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Ability to automate PERC disk configuration?
I'm looking for a way to automate configuring of the internal disk array on an R710 or T710. We currently do this manually by intercepting the system boot sequence (in the IDRAC's Virtual Console (KVM) window) with a ctrl-R to enter the PERC H700 Integrated BIOS Configuration Utility. We then Create New VD, pick RAID level, select Physical Disks, etc., to set up our disk array. Since I need to change the configuration occasionally, I would like to be able to automate these steps. I found some info in a post to the Dell Enterprise Technology Center forum, but didn't get a response to my follow-up question there. The info was a pointer to the Dell Open Manage Deployment Tool Kit. Skimming the document, it sounds like it has a chance of letting me script up these actions. I didn't go through them in detail since it's going to take me a little more time to digest. But, if it's thought that this method will do what I need, I'll dig into it more deeply. I would also like to be able to script up the creation of boot entries in UEFI Boot Manager (from F11 during booting). Is disk setup and boot entry thought to be able to be made (almost single/few) push button? Thanks.
sshroot_23
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March 18th, 2019 04:00
Dell-DylanJ
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March 18th, 2019 14:00
Hey SSHroot,
There are a few ways you could go about this, some easier than others. A tool like OpenManage Essentials or OpenManage Enterprise is what we have for managing servers at scale, but if you specifically need to build a script, then writing a script leveraging racadm commands might be your next best option. There are numerous entries for various commands, but page 111 of the user guide is where they get started.
Guide: https://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/integrated-dell-remote-access-cntrllr-8-with-lifecycle-controller-v2.00.00.00_reference-guide_en-us.pdf
There are other options, like importing or exporting a server profile that may be better, depending on the end goal and starting point. If you can elaborate on what you're looking for, I'm happy to help locate something.
JMF IPC
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January 14th, 2020 07:00
Hi,
We process Dell R640 servers (for an example- S.T. 129FPX2) for our customers, manually performing the RAID BIOS configuration, setting a BIOS password for security, etc. We also configure the iDRAC per the customer requirements and harden.
My manager is inquired if there are time saving method that can be implemented to auto-configure the RAID BIOS. or perhaps it would it be a automated process that eliminates any variance by ensuring the steps are performed 100% properly 100% of the time, but not necessarily save any substantial time? Any suggested examples of time difference if any?
In either/both cases, what would be the most efficient method to implement this tool?
Please provide helpful videos or links if possible and examples of what would specifically need to be done? A procedure if that exists as an example if available?
I'm expecting that this might not be able to also auto-configure the iDRAC as the iDRAC might need to be utilized to auto-configure the RAID BIOS or if not, what steps to also do the iDRAC?
Thanks, John