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