Most often, when a case is raised with HP support team, we are asked to generate logs and send it to HP. Recently, I had an issue with an ESX server and suspecting a faulty controller. HP asked us to generate and send offline logs and ADU diagnostics report.

Generating requested logs can be achieved using the Smart CD. However, how to save and move files to send it to the HP Team was bit challenging.

Initially tried mounting a a folder from the ILO console and to save the logs in to the folder recently mounted. Bad luck that did not work.

Later, thought the concept of virtual floppy to achieve the task.

Last year we created a floppy image to insert HDD drivers during Windows 2000 installation

Create floppy image to insert drivers during 2000 OS deployment.

The same tool BFI (Build Floppy Image) was very handy again today. You would be able to download the file from here -> BFI’s home page.

Reboot and boot the server using Smart CD.

1. Create an empty floppy image using the below syntax

Syntax: bfi -f=[Location to store image with image name]

Ex: bfi -f=c:\temp\floppyimg.img

2. Mount the same floppy image using the ILO connected to the server.

Follow below steps to generate the logs

A. Survey Report.
1. Boot the server with Smart Start CD/ Bootable pen drive smart start
2. Select language – English.
3. Select Maintain server.
4. Select Diagnose Server.
5. In survey Tab
Select Category >> ALL.
Select View Level >> Advanced.
And save the report.

B. Offline Test Report (3 Loop).
1. Boot the server with Smart Start CD/ Bootable pen drive smart start
2. Select language – English.
3. Select Maintain server.
4. Select Diagnose Server.
5. In Test Tab
Test mode à Unattended.
Number of loops à 3.
Devices à All.
Select Complete test and click the begin test option and save the report after completing the test.

Note : Please uncheck the Storage / hard disk in test

C. Offline IML logs.
1. Boot the server with Smart Start CD/ Bootable pen drive smart start
2. Select language – English.
3. Select Maintain server.
4. Select Diagnose Server.
5. In Log tab
Select Integrated Management Log and save the report.

D. Offline ADU report:
1. Boot the server with Smart Start CD/ Bootable pen drive smart start
2. Select language – English.
3. Select Maintain server.
4. Diagnose array Option.
5. Save the report.

You may now save the reports to the virtual floppy and once done unmount and map it to any other working server ILO. You can now login to the server and easily copy the contents from A: to any destination 🙂

 

Thanks.

WintelAdmin