Data Domain: How to configure iDRAC on DD3300

This article details the steps to setup and configures DD3300 iDRAC access during initial system configuration and deployment.

By default, the configuration of the iDRAC port is set to IP: 192.168.0.120

• User: root
• Password: PSNT serial number on the Tag on the appliance (Ref: Data Domain: How to find the Service Tag and Serial Number)

Compelling reasons iDRAC should be configured and accessible:

• Administrators may require the default iDRAC for power-on/power-off functionality
• Technicians require iDRAC functionality to troubleshoot 'system down' events, determine underlying HW failures or for system diagnostics.

iDRAC access methods

• Once configured, the iDRAC Web UI can be accessed over a Supported Web Browser (IE recommended) to view HW Components Statuses and various system information.
• A Remote or Virtual KVM Console Session can be initiated from within the iDRAC Web UI, allowing view and interaction during the POST and Boot cycle of the system.

How to Edit the default iDRAC settings:

1. Power off the DD3300 unit
   From DD-CLI (SSH):

   #system poweroff

2. Establish a Serial Connection to the DD3300 using a Null-Modem cable (KVM ports on front and rear are disabled)
3. Press the power button on the front of the DD unit to power it ON.
4. Press F2 when prompted with "F2 = System Setup" option; then following Menu will be presented:
5. If prompted, enter the configured setup password to continue. If you do not have the correct setup password you will be blocked from access to iDRAC and BIOS setup.
   Select "iDRAC Settings"
   NOTE: Lifecycle Controller is NOT Support on this DD Platform. Do not select the "F10 = Lifecycle Controller" option as it does not allow the user to set the iDRAC port settings, and once the "Lifecycle Controller" is initiated, it will continually boot into "Lifecycle Controller" mode until the entire setup menu is completed. The only way to exit the "Lifecycle Controller" when this happens, is to CTRL + E, or power cycle the appliance.
   

6. Select "Network" from the Main iDRAC Menu
   

7. Scroll down through the various network options until "IPV4 SETTINGS" section is reached
8. Press Enter on your keyboard. A field entry box opens. Use Ctrl + H to remove the current text
   NOTE: The text may not show in the field as you remove it or enter it.
9. Add the IP address, then press Enter and confirm that the address is correct.

10. Repeat this process for the Gateway and Subnet Mask addresses accordingly.
    

11. Once the required settings are entered, press ESC to move back through the menu's
12. Press ESC until you are presented with the option to save the changes

13. Select 'Yes'
    

14. The system will go to reboot, and the iDRAC IP address will be applied to the system
15. Access the iDRAC Web UI by pointing a browser to the configured IP address

• iDRAC is operational and accessible even if the operating system does not boot, so can be used to troubleshoot 'system down' type events or for remote power on/off.
• Log collection (TSR Log), System power on/off and HW Status are the only DD supported features for iDRAC at this stage.
• Alternatively, if serial port access is not available, it is possible to directly connect a laptop to the default iDRAC IP, then enter iDRAC UI and browse to the settings menu where the default settings can be changed.

If there is a lost or forgotten setup password, this can be reset by powering off the appliance and moving the jumpers to the correct pins.

'Setup' password reset procedure:
This procedure is also documented in the platform owners manual under Disabling forgotten password:

• Open top cover
• Remove midmounted disk carrier
• Facing the appliance from the front
• Look ~ 2cm. to the rear of CPU2 marking on the motherboard
• There are two black jumpers (very small)
• The one toward the rear of the appliance is labeled PWRD_EN. This is the one you must modify to reset the setup PW.
• By default, PWRD_EN is on the left two pins 2&4
• Move it to pins 4&6
• Power on the appliance and boot it up fully
• Power the appliance back off gracefully
• Swap the jumper back to original pins 2&4
• Boot the system and enter BIOS without setup pw requirement.
• Admin can choose to reset the setup password to a known pw if the wish

Reference:
Reset BIOS & iDRAC password on DD3300 (Login may be required)