Using the Virtual Media Function on iDRAC6, iDRAC7, iDRAC8 and iDRAC9
This shows how to use the virtual media for Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 6, 7, 8, or 9.
Summary:This shows how to use the virtual media for Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 6, 7, 8, or 9.
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Article Content
Symptoms
The virtual media function allows the remote usage of software image files (ISO files). ISO files can be used for installing operating systems or updating servers. This article provides information about using the virtual media function of the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Benefits of using the virtual media function are:
Updating all server firmware using the matching bootable image (ISO file) for your server.
Log in to the iDRAC using the IP on your preferred browser.
Click Launch Virtual Console from the iDRAC web interface.
Figure 1: iDRAC9 UI - Launch Virtual Console
Click Connect Virtual Media for activating the function (Figure 2).
Figure 2: iDRAC9 UI - Connect Virtual Media
Click on Virtual Media and browse to the device you want to pass through. In this example image (Figure 3), Map CD/DVD is chosen for the usage of an image (ISO file).
Browse to the ISO location, choose the ISO and then click Map Device.
Figure 3: iDRAC9 Virtual Media UI
Click Boot.
Choose Virtual CD/DVD/ISO.
Figure 4: iDRAC9 Boot Controls
Confirm the boot action by clicking Yes.
Figure 5: iDRAC9 Boot Controls
The system reboots and shows Virtual CD boot Requested by iDRAC. The installation interface is then displayed.
Figure 6: iDRAC9 Hardware Boot Screen
iDRAC8 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.30.30 and later)
Follow these directions to use the virtual media function on iDRAC8 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.30.30 and later):
Follow the system prompts as normal.
Once you have finished the installation, Dell Technologies recommends disconnecting the virtual media.
Open the Virtual Console from the iDRAC web interface. Click on Virtual Media and then choose Connect Virtual Media for activating the function.
Click on Virtual Media and then select the device that you want to pass through. In this example, Map CD/DVD is selected for the usage of an image (ISO file).
Figure8: iDRAC8 Select Media
Select the drive of the local system or the image file that you want to pass through by clicking on Browse.
Figure9: iDRAC8 Select source
If you want to pass through an image, select the file and click on Open.
Figure10: iDRAC8 Select file
Click on Map Device for finishing the source selection. The selected device is now visible in the operating system and can be used as boot source if supported.
Figure11: iDRAC8 Mapping the source device
For booting from the selected device, you can click on Next Boot and choose Virtual CD/DVD/ISO. After a restart, the server starts from this source automatically.
Figure 12: iDRAC8 Next Boot Selection
Map a Removable Disk (USB Key Mapping)
Note: USB drive mapping requires the use of Java connection mode.
Mapping a Removable Disk allows you to mount a USB drive on the remote server and use the files.
Click on Virtual Media and select the device that you want to pass through. In the example image (Figure 13), Map Removable Disk is chosen.
Figure 13: iDRAC8 Select Media
Select the drive of the local USB drive and then select Map Device.
Figure 14: iDRAC8 Select USB Drive
Once the USB drive is mapped, the drive appears in the server's device list.
Figure 15: iDRAC8 Server Device List
iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.00.00 to 1.20.20)
Follow these directions to use the virtual media function on an iDRAC6 or iDRAC7 (firmware version 1.00.00 to 1.20.20):
Open the Virtual Console from the iDRAC web interface.
Figure 16: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Virtual Console
Click on Virtual Media and choose Launch Virtual Media.
Figure 17: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Launch Virtual Media
Now you see the management window. Click on Add Image to open the image selection window.
Figure 18: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Management Window
Select the image (ISO file) that you want to use as virtual media and then click Open.
Figure 19: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Image file selection
Check the Mapped checkbox to associate the selected file as a virtual device and pass it through to the server. The selected device is now visible in the operating system and can be used as boot source if supported. Restart the server and press F11 to enter the boot manager.
Figure 20: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Mapping the image file
Warning: Do not close the management window as long as you want to use the file and device association.
iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 video:
How to use the iDRAC Virtual Media Function
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