Users Guide

Maintain

Using Lifecycle Controller, you can maintain the health of a system throughout its life cycle using the features such as Part

Replacement Configuration and Platform Restore.

Platform restore

Lifecycle Controller allows you to create a copy (image file) of the server's profile on the vFlash SD card installed on the server. The

server profile backed up on a vFlash SD card contains the server component configuration and firmware installed on various

components on the server where the card is installed. The backup image file does not contain any operating system or hard-disk

drive data. For more information about the supported components, see Supported Components. For better security, Lifecycle

Controller allows you to remove the vFlash SD card and keep it in a safe location, or you can copy the server profile (backup image)

that is stored on the vFlash SD card to any USB drive or an external network share. Therefore, whenever the firmware is corrupted,

configuration changes are incorrect, or the system board is replaced, you can use the backup image to restore the server to its

previously stored profile. The following features are available to maintain a server:

• Backup Server Profile — Allows you to create the server profile on a vFlash SD card that is installed on the server. Lifecycle

Controller can create the server profile only on the vFlash SD card.

• Export Server Profile — Allows you to export the server profile that is stored on the vFlash SD card to a USB drive or a

network share (CIFS or NFS).

• Import Server Profile — Allows you to restore the backup image from the vFlash SD card, USB drive, or a network share (CIFS

or NFS).

• Import Server License — Allows you to import an iDRAC license from a network share or a USB drive.

NOTE: This feature is licensed. You must acquire the required license to enable this feature. For more information about

acquiring and using the licenses, see the

Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) User’s Guide

at dell.com/

esmmanuals.

About server profile backup image

The server profile backup image file contains:

• Readable

– System identification information such as model number and Service Tag. For example, R720 and 1P3HRBS.

– Date and time the backup was last taken.

– Currently installed hardware inventory information.

– Firmware for each component.

• Encrypted

– Component configuration information.

– User name and password for RAID controller and BIOS.

– Component certificates.

– Licenses.

– Signature to validate that the backup file is not tampered and generated by Lifecycle Controller.

The server profile backup image file does not contain:

• Operating system or any data stored on hard-disk drives or virtual drives.