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PowerEdge: How to use the Virtual Media Function on iDRAC6, iDRAC7, iDRAC8, and iDRAC9

Summary: This article shows how to use and setup the virtual media function of Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 6, 7, 8, or 9.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

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

Benefits of using the virtual media function are:

  • Updating all server firmware using the matching bootable image (ISO file) for your server.
  • Installing an operating system on your server directly from the ISO. Read How to Install the Operating System on a Dell PowerEdge Server for more information.
  • Viewing video output from the server and using 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, reference the iDRAC manuals.

 
Note: An Enterprise or greater license (iDRAC7, iDRAC8 and iDRAC9) or Enterprise module (iDRAC6) is required to access this function.
 
Note: With iDRAC7 firmware version 1.30.30, the interface changed from old (iDRAC6 style) to new (iDRAC8 style)

The instructions differ depending on the iDRAC model used. Click on the iDRAC that is in use for more information.

iDRAC9

Follow these directions to use the virtual media function on an iDRAC9:

  1. Obtain the IP address and login details of the iDRAC of the server that you want to attach virtual media to.
Note: If your iDRAC has not previously been used, it must first be configured. For more information about configuring the iDRAC, reference How to configure the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 9 (iDRAC9) with Lifecycle Controller network settings?
 
  1. Log in to the iDRAC using the IP on your preferred browser.
  2. Click Launch Virtual Console from the iDRAC web interface.

iDRAC9 UI - Launch Virtual Console

Figure 1: iDRAC9 UI - Launch Virtual Console.

  1. Click Connect Virtual Media to activate the function (Figure 2).

iDRAC9 UI - Connect Virtual Media

Figure 2: iDRAC9 UI - Connect Virtual Media.

  1. Click Virtual Media and browse to the device you want to pass through. In this example image (Figure 3), Map CD/DVD is chosen for the usage of an image (ISO file).
  2. Browse to the ISO location, choose the ISO then click Map Device.

iDRAC9 Virtual Media UI

Figure 3: iDRAC9 - Virtual Media UI

  1. Click Boot.
  2. Choose Virtual CD/DVD/ISO.

iDRAC9 Boot Controls

Figure 4: iDRAC9 - Boot Controls.

  1. Confirm the boot action by clicking Yes.

iDRAC9 Boot Controls

Figure 5: iDRAC9 - Boot Controls.

  1. The system reboots and shows Virtual CD boot Requested by iDRAC. The installation interface is then displayed.

iDRAC9 Hardware Boot Screen

Figure 6: iDRAC9 - Hardware Boot Screen.

iDRAC8 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.30.30 and later)

Follow these directions to use the virtual media function on iDRAC8 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.30.30 and later):

  • Follow the system prompts as normal.
  • Once you have finished the installation, Dell Technologies recommends disconnecting the virtual media.
  1. Open the Virtual Console from the iDRAC web interface. Click Virtual Media and then choose Connect Virtual Media to activate the function.

iDRAC8 Connect Virtual Media

Figure 7: iDRAC8 - Connect Virtual Media.


The next steps differ depending on whether you want to Map a CD/DVD or Map a Removable Disk (USB Key Mapping). Click the appropriate option for more information.
 

Map a CD/DVD.

  1. Click Virtual Media and then select the device that you want to pass through. In this example, Map CD/DVD is selected for the usage of an image (ISO file).

iDRAC8 Select Media

Figure 8: iDRAC8 - Select Media

  1. Select the drive of the local system or the image file that you want to pass through by clicking Browse.

iDRAC8 Select source

Figure 9: iDRAC8 - Select source.

  1. If you want to pass through an image, select the file and click Open.

iDRAC8 Select file

Figure 10: Select iDRAC8 file.

  1. Click Map Device to finish the source selection. The selected device is now visible in the operating system and can be used as boot source if supported.

iDRAC8 Mapping the source device

Figure 11: iDRAC8 Mapping the source device

  1. For booting from the selected device, you can click Next Boot and choose Virtual CD/DVD/ISO. After a restart, the server starts from this source automatically.

iDRAC8 Next Boot selection

Figure 12: iDRAC8 Next Boot Selection.

Map a Removable Disk (USB Key Mapping)

 
Note: USB drive mapping requires the use of Java connection mode.
 

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

  1. Click Virtual Media and select the device that you want to pass through. In the example image (Figure 13), Map Removable Disk is chosen.

iDRAC8 Select Media

Figure 13: iDRAC8 Select Media

  1. Select the drive of the local USB drive and then select Map Device.

iDRAC8 Select USB Drive

Figure 14: iDRAC8 Select USB Drive

Once the USB drive is mapped, the drive appears in the server's device list.

iDRAC8 Server Device List

Figure 15: iDRAC8 Server Device List

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.00.00 to 1.20.20)

Follow these directions to use the virtual media function on an iDRAC6 or iDRAC7 (firmware version 1.00.00 to 1.20.20):

  1. Open the Virtual Console from the iDRAC web interface.

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Virtual Console

Figure 16: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Virtual Console

  1. Click Virtual Media and choose Launch Virtual Media.

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Launch Virtual Media

Figure 17: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Launch Virtual Media

  1. Now you see the management window. Click Add Image to open the image selection window.

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Management Window

Figure 18: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Management Window

  1. Select the image (ISO file) that you want to use as virtual media and then click Open.

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Image file selection

Figure 19: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Image file selection.

  1. Check the Mapped checkbox to associate the selected file as a virtual device and pass it through to the server. The selected device is now visible in the operating system and can be used as boot source if supported. Restart the server and press F11 to enter the boot manager.

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Mapping the image file

Figure 20: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Mapping the image file

Caution: Do not close the management window for if you want to use the file and device association.

 

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 video:

How to use the iDRAC Virtual Media Function:

Duration: 00:00:54 (hh:mm:ss)
Closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the CC icon on this video player.

Affected Products

iDRAC6, iDRAC7, iDRAC8, iDRAC9, PowerEdge XR2, Poweredge FC430, Poweredge FC630, PowerEdge FC640, Poweredge FC830, PowerEdge FD332, PowerEdge FM120x4 (for PE FX2/FX2s), PowerEdge M620, PowerEdge M620 (for PE VRTX), PowerEdge M630 , PowerEdge M630 (for PE VRTX), PowerEdge M640, PowerEdge M640 (for PE VRTX), PowerEdge M820, PowerEdge M820 (for PE VRTX), PowerEdge M830, PowerEdge M830 (for PE VRTX), PowerEdge MX740C, PowerEdge MX750c, PowerEdge MX760c, PowerEdge MX840C, PowerEdge R210, PowerEdge R210 II, PowerEdge R220, PowerEdge R230, PowerEdge R240, PowerEdge R250, PowerEdge R260, PowerEdge R310, PowerEdge R320, PowerEdge R330, PowerEdge R340, PowerEdge R350, PowerEdge R360, PowerEdge R420, PowerEdge R420XR, PowerEdge R430, PowerEdge R440, PowerEdge R450, PowerEdge R520, PowerEdge R530, PowerEdge R530xd, PowerEdge R540, PowerEdge R550, PowerEdge R620, PowerEdge R630, PowerEdge R640, PowerEdge R6415, PowerEdge R650, PowerEdge R650xs, PowerEdge R6515, PowerEdge R6525, PowerEdge R660, PowerEdge R660xs, PowerEdge R6615, PowerEdge R6625, PowerEdge R670, PowerEdge R720, PowerEdge R720XD, PowerEdge R730, PowerEdge R730xd, PowerEdge R740, PowerEdge R740XD, PowerEdge R740XD2, PowerEdge R7415, PowerEdge R7425, PowerEdge R750, PowerEdge R750XA, PowerEdge R750xs, PowerEdge R7515, PowerEdge R7525, PowerEdge R760, PowerEdge R760XA, PowerEdge R760xd2, PowerEdge R760xs, PowerEdge R7615, PowerEdge R7625, PowerEdge R770, PowerEdge R820, PowerEdge R830, PowerEdge R840, PowerEdge R860, PowerEdge R920, PowerEdge R930, PowerEdge R940, PowerEdge R940xa, PowerEdge R960, PowerEdge T130, PowerEdge T140, PowerEdge T150, PowerEdge T160, PowerEdge T320, PowerEdge T330, PowerEdge T340, PowerEdge T350, PowerEdge T360, PowerEdge T420, PowerEdge T430, PowerEdge T440, PowerEdge T550, PowerEdge T560, PowerEdge T620, PowerEdge T630, PowerEdge T640, PowerEdge XE2420, PowerEdge XE7420, PowerEdge XE7440, PowerEdge XE8545, PowerEdge XE8640, PowerEdge XE9640, PowerEdge XE9680, PowerEdge XR11, PowerEdge XR12, PowerEdge XR4510c, PowerEdge XR4520c, PowerEdge XR5610, PowerEdge XR7620, PowerEdge XR8610t, PowerEdge XR8620t ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000124001
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 28 Oct 2024
Version:  13
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