No USB Mouse or Keyboard using OM_50_ISM_A01 Boot CD with KVM and PE2950

Question

I am unable to use the Dell Boot CD OM_50_ISM_A01 to set up a PE 2950 using a Avocent DSR 8035 kvm.

Video works fine, but the USB mouse and keyboard do not work. In DSview I can see the cursor but it does not move.

If I install the OS without the Dell boot cd the mouse and keyboard work fine through the KVM.

I can also use the Dell CD if I directly attach a mouse and keyboard to the Server.

As the site is over 100 miles away I need to install the 50 systems remotely, so I don't have to drive to replace mice and cd's for each install.

I suspect it is either a bad USB driver or X not initializing the driver properly.

Has anyone else run into this issue or talked with someone at Dell that is working on a resolution?

Scott

Mark_A_Smith · Answer

I would think that the better solution would be to install DRAC cards in the servers.  Since these systems are going to be remote you could utilize the out of band management of the DRAC and the virtual media would solve any CD issues that you may have.

Mark_A_Smith · Answer

I don't think that there is any real chance that Dell will modify the OM CD for this type of issue.  Why not just load from OS CD?

s33butler · Answer

A valid point, but I would need twice as many network ports, IP Addresses, and DNS names to enable DRAC. At 50 systems I was trying to avoid that with the digital KVM by "killing several birds with one stone" figuratively.

I did talk with Avocent support, the maker of the kvm, and they are aware of the problem and told me to contact dell support. They said it was due to the stripped down Linux kernel only loading USB 1 drivers when the KVM dongles require USB 2.

Dell said they would give me a call back Tues or Wed on how they plan to proceed.

Scott

s33butler · Answer

Well, that is currently my only option for remote installs, I believe my purchasing department might have tried to save a buck or two and left the DRAC cards off.

As far as the OS CD, the Dell CD shortens the OS install time considerably with the configuration and drivers ready to go. Almost all of these systems are different, with several different cards installed.

It is a nuisance, and I don’t see why Dell wouldn’t be able to fix a USB driver on the CD. The purpose of the post is to see if anyone else had similar issues, perhaps with other KVM’s or other Servers. Obviously I can’t wait for Dell to fix the CD, but it never hurts to ask while I use the other install methods.

Scott

Mark_A_Smith · Answer

Gotcha. A better solution for you might be NLite - www.nliteos.com. This is a slipstream application that can do a TON more. You can use the utility to modify your OS CD and add drivers, remove apps, add hotfixes, add service packs, etc,etc,etc. And it is Free!

I use this thing quite a bit to make quick custom OS images. Great tool!

curtisrmi · Answer

I have the same problem using Raritan remote KVM and PS/2 to USB adapters. I knew I should have stayed away from a system with only USB ports for keyboard access because of problems like this. My issue, when installing Linux is that I do not have keyboard access at the "Select keyboard map" screen. RARELY I can sneak past this by bringing up the KVMs OSD, which triggers something and my keystrokes get through. After doing this, I am able to use the keyboard fine until I need to reboot. I have also noticed that when using the diagnostic utilities on the utility partition that my mouse only moves vertically in the middle of the screen, regardless of how far I move the mouse side to side.

I have a number of Poweredge machines that have operated fine for years with my KVM. The DRACs that I have used were more trouble than they were worth. In either case, telling people to spend an additional $250 in order to have a server with keyboard access that works properly is not reasonable.

curtisrmi · Answer

I just got off the phone with Dell support and was told that Dell servers do not support remote installation and that even if there is a problem with the chipset they are not going to look into the issue further unless it is manifest in non-installation scenarios.

s33butler · Answer

They told me the same thing, but that didn't stop me...   I had the issue semi-escalated and was informed the issue may be resolved in the January 2007 release of the OpenManage CD.  Not that 4 months is great turn around time, but at least they are willing to fix the issue.   I am also haveing a problem imaging the 2950s with the new multipurpose broadcom nics, none of the imaging software likes the new driver.   Scott

curtisrmi · Answer

Not surprising... It's frustrating to spend tens of thousands of dollars on these systems to have some jerk tell me their 'enterprise class' hardware doesn't support the use of external KVM switches. Who do they think they are making these machines for?

osssi · Answer

I have more or less similar problem with PE1950/2950 and Windows Server 2003. The servers came preinstalled, but mouse doesn't work when connected to PS/2 KVM switch via PS/2->USB adapter.

My KVM equipment is Belkin.

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=pes_other&message.id=16764

Regards,
Alex

osssi · Answer

BTW, Dell has issued OM 5.1. Would it help you? Regards, Alex

s33butler · Answer

So far nothing *production* has worked, the slow down is that Dell has a rigorous testing program so even though the 5.1 disc was released 10/4/2006 the contents were written 8/11/2006 before my posting or support call.

So far these do not work...

5.0_ISM_A00.ISO - 6/12/2006

OM_50_ISM_A01.ISO - 8/9/2006

OM_5.1_ISM_A00.ISO Build 13199 - 10/4/2006

**** But Dell also sent me a beta DSA 8.9.0 build 13906 disc, and the mouse and keyboard work remotely, I will test locally on my next trip, but it should also work.

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me,

Scott

curtisrmi · Answer

Are you able to access the keyboard during POST and while the system is booting? The main reason this is an issue for me is that if I have a problem with a server, I need to be able to login remotely with access to the bios.

osssi · Answer

Yes, keyboard functions during POST - I can enter SETUP, for example.

s33butler · Answer

osssi, does a regular USB Keyboard / Mouse work directly connected to the server? Or does a Regualr PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse work connected to the server using the PS2/~USB Dongle?   Scott

PowerEdge Hardware General

No USB Mouse or Keyboard using OM_50_ISM_A01 Boot CD with KVM and PE2950

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