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

The Virtual Media function allows the remote usage of software image files (ISO-files), which can be used for installing operating systems or updating servers. This article provides information on using the Virtual Media function of the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 6, 7, 8 and 9.

The benefits of using the Virtual Media function are as follows:

• Update all server firmware using the matching bootable image (ISO-file) for your server from this article.
• Install an Operating System on your server directly from the ISO. Read this article for more information.
• View video output from the server and use the local mouse and keyboard as if you were in the same room.

If you want to find more detailed information about this and other functions available through the Enterprise iDRAC please proceed to the iDRAC manuals.

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Select your iDRAC version

• iDRAC9
• iDRAC7 & iDRAC8 (starting from 1.30.30)
• iDRAC6 & iDRAC7 (up to 1.20.20)

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iDRAC9

Please follow the directions below to use the virtual media function on iDRAC9:

1. Obtain the IP address and Login details of the iDRAC of the server you wish to attach virtual media to.
   If your iDRAC has not previously been used it must first be configured. You can find how to do this here.
2. Login in to the iDRAC using the IP on your preferred browser
3. Click Launch Virtual Console from iDRAC web interface.
   
   
   Figure 1: iDRAC9 GUI - Launch Virtual Console
    
4. Click Connect Virtual Media for activating the function (Fig. 2)
   
   Figure 2: iDRAC9 GUI - Connect Virtual Media
    
5. Click on Virtual Media and browse to the device you want to pass through. In this example, we choose Map CD/DVD for the usage of an image (ISO-file).
6. Browse to the ISO location, choose the ISO and click Map Device.
   
   
   Figure 3: iDRAC9 Virtual Media GUI
    
7. Click Boot
8. Choose Virtual CD/DVD/ISO
   
   
   Figure 4: iDRAC9 Boot Controls
9. Confirm the boot action by clicking Yes
   
   
   Figure 5: iDRAC9 Boot Controls
    
10. The system will reboot and shows "Virtual CD boot Requested by iDRAC". The installation interface will then be displayed.
    
    
    Figure 6: iDRAC9 Hardware Boot Screen

 

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iDRAC7 (> 1.30.30 ) and iDRAC8

Please follow the directions below to use the virtual media function on iDRAC8 and iDRAC7:

Example with Map CD/DVD
Example with Map Removable Disk (USB key mapping)

• Please follow system prompts as normal.
• Once you have finished the installation we recommend disconnecting virtual media.

   

  1. Open the Virtual Console from iDRAC web interface. Click on Virtual Media and choose Connect Virtual Media for activating the function.
     
     Figure 7: iDRAC8 Connect Virtual Media

Example with Map CD/DVD

1. ​Click on Virtual Media and select the device you want to pass through. In this example, we choose Map CD/DVD for the usage of an image (ISO-file).
   
   Figure 8: iDRAC8 Select Media
    
2. Select the drive of the local system or the image file you want to pass through by clicking on Browse.
   
   Figure 9: iDRAC8 Select source
    
3. If you want to pass through an image, select the file and click on Open.
   
   Figure 10: iDRAC8 Select file
    
4. 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.
   
   Figure 11: iDRAC8 Mapping the source device
    
5. For booting from the selected device you can click on Next Boot and choose Virtual CD/DVD/ISO. After a restart, the server will start from this source automatically.
   
   Figure 12: iDRAC8 Next Boot selection
   
   Example with USB key mapping

Mapping a Removable Disk allows to mount a USB key on the remote server and use the files.

1. Click on Virtual Media and select the device you want to pass through. In this example, we choose Map Removable Disk
   
   Figure 13: iDRAC8 Select Media
    
2. Select the drive of the local USB key and press Map Device
   
   Figure 14: iDRAC8 Select USB Drive

Once the USB drive is virtually mapped, the drive will appear in the server's device list.

Figure 15: iDRAC8 Server Device List
 

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Dell EMC

Dell Technologies 2021