Users Guide

Troubleshooting and frequently asked

questions

This section describes the error messages commonly generated by Lifecycle Controller and provides

suggestions for resolving the issues. This section also lists the questions that are frequently asked by

Lifecycle Controller users.

Error messages

Each error message that is generated from Lifecycle Controller has a Message ID, Message Description,

and Recommended Response Action in a single dialog box. If you want to view the detailed description

about a message, see the Dell Event Message Reference Guide at dell.com/support/home.

Frequently asked questions

1. When Lifecycle Controller downloads updates where are the files stored?

The files are stored in a volatile memory, on the main system board. This memory is not removable

and is not accessible through the operating system.

2. Is a virtual media device or vFlash SD card required to store data for updates?

No. The files are stored in memory on the main system board.

3. What is virtual media?

Virtual media is remote media such as CDs, DVDs, and USB disk drives that a server identifies as local

media.

4. What should I do if an update fails?

If an update fails, Lifecycle Controller restarts, and then attempts all the pending updates that are

selected. After the final restart, the system opens the Lifecycle Controller Home page. Launch

Firmware Update again, select the updates that failed, and then click Apply.

NOTE: If the iDRAC firmware update is interrupted, you may have to wait up to 30 minutes

before attempting another iDRAC firmware update.

5. What is vFlash SD card?

vFlash SD card is a formatted SD (Secure Digital) card that plugs into iDRAC Enterprise. vFlash SD

card can be formatted and enabled through iDRAC to make it accessible as a USB drive for data

storage. Virtual flash is a partition on vFlash SD card to which you can remotely write an ISO file. For

more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) User’s Guide at

dell.com/esmmanuals.

6. Can I add my own drivers to use for operating system installation?

No, you cannot add your own drivers for operating system installation. For more information on

updating the drivers that are used for operating system installation, see Updating Platform.