IDRAC7 Express - Options for remotely installing Windows

Question

Hello, I have a couple Dell R720s with the default IDRAC express license. Remote OS install is supposedly a feature of IDRAC express, but not sure how I would be able to install Windows on the server without the remote console option that IDRAC enterprise would give me. I do have a PXE server in my environment to serve up the windows image.

I have searched for this information, but cant find the answer. Can someone tell me how realistic it is to be able to remotely install Windows on my R720s using IDRAC7 express? Any pointers?

Thanks!

DELL-Geoff P · Answer

Here is a link for a downloadable PDF on the subject: http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/extras/m/white_papers/20065812.aspx You can do a remote OS install using the iDRAC7 express.   Regards,

cerpika · Answer

Thanks Geoff! I've read that previously, and although it says I *can* do remote install, I am having a hard time finding out how I can install Windows onto the server without the remote virtual console.

Thanks again!

DELL-Jeff M · Answer

The documentation can be a bit misleading on this topic. The iDRAC 7 Express either as an option or add-on card gives the Lifecycle Controller a driver database to use for an OS preinstall setup. The iDRAC 7 Express on a Blade server (PowerEdge M*20 series) includes the Virtual Console and Virtual Media features that would be necessary to do a remote installation of Windows on a server, but those two features are not included in the iDRAC 7 Express on your R720. I suggest downloading and installing a trial iDRAC 7 Enterprise license to see the difference.

If you are going to be managing the server remotely I highly recommend having the iDRAC 7 Enterprise, it has quite a few features that can save you a trip to the datacenter in a pinch.

steven_zessin_D · Answer

Hello,

Here is some information about booting into an OS remotely (which uses winRM commands from windows or WSMAN commands from linux).

Best Practice Guide: [SEE SECTIONS 4.3, 4.4]

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/extras/m/white_papers/20066173.aspx

Various white papers:

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/systems-management/w/wiki/4317.white-papers-for-idrac7-with-lifecycle-controller-2.aspx

High Level: http://www.delltechcenter.com/lc

Hope this helps,

steve

Systems Management General

IDRAC7 Express - Options for remotely installing Windows

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