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Using IPMI iDRAC 9 (Dell)

This article explains how to use IPMI iDRAC 9 (Dell) for remote server management.

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

This guide covers how to use Dell IPMI (iDRAC version 9) for remote server management.

Dell IPMI (iDRAC version 9) is the ninth generation of the Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC), an embedded management interface for Dell PowerEdge servers. It allows remote hardware monitoring, power management, HTML5-based KVM access, virtual media mounting, firmware updates, and diagnostics.

After connecting to iDRAC 9, you can:

  • Monitor server hardware status remotely.
  • Access the HTML5 KVM console.
  • Install or reinstall operating systems using virtual media.
  • Manage server power without physical access.
  • Update firmware and view hardware logs.

Logging in to iDRAC 9 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 → click Log In.
    1
  2. In the top navigation menu, under the Configuration tab, you can find the following:
    • Power Management
    • Virtual Console
    • Virtual Media
    • Licenses
    • System Settings
    • Asset Tracking
    • BIOS Settings
    • Server Configuration Profile
      4

Connecting to the Server Console

Caution! Remote console access is recommended for advanced users only.

One of the key advantages of iDRAC 9 is its HTML5 virtual console, which runs in modern browsers and does not require Java.

To launch the remote HTML5 console, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Configuration tab → Virtual Console → Start the Virtual Console.
    5 console
  2. Wait for the console to load.
  3. You now have full remote access to the server's keyboard, mouse, and display, even if the operating system is not installed.
    6

Mounting an ISO Image

Virtual media allows you to install or reinstall an operating system remotely.

To mount an ISO image, follow these steps:

  1. In the top navigation menu, open Configuration → Virtual Media → Connect Virtual Media.
    virtual media 1

  2.  Click Map CD/DVD → locate the ISO file stored on your computer → Map Device. 
    virtual media 2
  3. The server will recognize the ISO image as a local DVD drive.
  4. If necessary:
    • Reboot the server.
    • Press F11 during startup.
    • Select the virtual CD/DVD device as the boot source.

Using the Virtual Keyboard

To use the virtual keyboard in the console, follow these steps:

  1. Select Keyboard in the top menu of the server console. The virtual keyboard will appear.
    keyboard
  2. Some key combinations cannot be sent directly because they are intercepted by your local OS, and selecting the combination will have the same effect as pressing them on a physical keyboard connected to the server.
  3. To send custom key combinations, select Console Controls in the virtual console.
  4. In the window that appears, click General → Keyboard Macros → select the desired key combination → Apply.
    keyboard macro
  5. If the desired key combination is unavailable, use the virtual keyboard available in the console toolbar.

Common Issues Using IPMI iDRAC 9 (Dell)

When using IPMI iDRAC 9 (Dell), certain issues may arise. Below are the most common issues and possible solutions.

Unable to Open the Virtual Console

If the HTML5 console does not launch:

  • Refresh the page in your browser.
  • Try a different supported browser.
  • Disable browser extensions that may block pop-ups.
  • Check your network connection.
  • If the issue persists, please contact technical support.

Unable to Mount Virtual Media

If the ISO image is not detected:

  • Make sure the virtual media is mounted.
  • Check if the ISO file is corrupted.
  • Restart the virtual console and remount the image.
  • Reboot the server and select the virtual media from the boot menu.

Unable to Access iDRAC

If the iDRAC web interface is unavailable:

  • Make sure the IP address is correct.
  • Check your firewall or VPN settings.
  • Make sure HTTPS access is allowed.
  • If a restart of the management controller is required, please contact technical support.

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.