Troubleshooting a storage controller
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.
NOTE: When troubleshooting a SAS or PERC controller, see the documentation for your operating
system and the controller.
1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.
2. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
3. Remove the system cover.
4. Verify that the installed PERC card is compliant with the expansion card installation guidelines.
5. Ensure that the PERC card is firmly seated in its connector.
6. Install the system cover.
7. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.
8. If the problem is not resolved, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the
system from the electrical outlet.
9. Remove the system cover.
10. Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.
11. Install the system cover.
12. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.
13. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.
14. For each expansion card you removed in step 10, perform the following steps:
a. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical
outlet.
b. Remove the system cover.
c. Reinstall one of the expansion cards.
d. Install the system cover.
e. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.
Troubleshooting expansion cards
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.
NOTE: When troubleshooting an expansion card, see the documentation for your operating system
and the expansion card.
1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.
2. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
3. Remove the system cover.
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