Using IPMI iDRAC 8 (Dell)

IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) is a dedicated server remote management interface.

This guide covers using Dell IPMI (iDRAC version 8) for remote server management.

Dell IPMI (iDRAC version 8) provides enterprise-grade remote management features, including server power management, hardware monitoring, HTML5 and Java-based KVM console access, virtual media, firmware management, and system event logging.

After connecting to iDRAC 8, you can:

• Remotely power on, power off, or reboot the server.
• Monitor server status, including CPU, memory, storage, power supplies, fans, and temperature sensors in real time.
• Access the remote KVM console to manage the server even when the OS is unavailable.
• Mount ISO images via virtual media to install or reinstall the OS without physical access. View system logs and hardware events for troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Remotely update firmware and manage hardware settings (depending on your iDRAC license and server configuration).
• Perform server administration tasks from anywhere with a secure network connection.

Logging in to iDRAC 8 and Managing Server Power

1. In the browser address bar, enter the IPMI IP address, and in the login dialog that appears, enter the information you received along with the IP address in your email after submitting a support ticket → Submit.
   
2.  In the left navigation menu, select Overview → Server → Power/Thermal. 

3. There you can find the following information and perform some power management operations:

   • Server Health — battery voltage, protective opening, power supplies, removable flash drives, temperatures.
   • Virtual Console Preview — virtual console settings.
   • Server Information — all server information: power status, system model, hostname, OS and BIOS version, IP address, etc.
   • Quick Launch Tasks — power on/off, reboot the system (cold start), view logs and performance notes.
     

Connecting to a Remote Console

Caution! Remote console access is recommended for advanced users.

The Dell iDRAC 8 supports both HTML5 and Java-based virtual consoles, depending on the firmware version and browser.

To launch the console, follow these steps:

1. In the left navigation menu, select Overview → Server.
2. Click Launch Virtual Console.
   
3. If an HTML5 console is available, select it. This method does not require Java.
4. If your system uses a Java console, install the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and allow the application to launch when prompted.
5. Once connected, you will have full access to the keyboard, mouse, and video on the server, even if the OS has not booted.
   

Mounting an ISO Image

iDRAC 8 allows you to remotely install or reinstall the operating system using virtual media.

To mount an ISO image, follow these steps:

1. Open the virtual console.
2. Select Connect Virtual Media.
   
3. After the console boots, connect the CD/DVD drive.
4. Locate the ISO image stored on your local computer.
5. Click Connect Device.
6. Reboot the server and, if necessary, select the virtual CD/DVD drive as the boot device.
7. The server will recognize the ISO image as a locally connected optical drive.

Using the Virtual Keyboard

To send special key combinations, follow these steps:

1. Open the virtual console.
2. Select Keyboard to load the virtual keyboard.
3. Some key combinations, such as Ctrl + Alt + Delete, cannot be sent directly from the local operating system. To send custom key combinations, select Console Controls in the virtual console.
4. Click Keyboard Macros → select the desired key combination → click Apply.
   
5. If additional key combinations are required, use the built-in virtual keyboard available in the console toolbar.

Common Issues Using IPMI iDRAC 8 (Dell)

When using IPMI iDRAC 8 (Dell), some issues may arise. Below are the most common issues and possible solutions.

Unable to Launch the Virtual Console

If the console does not launch:

• Make sure pop-ups are allowed in your browser.
• Try using the HTML5 console, if available.
• If you are using the Java console, make sure the latest version of Java Runtime is installed.
• Clear your browser cache and try again.
• If the issue persists, contact technical support.

Unable to Mount Virtual Media

If the ISO image fails to mount:

• Make sure the virtual media is connected.
• Make sure the ISO file is valid and accessible.
• Reconnect the virtual media session and try again.
• Certificate Warning

If you have any questions, you can ask them in the online chat in the lower-right corner of the site or create a request to the support service through the ticket system.