PowerEdge: How to Launch the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) Virtual Console

The iDRAC's virtual console manages a remote system using the keyboard, video, and mouse of the management station to control the corresponding devices on a managed server. This is a licensed feature for rack and tower servers. It is available by default in blade servers. Contact Sales team if you require an upgrade iDRAC License or to download an iDRAC Trial license from iDRAC, CMC, OpenManage Enterprise, OpenManage Integration with Microsoft Windows Admin Center, OpenManage Integration with ServiceNow, and DPAT Trial Licenses to enable the iDRAC virtual console for a 30-day evaluation.

Table of Contents:

• Launching the iDRAC virtual console using web interface
• Launching the iDRAC virtual console using a URL
• Using the iDRAC virtual console viewer

Before you use the iDRAC virtual console, the iDRAC must be configured with an IP address to access from your management system. For additional information, review the iDRAC User's Guide for the specific iDRAC and firmware version as the steps vary by generation. Reference iDRAC Documentation.

Launching the iDRAC virtual console using web interface

Log in to the iDRAC's web interface from a management system using a supported web browser. Log in using the iDRAC username and the iDRAC password. For more information about the iDRAC password, reference What is the default username and password for Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC)?

For the iDRAC9 virtual console:

• From the iDRAC9 Dashboard (home page), click Launch Virtual Console.

Figure 1: iDRAC9 dashboard

• From the iDRAC9 Configuration menu, select Virtual Console and then click Launch Virtual Console.

For the iDRAC8 and iDRAC7 virtual console:

• Go to Overview, then Server, and then Virtual Console. The Virtual Console page is displayed. Click Launch Virtual Console. The Virtual Console Viewer is launched.
• Go to Overview, then Server, and then Properties. The System Summary page is displayed. Under the Virtual Console Preview section, click Launch. The Virtual Console Viewer is launched.

Figure 2: iDRAC8 or iDRAC7 System Summary

Launching the iDRAC virtual console using a URL

1. Open a supported web browser and in the address box, type the following URL using lowercase: https://[iDRAC_IP]/console

2. Log in using the iDRAC username and password

Using the iDRAC virtual console viewer

The Virtual Console Viewer provides various controls. These include mouse synchronization, virtual console scaling, chat options, keyboard macros, power actions, next boot devices, and access to the Virtual Media function. For more information, reference Using the Virtual Media function on iDRAC6, iDRAC7, iDRAC8 and iDRAC9. Virtual media allows the managed server to access media devices on the management station or ISO CD/DVD images on a network share as if they were devices on the managed server. Use the Virtual Media feature to:

• Remotely access media that is connected to a remote system over the network
• Install applications
• Update drivers
• Install an operating system on the managed system

Figure 3: Virtual Media and Map CD/DVD

Figure 4: Next Boot and Virtual CD/DVD/ISO