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Connect ISO File to Server Using RACADM

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By Jonas Werner
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Connect ISO File to Server Using RACADM

Mounting ISO Files with RACADM

Introduction

When using VNC to connect to a Dell server’s iDRAC, you lose the ability to map ISO files that’s available in the Java-based viewer. Fortunately, RACADM provides a command-line solution for mounting ISO files, allowing you to avoid Oracle’s Java with its frequent updates and security concerns.

This guide demonstrates how to use RACADM commands to mount an ISO file to a Dell server through the iDRAC interface.

Prerequisites

  • RACADM installed on your management workstation
  • Network access to the iDRAC interface
  • iDRAC administrator credentials
  • ISO file accessible via a network share

Step 1: Check Virtual Media Status

First, check the current status of the virtual media:

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racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin remoteimage -s

Example output when no image is mounted:

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Remote File Share is Disabled
UserName
Password
ShareName

Step 2: Mount the ISO Image

Mount an ISO file from a network share:

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racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin remoteimage -c -u user@domain.local -p demo -l //192.168.0.121/ISO/MSDN/Win2012R2-JP-EVAL.ISO

Example output:

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Remote Image is now Configured

Parameter Explanation

  • -r 192.168.0.120: iDRAC IP address
  • -u root -p calvin: iDRAC credentials
  • remoteimage -c: Command to connect a remote image
  • -u user@domain.local -p demo: Network share credentials
  • -l //192.168.0.121/ISO/MSDN/Win2012R2-JP-EVAL.ISO: Path to the ISO file

Step 3: Verify the Connection

Confirm that the ISO image is properly connected:

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racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin remoteimage -s

Example output:

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Remote File Share is Enabled
UserName
Password
ShareName //192.168.0.121/ISO/MSDN/Win2012R2-JP-EVAL.ISO

Step 4: Disconnect the ISO Image

When you’re finished using the ISO, disconnect it:

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racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin remoteimage -d

Example output:

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Disable Remote File Started. Please check status using -s
option to know Remote File Share is ENABLED or DISABLED.

Additional RACADM Virtual Media Commands

Boot from Virtual Media

To boot from the connected virtual media:

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# Set next boot to virtual CD
racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin config -g cfgServerInfo -o cfgServerFirstBootDevice VCD-DVD

# Reboot the server
racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin serveraction powercycle

Check Virtual Media Status with More Detail

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racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin get iDRAC.VirtualMedia

Using Local ISO Files

If you have the ISO file on your local system where RACADM is installed:

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racadm -r 192.168.0.120 -u root -p calvin remoteimage -c -u localuser -p localpassword -l C:\path\to\your\image.iso

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues:

  1. Network Share Access: Ensure the network share is accessible and the credentials are correct
  2. Path Format: Use the correct path format (UNC for Windows shares)
  3. iDRAC Firmware: Update to the latest iDRAC firmware if you experience compatibility issues
  4. License Level: Verify your iDRAC license supports virtual media functionality
Racadm, Tech
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.