Hi,

The issue you are facing with updating the iDRAC firmware on your Dell PowerEdge R730xl server is likely due to the large version gap between the current 2.21.21.21 and the target 2.30.30.30 version.Based on the information provided:

1. Attempting to update the iDRAC firmware directly through the iDRAC UI by uploading the .exe file results in the "RED004: The job cannot be run because of an unknown issue" error.1
2. Trying to update the firmware from the Windows OS installed on the host using the same .exe file also fails, with the error "The update failed to complete; you must restart your system and try again".
3. Uploading the .d7 firmware file directly through the iDRAC UI also results in the "RED004" error.

The recommended approach in this case is to perform a stepwise firmware update, rather than trying to jump directly to the latest version. This is because large version jumps can sometimes cause compatibility issues or other problems.The steps I would suggest are:

1. First, try updating the iDRAC firmware to the next available version, 2.25.25.25. This may be more likely to succeed than jumping all the way to 2.30.30.30.
2. If the update to 2.25.25.25 is successful, then you can attempt to update to 2.30.30.30.2
3. If you continue to encounter the "RED004" error, you may need to contact Dell support for further assistance. They may be able to provide guidance on resolving this specific issue.

The key is to take a gradual, stepwise approach to the firmware updates rather than trying to update directly to the latest version. This can help avoid compatibility problems and increase the chances of a successful update. Based on the search results provided, which describe the issues you are facing with the iDRAC firmware update.
The search results indicate that 2.30.30.30 is the next available version after 2.21.21.21, so this would be the logical next step after successfully updating to 2.25.25.25.

Do you have a link to the 2.25.25.25 version my searching only shows 2.30.30.30 as the next update after 2.21.21.21?

Hello I'm thinking it's because the higher version would absorb the features on the lower version so you won't get to see the lower version.
Respectfully,

Okay so the best option would be to update from 2.21.21.21 to 2.30.30.30 as that is the only available version?

If so still getting

Error: RED004: The job cannot be run because of an unknown issue.

i also tried to ssh and do "racadm racreset hard" and still same issue

Hello I found this older post for you.

https://dell.to/3Qj2EkA

Respectfully,

Ah yes I did find that thread. Followed all the steps include doing racadm racreset hard then attempting again. Seems like that initial poster is might require a mobo replacement 

Hi, 

I reviewed the issue and yes, if the errors continue after the troubleshooting steps, I would think that there is a hardware problem. It may seem irrelevant here, but I will suggest you to make a power drain. 

1. Power the server down.  
2. Disconnect server from all power cables, Network cables. 
3. Hold down the power button continuously for at least 10 seconds.  
4. Insert power cabless and network cables back to the system.  
5. Wait about 2 minutes before powering on the server for iDRAC to be refreshed.
6. Power the system on. 

Thanks!
Do you have a resource I can check that has a list of model numbers for compatible motherboards for a R730xd (LFF) with the 4 internal 3.5 inch expansion kit? I see on the system configurator model 599V5 is listed any other options I can use?

Hi,

You probably can seek for DPN# H21J3. It's probably the only 2 listed.