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Installing and Setting Up the DRAC 4

Dell™ Remote Access Controller 4 Firmware Version 1.30 User's Guide

This chapter provides information about how to install and setup your DRAC 4 hardware and software.

What You Need to Get Started

Gather the following items that came with your system prior to installing and configuring the DRAC 4 software.

• DRAC 4 hardware (already installed or in the optional kit)
  
  
• The instructions for installing DRAC 4 in this chapter
  
  
• Dell PowerEdge Installation and Server Management CD
  
  
• Dell Systems Management Consoles CD
  
  
• Dell PowerEdge Documentation CD
  
  

Installing the DRAC 4 Hardware

NOTE: The DRAC 4 connection emulates a USB keyboard connection. As a result, when you restart the system, the system will not notify you if your keyboard is not attached.

The DRAC 4 may be preinstalled on your system, or available separately in a kit. To get started with the DRAC 4 that is already installed on your system, see "Software Installation and Configuration Overview."

If a DRAC 4 is not installed on your system, see the Installing a Remote Access Card document that came with your DRAC 4 kit or see your platform Installation and Troubleshooting Guide for hardware installation instructions before proceeding.

NOTE: The removal of expansion cards, such as the DRAC 4, is documented in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide that came with your system.

Software Installation and Configuration Overview

This section provides a high-level overview of the DRAC 4 software installation and configuration process for the DRAC 4. All configuration steps can be performed using the Web-based interface, racadm CLI, or Serial/Telnet console. Network configuration can also be performed using operating system utilities (Option ROM).

For more information about the DRAC 4 software components, see "Installing the Software on the Managed System."

To install your DRAC 4 software, perform the following steps in their numbered order:

1. Update the system BIOS.
   
   
2. Install the software on the managed system. See "Installing the Software on the Managed System."
   
   
3. Install the software on the management station. See "Installing the Software on the Management Station."
   
   

To configure your DRAC 4 software, perform the following steps in their numbered order. All configuration steps can be performed using the Web-based interface, racadm CLI, or Serial/Telnet console. Network configuration can also be performed using operating system utilities (Option ROM).

NOTICE: Unexpected results may occur if you use more than one of the following configuration methods simultaneously: Web-based interface, racadm CLI, or Option ROM.

NOTE: For basic information about using the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system, see "DRAC 4 Software Basics for Red Hat Enterprise Linux."

1. Configure the DRAC 4 network settings. See "Configuring the DRAC 4 Network Settings."
   
   
2. Add and configure DRAC 4 users. See "Adding and Configuring DRAC 4 Users."
   
   
3. Configure the Web browser to connect to the Web-based interface. See "Configuring a Supported Web Browser."
   
   
4. Install the Sun Java plug-in. See "Installing the Sun Java Plug-In."
   
   

NOTE: The Sun Java plug-in is only required if you are using the Console Redirection feature.

5. Disable the Windows Automatic Reboot Option. See "Disabling the Windows Automatic Reboot Option."
   
   
6. Update the DRAC 4 Firmware. See "Updating the DRAC 4 Firmware."
   
   
7. Access the DRAC 4 through a network. See "Accessing the DRAC 4 Through a Network."
   
   

Installing the Software on the Managed System

Installing software on the managed system is optional. Without managed system software, you will lose the ability to use the racadm CLI locally, and for the system to capture the last crash screen.

To install the managed system software, install the software on the managed system using the Dell Systems Management Consoles CD. For instructions about how to install this software, see your Quick Installation Guide or Server Administrator User's Guide.

Managed system software will install your choices from the following components on the managed system: the appropriate version of Server Administrator and the appropriate DRAC 4 agent or only the DRAC 4 agent.

NOTE: Do not install the DRAC 4 management station software and the DRAC 4 managed system software on the same system.

Depending on the operating system, the DRAC 4 agent consists of either Microsoft Windows services, Novell NLMs, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux agents. The DRAC 4 agent automatically starts when you boot the managed system. If you install only the DRAC 4 agent, you will not have the ability to view the system's last crash screen or use the Watchdog feature. For more information about the last crash screen, see "Viewing the Last System Crash Screen." For more information about the Watchdog feature, see "System Information."

Configuring the Managed System to Capture the Last Crash Screen

Before the DRAC 4 can capture the last crash screen, you must configure the managed system with the following prerequisites.

1. Install the managed system software. For more information about installing the managed system software, see the Server Administrator User's Guide.
   
   
2. Run a supported Microsoft Windows operating system with the Windows "automatically reboot" feature deselected in the Windows Startup and Recovery Settings.
   
   
3. Enable the watchdog timer and set the watchdog recovery action to Reset, Power Off, or Power Cycle. To configure the watchdog timer, you must use Server Administrator or IT Assistant. For information about how to configure the watchdog timer, see the Server Administrator User's Guide or the IT Assistant User's Guide. To ensure that the last crash screen can be captured, the watchdog timer must be set to 30 seconds or greater. The default setting is 480 seconds or 8 minutes.
   
   

The last crash screen is not available when the Watchdog recovery action is set to Shutdown or Power Cycle if the managed system is powered off.

Disabling the Windows Automatic Reboot Option

To ensure that the DRAC 4 Web-based interface last crash screen feature works properly, you must disable the Automatic Reboot option on managed systems running the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Server operating systems.

Disabling the Automatic Reboot Option in Windows Server 2003

1. Click the Start button and select Settings → Control Panel → System → System Properties.
   
   
2. Click the Advanced tab.
   
   
3. Under Startup and Recovery, click Settings.
   
   
4. Deselect the Automatically Reboot check box.
   
   

Disabling the Automatic Reboot Option in Windows 2000 Server

1. Click the Start button and select Settings → Control Panel → System → System Properties.
   
   
2. Click the Advanced tab.
   
   
3. Click the Startup and Recovery... button.
   
   
4. Deselect the Automatically Reboot check box.
   
   

Installing the Software on the Management Station

Install the software, including Server Administrator, on the management station using the Dell Systems Management Consoles CD.

For instructions about installing Server Administrator software, see your Server Administrator User's Guide.

Installing the racadm CLI on a Red Hat Enterprise Linux Management Station

You must install the racadm CLI on a management station running Red Hat Enterprise Linux so that the remote racadm functions can be used.

NOTE: The racadm CLI utility is installed automatically for all other supported operating systems when you install the Dell Systems Management Consoles CD.

To install the racadm CLI utility, insert the Dell Systems Management Consoles CD in the management station's CD drive and type the following commands from a command prompt:

mount /mnt/cdrom

cd /mnt/cdrom

rpm -ivh linux/rac/*.rpm

For help with the racadm command, type the man racadm or racadm help command after issuing the previous commands. For more information about the racadm CLI, see "Using the serial and racadm Commands."

Uninstalling the racadm CLI on a Red Hat Enterprise Linux Management Station

You can uninstall the racadm CLI by issuing the following command from a command prompt:

- rpm -e racadm

Configuring a Supported Web Browser

The following sections provide instructions for configuring the supported Web browsers. For a list of supported Web browsers, see "Supported Web Browsers."

Configuring Internet Explorer to Connect to the Web-Based Interface

If you are connecting to the DRAC 4 Web-based interface from a management station that connects to the Internet through a proxy server, you need to configure the Web browser to connect properly.

1. From the Internet Explorer main window, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.
   
   
2. From the Internet Options window, click the Connections tab.
   
   
3. Under Local Area Network (LAN) settings, click LAN Settings.
   
   
4. If the Use a proxy server box is selected, select the Bypass proxy server for local addresses box.
   
   
5. Click OK twice.
   
   

Viewing Localized Versions of the Web-Based Interface

When using Internet Explorer on systems running Microsoft Windows to view localized versions of the DRAC 4 Web-based interface, do the following:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel and double-click the Regional Options icon.
   
   
2. Select the desired locale from the Your locale (location) drop-down menu.
   
   

Installing the Sun Java Plug-In

All browsers must have the supported Sun Java plug-in 1.4.2 or later installed to use the DRAC 4 Console Redirection feature.

Installing the Sun Java Plug-In to Use Console Redirection

Prior to using Console Redirection, you must install the supported Sun Java plug-in and also clear and disable the Java cache from the Java plug-in control panel on Windows systems.

To install the Sun java plug-in, go to http:\\java.sun.com, download JRE 1.4.2 or later, and follow the instructions on screen.

To clear the Java cache on a Windows operating system, perform the following steps:

1. Click Settings → Control Panel → Java Plug-in Control Panel.
   
   
2. Click the Cache tab.
   
   
3. Click Clear.
   
   
4. Deselect the Enable Caching check box to disable cache.
   
   
5. Click Apply.
   
   
6. Close and restart the browser.
   
   

Installing the Sun Java Plug-In to Use Mozilla

NOTE: For a list of the latest supported Java Virtual Machine (JVM) plug-ins, see the racread.txt file on your Dell Systems Management Consoles CD or at the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

You must install the Java plug-in 1.4.2 or later to use the DRAC 4 Virtual KVM feature with the Mozilla Web browser. Perform the following steps to install JRE:

1. Launch the installation script by using the following commands from the directory in which the script is located:
   
   

chmod a+x j2re-1_4_<version number>-linux-i586-rpm.bin

./j2re-1_4_<version number>-linux-i586-rpm.bin

The script displays a binary license agreement, which you are prompted to accept before continuing the installation. After you have accepted the license agreement, the installation script creates the file j2re-1_4_<version number>-linux-i586.rpm in the current directory.

2. To become the root user, type the su command and type the power-user password.
   
   
3. Run the following rpm command to install the packages. This command installs the packages comprising the Java 2 Runtime Environment (J2RE):
   
   

rpm -iv j2re-1_4<version number>-linux-i586.rpm

Only one Java plug-in can be registered at a time. If you have never registered a Java plug-in, go to the next step; otherwise, go to step 5.

Most Mozilla installations use symbolic links to where the Java plug-in is located. The name of the symbolic link is libjavaplugin_oji.so, which is in the /plugins subdirectory of Mozilla.

For example:

cd /usr/lib/mozilla<version number>/plugins

rm libjavaplugin_oji.so

4. Register the Java plug-in.
   
   

Locate the libjavaplugin_oji.so file in the j2re1.4<version number> directory. Usually it is located in the /i386/ns600 or /i386/ns610 subdirectory. Use the create a symbolic link feature in Mozilla that points to the libjavaplugin_oji.so file in the /i386/ns610 subdirectory.

For example:

cd <Mozilla>/plugins

ln s j2re1.4<version number>/plugin/i386/ns610/libjavaplugin_oji.so libjavaplugin_oji.so

NOTE: Create the link using the /plugins subdirectory of Mozilla. You cannot create the link from <JRE> directory.

5. Start Mozilla and go to Tools → Web Development → Java Console.
   
   

The version of JRE is displayed at the top of the Java Console window. If the version that is shown is not the same as the one you downloaded, then registration did not work. The same is true if the Java Console menu option is grayed out.

Configuring DRAC 4 Properties

You can configure all of the DRAC 4 properties (network, users, alerts, etc.) using the Web-based interface, or racadm CLI.

For more information about how to use the Web-based interface, see "Accessing the Web-Based Interface." For more information about how to use the racadm CLI through a serial or telnet see "Using the serial and racadm Commands."

Configuring the DRAC 4 Network Settings

NOTICE: Changing your DRAC 4 Network settings may disconnect your current network connection.

Configure the DRAC 4 network settings using one of the following tools:

• Option ROM — See "Configuring the DRAC 4 Network Settings Using the Option ROM."
  
  
• Web-based Interface — See "Configuring the DRAC 4 NIC."
  
  
• racadm CLI — See "cfgLanNetworking."
  
  

NOTE: If you are deploying the DRAC 4 in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment, see "Installing the racadm CLI on a Red Hat Enterprise Linux Management Station."

Configuring the DRAC 4 Network Settings Using the Option ROM

The DRAC 4 contains an integrated NIC that has a default address of 192.168.0.120 and a default gateway of 192.168.0.1. Perform the following steps to use the DRAC 4 IDE Option ROM utility to configure these settings and a limited number of additional DRAC 4 network settings.

1. To access the DRAC 4 IDE Option ROM utility during the managed system's boot, press <Ctrl><d> within 5 seconds of the time the DRAC 4 banner, firmware version, and current NIC IP address are displayed.
   
   

The Setup screen appears. Below the screen title is the Network Interface Properties menu.

2. Use Table 2-1 to select and change the DRAC 4 NIC properties. Make changes by typing one- key-stroke menu selections. The menu selections are not case sensitive.
   
   

Virtual Media settings are on page two. Use the <Page Up> and <Page Down> keys to move between the two pages.

NOTE: When modifying any of the following options, you can press <Esc> while typing the value to avoid modifying the current value. If you press <Option Edit> and it toggles a setting (changes the setting between only two possible values), press <Option Edit> again to change the value back to the original setting. Pressing <Esc> will not undo a modification after you type a new value. Toggle options are not affected when you press <Esc>.

Table 2-1. DRAC 4 IDE Option ROM Utility Properties 

3. After you have made the changes you want, you can press <r> to save the changes and reboot the DRAC 4, or you can press <Esc> to cancel all changes and exit the setup menu. If you decide to save your changes, the following message appears:
   
   

IMPORTANT: In order for your changes to take effect, they need to be saved. Your computer will then continue booting normally.

Would you like to save the changes and continue now(<Y> or <N>)?

Or if Virtual Media settings have changed, the following message appears:

IMPORTANT: In order for your changes to take effect, they need
to be saved. For Virtual Media settings to take effect, a reboot is required.

Would you like to save the changes and reboot now (<Y> or <N>)?

4. Press <Y> to save the changes or <N> to return to the setup menu.
   
   

NOTE: When the DRAC 4 registers with the DNS server, it adds an extra line with a long string of characters. This TXT entry in the database is an encrypted string that is used to uniquely identify the owner of the DDNS entry and to serialize update operations. The TXT entry is associated with the RAC DDNS name.

NOTE: The DRAC 4 DDNS implementation requires that DNS servers be configured to allow non-secure updates.

Adding and Configuring DRAC 4 Users

Add and configure DRAC 4 users using one of the following tools:

• Web-based interface — See "Adding and Configuring DRAC 4 Users."
  
  
• racadm CLI — See "cfgUserAdmin."
  
  

Adding and Configuring SNMP Alerts

NOTE: DRAC 4 Alert information in Management Information Base (MIB) format can be found in the rac_host MIB.

Add and configure SNMP alerts using one of the following tools:

• Web-based Interface — See "Adding and Configuring SNMP Alerts."
  
  
• racadm CLI — See "cfgTraps."
  
  

Updating the DRAC 4 Firmware

NOTICE: Updating your DRAC 4 firmware may disconnect your current network connection.

Use one of the following methods to update your DRAC 4 firmware.

NOTE: You must add and configure a DRAC 4 user before using the Web-based interface, racadm CLI, or Serial/Telnet consoles to update your firmware.

• Web-based Interface — See "Updating the DRAC 4 Firmware."
  
  
• racadm CLI — See "fwupdate."
  
  
• Repair utility (diskette-based update): This update restores all DRAC 4 configurations back to factory defaults. Go to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com, download the appropriate DRAC 4 firmware image file, and follow the instructions to create two diskettes. Insert the first diskette into the system to be updated and follow the instructions on the screen.
  
  

NOTICE: The Repair utility is only supported when used locally.

After you perform a firmware upgrade, perform the following instructions to clear the Web browser cache to ensure that all new Web-based interface pages are loaded.

Clearing the Web Browser Cache With Internet Explorer

1. From the drop-down menu, select Tools → Internet Options.
   
   
2. In the Internet Options window under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files.
   
   
3. Click the Delete all offline content box.
   
   
4. Click OK twice.
   
   
5. Close and restart the browser.
   
   

Clearing the Web Browser Cache With Mozilla

1. From the drop-down menu, select Edit Preferences.
   
   
2. In the Preferences window, select Advance → Cache.
   
   
3. Click Clear Disk Cache.
   
   
4. Click Clear Memory Cache.
   
   
5. Click OK.
   
   
6. Close and restart the browser.
   
   

Accessing the DRAC 4 Through a Network

This section provides information about how to access the DRAC 4 after the hardware is installed and the software is configured.

After you configure the DRAC 4, you can remotely access the managed system using one of four remote access interfaces. Table 2-2 describes each of the DRAC 4 interfaces.

Table 2-2. DRAC 4 Interfaces 

NOTE: The DRAC 4 default user name is root and the default password is calvin.

You can access the DRAC 4 Web-based interface through the DRAC 4 NIC by using a supported Web browser, or through Server Administrator or IT Assistant.

To access the DRAC 4 using a supported Web browser, type the IP address of the DRAC 4. Log in with your DRAC 4 user name and password (the default user name and password are root and calvin respectively). For more information about using the DRAC 4 remote access interface, see the remote access interface online help.

To access the DRAC 4 remote access interface using Server Administrator, first launch Server Administrator. From the system tree on the left pane of the Server Administrator home page, click System→ Main System Chassis→ Remote Access Controller. For more information about using Server Administrator remote access features, see your Server Administrator User's Guide.

For information about accessing the DRAC 4 using the racadm CLI, see "Using the serial and racadm Commands."

DRAC 4 Software Basics for Red Hat Enterprise Linux

The DRAC 4 is supported on precompiled kernels that are a part of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux distribution. The DRAC 4 is not supported on recompiled kernels with other configuration options (for example, kernels configured for performance-tuning purposes).

NOTICE: Red Hat Enterprise Linux may fail to load when started on recompiled kernels. If this situation occurs, you must either restore the kernel and modules from backup, or you must reinstall the kernel from the Red Hat Package Manager (RPM).

The following list describes basic software information for using a DRAC 4 with the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system:

• To verify that the DRAC 4 event server for the managed system is loaded, type the following command:
  
  

service racsvc status

• To start, stop, get status of, restart, or reload the racsrvc service, type the following command:
  
  

service racsvc <action>

where <action> is start, stop, status, or probe.

• For additional information on one of the three DRAC 4 services, type the following command:
  
  

man racsvc

NOTE: All three services (racser, racsrvc, and racvnc) start automatically when they are installed and when the system is booted. These services stop automatically when they are uninstalled or when the system is shut down.

• To determine which version of a particular RPM package you have installed, use a package management tool such as GnoRPM, or use the RPM query command (rpm -q).
  For example:
  
  

rpm -q <package_name>

• To determine which files were installed and where they are located, type the following command:
  
  

rpm -ql <package_name>

• To remove a package, type the following command:
  
  

rpm -e <package_name>

Additional Information

Removing the DRAC 4

The removal of expansion cards, such as the DRAC 4, is documented in the Installation and Troubleshooting Guide that came with your system.

Removing DRAC 4-Related Applications and Drivers

You must uninstall Server Administrator to remove the RAC module that was installed with Server Administrator. Use Add or Remove Programs to uninstall Server Administrator.

You must also remove the RAC drivers from all locations in your device manager. To do so, go to Control Panel and click System → Hardware → Device Manager.

For each of the following drivers, select the device, and then click Action→ Uninstall.

• Remote Access Controller — RAC Virtual UART Port
  
  
• System Devices — RAC PCI Function 0
  
  
• System Devices — RAC PCI Function 2
  
  

In addition, review all Active Directory RAC Objects associated with the removed DRAC 4 expansion card to ensure proper security.

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