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