Collect logs on PowerEdge servers for advanced troubleshooting

If you have an issue, we recommend that you gather system logs to expedite the support process before contacting Dell Support. If you have logs available to send to the support agent, they can review them and quickly analyze the issue, which is the fastest possible resolution for your issue.

This article explains some of the key log gathering tools available, including SupportAssist Enterprise, the most comprehensive log gathering tool for your Dell PowerEdge system.

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When is which tool useful?

The following table shows which tool can be used to obtain valid information about a specific issue source.

Tools	Hard drive	Memory	CPU	Operating system	Blade Enclosures
iDRAC Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Export PERC logs using software tools.	Yes	No	No	No	No
Management Module	Shared Storage Only	No	No	No	Yes

 

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Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller - iDRAC

The Dell iDRAC is integrated with most Dell PowerEdge servers. It does not require an installed operating system or hypervisor to function. You can access iDRAC using a web browser on the same network by using the IP address of the iDRAC (set up iDRAC ). For advanced troubleshooting, it is recommended to check the information provided, such as the status of the firmware and the System Event Log (SEL).

• All Systems: No operating system required, which does not require downtime to gather logs.
• Benefit: Physical controllers enable remote system management and system monitoring.
• Updates: http://www.dell.com/support/contents/article/Product-Support/Self-support-Knowledgebase/enterprise-resource-center/SystemsManagement/idrac
• Set up iDRAC

Related Articles:

• Server Event Log (SEL) export via iDRAC
• Export SupportAssist Collection (previously TSR) via iDRAC 7/8 (PowerEdge 12G/13G)
• Export SupportAssist Collection using iDRAC 9 (PowerEdge 14G)

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Export PERC logs using software tools

An alternative to extract RAID controller logs for advanced analytics is to provide software tools such as the PERCCLI or Mega-CLI utilities for older controllers.

• PercCLI:
  • Works on Windows, Linux, and VMware
  • Supported by PERC Series 8 and newer product families
  • No reboot required

  Related Articles:

  • How to use the PERCCLI utility to manage your RAID controller

 

• Mega CLI:
  • Works on Windows, Linux, XenServer, and VMware ESX/ESXi
  • Supported by PERC Series 5, 6, 7 and 8 families and LSI based RAID controllers
  • No reboot required
    Note: Mega-CLI is a third-party product.

  Related Articles:

  • Extracting the RAID controller logs via Mega-CLI

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Management Module
Dell EMC PowerEdge MX7000 has a management module that provides chassis management. The Management Module supports high availability using a redundant module. An integral function of the management firmware is to maintain a detailed log of events from managed devices and software events in the management firmware. Firmware logs collected from Management Module components that can be used for troubleshooting are grouped as extract logs.
 

• All Systems: No operating system required, which does not require downtime to gather logs.
• Benefit: The physical controller provides remote system management of the entire blade chassis and system monitoring.
• Guide: https://www.dell.com/support/home/product-support/product/poweredge-mx7000/docs

Retrieving logs from management module logs 


 

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