Users Guide

Make sure that the Single Cursor option under Tools in the iDRAC Virtual Console menu is selected on iDRAC Virtual Console
client. The default is two cursor mode.
Can a keyboard or mouse be used while installing a Microsoft operating system remotely through the Virtual
Console?
No. When you remotely install a supported Microsoft operating system on a system with Virtual Console enabled in the BIOS, an
EMS Connection Message is sent that requires that you select OK remotely. You must either select OK on the local system or
restart the remotely managed server, reinstall, and then turn off the Virtual Console in BIOS.
This message is generated by Microsoft to alert the user that Virtual Console is enabled. To make sure that this message does
not appear, always turn off Virtual Console in the iDRAC Settings utility before remotely installing an operating system.
Why does the Num Lock indicator on the management station not reflect the status of the Num Lock on the remote
server?
When accessed through the iDRAC, the Num Lock indicator on the management station does not necessarily coincide with the
state of the Num Lock on the remote server. The state of the Num Lock depends the setting on the remote server when the
remote session is connected, regardless of the state of the Num Lock on the management station.
Why do multiple Session Viewer windows appear when a Virtual Console session is established from the local host?
You are configuring a Virtual Console session from the local system. This is not supported.
If a Virtual Console session is in-progress and a local user accesses the managed server, does the first user receive a
warning message?
No. If a local user accesses the system, both have control of the system.
How much bandwidth is required to run a Virtual Console session?
It is recommended to have a 5 MBPS connection for good performance. A 1 MBPS connection is required for minimal
performance.
What is the minimum system requirements for the management station to run Virtual Console?
The management station requires an Intel Pentium III 500 MHz processor with at least 256 MB of RAM.
Why does Virtual Console Viewer window sometimes displays No Signal message?
You may see this message because the iDRAC Virtual Console plug-in is not receiving the remote server desktop video.
Generally, this behavior may occur when the remote server is turned off. Occasionally, the message may be displayed due to a
remote server desktop video reception malfunction.
Why does Virtual Console Viewer window sometimes display an Out of Range message?
You may see this message because a parameter necessary to capture video is beyond the range for which the iDRAC can
capture the video. Parameters such as display resolution or refresh rate too high causes an out of range condition. Normally,
physical limitations such as video memory size or bandwidth sets the maximum range of parameters.
When starting a Virtual Console session from iDRAC web interface, why is an ActiveX security popup displayed?
iDRAC may not be in the trusted site list. To prevent the security popup from appearing every time you begin a Virtual Console
session, add iDRAC to the trusted site list in the client browser:
1. Click Tools > Internet Options > Security > Trusted sites.
2. Click Sites and enter the IP address or the DNS name of iDRAC
3. Click Add.
4. Click Custom Level.
5. In the Security Settings window, select Prompt under Download unsigned ActiveX Controls.
Why is the Virtual Console Viewer window blank?
If you have Virtual Media privilege, but not Virtual Console privilege, you can start the viewer to access the virtual media
feature, but the managed server’s console is not displayed.
Why doesn’t the mouse synchronize in DOS when using Virtual Console?
The Dell BIOS is emulating the mouse driver as a PS/2 mouse. By design, the PS/2 mouse uses relative position for the mouse
pointer, which causes the lag in syncing. iDRAC has a USB mouse driver that allows absolute position and closer tracking of the
mouse pointer. Even if iDRAC passes the USB absolute mouse position to the Dell BIOS, the BIOS emulation converts it back to
relative position and the behavior remains. To fix this problem, set the mouse mode to USC/Diags in the Configuration screen.
When virtual console is launched with Java plug-in in RHEL 7.3 MS, the close button for the Instant Messaging,
Performance, and Stat windows may not be available.
Use the keyboard shortcut keys Alt+F4 to close the window.
Frequently asked questions
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