics and returns you to the MS-DOS® operating system environment.
To select an option from the Diagnostics menu, highlight the option and press , or press the key that corresponds to the highlighted letter in the
option you choose.

How to Use the System Diagnostics
When you select Advanced Testing from the Diagnostics menu, the main screen of the diagnostics appears.
Information on the main screen of the diagnostics is presented in the following areas:
l

Two lines at the top of the main screen identify the diagnostics and give its version number.

On the left side of the screen, the Device Groups area lists the diagnostic device groups in the order they will run if you select All under the Run Tests
submenu. Press the up- or down-arrow key to highlight a device group.

On the right side of the screen, the Devices for Highlighted Group area lists the specific devices within a particular test group.

Two lines at the bottom of the screen make up the menu area. The first line lists the menu options you can select; press the left- or right-arrow key to
highlight an option. The second line gives information about the highlighted option.

How to Use the Device Groups Menu
The Device Groups menu at the bottom of the screen provides options that enable you to select and run specific diagnostic tests from the diagnostics main
screen. Press the left- and right-arrow keys to select the options on the menu. As you move from one menu option to another, a brief explanation of the
highlighted option appears on the bottom line of the screen.
If you want more information about a device group or device, highlight the Help option and press . After you read the information, press to
return to the previous screen.

Device Groups Menu Options
Five options are listed at the bottom of the diagnostics main screen: Run Tests, Devices, Select, Config, and Help.
There are two ways to select a menu option:
l

Look on the screen to see which letter in the option is capitalized, and type that letter (for example, type r to select the Run option).

Move the highlight to the option you want to select by pressing the left- or right-arrow key, and then press .

Whenever one of the options is selected, additional choices become available.
The following subsections explain the menu options as listed from left to right in the Device Groups menu.

Run Tests
Run Tests displays seven options: One, All, Select, Options, Results, Errors, and Help. If you select One, all the devices within the highlighted device group
are run. If you select All, all of the tests in all of the device group tests are run. (The device group tests are run in the same order as they are listed.) If you
choose Select, only the selected device groups or the devices that you selected within the device groups are run. Before you test any device groups or
devices, consider setting global parameters within Options. Table 4-1 lists all of the possible values for each option. Global parameters offer you greater
control over how the device group tests or device tests are run and how results are reported. Help displays a series of help options, including Menu, Keys,
Device Group, Device, Test, and Versions.

Table 4-1. Options
Option

Possible Values

Number of Times to Repeat Test(s) 0001 through 9999 or 0000, which loops indefinitely until you press .
The default is 1.
Maximum Errors Allowed

0000 through 9999, where 0000 means that there is no error limit. The default is 1.

Pause for User Response

Yes, No
Allows you to decide whether tests will wait for user input.
The default is Yes to wait for user input.

Message Logging

None, Errors, All
Determines if any test results are saved to a file. The default is None.

Message Logging File Name

Specifies the name of the logging file if the Message Logging option is selected.
The default is A: RESULT.

Display Detailed Messages

Yes, No
Enables or disables detailed messages.

Devices
Most of the device groups consist of several devices. Use the Devices option to select individual devices within the device group(s).
When you select Devices, the following options are displayed: Run Tests, Tests, Select, Parameters, and Help. Table 4-2 lists all of the possible values for
each option.

Table 4-2. Devices Options
Option

Functions

Run Tests

Displays five options: One, All, Select, Options, Results, Errors, and Help.

Tests

Allows you to select individual devices to tailor the testing process to your particular needs. You can choose one or more devices from the list.
When you choose Tests, four options are displayed: Run Tests, Select, Parameters, and Help.

Select

Allows you to choose one or more devices from a particular device group. Three options are displayed: One, All, and Help.

Parameters Determines how a particular test runs.
Help

Displays a list of help topics.

Select
The Select option in the Device Groups menu allows you to choose one or more devices from a particular device group. Three options are displayed: One, All,
and Help.

Config
Choosing Config from the Device Groups menu displays information about the particular device that is highlighted.

Error Messages
When you run a test in the diagnostics, error messages may result. Record the messages on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist; also see "Getting Help," for
instructions on obtaining technical assistance and informing the technical assistance representative of these messages.

Back to Contents Page

Troubleshooting Your System
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Safety First—For You and Your System

Troubleshooting the Power Supply

Removing and Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam

Troubleshooting the Cooling Fan

Removing and Replacing the Bezel

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

Checking the Equipment

Troubleshooting System Memory

Inside the System

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem

Responding to a System Management Server Agent Message

Troubleshooting the System Board

Troubleshooting a Wet System

Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive

Troubleshooting a Damaged System

Troubleshooting CD and DVD Drives

Troubleshooting the System Battery

Troubleshooting Hard Drives

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:
l

Lay the system on its side.

Read the "Safety Instructions" in your System Information document.

Read "Running the System Diagnostics" for information about running diagnostics.

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 your system 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 precaution.
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.

Removing and Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam
The system is enclosed by a bezel and a cover. To upgrade or troubleshoot the system, remove the system cover and support beam to gain access to internal
components.
NOTE: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in "Safety First—For You and Your System."
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet and from the back of the system, then press the
power button before you remove the system cover. The system board continues to receive a small amount of power when the system is turned off and
attached to an electrical outlet.

Removing the System Cover and Support Beam
1.

Lay the system on its right side, with the system foot stand off the edge of the work surface.

Loosen the captive thumbscrew that secures the cover to the back of the system.
CAUTION: To prevent cuts, keep your hands clear of the metal edges on the system as you slide back the cover.

Face the front of the system. Use your thumbs to press in both latches while pushing the cover backward. Move the cover back slightly, and then lift it
straight up (see Figure 5-1).
If necessary, use both hands and work one side at a time.

Figure 5-1. Removing the System Cover

Remove the screw from the support beam as shown in Figure 5-2.

Pull the front end of the support beam until it snaps free from its fastener. Rotate the front of the beam upward until the hinged tabs on the back of the
beam clear their slots (see Figure 5-2).

Figure 5-2. Removing and Replacing the Support Beam

Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam
1.

Check that no tools or parts are left inside the system.

Slip the support beam's hinged tabs into their slots and lower the beam until the lock tab snaps into the retaining slot (see Figure 5-2).

Replace the screw you removed in step 4 of "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam."

Fit the cover over the sides of the chassis and slide the cover forward until it locks in place.

Secure the cover with the thumbscrew.

Removing and Replacing the Bezel
The front bezel has status and attention indicators. You must remove the system cover in order to remove the bezel.

Removing the Bezel
1.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam").

Press the three tabs along the side of the bezel (see Figure 5-3).

Swing the bezel away from the system, disengage the hooks, and carefully pull the bezel away from the system.

Figure 5-3. Removing and Replacing the Bezel

Replacing the Bezel
Insert the bezel hooks into the system slots, and snap the bezel back onto the system (see Figure 5-3).

Checking the Equipment
This section provides troubleshooting procedures for equipment that connects directly to the I/O panel of the system, such as the monitor, keyboard, or
mouse. Before you perform any of the procedures, see "Checking Connections and Switches" in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes."

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem
Problem
l

Monitor

Monitor interface cable

Video memory

Video logic

Action
1.

Check the system and power connections to the monitor.

Run the video tests in the system diagnostics.
If the tests run successfully, the problem is not related to video hardware. Go to "Finding Software Solutions."
If the tests did not run successfully see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Keyboard
Problem
l

A system error message indicates a keyboard problem

Action
1.

Look at the keyboard and the keyboard cable for any signs of damage.

Press and release each key on the keyboard.

If the keyboard and its cable appear to be free of physical damage, and the keys work, go to step 4.
If the keyboard or its cable are damaged, continue to step 3.
3.

Swap the faulty keyboard with a working keyboard.
If the problem is resolved, the keyboard must be replaced. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Run the keyboard test in the system diagnostics.
If you can use the keyboard to select the keyboard test, go to step 6.
If you cannot use the keyboard to select the keyboard test, continue to step 5.

Swap the faulty keyboard with a working keyboard.

Did the keyboard test run successfully?
If the problem is resolved, the keyboard must be replaced. If the problem is not resolved, the keyboard controller on the system board is faulty. See
"Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Basic I/O Functions
Problem
l

A system error message indicates an I/O port problem

A device connected to the port does not function properly

Action
1.

Check the system setup. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.
If the system setup is correct, go to step 4.

Change the necessary statements in the system setup. If the port problem is confined to a particular application program, see the application
program's documentation for specific port configuration requirements.

Reboot the system from the diagnostics diskette, and run the serial port test and/or the parallel port test in the system diagnostics.
If the tests did not run successfully, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

If the problem persists, see one of the following procedures, "Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer" or "Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device," depending on
the malfunctioning device.

Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device
Problem
l

Device connected to the serial ports is not working

Action
1.

Turn off the system and any peripheral devices connected to the serial port.

Swap the interface cable with a known working cable.
If the problem is resolved, the interface cable must be replaced. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

3.
4.

Turn off the system and the serial device, and swap the device with a comparable device.
Turn on the power to the system and the serial device.
If the problem is resolved, the serial device must be replaced. If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

Troubleshooting a Parallel Printer
Problem
l

Parallel printer is not working

Action
1.

Turn off the power from the printer and the system.

Swap the parallel printer interface cable with a known working cable.

Turn on the power to the printer and the system.

Attempt to print with the printer.
If the print operation is successful, the interface cable must be replaced. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Run the printer's self-test.

If the self-test is not successful, the printer is probably defective. If the printer was purchased from Dell, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining
technical assistance.
6.

Attempt to print on the parallel printer.
If the print operation is not successful, the see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a USB Device
Problem
l

A system error message indicates a problem

Device connected to the port is not working

Action
1.

Enter the System Setup program, and check that the USB ports are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.

Turn off the system and any USB devices.
If there is only one USB device connected to the system, go to step 5.

3.
4.

Disconnect the USB devices, and connect the malfunctioning device to the other port.
Apply power to the system and the reconnected device.
If the problem is resolved, the USB port may be defective. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

If possible, swap the interface cable with a known working cable.
If the problem is resolved, the interface cable must be replaced. See "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Turn off the system and the USB device, and swap the device with a comparable device.

Turn on the power to the system and the USB device.
If the problem is resolved, the USB device must be replaced. If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical
assistance.

Troubleshooting the Integrated NIC
Problem
l

NIC cannot communicate with the network

Action
1.

Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the NIC is enabled.
See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.

Check the two indicators on the left and right corners of the NIC connector on the system's back-panel (see Figure 5-4).
The green link indicator shows that the adapter is connected to a valid link partner. The amber activity indicator lights if network data is being sent or
received.
¡

If the link indicator is not on, check all cable connections.

Try changing the auto-negotiation setting, if possible.

Try another port on the switch or hub.

If the activity indicator does not light, the network driver files might be damaged or deleted.

Reinstall the drivers.

Make sure the appropriate drivers are installed and the protocols are bound.

Figure 5-4. NIC Indicators

Inside the System

In Figure 5-5, the system cover and front bezel are removed to provide an interior view of the system.

Figure 5-5. Inside the System

The system board holds the system's control circuitry and other electronic components. Several hardware options such as the microprocessor and memory are
installed directly on the system board. The system board can accommodate up to five PCI expansion cards (two cards at 64-bit/66 MHz or 64-bit/33 MHz, and
three cards at 32-bit/33 MHz).
The drive cage contains two externally accessible, 5.25-inch drive bays that provide space for up to two drives, including a CD or DVD drive and one other
device, such as a tape drive. The drive cage also provides space for up to two 1-inch IDE hard drives.
Additionally, the card guide assembly provides two additional brackets for a 3.5-inch diskette drive and a 1-inch IDE hard drive.
NOTICE: Do not install a hard drive in the lower card-guide assembly bracket next to the card guides. Installing a drive in the lower card-guide
assembly bracket is not supported in this system.
When you look inside the system, note the DC power cables leading from the power supply. The power cables supply power to the system board, drives, and
any expansion cards that connect to external peripheral.
The wide ribbon cables are the interface cables for internal drives. For the diskette drive, an interface cable connects the drive to an interface connector on the
system board or on an expansion card. For IDE devices, interface cables connect the devices to an IDE connector on the system board (for more information,
see "Installing Drives").
During an installation or troubleshooting procedure, you may be required to change a jumper. For information on the system board jumpers, see "Jumpers and
Connectors."

Responding to a System Management Server Agent Message
The optional system management server agent monitors critical system voltages and temperatures, the system cooling fans, and the status of the hard drives
in the system. The server agent generates alert messages that appear in the alert log window. For information about the alert log window and options, see
the system management server agent documentation.

Troubleshooting a Wet System
Problem
l

Liquid spills

Splashes

Excessive humidity

Action
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover.

Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.

Let the system dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
If the system does not start up properly, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

If the system starts up normally, shut down the system and reinstall all expansion cards you removed in step 3.

Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics to confirm that the system is working properly.
If the tests did not complete successfully, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a Damaged System
Problem
l

System dropped or damaged

Action
1.

Check the expansion-card connections to the system board.

Make sure that all cables are properly connected and that all components are properly seated in their connectors and sockets.

Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics.
If the tests did not complete successfully, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the System Battery
Problem
l

Error message shows problem with the battery

System Setup program loses the system configuration information

System date and time will not stay current

Action
1.

Check the connection of the coin cell battery to the system board.
See "Replacing the System Battery" in "Installing System Board Options."
WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If the problem is not resolved by reseating the battery, replace the battery.
If the problem is not resolved by replacing the battery, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Power Supply
Problem
l

Green power indicator on the system bezel is not lit

Server management application program issues a power supply-related error message

Action
1.

Check the power outlet and power cable (see "Checking Connections and Switches" in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes").

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the power cables from the electrical outlets.
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in your System Information document.

Remove the system cover. See "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam."

Check the power cable connection to the POWER connector on the system board.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Cooling Fan

Problem
l

Fan not operating

Server management application program issues a fan-related error message

Action
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the power cables from the electrical outlets.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam").

Check the fan cable connection to the SYS_FAN2 connector on the system board.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards
Problem
l

Error message indicates an expansion-card problem

Expansion card seems to perform incorrectly or not at all

Action
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect all the power cables from the electrical outlets.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam").

Verify that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.

Verify that any appropriate cables are firmly connected to their corresponding connectors on the expansion cards.

Install the system cover.

Connect the system to an electrical outlet and turn on the system. If the problem still exists, go to step 7.

Turn off the system and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover.

Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.

10.

Install the system cover.

11.

Connect the system to an electrical outlet and turn on the system.

12.

Run the system memory tests in the system diagnostics.
If the tests do not complete successfully, see "Getting Help," for information on obtaining technical assistance.

13.

Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 9 (see "Installing Expansion Cards" in Installing System Board Options").

14.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.
If the problem still exists, repeat steps 13 and 14 for each of the remaining expansion cards.
If you have reinstalled all of the expansion cards and the system memory tests are still failing, see "Getting Help," for information on obtaining technical
assistance.

Troubleshooting System Memory
Problem
l

Faulty memory module

Faulty system board

Action
1.

Turn on the power to the system, including any attached peripherals.
If there is not an error message, go to step 4.

Enter the System Setup program to check the system memory setting.
See "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

If the amount of memory installed does match the system memory setting, go to step 8.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam").

Reseat the memory modules in their sockets.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.

Enter the System Setup program and check the system memory again.

Does the amount of memory installed match the system memory?
If the amount of memory installed does not match the system memory setting, continue to step 10.

10.

Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard.
If the monitor screen remains blank, and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard remain on, continue to step 11.
If the monitor screen does not remain blank, and the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators on the keyboard remain on, continue to step 16.

11.

Repeat steps 4 and 5.
NOTE: There are multiple configurations for the memory modules; see "Memory Module Installation Guidelines" in "Installing System Board Options." The
following steps are an example of one configuration.

12.

Swap the memory module in socket DIMM_A with one of the same capacity.

13.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.

14.

Reboot the system, and observe the monitor screen and the indicators on the keyboard.

15.

If the problem still exists, repeat steps 12 through 14 for each memory module installed.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

16.

Run the system memory test in the system diagnostics.
If the test does not complete successfully, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem
Problem
l

Monitor not operating

Monitor interface cable not connected correctly or is faulty

Video logic problems

Action
1.

Check the system and power connections to the monitor.

Run the video tests in the system diagnostics.
If the tests run successfully, the problem is not related to video hardware. See "Finding Software Solutions."
If the tests did not run successfully see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the System Board
Problem
l

Error message indicating a system board problem

Action
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam").

Remove all expansion cards.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to power, and turn on the system.

Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics.
If the tests does not run successfully, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Turn off the system, disconnect it from power, and remove the system cover.

Reinstall one of the expansion cards that you removed in step 3 (see "Installing Expansion Cards" in Installing System Board Options").

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.

Run the system board tests again.
Did the tests run successfully?
If the tests does not complete successfully, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

10.

Repeat steps 7 through 9 for the remaining expansion cards that you removed in step 3.
If you have reinstalled all of the expansion cards and the problem still persists, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting the Diskette Drive
Problem
l

Error message indicating a diskette drive problem during execution of either the boot routine or the system diagnostics

Action
1.

Enter the System Setup program, and verify that the system is configured correctly. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for
instructions.

Run the diskette drive tests in the system diagnostics to see whether the diskette drive now works correctly.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover.

Verify that the diskette drive interface cable is securely connected between the diskette drive assembly and the system board.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.

Run the diskette drive tests in the system diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive works correctly.

If the drive still does not work, remove all expansion cards.

Run the diskette drive tests in the system diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive now works correctly.
If the test ran successfully, an expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette drive logic, or you may have a faulty expansion card. Continue to step
11.
If the test failed, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

10.

Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 9.

11.

Retest and run the diskette drives test in the system diagnostics to determine whether the diskette drive subsystem now works correctly.

12.

Repeat steps 11 and 12 until all expansion cards have been reinstalled or until one of the expansion cards prevents the system from booting from the
diagnostics diskette.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting CD and DVD Drives
Problem
l

System cannot read data from CD

CD drive indicator fails to flash during boot

Action
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover.

Verify that the CD drive interface cable is securely connected between the CD drive assembly and the system board.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.

Run the IDE devices tests in the system diagnostics to determine whether the CD drive now works correctly.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting Hard Drives
Problem

The drive itself

Action
CAUTION: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data stored on the hard drive. Before you proceed, back up all the files on the hard drive.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover.

Verify that the hard drive interface cable is securely connected between the hard drive assembly and the system board.

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.

Run the IDE devices tests in the system diagnostics to determine whether the hard drive now works correctly.
If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Back to Contents Page

Installing System Board Options
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Removing and Replacing the Fan Assembly
Adding and Replacing Expansion Cards
Adding Memory
Upgrading the Microprocessor
Replacing the System Battery
This section describes how to install or replace the following options:
l

Expansion cards

Memory modules

Microprocessor

Fan assembly and cooling shroud

Power supply

System battery

Use Figure 6-1 to locate the system board features. Table 6-1 describes the system board connectors and sockets.
WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see
"Safety First— For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

Figure 6-1. System Board Features

Table 6-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets
Connector or Socket

Description

BATTERY

System battery connector

COM1

Serial port connectors

DIMM_x

Memory module sockets (DIMM_A–DIMM_D)

SLOT_n

Expansion card connectors (SLOT_1–SLOT_5)

LAN1

NIC connector

SYS_FAN2

Fan connector

PRIMARY IDE

Primary IDE connector

SECONDARY IDE

Secondary IDE connector

FDD

Diskette drive cable connector

Keyboard connector

Mouse connector

FRONT PANEL

System front panel connector

LPT

Parallel port connector

POWER

Power connector

CPU

Microprocessor socket

USB

USB connector

VGA

Video connector

J12

System jumpers

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Removing and Replacing the Fan Assembly
The fan assembly consists of a fan and a cooling shroud. The cooling shroud is used to improve airflow over the microprocessor.

Removing the Cooling Shroud
1.

Turn off the system, including any peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the shroud by squeezing the retaining clips on the top of the shroud and lifting it straight up (see Figure 6-2).

Figure 6-2. Removing the Cooling Shroud

Replacing the Cooling Shroud
Place the shroud in the fan assembly guide slots and slide the shroud straight down until the retaining clips snap in place.

Removing the Fan
1.

Turn off the system, including any peripherals, and disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the cooling shroud (see "Removing the Cooling Shroud").

While pushing the fan assembly upward, press the two release buttons on the back of the system and lift the fan assembly out of its retaining brackets
(see Figure 6-3).
NOTE: Do not lift the fan out of the system until you have disconnected the fan cable from the system board.

After the fan has been released from the retaining brackets, disconnect the fan cable from the SYS_FAN2 connector on the system board and lift the fan
out of the system.

Figure 6-3. Removing the Fan

Replacing the Fan
1.

Connect the fan power cable to the fan connector (SYS_FAN2) on the system board (see Figure 6-1).

Align the brackets on the back of the fan with the corresponding holes in the back-panel, and gently push down until the fan is firmly seated and the
release buttons are engaged (see Figure 6-3).

Install the cooling shroud (see "Replacing the Cooling Shroud").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam").

Adding and Replacing Expansion Cards
Expansion cards are installed on the system board (see Figure 6-1). There are five expansion card slots available.
The card guide assembly is used to help secure the expansion cards.

Installing Expansion Cards
WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see
"Safety First— For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

See the documentation that came with the expansion card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing
the card for your system.
3.

Unscrew and remove the filler bracket for the card slot you want to use. Save the screw to use when installing the expansion card later in this
procedure (see "Removing the Filler Bracket").

Figure 6-4. Removing the Filler Bracket

Align the cutout on the bottom of the card with the crossbar in the system board connector. Gently rock the card into the connector until it is fully
seated (see Figure 6-5).
If the card is full-length, insert the front end of the card into the corresponding card guide at the front of the system as you insert the card into its
connector.

Figure 6-5. Installing Expansion Cards

Make sure that the card is fully seated and that its bracket is within the card slot (see Figure 6-6).

Figure 6-6. Seating an Expansion Card

Secure the bracket on the end of the card with the screw you removed in step 3.

Connect any cables required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Plug your system and devices into their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.

Removing Expansion Cards
1.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card.

Remove the screw from the card bracket.

Grasp the card by its top corners, and lift it from the system board.

If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening.
NOTE: Installing a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of
the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

Replace the system cover, and then reconnect the system and peripherals to their power sources and turn on the system (see "Replacing the System
Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Adding Memory
The four memory module sockets on the system board can accommodate 64 MB to 2 GB of registered SDRAM (see Figure 6-1).

Memory Upgrade Kits
The system is upgradable to 2 GB by installing combinations of 64-, 128-, 256-, and 512-MB registered memory modules. If you receive an error message
stating that maximum memory has been exceeded, see "Indicators, Messages, and Codes," for detailed information. You can purchase memory upgrade kits
as needed.
NOTE: The memory modules must be PC-133 compliant.

Memory Module Installation Guidelines
For optimum operation, install the memory modules starting with the DIMM_A socket (furthest from the microprocessor) and working toward the DIMM_D
socket, leaving no open sockets between installed memory modules.

Figure 6-7. Memory Module Sockets

Table 6-2. Sample Memory Module Configurations
Total Memory DIMM_A DIMM_B DIMM_C DIMM_D
64 MB

64 MB

—

128 MB

—

256 MB

128 MB

—

512 MB

256 MB

—

768 MB

256 MB

—

1 GB

256 MB

2 GB

512 MB

Table 6-2 illustrates several sample memory configurations based on these guidelines.

Performing a Memory Upgrade
WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see
"Safety First— For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Locate the memory module sockets in which you will install or replace memory modules. Figure 6-7 shows the order of the memory module sockets.

Install or replace the memory module as necessary to reach the desired memory total (see "Installing Memory Modules" or "Removing Memory
Modules").

Replace the system cover, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam"
in "Troubleshooting Your System"). After the system completes the POST routine, it runs a memory test.
The system detects that the new memory does not match the system configuration information, which is stored in NVRAM. The monitor displays an error
message that ends with the following words:

Press to continue; to enter System Setup
5.

Press to enter the System Setup program, and check the System Memory setting in the system data box on the System Setup screens. The
system should have already changed the value in the System Memory setting to reflect the newly installed memory.

If the System Memory value is incorrect, one or more of the memory modules may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 4, checking to
make sure that the memory modules are firmly seated in their sockets.

Run the system memory test in the system diagnostics (see "Running the System Diagnostics").

Installing Memory Modules
WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see
"Safety First— For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Press down and outward on the ejectors on the memory module socket, as shown in Figure 6-8, to allow the memory module to be inserted into the
socket.

Align the notches on the bottom of the module with the crossbars in the connector.
NOTICE: To avoid breaking the memory module, do not press near the middle of the module.

Insert the module straight down into the connector, making sure that it fits into the vertical guides at each end of the connector. Press firmly on the
ends until the memory module snaps into place.
When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the ejectors on the memory module socket should align with the ejectors on the other
sockets with memory modules installed.

Repeat steps 2 through 4 of this procedure to install the remaining memory modules.

Perform steps 4 through 7 of "Performing a Memory Upgrade."

Figure 6-8. Installing a Memory Module

Removing Memory Modules
WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see
"Safety First— For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

Remove the system cover.

Locate the memory module sockets in which you will remove memory modules.
Figure 6-7 shows the order of the memory module sockets.

Press down and outward on the ejectors on each end of the socket until the memory module pops out of the socket (see Figure 6-9).

Figure 6-9. Removing a Memory Module

Upgrading the Microprocessor
To take advantage of future options in speed and functionality, you can upgrade the system microprocessor.
The microprocessor and its associated L2 cache memory are contained in a PGA package that is installed in a ZIF socket on the system board. The following
subsection describes how to upgrade or replace the microprocessor.

Replacing the Microprocessor
The following items are included in the microprocessor upgrade kit:
l

A microprocessor

A heat sink

A securing clip
NOTE: Dell recommends that only a technically knowledgeable person perform this procedure.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the cooling shroud (see "Removing the Cooling Shroud" in "Troubleshooting Your System").
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

Press down on the heat-sink securing clip to release the clip from the retaining tab on the ZIF socket (see Figure 6-10).

Remove the securing clip.
CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a microprocessor unless you intend to remove the microprocessor. The heat sink is necessary to
maintain proper thermal conditions.
CAUTION: The microprocessor and heat sink can become extremely hot. Be sure the microprocessor has had sufficient time to cool before
handling.

Figure 6-10. Securing Clip

Remove the heat sink.

Pull the socket release lever straight up until the microprocessor is released (see Figure 6-11).

Lift the microprocessor out of the socket and leave the release lever up so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.
CAUTION: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when removing the microprocessor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the
microprocessor.

Figure 6-11. Removing the Microprocessor

Unpack the new microprocessor.
If any of the pins on the microprocessor appear bent, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor (see Figure 6-12) with the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor socket.
NOTE: Identifying the pin-1 corners is critical to positioning the microprocessor correctly.

Identify the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor by locating the tiny gold triangle that extends from one corner of the large central rectangular area. The
gold triangle points toward pin 1, which is also uniquely identified by a square pad.

Figure 6-12. Pin-1 Identification

10.

Install the microprocessor in the socket (see Figure 6-13).
CAUTION: Positioning the microprocessor incorrectly can permanently damage the microprocessor and the system when you turn on the system.
When placing the microprocessor in the socket, be sure that all of the pins on the microprocessor go into the corresponding holes. Be careful not
to bend the pins.
If the release lever on the microprocessor socket is not all the way up, move it to that position now.
With the pin-1 corners of the microprocessor and socket aligned, set the microprocessor lightly in the socket and make sure all pins are matched with
the correct holes in the socket. Because the system uses a ZIF micro-processor socket, there is no need to use force (which could bend the pins if the
microprocessor is misaligned). When the microprocessor is positioned correctly, it should drop down into the socket with minimal pressure.
When the microprocessor is fully seated in the socket, rotate the socket release lever back down until it snaps into place, securing the microprocessor.

Figure 6-13. Installing the Microprocessor

11.

Place the new heat sink on top of the microprocessor (see Figure 6-14).

If the heat sink provided has a foil thermal interface material strip on the bottom of the heat sink, place the heat sink on the microprocessor.

If the heat sink provided has a thermal grease tab, remove the tab and place the heat sink on the microprocessor.

If heat sink thermal grease is provided, clean the heat sink and apply the thermal grease before placing the heat sink on the microprocessor.

12.

Orient the securing clip as shown in Figure 6-14.

Figure 6-14. Installing the Heat-Sink

13.

Hook the end of the clip without the heat-sink latch to the tab on the edge of the socket facing the front of the system.

14.

Push down and pivot the heat-sink latch until the hole on the clip latches onto the ZIF socket tab.

15.

Make sure that the latches engage.

16.

Replace the cooling shroud (see "Replacing the Cooling Shroud" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

17.

Reconnect your system and peripherals to their power sources, and turn on system.

18.

Press to enter the System Setup program, and check that the PROCESSOR 1 category matches the new system configuration.
See the system User's Guide for instructions.

19.

As the system boots, it detects the presence of the new processor and automatically changes the system configuration information in the System Setup
program.

20.

Enter the System Setup program, and confirm that the top line in the system data area correctly identifies the installed processor. See "Using the
System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.

21.

Run the system diagnostics to verify that the new microprocessor is operating correctly (see "Running the System Diagnostics").

Replacing the System Battery

The system battery maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when you turn off the system. The operating life
of the battery ranges from 2 to 5 years. You may need to replace the battery if an incorrect time or date is displayed during the boot routine along with the
following or similar message:
Time-of-day not set -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
or
System CMOS checksum bad -- Run SETUP
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
or
Invalid configuration information -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
To determine if the battery needs replacing:
1.

Reenter the time and date through the System Setup program.

Turn off and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet for a few hours.

Reconnect and turn the system on again.

Enter the System Setup program.
If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup program, replace the battery.
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.
NOTE: If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the NVRAM may lose its system configuration information. This situation
is not caused by a defective battery.

You can operate the system without a battery; however, the system configuration information maintained by the battery in NVRAM is erased each time you
shut down the system. Therefore, you must reenter the system configuration information and reset the options each time the system boots until you replace
the battery.
The battery is a 3.0-volt (V), coin-cell battery. To remove the battery, perform the following steps.
WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see
"Safety First— For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
1.

Enter the System Setup program and, if possible, make a printed copy of the System Setup screens.
See "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide for instructions.

Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove any expansion cards that limit access to the battery (see "Removing Expansion Cards").

Remove the battery (see Figure 6-1, for the battery location).

Pry the battery out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object such as a plastic screwdriver.

Install the new battery with the side labeled "+" facing up (see Figure 6-15).

Replace any expansion cards that you removed in step 4 (see "Installing Expansion Cards").

Figure 6-15. Installing the Battery

Replace the system cover, and then reconnect the system and peripherals to their power sources and turn on the system power.

10.

Enter the System Setup program to confirm that the battery is operating properly.

11.

Enter the correct time and date through the System Setup program's Time and Date settings.
Also reenter any system configuration information that is no longer displayed on the System Setup screens, and then exit the System Setup program.

12.

To test the newly installed battery, power down and disconnect the system from the electrical source for at least an hour.

13.

After an hour, connect the system to an electrical source and turn on the power.

14.

Enter the System Setup program and if the time and date are still incorrect, see "Getting Help," for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Back to Contents Page

Installing Drives
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Configuring the EIDE Subsystem
Configuring the Boot Device
Connecting Drives
Removing and Reinstalling the Drive Cage
Adding or Replacing Hard Drives
Adding or Replacing Other Drives
Your system has six drive bays for installing the following types of drives (see Figure 7-1):
l

The externally accessible drive bays at the front of the system consist of a 3.5-inch drive bay that accommodates one 3.5-inch diskette drive (standard)
and two 5.25-inch, half height drive bays that can accommodate two 5.25-inch devices— typically a CD drive and one other device, such as a tape drive.

There are three internally accessible 3.5-inch bays that can hold up to three 1-inch EIDE hard drives.

Figure 7-1. Drive Bays

The following sections contain general information and information that you will need in several of the installation procedures. The remaining sections address
each type of drive removal and installation.

Configuring the EIDE Subsystem
The enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) subsystem includes two IDE interfaces (primary and secondary), each of which can support up to two IDE
devices such as high-capacity hard drives, CD drives, DVD drives, and tape drives.
All IDE devices should be configured for the Cable Select jumper position, which assigns master and slave status to devices by their position on the interface
cable. In this configuration, the drive attached to the last connector on the interface cable is the master or boot drive (drive 0) and the drive attached to the
middle connector on the interface cable is the slave drive (drive 1). The drive jumpers are located on the back of each IDE drive. See the drive's documentation
for instructions on setting the Cable Select jumper position.

Configuring the Boot Device
If you plan to boot the system from a hard drive, the hard drive must be attached to the primary IDE controller. The device that the system boots from is
determined by the boot order specified in the System Setup program.
The System Setup program provides options that the system uses to scan for installed boot devices. Refer to the User's Guide for information about the
System Setup program.

Connecting Drives
When installing a drive, you connect two cables—a DC power cable and an interface cable—to the back of the drive. Your drive's power input connector (to
which you connect the DC power cable) resembles the connector shown in Figure 7-2.

Figure 7-2. Connecting the Power Cable

NOTICE: When you attach the interface cable to the drive, match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive.

Your drive's interface connector resembles the connector shown in Figure 7-3.

Figure 7-3. Connecting the Interface Cable

Removing and Reinstalling the Drive Cage
The drive cage has two 5.25-inch bays and two 3.5-inch bays.

Removing the Drive Cage
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Disconnect the interface cable and the power cable from all drives installed in the drive cage. Note the location and orientation of all cables attached to
the drives.

Remove the screw from the side of the drive cage (see Figure 7-4). Pull the drive cage toward you to unlock it from the system. Lift out the drive cage.

Figure 7-4. Removing and Reinstalling the Drive Cage

Reinstalling the Drive Cage
1.

With the slots on the drive cage extending slightly beyond the front of the system, lower the drive cage and slide it toward the back of the system until
the cage locks into place (see Figure 7-4).

Secure the drive cage to the system with the screw you removed in step 5 of "Removing the Drive Cage" (see Figure 7-4).

Connect the interface cable and the power cable to all drives installed in the drive cage.

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Adding or Replacing Hard Drives
Your system includes bays or brackets for up to three 1-inch IDE hard drives.
NOTICE: When replacing a hard drive, set the jumpers on the replacement hard drive to match the jumpers on the hard drive you removed. For
additional information about jumper settings on IDE drives, see "Configuring the EIDE Subsystem."

Adding or Replacing Hard Drives in the Drive Cage
Each of the two 3.5-inch bays in the drive cage can accommodate a 1-inch IDE hard drive.

Removing a Hard Drive From the Lower 3.5-Inch Bay
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the drive cage from the system (see "Removing the Drive Cage").

Remove the three drive-mounting screws, two from the bottom and one from the left side (see Figure 7-5).

Figure 7-5. Adding or Removing a Hard Drive in the Lower 3.5-inch Bay

Slide the hard drive out of the back of the drive cage.

Reinstall the drive cage into the system (see "Reinstalling the Drive Cage").

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Installing a Hard Drive in the Lower 3.5-inch Bay
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the drive cage from the system (see "Removing the Drive Cage").

Slide the drive into the back opening of the bay over the two small grooves on the bottom of the bay.

Secure the drive with three drive-mounting screws, two from the bottom and one from the left side (see Figure 7-5).

Reinstall the drive cage into the system (see "Reinstalling the Drive Cage").

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

10.

Plug your system and any external devices into their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

11.

See the drive documentation for instructions on installing any software required for hard drive operation.

Removing a Hard Drive From the Upper 3.5-inch Bay
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the drive cage from the system (see "Removing the Drive Cage").

Remove the two screws securing the drive to the drive cage (see Figure 7-6). Insert your screwdriver into the reticular slot on the right side of the drive
cage to access the screw securing the right side of the drive.

Figure 7-6. Adding or Replacing a Hard Drive in the Upper 3.5-inch Bay

Slide the hard drive out the back of the drive cage.

Reinstall the drive cage in the system (see "Reinstalling the Drive Cage").

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Installing a Hard Drive in the Upper 3.5-inch Bay
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the drive cage (see "Removing the Drive Cage").

Slide the hard drive into the bay through the back of the drive cage.

Secure the hard drive to the drive cage with two screws as shown in Figure 7-6. To secure the screw on the right side of the drive, you must position
the screw over the screw hole through the back of the drive cage while inserting your screwdriver into the reticular slot on the right side of the drive
cage.

Reinstall the drive cage in the system (see "Reinstalling the Drive Cage").

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

10.

Plug your system and any external devices into their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

11.

See the drive documentation for instructions on installing any software required for hard drive operation.

Adding or Replacing a Hard Drive in the Card Guide Assembly
The 3.5-inch bracket next to the floppy drive accommodates a 1-inch IDE hard drive.
NOTICE: Do not install a hard drive in the lower card-guide assembly bracket next to the card guides. Installing a drive in the lower card-guide
assembly bracket is not supported in this system.

Removing a Hard Drive From the Card Guide Assembly Bracket
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Disconnect the interface cable and the power cable from the hard drive.

Remove the screws securing the drive bracket (see Figure 7-7).

Slide the drive bracket and hard drive toward the back of the system and lift them out of the system.

Figure 7-7. Removing the Hard Drive and Drive Bracket

Remove the screw securing the hard drive to the drive bracket, and rotate the drive out of the bracket (see Figure 7-8).

Figure 7-8. Detaching or Attaching the Hard Drive

Align the bracket tabs with the slots in the system, and slide the bracket into place. Secure the bracket with the screws you removed in step 5.

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

10.

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Installing a Hard Drive in the Card Guide Assembly Bracket
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the screws securing the upper drive bracket, and lift the bracket out of the system (see Figure 7-9).

Figure 7-9. Removing the Drive Bracket

Orient the drive with its circuit board facing the inside of the bracket.

Align the bracket tabs with the two tab holes in the side of the drive, and rotate the drive into the bracket. Then secure the screw as illustrated in
Figure 7-8.

Align the bracket tabs with the slots in the system, and slide the hard drive and bracket into place. Secure the bracket with the screws you removed in
step 4.

Connect a power cable to the hard drive.
NOTICE: When you attach the interface cable to the hard drive, match the colored strip on the cable with pin 1 on the drive.

Connect an interface cable to the hard drive.

10.

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

11.

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

12.

Plug your system and any external devices into their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

13.

See the drive documentation for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Adding or Replacing Other Drives
Your system includes a diskette drive and a CD drive. You can add drives, such as DVD drives and tape drives, using the procedures in the following sections.

Adding 5.25-Inch Devices
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the drive cage from the system (see "Removing the Drive Cage").

Press in the two tabs on the insert, and rotate the insert toward you to remove it (see Figure 7-10).

Figure 7-10. Removing the Insert

Slide the new drive into the bay, and secure the drive with the three screws (see Figure 7-11).

Figure 7-11. Adding or Removing a 5.25-inch Device

Reinstall the drive cage in the system (see "Reinstalling the Drive Cage").

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

10.

Plug your system and any external devices into their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

11.

See the drive documentation for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Removing 5.25-Inch Devices
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the drive cage (see "Removing the Drive Cage").

Remove the three drive-mounting screws and slide the drive out of the drive bay (see Figure 7-11).

Reinstall the drive cage in the system (see "Reinstalling the Drive Cage").

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Removing the Diskette Drive
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Disconnect the power and interface cables from the back of the diskette drive.

Press the two drive-release tabs, and slide the drive out of the drive bay (see Figure 7-12).

Figure 7-12. Removing and Installing a Diskette Drive

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Installing a Diskette Drive
1.

Turn off the system, including any external devices, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

Remove the system cover (see "Removing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Remove the bezel (see "Removing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Before you install the new diskette drive, transfer the drive-release tabs from the drive you removed to the replacement drive.

Slide the diskette drive into the drive bay until the two drive-release tabs engage (see Figure 7-12).

Connect a power cable and the diskette drive interface cable to the diskette drive.

Replace the bezel (see "Replacing the Bezel" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Replace the system cover (see "Replacing the System Cover and Support Beam" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

Plug your system and any external devices into their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

10.

See the drive documentation for instructions on installing any software required for drive operation.

Back to Contents Page

Getting Help
Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Help Overview
Dell Contact Numbers

Help Overview
This section describes the tools Dell provides to help you when you have a problem with your system. It also tells you when and how to contact Dell for
technical or customer assistance.

Technical Assistance
If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps:
1.

Complete the procedures in "Troubleshooting Your System."

Run the system diagnostics.

Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist, and fill it out.

Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell's website (http://www.dell.com) for help with installation and troubleshooting
procedures.
For more information, see "World Wide Web."

If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, call Dell for technical assistance.
When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If
you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.
NOTE: Dell's Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.

For instructions on using the technical support service, see "Technical Support Service" and "Before You Call."

Help Tools
Dell provides a number of tools to assist you. These tools are described in the following sections.
NOTE: Some of the following tools are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Please call your local Dell representative for
information on availability.

World Wide Web
The Internet is your most powerful tool for obtaining information about your system and other Dell products. Through the Internet, you can access most of the
services described in this section, including AutoTech, TechFax, order status, technical support, and product information.
You can access Dell's support website at http://support.dell.com. To select your country, click the map that appears. The Welcome to support.dell.com page
opens. Enter your system information to access help tools and information.
Dell can be accessed electronically using the following addresses:
l

World Wide Web
http://www.dell.com/
http://www.dell.com/ap/ (for Asian/Pacific countries only)
http://www.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)
http://www.dell.com/la (for Latin American countries)

Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP)
ftp.dell.com/
Log in as user:anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.

Electronic Support Service
support@us.dell.com
apsupport@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only)
support.euro.dell.com (for Europe only)

Electronic Quote Service

sales@dell.com
apmarketing@dell.com (for Asian/Pacific countries only)
l

Electronic Information Service
info@dell.com

AutoTech Service
Dell's automated technical support service—AutoTech—provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their
portable and desktop computer systems.
When you call AutoTech, you use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions.
The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access this service through the technical support service. For the telephone
number to call, see "Dell Contact Numbers."

TechFax Service
Dell takes full advantage of fax technology to serve you better. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, you can call the Dell TechFax line toll-free for all
kinds of technical information.
Using a touch-tone phone, you can select from a full directory of topics. The technical information you request is sent within minutes to the fax number you
designate. For the TechFax telephone number to call, see "Dell Contact Numbers."

Automated Order-Status System
You can call this automated service to check on the status of any Dell products that you have ordered. A recording prompts you for the information needed to
locate and report on your order. For the telephone number to call, see "Dell Contact Numbers."

Technical Support Service
Dell's industry-leading hardware technical-support service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer your questions about Dell hardware.
Our technical support staff pride themselves on their track record: more than 90 percent of all problems and questions are taken care of in just one toll-free
call, usually in less than 10 minutes. When you call, our experts can refer to records kept on your Dell system to better understand your particular question.
Our technical support staff use computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers to questions.
To contact Dell's technical support service, see "Before You Call" and then call the number for your country as listed in "Dell Contact Numbers."

Problems With Your Order
If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or
packing slip handy when you call. For the telephone number to call, see "Dell Contact Numbers."

Product Information
If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit Dell's website at http://www.dell.com/. For
the telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, see "Dell Contact Numbers."

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit
Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:
1.

Call Dell to obtain an authorization number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.
For the telephone number to call, see "Dell Contact Numbers."

Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.

Include a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist indicating the tests you have run and any error messages reported by the system diagnostics.

Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (such as power cables, software diskettes, and guides) if the return is for credit.

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.

Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at our receiving dock and returned to you.

Before You Call
NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.

Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your system before you call Dell for technical assistance and call from a telephone at or near
the system. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps
possible only at the system itself. Make sure that the system documentation is available.
CAUTION: Before servicing any components inside your system, see "Safety First—For You and Your System."

Dell Contact Numbers
The following table provides country-specific access codes and telephone numbers, websites, and e-mail addresses that you can use to contact Dell.
The codes required depend on where you are calling from as well as the destination of your call; in addition, each country has a different dialing protocol. If
you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.
NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use only within the country for which they are listed. Area codes are most often used to call long distance within your
own country (not internationally)—in other words, when your call originates in the same country you are calling.
Country (City)
International Access Code
Country Code
City Code
Australia (Sydney)
International Access Code:
0011
Country Code: 61
City Code: 2

Austria (Vienna)
International Access Code: 900
Country Code: 43

Department Name or Service Area,
Website and E-mail Address

Home and Small Business

Area Codes,
Local Numbers, and Toll Free Numbers

1-300-65-55-33

Government and Business

toll free: 1-800-633-559

Preferred Accounts Division (PAD)

toll free: 1-800-060-889

Customer Care

toll free: 1-800-819-339

Corporate Sales

toll free: 1-800-808-385

Transaction Sales

toll free: 1-800-808-312

Fax

toll free: 1-800-818-341

Home/Small Business Sales

01 795 67602

Home/Small Business Fax

01 795 67605

Home/Small Business Customer Care

01 795 67603

Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Care

0660 8056

City Code: 1

Home/Small Business Technical Support
Preferred Accounts/Corporate Technical Support
Switchboard
Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_support_germany@dell.com

Belgium (Brussels)
International Access Code: 00

Technical Support
Customer Care
Home/Small Business Sales

01 795 67604
0660 8779
01 491 04 0
02 481 92 88
02 481 91 19
toll free: 0800 16884

Country Code: 32

Corporate Sales

02 481 91 00

City Code: 2

Fax

02 481 92 99

Switchboard

02 481 91 00

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_be@dell.com

Brazil

Customer Support, Technical Support

0800 90 3355

International Access Code:
0021

Sales

0800 90 3366

Country Code: 55
Website: http://www.dell.com/br

City Code: 51
Brunei
Country Code: 673

Customer Technical Support (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 4966

Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

604 633 4949

Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia)
Canada (North York, Ontario)
International Access Code: 011

toll free: 1-800-433-9014

AutoTech (Automated technical support)

toll free: 1-800-247-9362

Customer Care (From outside Toronto)

toll free: 1-800-387-5759

Customer Care (From within Toronto)

416 758-2400

Customer Technical Support

toll free: 1-800-847-4096

Sales (Direct Sales—from outside Toronto)

toll free: 1-800-387-5752

Sales (Direct Sales—from within Toronto)

Chile (Santiago)

604 633 4955

Automated Order-Status System

416 758-2200

Sales (Federal government, education, and medical)

toll free: 1-800-567-7542

Sales (Major Accounts)

toll free: 1-800-387-5755

TechFax

toll free: 1-800-950-1329

Sales, Customer Support, and Technical Support

toll free: 1230-020-4823

Country Code: 56
City Code: 2
China (Xiamen)
Country Code: 86
City Code: 592

Czech Republic (Prague)

Technical Support

toll free: 800 858 2437

Customer Experience

toll free: 800 858 2060

Home and Small Business

toll free: 800 858 2222

Preferred Accounts Division

toll free: 800 858 2062

Large Corporate Accounts

toll free: 800 858 2999

Technical Support

02 22 83 27 27

Customer Care

02 22 83 27 11

Fax

02 22 83 27 14

Country Code: 420

TechFax

02 22 83 27 28

City Code: 2

Switchboard

02 22 83 27 11

International Access Code: 00

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: czech_dell@dell.com
Denmark (Horsholm)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 45

Technical Support

45170182

Relational Customer Care

45170184

Home/Small Business Customer Care

32875505

Switchboard
Fax Technical Support (Upplands Vasby, Sweden)
Fax Switchboard

45170100
46 0 859005594
45170117

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: den_support@dell.com
E-mail Support for Servers: Nordic_server_support@dell.com
Finland (Helsinki)
International Access Code: 990

Technical Support

09 253 313 60

Technical Support Fax

09 253 313 81

Relational Customer Care

09 253 313 38

Country Code: 358

Home/Small Business Customer Care

09 693 791 94

City Code: 9

Fax

09 253 313 99

Switchboard

09 253 313 00

France (Paris/Montpellier)
International Access Code: 00

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: fin_support@dell.com

Home and Small Business
Technical Support

0825 387 270

Customer Care

0825 823 833

Country Code: 33

Switchboard

City Code: (1) (4)

Switchboard (Alternative)

0825 004 700
04 99 75 40 00

Sales

0825 004 700

Fax

0825 004 701

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: web_fr_tech@dell.com
Corporate
Technical Support
Customer Care

0825 004 719
0825 338 339

Switchboard

01 55 94 71 00

Sales

01 55 94 71 00

Fax

01 55 94 71 01

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: web_fr_tech@dell.com
Germany (Langen)
International Access Code: 00

Technical Support
Home/Small Business Customer Care

06103 766-7200
0180-5-224400

Global Segment Customer Care

06103 766-9570

Country Code: 49

Preferred Accounts Customer Care

06103 766-9420

City Code: 6103

Large Accounts Customer Care

06103 766-9560

Public Accounts Customer Care

06103 766-9555

Switchboard

06103 766-7000

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_support_germany@dell.com
Hong Kong
International Access Code: 001

Technical Support
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

toll free: 800 96 4107
604 633 4949

Transaction Sales

toll free: 800 96 4109

Country Code: 852

Corporate Sales

toll free: 800 96 4108

Ireland (Cherrywood)

Technical Support

0870 908 0800

Home User Customer Care

01 204 4095

Small Business Customer Care

01 204 4026

Country Code: 353

Corporate Customer Care

01 204 4003

City Code: 1

Sales

01 286 0500

International Access Code: 16

SalesFax
Fax
Switchboard

01 204 0144
0870 907 5590
01 286 0500

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com
Italy (Milan)

Home and Small Business
Technical Support

02 577 826 90

Customer Care

02 696 821 14

Country Code: 39

Fax

02 696 821 13

City Code: 02

Switchboard

02 696 821 12

International Access Code: 00

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: web_it_tech@dell.com
Corporate
Technical Support

02 577 826 90

Customer Care

02 577 825 55

Fax

02 575 035 30

Switchboard

02 577 821

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: web_it_tech@dell.com
Japan (Kawasaki)
International Access Code: 001
Country Code: 81
City Code: 44

Technical Support (Server)

toll free: 0120-1984-35

Technical Support (Dimension™ and Inspiron™)

toll free: 0120-1982-26

Technical Support Outside of Japan (Dimension and Inspiron)
81-44-520-1435
Technical Support (Dell Precision™, OptiPlex™ and Latitude™)

toll free: 0120-1984-33

Technical Support Outside of Japan (Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude)
81-44-556-3894
24-Hour Automated Order Service

044 556-3801

Customer Care

044 556-4240

Home and Small Business Group Sales

044 556-3344

Business Sales Division (up to 400 employees)

044 556-3344

Preferred Accounts Division Sales (over 400 employees)

044 556-3433

Large Corporate Accounts Sales (over 3500 employees)

044 556-3430

Government, Education, and Medical Sales

044 556-1469

Dell Global Japan

044 556-3469

Individual User

044 556-3344

Faxbox Service

044 556-3490

Switchboard

044 556-4300

Website: http://support.jp.dell.com
Korea (Seoul)
International Access Code: 001

Technical Support

toll free: 080-200-3800

Sales

toll free: 080-200-3600

Customer Service (Seoul, Korea)

toll free: 080-200-3800

Country Code: 82

Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

City Code: 2

Fax
Switchboard

Latin America

604 633 4949
2194-6202
2194-6000

Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-4093

Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-3619

Fax (Technical Support and Customer Service)(Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-3883

Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-4397

SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-4600
or 512 728-3772

Luxembourg
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 352

Technical Support (Brussels, Belgium)
Home/Small Business Sales (Brussels, Belgium)
Corporate Sales (Brussels, Belgium)

02 481 91 00

Customer Care (Brussels, Belgium)

02 481 91 19

Fax (Brussels, Belgium)

02 481 92 99

Switchboard (Brussels, Belgium)

02 481 91 00

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_be@dell.com
Macau
Country Code: 853

02 481 92 88
toll free: 080016884

Technical Support
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

toll free: 0800 582
604 633 4949

Transaction Sales

toll free: 0800 581

Malaysia (Penang)

Technical Support

toll free: 1 800 888 298

International Access Code: 00

Customer Service

04 633 4949

Country Code: 60

Transaction Sales

toll free: 1 800 888 202

Corporate Sales

toll free: 1 800 888 213

City Code: 4
Mexico
International Access Code: 95
Country Code: 52

Automated Order-Status System (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-0685

AutoTech (Automated technical support) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.)

512 728-0686

Customer Technical Support

525 228-7870

Sales

City Code: 5

525 228-7811
or toll free: 91-800-900-37
or toll free: 91-800-904-49

Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Customer Service

525 228-7878

Main

525 228-7800

Technical Support

020 581 8838

International Access Code: 00

Customer Care
Home/Small Business Sales

Country Code: 31
City Code: 20

Home/Small Business Sales Fax

020 682 7171

Corporate Sales

020 581 8818

Corporate Sales Fax

020 686 8003

Fax

020 686 8003

Switchboard

020 581 8818

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: tech_nl@dell.com
New Zealand

020 581 8740
toll free: 0800-0663

Home and Small Business

0800 446 255

Government and Business

0800 444 617

Sales

0800 441 567

Country Code: 64

Fax

0800 441 566

Norway (Lysaker)

Technical Support

671 16882

Relational Customer Care

671 17514

International Access Code: 00

Home/Small Business Customer Care
Country Code: 47

Switchboard
Fax Technical Support (Upplands Vasby, Sweden)
Fax Switchboard

23162298
671 16800
46 0 85 590 05 594
671 16865

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: nor_support@dell.com

E-mail Support for Servers: Nordic_server_support@dell.com
Poland (Warsaw)

Technical Support

22 57 95 700

Customer Care

22 57 95 999

Sales

22 57 95 999

Country Code: 48

Fax

22 57 95 998

City Code: 22

Switchboard

22 57 95 999

International Access Code: 011

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: pl_support@dell.com
Portugal
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 35

Technical Support

35 800 834 077

Customer Care

800 300 415 or
35 800 834 075

Sales

800 300 410 or 800 300 411 or 800 300 412
or
351 214 220 710

Fax

35 121 424 01 12

E-mail: es_support@dell.com
Singapore (Singapore)
International Access Code: 005

Technical Support
Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia)

toll free: 800 6011 051
604 633 4949

Transaction Sales

toll free: 800 6011 054

Country Code: 65

Corporate Sales

toll free: 800 6011 053

South Africa (Johannesburg)

Technical Support

011 709 7710

Customer Care

011 709 7707

Sales

011 709 7700

Fax

011 709 0495

Switchboard

011 709 7700

International Access Code:
09/091
Country Code: 27
City Code: 11

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com
E-mail: dell_za_support@dell.com

Southeast Asian and Pacific
Countries

Customer Technical Support, Customer Service, and Sales (Penang,
Malaysia)

Spain (Madrid)

Home and Small Business

International Access Code: 00

604 633 4810

Technical Support

902 100 130

Customer Care

902 118 540

Country Code: 34

Sales

902 118 541

City Code: 91

Switchboard

902 118 541

Fax

902 118 539

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: web_esp_tech@dell.com

Corporate

Technical Support
Customer Care

902 100 130
902 118 546

Switchboard

91 722 92 00

Fax

91 722 95 83

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: web_esp_tech@dell.com
Sweden (Upplands Vasby)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 46
City Code: 8

Technical Support

08 590 05 199

Relational Customer Care

08 590 05 642

Home/Small Business Customer Care

08 587 70 527

Fax Technical Support

08 590 05 594

Sales

08 590 05 185

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: swe_support@dell.com

E-mail Support for Latitude and Inspiron: Swe-nbk_kats@dell.com
E-mail Support for OptiPlex: Swe_kats@dell.com
E-mail Support for Servers: Nordic_server_support@dell.com
Switzerland (Geneva)
International Access Code: 00
Country Code: 41
City Code: 22

Technical Support (Home and Small Business)

0844 811 411

Technical Support (Corporate)

0844 822 844

Customer Care (Home and Small Business)

0848 802 202

Customer Care (Corporate)

0848 821 721

Fax

022 799 01 90

Switchboard

022 799 01 01

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: swisstech@dell.com
Taiwan
International Access Code: 002

Technical Support

toll free: 0080 60 1255

Technical Support (Servers)

toll free: 0080 60 1256

Transaction Sales

toll free: 0080 651 228

Corporate Sales

toll free: 0080 651 227

Country Code: 886
or 0800 33 556

or 0800 33 555
Thailand

Technical Support

International Access Code: 001

Customer Support (Penang, Malaysia)

Country Code: 66
U.K. (Bracknell)
International Access Code: 010

Sales

City Code: 1344

604 633 4949
toll free: 0880 060 09

Technical Support (Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PAD [1000+ employees])

0870 908 0500

Technical Support (Direct/PAD and General)

0870 908 0800

Global Accounts Customer Care
Country Code: 44

toll free: 0880 060 07

01344 723186

Home and Small Business Customer Care

0870 906 0010

Corporate Customer Care

0870 908 0500

Preferred Accounts (500-5000 employees) Customer Care

01344 723196

Central Government Customer Care

01344 723193

Local Government Customer Care
Home/Small Business Sales
Corporate/Public Sector Sales

01344 723194
0870 907 4000
01344 860456

Website: http://support.euro.dell.com

E-mail: dell_direct_support@dell.com
U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)
International Access Code: 011

Automated Order-Status System

toll free: 1-800-433-9014

AutoTech (for portable and desktop computers)

toll free: 1-800-247-9362

Dell Home and Small Business Group (for portable and desktop computers):
Country Code: 1

Customer Technical Support (Return Material Authorization Numbers)

toll free: 1-800-624-9896

Customer Technical Support (Home sales purchased via
http://www.dell.com)

toll free: 1-877-576-3355

Customer Service (Credit Return Authorization Numbers)

toll free: 1-800-624-9897

National Accounts (systems purchased by established Dell national accounts [have your account number handy], medical
institutions, or value-added resellers [VARs]):
Customer Service and Technical Support (Return Material Authorization
Numbers)

toll free: 1-800-822-8965

Public Americas International (systems purchased by governmental agencies [local, state, or federal] or educational
institutions):

Customer Service and Technical Support (Return Material Authorization
Numbers)

toll free: 1-800-234-1490

Dell Sales

toll free: 1-800-289-3355
or toll free: 1-800-879-3355

Spare Parts Sales

toll free: 1-800-357-3355

DellWare™

toll free: 1-800-753-7201

Desktop and Portable Fee-Based Technical Support

toll free: 1-800-433-9005

Server Fee-Based Technical Support

toll free: 1-800-967-0765

Sales (Catalogs)

toll free: 1-800-426-5150

Fax

toll free: 1-800-727-8320

TechFax

toll free: 1-800-950-1329

Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Speech-Impaired

toll free: 1-877-DELLTTY
(1-877-335-5889)

Switchboard
Dellnet Technical Support

512 338-4400
toll free: 1-877-Dellnet
(1-877-335-5638)

Back to Contents Page

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 500SC Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
Notes, Notices, Cautions, and Warnings

Back to Contents Page

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Dell Poweredge 500Sc Installation And Troubleshooting Guide

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