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Simplifying the Replacement of a Failed Motherboard

What is backed up?

The backup file will contain the following readable and encrypted data:

Readable data

 System identification information (System model, service tag)

 Date and time the backup was taken

 Currently known hardware inventory information

 Firmware version information for each component

Encrypted data

 Component configuration information

 Component usernames, passwords, certificates, and licenses

Binary data

 Component firmware images necessary to re-flash components

 Dell-provided executables

 Signature

What is not backed up?

 Operating system and data stored on hard disks or virtual disks

 vFlash partition content

 Lifecycle Log

 Dell Diagnostics

 Dell Driver Pack

new motherboard firmware settings to match the settings of the original motherboard. These steps are

manual, error prone and lead to long field service repair time.

Using Restore to restore motherboard firmware and settings

A typical motherboard replacement

In some catastrophic events of hardware failure, the motherboard of a Dell server needs to be

replaced. When a motherboard is removed, the following embedded software is impacted:

1) All bios and firmware are lost and need to be re-installed.

2) All bios and firmware settings are lost and need to be reconfigured.

3) iDRAC needs to be re-installed and all settings need to be re-configured.