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

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.

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

• iDRAC9
• iDRAC8 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.30.30 and later)
• iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 (firmware versions 1.00.00 to 1.20.20)

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.

2. Log in to the iDRAC using the IP on your preferred browser.
3. Click Launch Virtual Console from the iDRAC web interface.

Figure 1: iDRAC9 UI - Launch Virtual Console.

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

Figure 2: iDRAC9 UI - Connect Virtual Media.

5. 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).
6. Browse to the ISO location, choose the ISO then click Map Device.

Figure 3: iDRAC9 - Virtual Media UI

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

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.

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).

Figure 8: iDRAC8 - Select Media

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

Figure 9: iDRAC8 - Select source.

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

Figure 10: Select iDRAC8 file.

4. 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.

Figure 11: iDRAC8 Mapping the source device

5. 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.

Figure 12: iDRAC8 Next Boot Selection.

Map a Removable Disk (USB Key Mapping)

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.

Figure 13: iDRAC8 Select Media

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

Figure 14: iDRAC8 Select USB Drive

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

Figure 16: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Virtual Console

2. Click Virtual Media and choose Launch Virtual Media.

Figure 17: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Launch Virtual Media

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

Figure 18: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Management Window

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

Figure 19: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Image file selection.

5. 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.

Figure 20: iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 Mapping the image file

iDRAC6 and iDRAC7 video: