Troubleshooting Power-Protection Problems

The following sections list typical problems that occur with UPS units, surge suppressors, and RPS units. They also discuss the possible solutions or sources for more information.

UPS Does Not Charge Battery When Plugged In

If the UPS unit is new, the battery pack is probably disconnected for shipping. Reconnect the battery pack per the manufacturer's instructions. If the battery is more than two or three years old, replace the battery.

If the battery is connected to the unit through an external port, double-check the connections between the battery and the UPS unit.

Windows Server 2003 Does Not Transmit UPS Alerts

Windows Server 2003 uses the Messenger server to send UPS alerts, but it does not run the Messenger service by default. Messenger needs to be configured to run automatically at startup before UPS alerts can be run. For details, see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828286.

System Does Not Restart After AC Power Is Restored

To enable a server connected to a UPS unit to restart automatically after AC power is restored, the BIOS setting for handling power-off events needs to be changed to Always On rather than the typical defaults of Stay Off, Last State, or Auto. This setting is usually found in the Power or Power-On menu of the system BIOS. For details, see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;819038.

COM Port Conflicts

Windows Server 2003 may shut down unexpectedly after you install a serial-portbased UPS. This can happen if you specify the same serial port already in use by another device, such as a modem. Make sure the serial port specified is only used by the UPS. Move other serial-portbased devices to other serial ports. For details, see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;815268.

New Services Configuration in Windows Server 2003

If you have problems getting the UPS service working in Windows Server 2003, it could be due to changes in how this version of Windows works with services and user accounts. For a list of these changes, see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;812519.

Linux Power Management Software Can't Start After Installation

Different Linux distributions use different default folders for utilities (daemons) provided by UPS vendors for use with Linux. If an incorrect folder is used, copy the files used by the daemon to the correct folder for your distribution. For an example, see www.minutemanups.com/support/lnx_tech.php.

General Linux UPS Issues

The UPS HowTo page at The Linux Documentation Project provides useful advice on selecting, configuring, and using UPS devices with Linux servers. Find it at www.tldp.org/HOWTO/UPS-HOWTO/.

UPS Service Shuts Down System

If your UPS software shuts down your server after installation and you are unable to disable it in normal mode, restart your server in Safe Mode. After the server is running in Safe Mode, right-click My Computer, select Manage, open Services and Applications, open Services, and scroll down to Uninterruptible Power Supply Service. Disable the service and reboot your system.

After the server restarts, contact the vendor for updates. Remove the existing software and install the updated version.

UPS Tab Is Missing After Installing a USB-Based UPS and Drivers

The UPS tab provided by Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 in the Power (Power Options) icon in the Control Panel may be replaced by Alarms and Power Meter after you install a USB-based UPS and its drivers. The UPS service provided with these versions of Windows is only for serial-portbased UPS units.

When you install a USB-based UPS in Windows, you must use the software provided by the vendor. For an example of how to configure an APC UPS, see http://forums.pcworld.co.nz/printthread.php?t=51729.

Devices Don't Work When Plugged In to Surge Protector

A surge protector might not appear to work if the devices plugged into it are turned off or not properly plugged in to the line cord going to the surge protector. If the surge protector is itself not plugged in to a working AC outlet, no device plugged in to it will work. Surge protectors have on/off switches; if the unit is turned off, it will not work.

If the surge protector is turned on and properly connected to AC current, and if all devices are turned on and properly connected, but they do not work, check the surge suppressor's circuit breaker. Turn off the unit and reset it and then turn it back on. If the circuit breaker in the surge protector trips, one of the devices connected to the unit might be malfunctioning. Shut off the surge protector, disconnect all devices, and restart the unit. If the circuit breaker trips again, replace the unit.

If the surge suppressor works with no devices plugged in to it, shut it down. Plug one device at a time in to the unit, turn on the unit, and turn on the device. Repeat until you find a device that trips the surge protector. Replace that device. If no devices trip the surge protector's circuit breaker, but they do not operate when plugged in to the surge protector, the surge protector has failed. Replace it.

RPS Doesn't Switch to Good Module When First Module Fails

An RPS contains two or more power supply modules. When the first module fails, the RPS is designed to automatically switch to the second or subsequent module. If it does not, check the following:

• Is the RPS module properly connected to AC power? Many RPS units have a separate AC power cord for each module. With the server shut down, make sure the cord is properly plugged in to the module and plugged in to a working electrical outlet in the server's UPS.

• Is the RPS module turned off? Some RPS modules have on/off switches. Make sure the module is turned on.

• Is the RPS module completely plugged in to the RPS enclosure? With the server shut down, remove and reinsert the module, verifying that the module is making full contact with the connector inside the enclosure.

Replace a defective RPS module. Check the AC line cord (if additional modules use their own cords); also check the on/off switch on the module, and remove and reinsert the module.