iDRAC Virtual Console Troubleshooting

This training video covers the basics of troubleshooting iDRAC Virtual Console issues.

Link to the Dell Technologies YouTube channel video:
iDRAC Virtual Console Troubleshooting

Scenario One: Port 5900 or Cannot access Virtual Console

• Open up the browser and go to https://iDRAC_ip:5900
• It should present a white screen telling you there is a certificate on that port
   

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• If you do not get this screen port 5900 is being blocked and it’s a network/firewall issue

• We can test from a system in the same subnet to try and prove it further.

• The DRAC can be cycled using racadm racreset

Scenario Two – Plugins 

• On launch does a pop-up for certificate validation
•   Steps to Perform:
• Timeout on the certificate pop-up is short – latency on environment can impact
• If using Internet Explorer, iDRAC cannot be in the Compatibility View Settings
• Try different browser or clear cache since it's all browser side

• Ensure Java is installed
• Check installed Java version for compatibility – iDRAC6 only supports Java 8 u121 and older
• Try HTML5 to confirm it's a Java Plugin issue
• Add iDRAC to the Exception Site List in Control Panel > Java > Security
• In some cases Java is blocked by GPO

Plugin 3: ActiveX

Process: Installs an actual plug-in for Internet Explorer to use in that browser only
 
Troubleshooting:

• Ensure ActiveX isn't blocked by GPO/Browser
• Delete the ActiveX plug-in from IE by click on Tools > Manage Add-Ons. Should be under Toolbars and Extensions

• Now relaunch ActiveX

• Since it is both a pop-up and a download it is the most commonly blocked plug-in

Scenario Three – iDRAC Configuration

In the iDRAC user interface, under Configuration > Virtual Console, ensure it is Enabled and configured as you expect

Scenario 4: Keyboard/Mouse redirection is failing

• In the iDRAC user interface, under Configuration > Virtual Console, ensure Keyboard/Mouse Attach State is set to Auto-Attach
• In some cases switch it off then back on again to regain functionality. 
• Does keyboard/mouse redirection work during POST? If yes, then we're talking an operating system issue, most likely driver related.
• Does a physical keyboard/mouse work? If no it's a hardware issue.
• If a physical keyboard works, but Virtual Console keyboard/mouse redirection does not work in POST or operating system, run racadm racresetcfg to rebuild it from scratch