User Guide

Codes and Error Messages: Dell PowerEdge 2500 and 2500SC Systems Service Manual

Codes and Error Messages: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2500 and 2500SC Systems Service Manual

	Overview		Alert Log Messages From Dell OpenManage Server Agent
	System Messages		Front-Panel Indicators
	System Beep Codes		Back-Panel Features
	Warning Messages		SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Codes
	Diagnostics Messages		Redundant Power Supply Features

Overview

This section describes beep codes and system error messages that can occur during system start-up or, in the case of some failures, during normal system operation. The tables in this section list faults that can cause a beep code or system error message to occur and the probable causes of the fault in each case. This section also suggests actions you can take to resolve problems indicated by a message.

If a faulty system does not emit beep codes or display system error messages to indicate a failure, you should run the appropriate tests in the Dell Diagnostics to help isolate the source of the problem. See "Running the Dell Diagnostics."

Several different types of messages can indicate when the system is not functioning properly:

System messages
System beep codes
Warning messages
Diagnostics messages
Alert log messages
Front-panel indicators
SCSI hard-disk drive indicator codes

System Messages

System messages alert you to a possible operating system problem or to a conflict between the software and hardware. Table 1 lists the system error messages that can occur and the probable cause for each message.

If the table does not lead to the source of the problem, run the appropriate tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide) to assist in troubleshooting the problem.

NOTE: If you receive a system message that is not listed in Table 1, 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 1. System Messages

Message	Cause	Corrective Action
Address mark not found	Faulty diskette/CD-ROM drive or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board)	Replace the system board.
Alert! Maximum memory size exceeded. Limiting memory size to 4 GB	System supports up to 4 GB of memory	Remove one or more memory modules so that the total memory is 4 GB or less.
Alert! Single-bit memory error previously detected in xxxx xxxxh	Improperly seated or faulty memory modules	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules.
Alert! Previous processor thermal failure	The microprocessor exceeded operating temperature during the previous operating session.	Replace the faulty microprocessor. If the problem persists, replace the VRM.
Alert! Primary processor is out of rev.	The system detected that the primary processor is not the correct revision.	Replace the microprocessor with a type supported by Dell.
Alert! Processor thermal probe failure detected	Faulty processor or defective system board	Replace the microprocessor. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Alert! Secondary processor is out of rev.	The system detected that the secondary processor is not the correct revision.	Replace the microprocessor with a type supported by Dell.
Alert! Uncorrectable memory error previously detected in xxxx xxxxh	Improperly seated or faulty memory modules	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules.
Alert! Unsupported memory in DIMM slot(s) n.	Unsupported memory module(s) installed in specified slot(s)	Replace one or more memory modules so that all memory module pairs are the same type.
Attachment failed to respond	Diskette drive or hard-disk drive controller cannot send data to associated drive	Replace the drive's interface cable. If the problem persists, replace the diskette drive or hard-disk drive. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
Auxiliary device failure	Mouse cable connector loose or improperly connected, defective mouse	Check the mouse cable connection. If the problem persists, replace the mouse.
Bad command or file name	Command entered does not exist, is faulty, or is not in pathname specified.	Use correct command syntax or correct filename.
Bad error-correction code (ECC) on disk read Controller has failed	Faulty diskette/CD-ROM subsystem or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board)	See "Drives." Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Boot: Couldn't find NTLDR	A nonbootable diskette formatted with Windows NT was detected in the diskette drive.	Remove the diskette and boot with the hard-disk drive or a bootable diskette.
Caution! NVRAM_CLR jumper is installed on system board. Please run SETUP.	The NVRAM_CLR jumper is installed.	Remove the NVRAM_CLR jumper, then run the System Setup program to correct the diskette drive type and check other hardware configuration settings. See "Using the System Setup Program."
CD-ROM drive not found	Improperly connected or missing CD-ROM drive	Check that the diskette drive/CD-ROM drive interface cable is seated properly on the interposer board on the peripheral bay. See "Drives."
CPUs with different level 2 cache sizes detected	Two different types of microprocessors are installed	Install a correct version of the microprocessor so both microprocessors have the same level 2 cache size.
Data error	Faulty diskette, diskette drive, or hard-disk drive	Replace the diskette, diskette drive, or hard-disk drive. See "Drives."
Decreasing available memory	One or more memory modules improperly seated or faulty	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules.
Diskette drive 0 seek failure	Faulty or improperly inserted diskette, incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, loose diskette/tape drive interface cable, or loose power cable	Replace the diskette. Run the System Setup program to correct the diskette drive type. See "Using the System Setup Program." Check that the drive interface cable is firmly seated to the SCSI backplane board.
Diskette read failure	Faulty diskette, faulty or improperly connected diskette/tape drive interface cable, or loose power cable	Check that the diskette drive is properly installed on the SCSI backplane board. See "Drives." Replace the diskette-drive interface cable.
Diskette subsystem reset failed	Faulty diskette/tape drive controller (defective system board)	Replace the system board.
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.
Embedded server management error Embedded server management is not present	Embedded server management memory may be temporarily corrupted	Shut down the system to clear the memory, then restart the system. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
Gate A20 failure	Faulty keyboard controller (defective system board)	Replace the system board.
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-disk drive, faulty hard-disk drive controller subsystem (defective system board), or loose power cable	Check the hard-disk drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. Reinstall the hard-disk drive. Check the interface cable and power cable connections to the SCSI backplane board.
Invalid configuration information - please run SETUP program	Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or faulty battery	Check the System Setup configuration settings. Replace the battery. See "Battery."
Invalid CPU speed detected	Microprocessor not supported by system	Install a correct version of the microprocessor in the specified microprocessor connector.
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	Reinstall the expansion cards (see "Expansion Cards"). If the problem persists, replace the expansion card.
Keyboard controller failure	Defective keyboard/mouse controller (defective system board)	Replace the system board.
Keyboard failure Keyboard data line failure Keyboard stuck key 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.
Memory address 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	Faulty or improperly seated memory modules or defective system board	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
Memory allocation error	Faulty application	Restart the application.
Memory parity interrupt at address	Improperly seated or faulty memory modules	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the 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/CD-ROM drive subsystem, hard-disk drive, hard-disk drive subsystem, or no boot disk in drive A	If booting from a diskette, ensure the diskette is bootable. If booting from a hard-disk drive, replace the hard-disk drive. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
No boot sector on hard-disk drive	Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or no operating system on hard-disk drive	Verify the hard-disk drive System Setup information is correct. Install an operating system on the hard-disk drive.
No timer tick interrupt	Defective system board	Replace the system board.
Non-system disk or disk error	Faulty diskette, diskette/tape drive subsystem, or hard-disk drive subsystem	Ensure the diskette is a bootable diskette. If booting from a hard-disk drive, ensure the hard-disk drive is formatted and contains an operating system. Replace the system board.
Not a boot diskette	No operating system on diskette	Use a bootable diskette.
Processor in socket 1 not installed!	No microprocessor or terminator module installed in the primary microprocessor socket	Install a VRM or a microprocessor in the primary microprocessor socket. See "Microprocessor" for instructions.
Read fault Requested sector not found	Faulty diskette, diskette/tape drive subsystem, or hard-disk drive subsystem (defective system board)	Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. See "Drives." If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Reset failed	Improperly connected diskette/CD-ROM drive, hard-disk drive, or power cable	Check that the diskette drive/CD-ROM drive unit is seated properly against the interposer board on the peripheral bay. Check that the hard-disk drive carriers, and the power connector are all properly connected to the SCSI backplane board. See "Drives." Replace the diskette drive interface cable. Reinstall the hard-disk drive. Check all cable connections to the SCSI backplane board. See "Removing and Replacing Parts."
ROM bad checksum = address	Expansion card improperly installed or faulty	Reinstall the expansion cards. If the problem persists, replace the expansion card. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
Sector not found	Defective sectors on diskette or hard-disk drive	Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. See "Drives."
Seek error	Defective sectors on diskette or hard-disk drive	Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. See "Drives."
Seek operation failed	Faulty diskette or hard-disk drive	Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. See "Drives."
Shutdown failure	Defective system board	Replace the system board.
System backplane cable error	Improperly attached interface cables	Check the primary and secondary SCSI interface cable connections to the SCSI backplane board (see "SCSI Backplane Board Connectors"). If the problem persists, replace the system board.
System backplane error	Improperly attached or missing backplane	Check the interface cable connections to the backplane board (see "SCSI Backplane Board Connectors"). If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Time-of-day clock stopped	Defective battery or faulty chip (defective system board)	Replace the system battery. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program	Incorrect Time or Date settings or defective system battery	Check the Time and Date settings. See "Using the System Setup Program" for instructions. If the problem persists, replace the system battery. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
Timer chip counter 2 failed	Defective system board	Replace the system board.
Unexpected interrupt in protected mode	Improperly seated memory modules or faulty keyboard/mouse controller chip set (defective system board)	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
Unsupported CPU detected in Socket n Unsupported CPU speed detected!	Microprocessor not supported by system	Install a correct version of the microprocessor in the specified microprocessor socket.
Unsupported CPU speed in CMOS	Microprocessor not supported by BIOS	Upgrade the BIOS. See "Using the System Setup Program" for instructions.
Unsupported DIMM installed in the RAID DIMM slot!	RAID memory module not supported by system	Install the correct version of the RAID memory module.
Unsupported RAID key detected!	RAID hardware key not supported by system	Install the correct RAID hardware key for your system.
Utility partition not available	<F10> was pressed during boot, but no utility partition exists on the boot hard-disk drive	Create a utility partition on the boot hard-disk drive. See "Using the Dell OpenManage Server Assistant CD" in your User's Guide.
Warning! Detected mode switch from RAID to SCSI on the onboard RAID channel. Data loss will occur! Press Y to confirm the change; press any other key to cancel.	Type of controller has changed since previous system boot	Back up information on the drives before changing the type of controller used with the hard-disk drives.
Write fault Write fault on selected drive	Faulty diskette or hard-disk drive	Replace the diskette or hard-disk drive. See "Drives."

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. The beep code is a pattern of sounds; for example, one beep followed by a second beep and then a burst of three beeps (code 1-1-3) means that the computer was unable to read the data in NVRAM. This information is valuable to the Dell technical support representative if you need to call for technical assistance.

When a beep code is emitted, record it on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist, and then look it up in Table 2. If you are unable to resolve the problem by looking up the meaning of the beep code, use the Dell Diagnostics to identify a more serious cause. See "Running the Dell Diagnostics" in the system Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.

Table 2. System Beep Codes

Code	Cause	Corrective Action
1-1-3	CMOS write/read failure	Replace the system board.
1-1-4	BIOS checksum failure	Reflash the BIOS firmware. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
1-2-1 1-2-2 1-2-3	Programmable interval-timer failure DMA initialization failure DMA page register write/read failure	Replace the system board.
1-3-1	Main-memory refresh verification failure	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace one or more memory modules. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
1-3-2	No memory installed	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
1-3-3 1-3-4 1-4-1 1-4-2 2-1-1 through 2-4-4	Chip set or data line failure in the first 64 KB of main memory Odd/even logic failure in the first 64 KB of main memory Address line failure in the first 64 KB of main memory Parity failure in the first 64 KB of main memory Bit failure in the first 64 KB of main memory	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
3-1-1 3-1-2 3-1-3 3-1-4	Slave DMA-register failure Master DMA-register failure Master interrupt-mask register failure Slave interrupt-mask register failure	Replace the system board.
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 Dell Diagnostics to determine whether the keyboard or keyboard controller is faulty. If the keyboard controller is faulty, replace the system board.
3-3-1	CMOS failure	Run the system board test in the Dell Diagnostics to isolate the problem.
3-3-2	System configuration check failure	Replace the system board.
3-3-3	Keyboard controller not detected	Replace the system board.
3-3-4 3-4-2 3-4-3	Screen initialization failure Screen-retrace test failure Search for video ROM failure	Run the video tests in the Dell Diagnostics.
4-2-1 4-2-2	No timer tick Shutdown failure	Replace the system board.
4-2-3	Gate A20 failure	Replace the system board.
4-2-4	Unexpected interrupt in protected mode	Ensure that all expansion cards are properly seated, and then reboot the system.
4-3-1	Improperly seated or faulty memory modules	Remove and reseat the memory modules. If the problem persists, replace the memory modules. If the problem still persists, replace the system board.
4-3-3	Defective system board	Replace the system board.
4-3-4	Time-of-day clock stopped	Replace the battery. If the problem persists, replace the system board.
4-4-1	Super I/O chip failure (defective system board)	Replace the system board.
4-4-2	Parallel- port test failure (defective system board)	Replace the system board.
4-4-3	Math coprocessor failure (defective microprocessor)	Remove and reseat the specified microprocessor. If the problem still persists, replace the microprocessor.
4-4-4	Cache test failure (defective microprocessor)	Remove and reseat the specified microprocessor. If the problem still persists, replace the microprocessor.

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 might warn you that you might 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 your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide 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 Dell Diagnostics, an error message might result. These particular error messages are not covered in this section. Record the message on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist (located in "Getting Help" in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide, and then follow the instructions in that section for obtaining technical assistance.

Alert Log Messages From Dell OpenManage™ Server Agent

The Dell OpenManage™ Server Agent server management application program generates alert messages that appear in the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap log file. See your Dell OpenManage Server Agent documentation for more information.

Front-Panel Indicators

The following indicators are on the system's front panel (see Figure 1, Figure 2 and Table 3):

Figure 1. Front Bezel Indicators

1	Hard-disk drive activity indicator
2	Embedded server management indicator

Figure 2. Front Panel Features

1	Hard-disk drive activity indicator
2	Embedded server management indicator
3	Power-on switch and power indicator

Table 3. Front Bezel and Front Panel Indicator Patterns

Indicator	Description
Hard-disk drive activity	This green LED blinks when activity is detected on the hard-disk drives.
Embedded server management indicator	This LED displays a steady green light. If the system detects a problem with any of the system voltage levels, temperature sensors, fan sensors, hard-disk drive controllers, or PCI expansion cards, this LED blinks amber.
Power-on indicator	This LED displays a steady green light when the power supply is turned on.

Back Panel Features

The following indicators are on the system's back panel (see Figure 3 and Table 4):

Figure 3. Back Panel Features

1	NIC connector and 2 LEDs

Table 4. Back Panel Indicator Patterns

Indicator

Description

NIC (2 LEDs)

These LEDs display a steady green light when a link is detected. They flicker when network activity is detected.

NOTE: If AC power is connected to the power supply, but the system is turned off, these LEDs will still function

SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Codes

If an approved RAID controller is installed in the system, two LED indicators on each of the hard-disk drive carriers provide information on the status of the SCSI hard-disk drives (see Figure 4). The SCSI backplane firmware controls the drive online and drive failure indicator codes.

Figure 4. Hard-Disk Drive Indicators

1	Drive failure indicator
2	Drive activity indicator
3	Drive online indicator

Table 5 lists the drive indicator patterns established by the SCSI backplane firmware. Different patterns are displayed as drive events occur in the system. For example, in the event of a hard-disk drive failure, the "drive failed" pattern appears. After the drive is selected for removal, the "drive being prepared for removal" pattern appears, followed by the "drive ready for insertion or removal" pattern. After the replacement drive is installed, the "drive being prepared for operation" pattern appears, followed by the "drive online" pattern.

NOTE: If you do not have the optional integrated RAID controller, or an optional PCI RAID controller installed, you will see only the "drive online" and "drive bay empty" indicator patterns.

Table 5. SCSI Hard-Disk Drive Indicator Patterns

Condition	Indicator Code
Identify drive	All three drive status indicators blink simultaneously.
Drive being prepared for removal	All three drive status indicators flash sequentially.
Drive ready for insertion or removal	All three drive status indicators are off.
Drive being prepared for operation	The drive online indicator is on. The drive activity light may flash briefly.
Drive bay empty	All three drive status indicators are off.
Drive predicted failure	The drive online indicator is on. The drive failure indicator blinks briefly each second.
Drive failed	The drive online indicator is off. The drive failure indicator blinks off briefly each second.
Drive rebuilding	The drive online indicator blinks rapidly.
Drive online	The drive online indicator is on.

Redundant Power Supply Features

Each power supply has three indicators, which indicate the power-on status, fault, and if there is AC power present. These power supplies are hot-pluggable (see Figure 5 and Table 6).

Figure 5. Redundant Power Supply Features

1	Power-on indicator
2	Fault indicator
3	AC present indicator

Table 6 lists the power supply indicator patterns for a redundant, hot-pluggable power supply.

Table 6. Power Supply Indicator Patterns

Indicator	Description
Power-on	Green indicator indicates that the power supply is operational.
Fault	Red indicator indicates a problem with the power supply, such as fan failure, voltage level error, or other fault.
AC present	Green indicator indicates that AC power is present at the power supply (the system is connected to an AC power source).

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