User's Manual

Maintain

Using Lifecycle Controller, you can maintain the health of a system throughout its lifecycle by using the features such as

Part Replacement Configuration and Platform Restore.

Platform Restore

Lifecycle Controller allows you to create a copy (image file) of the server's profile on the vFlash SD card attached to the

server. The server profile backed up on a vFlash SD card contains the server component configuration and firmware

installed on various components only on the server where the card is located. The backup image file does not contain

any operating system or hard disk drive data. For more information about the supported components, see Supported

Components. For better security, Lifecycle Controller allows you to detach the vFlash SD card and keep it in a safe

location, or you can copy the server profile (backup image) that is stored on the vFlash SD card to any USB drive or an

external network share. Therefore, whenever the firmware is corrupted, configuration changes are incorrect, or the

motherboard is replaced, you can use the backup image to restore the server to its previously-stored profile. The

following features are provided:

• Backup Server Profile — Use this feature to create the server profile on a vFlash SD card that is attached to the

server. Lifecycle Controller can create the server profile only on the vFlash SD card.

• Export Server Profile — Use this feature to export the server profile that is stored on the vFlash SD card to a USB

drive or a network share (CIFS or NFS).

• Import Server Profile — Use this feature to restore the backup image from the vFlash SD card, USB drive, or a

network share (CIFS or NFS).

• Import Server License: Use this feature to import an iDRAC license from a network share or a USB drive.

NOTE: The feature is licensed. Acquire the license to enable the feature. For more information about acquiring and

using the licenses, see the

iDRAC7 User’s Guide

About Server Profile Backup Image

The server profile backup image file contains:

• Readable

– System identification information such as model number and service tag. For example, R720 and 1P3HRBS.

– Date and time the backup was last taken

– Currently-installed hardware inventory information

– Firmware for each component

• Encrypted

– Component configuration information

– User name and password for RAID controller and BIOS

– Component certificates

– Licenses

– Signature to validate that backup file is not been tampered and was generated by Lifecycle Controller