Questions[lom](server)

I have a Dell PowerEdge R730xd which I can only access using the iDRAC 8 web interface. I'm unable to launch the Java (JNLP) virtual console, which might be necessary to fix the issue. I'm also unable to access the SSH feature of the iLOM due to some firewall issue I can't fix myself.

The server does not boot, as the first disk failed and doesn't have a valid boot sector, anymore. I'm unable to select another device in the web interface, apparently I require more permissions do do so (I am able access most other settings, though).

I have 12 disks in the system, and grub should be configured for most of them. The internal RAID controller is not in use (i.e., the disks are managed by Linux).

1. How can I select another disk to boot from using the web interface?
2. How can I access the console (via the Java virtual console) using Debian 10?

I tried running the JNLP using Java 6 to 11, and I also tried running avctKVM.jar directly (resulting in "access denied").

EDIT (Post Mortem): Everything is fine using the HTML 5 console (see answer below). Bug your admin to enable it before you need it. I've been unable to use the Java console, but won't need it anymore. Selecting another boot disk seems to be a premium feature which mere mortals cannot use. I don't know why.

My best attempt for running the Java console (giving "access denied", though):

1. Take host, user, and password out of the JNLP file
2. Download the JAR files mentioned in the JNLP file
3. Put the two libs into ./lib (and unzip, place .so files alongside)
4. Fiddle with the security settings in jcontrol ("advanced" tab)
5. Run:

/usr/lib/jvm/java-1.8.0-openjdk-amd64/bin/java -Djavax.net.debug=all -Dcom.sun.net.ssl.checkRevocation=false -cp avctKVM.jar -Djava.library.path=./lib com.avocent.idrac.kvm.Main ip=HOST kmport=5900 vport=5900 user=XXX passwd=YYY apcp=1 version=2 vmprivilege=true "helpurl=https://HOST:443/help/contents.html"

The Sun Fire X4600 M2 Servers Service Manual says installing a shorting jumper across the P20 header pins will reset the SP password and clear the BIOS password. I installed the jumper then powered up the SP and the system fully as this note suggests:

You must allow the entire server, not just the SP, to reboot to main power mode to complete the password reset. This is because the state of the P20 jumper cannot be determined without the host CPU running. Wait until the end of POST, when you see the CMOS password cleared by jumper message, after which both the BIOS and SP passwords are reset.

I attached a monitor to the system and saw it saw CMOS password cleared by jumper, however I still cannot log into the SP / ILOM with what should now be reset to the default:

username: root
password: changeme

I tried logging in on the serial console, then via ssh as root and finally via the https method, but in all instances the changeme password did not work.

So far I have not tried re-installing or upgrading the firmware, but I'd rather avoid that unless I have to go that route.

Also, there is no password on the BIOS so I am able to get into that with no problems.

I've got a customer with a remotely-hosted X4200 and all they know is that there is an amber alarm light on the front of the server. I've been asked to identify the offending component (if any) and clear the alarm if it's nothing to worry about. The box is no longer under support. It's running RHEL 4.x but no IMPI tools are installed (nor will I be allowed to install them).

My experience with Sun servers pre-dates the introduction of the ILOM, and I've had trouble finding useful documentation (yes, including Sun's) to get me started.

Running

show /SYS

doesn't yield any alarms (all properties are (none)).

Any pointers on how to chase this down would be appreciated.

Do the recent Sun rackmount servers with ILOM fully support installation of Linux (Ubuntu or Fedora maybe) via the ILOM (connected by ssh) without having to hook up a display, kbd, and mouse?

I have an old Sun v20z right now that will install Solaris no problem over the Service Processor but when trying to install Ubuntu 9 64-bit server I get one line on the console then it goes blank.

I'd be interested in know which if any of the recent x64 models would allow me to install and run linux while completely avoiding any need for external display, keyboard, or mouse.

Thanks!

I'm monitoring Sun hardware using SNMP to gather information from the LOM card. One of the datapoints I'm monitoring is a voltage status MIB which alerts if any of the internal voltages becomes too high or low - with the thresholds being set, presumably, by Sun at the time of manufacture. These trigger with surprising frequency - is this anything to worry about?