Page 3 - Contents
Contents Notes, Cautions, and Warnings...................................................................................................2 1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................7 Why Use Lifecyc...
Page 7 - Introduction; Why Use Lifecycle Controller
1 Introduction The Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded systems management to perform systems management tasks such as deploy, configure, update, maintain, and diagnose through a graphical user interface. It is delivered as part of iDRAC7 out-of-band solution and embedded Unified Ext...
Page 9 - Key Features
• Reduced number of reboots, if multiple components are selected: – During firmware update, the system reboots depending on the components selected.– During firmware rollback, the system reboots only while rolling back iDRAC and Power Supply firmware. NOTE: For more information, see Supported Compon...
Page 10 - Other Documents You May Need
Feature Base Management with IPMI iDRAC7 Express iDRAC7 Express for Blades iDRAC7 Enterprise Device Configuration Yes Yes Yes Yes Diagnostics Yes Yes Yes Yes Server Profile Backup and Export — — — Yes Server Profile Import Yes Yes Yes Yes Part Replacement — Yes Yes Yes Local Updates Yes Yes Yes Yes ...
Page 11 - Contacting Dell
• The Dell OpenManage Server Update Utility User's Guide provides information about using the DVD–based application for identifying and applying updates to the system. The following system documents are available to provide more information: • The safety instructions that came with your system provi...
Page 13 - Using Lifecycle Controller; Launching Lifecycle Controller
2 Using Lifecycle Controller This section provides information about launching Lifecycle Controller, enabling or disabling it, and launching it for the first time. Before using Lifecycle Controller, make sure that the network and iDRAC7 are configured. For more information, see iDRAC7 User’s Guide. ...
Page 15 - Using Lifecycle Controller for the First Time; Setting Up Lifecycle Controller
The System Setup Main Menu page is displayed. 2. In the System Setup Main Menu page, click iDRAC Settings.The iDRAC Settings page is displayed. 3. Click Lifecycle Controller. 4. Under Cancel Lifecycle Controller Actions, select Yes. 5. Go back to the System Setup Main Menu page and click Finish to s...
Page 16 - Lifecycle Controller Features
5. Click Finish to save the settings. NOTE: If Lifecycle Controller Settings are not configured correctly, an error message is displayed. If DHCP is enabled, DHCP IP address is displayed on the Network Settings page. Accessing Help Each Lifecycle Controller screen has a help associated with it. Pres...
Page 17 - Operating System Deployment; Installing Operating System
3 Operating System Deployment Using the operating system deployment wizard, you can deploy various custom and standard operating systems on the managed system and configure RAID during installation.Related Links Installing Operating System Installing Operating System Before installing an operating s...
Page 18 - Using Optional RAID Configuration; Configuring RAID Using Operating System Deployment Wizard; Selecting Operating System; Selecting an Operating System Available in the List
Using Optional RAID Configuration When you install an operating system, you can do one of the following: • Deploy the operating system without configuring RAID • Configure the disks using the optional RAID configuration wizard and deploy the operating system. Alternatively, you can configure RAID th...
Page 20 - Rebooting System; Post Reboot Scenarios
Rebooting System Click Finish to reboot the system and continue with the operating system installation. The system boots to the operating system installation media. Post Reboot Scenarios The following table lists the post reboot scenarios, its user actions, and impact. Scenario User Action and Impac...
Page 21 - Monitor; Hardware Inventory View and Export; About View and Export Factory-Shipped Inventory
4 Monitor Using Lifecycle Controller, you can monitor the hardware inventory and events in the system throughout its lifecycle. Hardware Inventory View and Export Lifecycle Controller provides the following wizards to manage the system inventory: • View Current Inventory • Export Current Inventory •...
Page 22 - Viewing Hardware Inventory—Current or Factory-Shipped
Exporting Hardware Inventory—Current or Factory-Shipped Viewing Hardware Inventory—Current or Factory-Shipped To view the currently-installed or factory-installed hardware components and their configuration details: NOTE: For factory-shipped inventory, the state of few parameters for the installed c...
Page 23 - USB Drive; Network Share; Viewing or Exporting Hardware Inventory After Part Replacement
About View and Export Current InventoryAbout View and Export Factory-Shipped InventoryUSB DriveNetwork Share USB Drive To export to a USB drive: 1. From the Select Device drop-down list, select the USB drive. 2. In the File Location text box, enter a valid directory or sub-directory path on the devi...
Page 24 - Controller; Viewing Lifecycle Log History
3. In the right pane, click Hardware Inventory. 4. Click View Current Inventory.Lifecycle Controller displays the old hardware inventory. 5. Reboot the server and relaunch Lifecycle Controller. 6. Access Hardware Inventory and click View Current Inventory to view the latest inventory, or click Expor...
Page 25 - Exporting Lifecycle Log
• System event logs • Firmware inventory • History of firmware updates • Update and configuration events NOTE: The details of the configuration changes are not displayed. • User work notes While viewing the lifecycle log, use different filtering and sorting options. NOTE: As the lifecycle logs are g...
Page 26 - Adding Work Note to Lifecycle Log
To export the Lifecycle Log: 1. In the left pane, click Lifecycle Log. 2. In the right pane, click Export Lifecycle Log. 3. Select either USB Drive or Network Share. 4. If you select the Network Share option, click Test Network Connection to verify if Lifecycle Controller is able to connect to the I...
Page 27 - Firmware Update; Download Methods
5 Firmware Update Using Lifecycle Controller, the system can be updated using the repositories accessible through FTP or located on a locally-attached USB flash drive, DVD, or network share. Use the Firmware Update wizard to: • View the current versions of the installed applications and firmware. • ...
Page 28 - Version Compatibility
NOTE: If the FTP server or network share is used for updates, configure the network card using Settings wizard before accessing the updates. Table 2. Firmware Update Methods Location FTP Methods • Non-proxy (Internal, or Service Provider) • Proxy (Internal, or Service Provider) Media Local Drive • S...
Page 29 - Selecting Type of Update And Update Source
4. Specify the details. 5. To verify if Lifecycle Controller is able to connect to the IP address that is provided, click Test Network Connection. By default, it pings the Gateway IP, DNS server IP, host IP, and proxy IP (if provided). NOTE: Lifecycle Controller cannot ping to the domain name and do...
Page 33 - Firmware Rollback
For CIFS For NFS example, login-name@myDomain, and if there is no domain, type only the login name. For example, login-name. Password — Password to authenticate the user name. NA Catalog Location or Update package path — Name of the DUP of the location or sub-directory, where the catalog is stored. ...
Page 34 - Rolling Back to Previous Firmware Versions
NOTE: After a rollback, the current and previous version displayed are same. • The Dell Diagnostics, OS driver packs, CPLD, and Lifecycle Controller firmware cannot be rolled back to earlier versions. • The earlier version is available only if the component firmware is updated at least once to a dif...
Page 37 - Configure; System Control Panel Access Options; Controlling Access to Front Panel
6 Configure Lifecycle Controller provides various system configuration wizards. Use the configuration wizards to configure system devices. The Configuration Wizards has: • System Configuration Wizards — This includes LCD Panel Security, iDRAC Settings, System Date and Time Configuration, and vFlash ...
Page 38 - Configuring iDRAC; Configuring System Time And Date
Configuring iDRAC To configure iDRAC parameters applicable to the system, such as LAN, common IP settings, IPv4, IPv6, Virtual Media, and LAN user configuration use the iDRAC Settings wizard. NOTE: You can also use the System Setup utility during startup for configuring iDRAC. For more information a...
Page 39 - Configuring vFlash SD Card; Enabling or Disabling vFlash; Configuring RAID
Configuring vFlash SD Card Use the licensed feature to enable or disable the vFlash SD card, check the health and properties, and initialize the vFlash SD card. Lifecycle Controller support vFlash SD cards of sizes 1 GB, 2 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB. NOTE: The options under vFlash SD card are grayed...
Page 40 - Viewing Current RAID Configuration
NOTE: If there are any internal storage controller cards on the system, all other external cards cannot be configured. If there are no internal cards, then external cards can be configured. To configure RAID: 1. In the left pane, click Hardware Configuration. 2. In the right pane, click Configuratio...
Page 42 - Selecting Physical Disks
Minimum Disk Requirement for Different RAID Levels Table 4. : RAID Level and Number of Disks RAID Level Minimum Number of Disks 0 1* 1 2 5 3 6 4 10 4 50 6 60 8 * For S110 RAID controller, a minimum of 2 disks are required. Selecting Physical Disks Use the Select Physical Disks screen to select the p...
Page 43 - Viewing Summary; Configuring RAID Using Software RAID
– Read Ahead — The controller reads sequential sectors of the virtual drives when seeking data. The Read Ahead policy may improve system performance if the data is written to sequential sectors of the virtual drives. – No Read Ahead — The controller does not use the Read Ahead policy. The No Read Ah...
Page 44 - Creating a Secure Virtual Disk on Series 8 Controller
• Non-RAID disk — A single disk drive without any RAID properties. Needs initialization to apply RAID levels. • RAID-ready disk — The disk drive is initialized and a RAID level can be applied. NOTE: Linux and VMware operating systems cannot be installed by using Software RAID controller (S110). To c...
Page 45 - Key Encryption; Applying the Local Key On RAID Controller; Local Key Encryption Mode
6. From the Encryption Capability drop-down menu, select Self-encryption.The self-encryption disks (SEDs) are displayed. 7. Select the SEDs and specify the properties, and then click Next.The Virtual Disk Attributes page is displayed. 8. Select the virtual disk parameters, select the Secure Virtual ...
Page 46 - Encrypting Unsecure Virtual Disks; Rekey Controller With New Local Key
NOTE: For more information on the specification and configuration-related information for the PERC H710, H710P, and H810 controllers, see the PERC H710, H710P, and H810 Technical Guidebooks. • Encrypt unsecure virtual disks — Enable data encryption on all the security-capable, unsecure virtual drive...
Page 47 - Removing Encryption and Deleting Data; Breaking Mirrored Drives
7. In the New Passphrase text box, enter the passphrase that will be associated with the new encryption key identifier Related Links Local Key Encryption Mode Removing Encryption and Deleting Data To remove the encryption and delete the data on the virtual disks: 1. In the left pane, click Hardware ...
Page 49 - Modifying Device Settings; Collect System Inventory on Restart; Updating Server Inventory Information
* Emulex LPm16002 Dual Port FC16 HBA Mezzanine • H310 Adapter • H310 Mini Monolithic • H310 Mini Blades • H310 Embedded • H710 Adapter • H710 Mini Blades • H710 Mini Monolithic • H710P Adapter • H710P Mini Blades • H710P Mini Monolithic • H810 Adapter • PCIe Adapter • PCIe Backplane Integrated Broad...
Page 50 - Configuring Local FTP Server; FTP Authentication
3. Click Collect System Inventory on Restart. 4. Under Collect System Inventory on Restart, click Enabled,and then click Finish.The system inventory is updated after the next restart. Configuring Local FTP Server If your organization’s users are on a private network that does not have access to exte...
Page 51 - Accessing Updates on a Local FTP Server; Configuring Local USB Drive
Accessing Updates on a Local FTP Server As a user, you must know the IP address of the local FTP server to specify the online repository when using the OS Deployment and Firmware Update.If you are accessing the local FTP server through a proxy server, you require the following information about the ...
Page 53 - Maintain; Platform Restore; About Backup Image
7 Maintain Using Lifecycle Controller, you can maintain the health a system throughout its lifecycle by using the features such as Part Replacement Configuration and Platform Restore. Platform Restore Lifecycle Controller allows you to create a copy of the server's profile on the vFlash SD card atta...
Page 55 - Backup Server Profile; Back Up Server Profile
Component Firmware Configuration Security Information* Enclosure NA NA NA * The security information refers to the user credentials that are used to access the components. Backup Server Profile Use this licensed feature to do the following and store the backup image files in a vFlash SD card: • Back...
Page 56 - System or Feature Behavior During Backup; Export Server Profile; Exporting Server Profile to USB Drive or Network Share
System or Feature Behavior During Backup • Lifecycle Controller is disabled. • A partition with a label name SRVCNF is automatically created on the vFlash SD card to store the backup image file. If a partition with the label name SRVCNF already exists, it is overwritten. • Takes up to 45 minutes dep...
Page 57 - Import Server Profile
Import Server Profile Use this feature to apply a backup to the system from which it was taken previously, and restore the system hardware and firmware configuration according to the information stored in the backup image file. For more information about the supported components, see Supported Compo...
Page 59 - Importing Server Profile After Motherboard Replacement
• Restores everything that was backed up, including Lifecycle controller content. • Import may take up to 45 minutes depending on the server configuration. • Diagnostics or driver pack information is not restored. • If extra restarts occur during tasks executed in Lifecycle Controller, it is because...
Page 60 - Part Replacement Configuration; Applying Firmware and Configuration to Replaced Parts
Part Replacement Configuration Use this feature to automatically update a new part to the firmware version or the configuration of the replaced part, or both. The update occurs automatically when you reboot your system after replacing the part. It is activated through a license, and can be disabled ...
Page 61 - Lifecycle Controller Repair; Repairing Lifecycle Controller; Delete Configuration and Reset Defaults; Deleting Configuration and Resetting Defaults
• Power Supply Units Lifecycle Controller Repair During Power-On Self-Test (POST), if the system displays the message Lifecycle Controller update required , the embedded device that stores Lifecycle Controller may contain corrupt data. To resolve this issue, see the Repairing Lifecycle Controller . ...
Page 62 - Hardware Diagnostics; Performing Hardware Diagnostics
CAUTION: This feature resets the iDRAC to factory defaults, and deletes all iDRAC user credentials, IP address configuration settings, and encryption certificates. It also deletes all the Lifecycle Controller contents such as lifecycle logs that contain the history of all the change events, firmware...
Page 63 - Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions; Error Messages
8 Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions This section describes the error messages commonly generated by Lifecycle Controller and provides suggestions for resolving the errors. It also answers questions that are frequently asked by Lifecycle Controller users. Error Messages Each error messag...
Page 69 - Using The System Setup And Boot Manager; Choosing The System Boot Mode
11 Using The System Setup And Boot Manager System Setup enables you to manage your system hardware and specify BIOS-level options.The following keystrokes provide access to system features during startup: Keystroke Description <F2> Enters the System Setup. <F10> Enters System Services, w...
Page 70 - Entering System Setup; Responding To Error Messages; System Setup Options
mode. Thereafter, you must boot the system in the same boot mode (BIOS or UEFI) to access the installed operating system. Trying to boot the operating system from the other boot mode will cause the system to halt at startup. NOTE: Operating systems must be UEFI-compatible to be installed from the UE...
Page 75 - Integrated Devices Screen
Menu Item Description BIOS Boot Settings Allows you to enable or disable BIOS Boot options. NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is BIOS. UEFI Boot Settings Allows you to enable or disable UEFI Boot options. NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is UEFI. One-Time Boot Allo...
Page 77 - System Security Screen
Menu Item Description Memory Frequency Allows you to set the memory frequency. By default, the Memory Frequency option is set to Maximum Performance. Turbo Boost Allows you to enable or disable the processor to operate in turbo boost mode. By default, the Turbo Boost option is set to Enabled. C1E Al...
Page 78 - Miscellaneous Settings
Menu Item Description TPM Activation Allows you to change the operational state of the TPM. By default, the TPM Activation option is set to No Change. TPM Status Displays the TPM status. TPM Clear CAUTION: Clearing the TPM results in loss of all keys in the TPM. The loss of TPM keys may affect booti...
Page 79 - System And Setup Password Features; Assigning A System And/Or Setup Password
Menu Item Description In-System Characterization This field enables or disables In-System Characterization. By default, In-System Characterization is set to Enabled. System And Setup Password Features You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your system. To enable creation of ...
Page 80 - Deleting Or Changing An Existing System And/Or Setup Password; Using Your System Password To Secure Your System
A message prompts you to re-enter the setup password. 8. Re-enter the setup password that you entered earlier and click OK. 9. Press <Esc> to return to the System BIOS screen. Press <Esc> again, and a message prompts you to save the changes. NOTE: Password protection does not take effect...
Page 81 - Operating With A Setup Password Enabled; Entering The UEFI Boot Manager; Using The Boot Manager Navigation Keys
Operating With A Setup Password Enabled If Setup Password is Enabled, enter the correct setup password before modifying most of the System Setup options.If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system displays the message Invalid Password! Number of unsuccessful password attem...
Page 82 - Embedded System Management
Key Description <Esc> Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing <Esc> in the main screen exits the Boot Manager and proceeds with system boot. <F1> Displays the System Setup help file. NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded bu...
Page 83 - iDRAC Settings Utility; Entering The iDRAC Settings Utility
iDRAC Settings Utility The iDRAC Settings utility is an interface to setup and configure the iDRAC parameters using UEFI. You can enable or disable various iDRAC parameters using the iDRAC Settings Utility. NOTE: Accessing some of the features on the iDRAC Settings Utility requires the iDRAC7 Enterp...
