PowerEdge: iDRAC Virtual Console Troubleshooting

This training video covers the basics of troubleshooting iDRAC Virtual Console issues.

How To Troubleshoot The iDRAC Virtual Console.

Duration: 00:06:35 (hh:mm:ss)
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Scenario One: Port 5900 or Cannot access the Virtual Console.

• Open up the browser and go to https://iDRAC_ip:5900
• It should present a white screen telling you there is a certificate on that port
  
• If you do not get this screen, port 5900 is being blocked, and it is a network or firewall issue.
• We can test from a system in the same subnet to try to prove it further.
• The DRAC can be cycled running the command: racadm racreset

Scenario Two - Plugins

• On launch does a message box appear for certificate validation.
• Timeout on the certificate message box is short - latency on the environment can impact.
• If using Internet Explorer, iDRAC cannot be in the Compatibility View Settings.
• Try a different browser or clear cache since it is all browser side.

• Ensure that Java is installed.
• Check the installed Java version for compatibility - iDRAC6 only supports Java 8 u121 and older.
• Try HTML5 to confirm it is a Java Plugin issue.
• Add iDRAC to the Exception Site List in the Control Panel > Java > Security.
• Sometimes, Java is blocked by a Group Policy Object.

Plugin 3: ActiveX Process: Installs a plug-in for Internet Explorer to use in that browser only.
Troubleshooting Steps:

• Ensure ActiveX is not blocked by GPO or Browser.
• Delete the ActiveX plug-in from IE by clicking Tools > Manage Add-ons > Toolbars and Extensions.

• Now relaunch ActiveX.
• Since it is both a message box and a download, it is the most commonly blocked plug-in.

Scenario Three - iDRAC Configuration

In the iDRAC user interface, under Configuration > Virtual Console, ensure it is Enabled and configured as you expect.

Scenario 4: Keyboard/Mouse redirection is failing.

Troubleshooting Steps:
iDRAC Configuration

• In the iDRAC user interface, under Configuration > Virtual Console, ensure Keyboard/Mouse Attach State is set to Auto-Attach.
• Sometimes switch it off then back on again to regain functionality. 
• Does keyboard/mouse redirection work during POST? If yes, then we are talking an operating system issue, most likely driver related.
• Does a physical keyboard/mouse work? If no it is a hardware issue
• If a physical keyboard works, but Virtual Console keyboard/mouse redirection does not work in POST or operating system, run racadm racresetcfg to rebuild it from scratch.