Dell PowerEdge Server Preparation¶
Complete procedure for preparing Dell PowerEdge R640/R740 series servers, including physical inspection, iDRAC configuration, firmware updates, and data sanitization.
Overview¶
This guide covers transitioning Dell PowerEdge rack servers from "Returned" to "Client-Ready" status, including: - Physical inspection - iDRAC9 configuration and factory reset - Firmware updates via Lifecycle Controller - Hardware diagnostics - Data sanitization (System Erase)
Prerequisites¶
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| iDRAC Access | Network or dedicated iDRAC port connection |
| Console | USB keyboard and VGA monitor for local access |
| USB Drive | Dell SUU (Server Update Utility) for firmware updates |
| Bezel Key | Security bezel key (if equipped) |
Default Credentials¶
| Interface | Username | Password |
|---|---|---|
| iDRAC9 | root | calvin (or shipping value) |
| BIOS | (none) | (none) |
| Lifecycle Controller | (uses iDRAC credentials) |
Shipping Value Password
Factory-shipped servers may have a random password on the pull-out tag. Check the system information tag on the front of the server.
Part 1: Physical Inspection¶
Chassis & Security¶
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Security Bezel | Verify present and key is taped/secured to unit |
| LCD Panel | Check for orange error codes or cracked display |
| Service Tag | Ensure sliding tab is intact and legible |
| Rail Ears | Check for bent or broken rack ears |
Internal Components¶
Air Shroud Required
Dell servers will halt on POST if the air shroud (cooling cowling) is missing - the intrusion switch detects this.
| Component | Check |
|---|---|
| Air Shroud | Blue touch-point shroud locked in place |
| PERC Battery | RAID battery clipped securely |
| NDC Card | Rear network daughter card seated properly |
| RAM | All DIMMs fully seated (blue latches closed) |
| PCIe Cards | Add-in cards secured with retention latches |
Part 2: iDRAC9 Configuration¶
Method A: Front Panel Reset (Quick)¶
- Locate the "i" button on the server front panel (LCD module)
- Hold for 15 seconds for soft reset
- iDRAC reboots with network settings preserved
Method B: F2 System Setup Reset¶
- Boot server and press F2 at Dell splash screen
- Navigate to: iDRAC Settings → Reset iDRAC to Defaults
- Select reset option:
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Preserve user/network | Keeps IP and user accounts |
| Discard all settings | Full factory reset (root/calvin or shipping value) |
- Confirm and wait for iDRAC to restart
iDRAC Network Configuration¶
- Press F2 at boot → iDRAC Settings → Network
- Configure:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Enable NIC | Enabled |
| NIC Selection | Dedicated (if available) or LOM1 |
| DHCP Enable | Disabled (for static) |
| Static IP | Your standard rental IP |
| DNS | Your DNS server |
- Press Esc and save changes
Part 3: Firmware Updates (Lifecycle Controller)¶
Access Lifecycle Controller¶
- Boot server and press F10 at Dell splash screen
- Wait for Lifecycle Controller to load
Update Firmware¶
- Select Firmware Update
- Choose source:
| Source | Use Case |
|---|---|
| FTP Server | Dell online repository (if internet available) |
| USB Drive | Dell SUU/Repository Manager files |
| Network Share | CIFS/NFS share with firmware files |
- Select updates to apply:
Update Order
Always update iDRAC first, then BIOS. This prevents communication errors during the flash process.
| Priority | Component |
|---|---|
| 1 | iDRAC |
| 2 | BIOS |
| 3 | Lifecycle Controller |
| 4 | Storage Controllers (PERC) |
| 5 | Network Adapters |
| 6 | OS Driver Pack |
- Click Apply and wait for updates to complete
- System will reboot multiple times
Part 4: Hardware Diagnostics¶
ePSA (Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment)¶
- Boot to Lifecycle Controller (F10)
- Select Hardware Diagnostics → Run Hardware Diagnostics
- Choose test type:
| Test | Duration | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Express Test | ~15 min | Quick validation |
| Extended Test | 1-2 hours | Comprehensive check |
| Custom Test | Varies | Specific components |
- Record any error codes (format:
2000-XXXX)
Common Error Codes¶
| Code | Component | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| 2000-0142 | Storage | Drive failure |
| 2000-0151 | Storage | No boot drive |
| 2000-0244 | Memory | DIMM failure |
| 2000-0333 | CPU | Processor error |
Lifecycle Log Review¶
- In iDRAC web interface, go to Maintenance → Lifecycle Log
- Look for recurring errors:
- CPU Machine Check errors
- Memory Multi-bit ECC errors
- Storage predictive failures
- Clear log after verification (so client starts clean)
Part 5: Data Sanitization (System Erase)¶
Irreversible Action
System Erase permanently deletes ALL data, configurations, and logs. This cannot be undone.
Access System Erase¶
- Boot to Lifecycle Controller (F10)
- Select System Erase (or Repurpose or Retire System)
Select Components to Erase¶
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| BIOS | Clear BIOS settings (preserves iDRAC) |
| iDRAC | Clear iDRAC configuration |
| Diagnostics | Remove diagnostic results |
| Storage Cache | Clear PERC controller cache |
| Storage | Cryptographic Erase of drives |
| Lifecycle Log | Clear all logs |
| OS Driver Pack | Remove cached driver packages |
NIST Compliance
For NIST 800-88 compliance, select Cryptographic Erase for storage. This meets "Purge" level requirements.
Execute System Erase¶
- Select desired components
- Click Finish or Start
- Confirm the action
- Wait for completion (may take 30+ minutes for storage)
- Server reboots to "Out of Box" state
Boot Keys Reference¶
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| F2 | System Setup (BIOS/iDRAC) |
| F10 | Lifecycle Controller |
| F11 | Boot Manager (one-time boot) |
| F12 | PXE Boot |
| Ctrl+E | iDRAC Settings (legacy) |
iDRAC Enterprise License¶
The iDRAC Enterprise license enables advanced features:
| Feature | Standard | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Console | HTML5 (basic) | Full virtual console |
| Virtual Media | No | Yes |
| vFlash | No | Yes |
| Remote Firmware Update | Limited | Full |
Check License Status¶
- In iDRAC web interface: Configuration → Licenses
- Or via Lifecycle Controller: Hardware Configuration → Licensing
Import License¶
- Obtain license file from Dell or company repository
- In iDRAC: Configuration → Licenses → Import License
- Browse to license file and import
Troubleshooting¶
iDRAC Not Responding¶
- Try front panel "i" button reset (hold 15 seconds)
- Power cycle the server (iDRAC takes 2-3 minutes to boot)
- Check dedicated iDRAC port connection
Lifecycle Controller in Recovery Mode¶
- Boot and press F10
- If "Recovery Mode" message appears:
- Update Lifecycle Controller firmware via USB
- Use Dell Repository Manager to create recovery USB
PERC Battery Warning¶
- Reseat the PERC battery
- Check battery cable connection
- Replace battery if fault persists after reseat
POST Halts - Intrusion Detected¶
- Verify air shroud is properly installed
- Check chassis cover is fully closed
- Reset intrusion alert in BIOS: System Security → Intrusion Alert → Clear
Process Verification Checklist¶
- [ ] Physical inspection completed (bezels, rails, shroud)
- [ ] iDRAC configured with standard IP/credentials
- [ ] Enterprise license verified/imported
- [ ] Firmware updated via Lifecycle Controller
- [ ] ePSA diagnostics passed
- [ ] Lifecycle log reviewed and cleared
- [ ] System Erase completed (if required)
- [ ] Server boots to expected state