Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of Mike Reed
Mike Reed

asked on

Dell Power Edge servers running ESXi: easiest way to install BIOS and other low level updates?

So I have a number of older Dell PE servers running ESXi 4.1 and would like to update BIOS, iDRAC etc.  What is the easiest way to do this?  I'm sure I can't run the downloaded EXEs with a guest OS.  So I guess I have to create some sort of boot disk (USB maybe) with the updates preloaded?
Avatar of rindi
rindi
Flag of Switzerland image

As far as I know you should be able to do that via the server's iDRAC.
You can create an ISO and update from that - link below how to do this
http://www.dell.com/Support/Article/uk/en/ukbsdt1/SLN296511

Dell lifecycle controller would be another way if the server has the option
http://www.dell.com/support/Article/uk/en/ukbsdt1/SLN292343/EN
Avatar of Dr. Klahn
Dr. Klahn

If you are not having problems with these systems, I strongly advise against fiddling with the BIOS or the firmware.

Every week here on EE we see "The BIOS flash failed, how can I recover this important system?"  And about half the time, the answer is "You can't.  A new motherboard is the only fix."  The same goes for controller firmware flashes.

Si non confectus, non reficiat!
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Mike Reed
Mike Reed

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Questioner states that he resolved the situation through his own means.