Users Guide

About Firmware Updates
The location where servers receive firmware updates is a global setting that is available in the Dell Management Center.
The firmware repository is set up in the Dell Management Center, but updates are run on the specific Dell Host tab in
vSphere Client.
Firmware repository settings contain the firmware catalog location used to update deployed servers. There are two
location types:
Dell (ftp.dell.com) Uses the firmware update repository of Dell (ftp.dell.com). The Dell Management Plug-In
downloads selected firmware updates from Dell.
Local/shared
repository
Created with Dell Repository Manager™. These local repositories are located on CIFS or NFS
file share.
NOTE: Once the repository is created, save it to a location that the registered hosts can access. Repository
passwords cannot exceed 31 characters. Do not use any of the following characters in a password: @, &, %, ', ", ,
(comma), < >
The Firmware Update Wizard always checks for the minimum firmware levels for iDRAC, BIOS, and Lifecycle Controller,
and attempts to update them to required minimum versions. Once iDRAC, Lifecycle, and BIOS firmware versions meet
minimum requirements, the Firmware Update wizard allows updates for all firmware including: iDRAC, Lifecycle
Controller, RAID, NIC/LOM, Power Supply, BIOS, and so on.
NOTE: For 9th and 10th generation servers, BIOS/BMC/DRAC firmware versions are viewable only at the Cluster
View level in vCenter or on the Overview page of the individual host view. Firmware version information is not
active in the individual host view under Firmware, and that page appears grayed out, and remote firmware updates
are not available.
Firmware Versions After October 14, 2010
For Firmware updated on or after October 14th, 2010, the Firmware Update Wizard runs.
Firmware Versions Newer Than July 29, 2009 and Prior to October 14th
If your firmware was updated on or after July 29, 2009 and prior to October 14, 2010, you still will not see the Firmware
Update Wizard, but you are delivered an ISO bundle to update your firmware. After this update, you may not have the
latest firmware. After you run the bundle, it is recommended that you run the update again.
Firmware Versions Older than July 29, 2009
If your firmware is older than July 29, 2009, you may have to download and run the ISO file to update your machines.
After you run the ISO, it is recommended that you run the Firmware Update Wizard again.
Related Information:
• Setting Up The Firmware Repository And Credentials
• Running the Firmware Update Wizard
• Updating Older Firmware Versions
• Running the Update Firmware Wizard for Clusters and Datacenters
Running The Firmware Update Wizard
This functionality is only available for 11th and 12th generation Dell servers that have either an iDRAC Express or
Enterprise card. When your firmware was installed on or after October 14th, 2010, you can automatically update your
firmware versions using the Firmware Update Wizard.
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