Troubleshooting the System Hardware

If your system is not working as expected, begin troubleshooting using the procedures in this chapter. This chapter guides you through some initial checks and procedures that can solve basic system problems.

This chapter contains the following sections:

Checking the Basics

The following procedure leads you through the checks necessary to solve some basic system problems:

Step 1 Was an alert message issued by the system software?

: Yes. Check the component named in the alert message.
: No. Go to Step 2.

Step 2 Visually inspect the chassis. Is the system wet or damaged?

: Yes. Liquid spills, splashes, and excessive humidity can cause damage to the system. If an external device such as an external drive gets wet, contact your service representative for instructions. (See the "Obtaining Technical Assistance" section.)
: If the chassis was dropped or damaged while being moved, you should check the system to see if it functions properly. If an external device attached to the system is dropped or damaged, contact your service representative for instructions. (See the "Obtaining Technical Assistance" section.)
: No. Go to Step 3.

Step 3 Perform the steps in the "Checking Connections and Switches" section.

: Is the problem resolved?
: Yes. The power to the system was faulty, or the connections to the system were loose. You have fixed the problem.
: No. Go to Step 4.

Step 4 Verify the settings in the S ystem Setup program. For details, see the software configuration guide that shipped with your system.

: Did the system complete the boot routine?
: Yes. The system configuration information was incorrect. You have fixed the problem.

Checking Connections and Switches

Improperly set switches and controls and loose or improperly connected cables are the most likely source of problems for the chassis or other external equipment. A quick check of all the switches, controls, and cable connections can easily solve these problems. (See Figure 1-4 for the location of front-panel controls and indicators. See Figure 1-5 for the location of back-panel connections on the system.)

To check all the connections and switches, perform the following steps:

Step 1 Power off the system, including any attached peripherals such as external drives. Disconnect all the power cables from their electrical outlets.

Step 2 If the system is connected to a power strip (or power distribution unit), turn the power strip off and then on again.

: Is the power strip receiving power?
: Yes. Go to Step 5.
: No. Go to Step 3.

Step 3 Plug the power strip into another electrical outlet.

: Is the power strip receiving power?
: Yes. The original electrical outlet probably does not function. Use a different electrical outlet.

Step 4 Plug a system that you know works into the electrical outlet.

: Does the system receive power?
: Yes. The power strip is probably not functioning properly. Use another power strip.

Step 5 Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet or power strip.

: Make sure that all connections fit tightly together.

Step 6 Power on the system.

: Is the problem resolved?
: Yes. The connections were loose. You have fixed the problem.

Observing Trouble Indicators and LEDs

Operational status LEDs on the front panel indicate normal system operation as well as hardware and software problems. For more information, see the "Checking the LEDs" section.

When front panel LEDs indicate system problems, contact your service representative for further assistance. (See the "Obtaining Technical Assistance" section.)

Follow these steps in observing the trouble indicators:

Step 1 Are LEDs 0 1 2 3 off?

: Yes. The system is operating with no problems.
: No. Go to Step 2.

Step 2 Is LED 0 off and are LEDs 1 2 3 on with a steady appearance?

: Yes. A software or hardware failure has occurred.

Step 3 Are LEDs 0 1 2 3 on with a steady appearance?

: Yes. A software failure has occurred.

Step 4 Are LEDs 0 1 2 3 on with a rolling display?

: Yes. The system is rebooting.

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