Virtual CD boot option is not working in Poweredge R240

Question

Hi to all,

Attaching an iso file as a virtual cd on virtual console works after the OS starts up. I can see the content of the virtual cd in Linux. But I cannot boot the server from virtual cd. Also virtual cd boot option is not displayed in the bios settings. I updated all firmware in the lifecycle controller except Broadcom ethernet controller.

iDRAC Firmware Version: 6.10.30.00

Bios version: 2.12.2

I used the following things to fix the issue:

1. I updated almost all of the firmware.

2. I rebooted idrac several times. I also used full cycle power.

3. I used "map cd/dvd" option to connect a iso file. In the configuration>Virtual media page, the connection status indicated that it was connected.

4. I used "map external device" option to connect a bootable usb device. I could see its content in the OS but I couldn't boot using it.

Is there any way to fix this? I cannot access the server physically since it is far away from where I live.

Dell-Martin S · Answer

Hi, please try to boot from USB instead. What Linux do you use?   Do you have any further questions?   Regards Martin

tugay · Answer

I wish I could do that. Server is not at a place where I can reach easily. So for now my only option is to boot it from a virtual media. I'm using Linux Mint 20.

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello tugay,

First I want to note that Dell does not support Linux Mint 20, so if anyone in the community has used that OS on the R240 they are welcome to share their experience.

Your PowerEdge R240 supports these operating systems:

https://dell.to/3KXH2rV

Is your ISO confirmed bootable?

You may check the BIOS and try BIOS boot mode or UEFI boot mode.

See if this can help you in booting from Virtual Media:

Using Virtual Media in iDRAC9

https://dell.to/3STDBV9

tugay · Answer

Hi Charles,

Sorry for the confusion. Linux Mint 20 is already installed on the server. I tried to boot the server using these iso files: Centos Stream 9, Ubuntu Server 22.04 and Windows Server 2019. I can see their content when I mounted them on Linux Mint 20. However, I cannot boot the server using them. I also followed the exact steps mentioned in the video. Thanks.

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello tugay,

I see you can see the content of the ISO's. Have you verified you can boot them on some other system?

In the BIOS:

Did you try UEFI boot mode?

Then try BIOS boot mode?

Check in the BIOS for Boot order and put your Boot device first in the boot order.

tugay · Answer

Hi Charles, I can boot them on another system without any problem. I tried both UEFI and BIOS boot modes, but neither of them displayed the virtual media boot option. Thanks for your help.

tugay · Answer

Hi Charles,

I think I followed the suggested steps exactly as it is. Here are the steps I followed:

1. I mounted the virtual media from the virtual console's menu bar.

2. I checked whether it is properly mounted. Moreover, the connection status in the idrac settings indicates that it is connected.

3. I selected Virtual CD/DVD/ISO from Next Boot Option.

4. I rebooted Linux Mint 20.

5. "Virtual CD Boot Requested by IDRAC" text appeared during the initialization.

6. However the server booted from sata without any error message printed.

As far as I understand the boot options in the bios settings should also display virtual cd as an option. But this doesn't happen. It behaves as if virtual media isn't attached during the startup.

DELL-Charles R · Answer

Hello tugay,

Are you mounting the virtual media first and then checking for Next Boot Option? On the Virtual Console Menu Bar.

Does it give some error or failure or is it just taking a long time?

Please take a review of these documents:

Using the Virtual Media function on iDRAC6, iDRAC7, iDRAC8 and iDRAC9

https://dell.to/3ZhL9Du

How to launch the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) virtual console

https://dell.to/41MhFiI

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hello what is your idrac license? Is that idrac Enterprise?

tugay · Answer

Yes, it is Idrac Enterprise.

tugay · Answer

I already tried that. Its behavior didn't change.

Dell-Martin S · Answer

Hi,   please check if changing the 'boot mode' helps.   Regards Martin

PowerEdge Hardware General

Virtual CD boot option is not working in Poweredge R240

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