Dell Repository Manager Data Center Version 1.
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2013 Dell Inc.
Contents 1 Overview.......................................................................................................................................6 What Is New In This Release................................................................................................................................... 6 Accessing Documents From Dell Support Site.........................................................................................................6 Other Documents You May Need..................
Functionalities Of My Repositories.................................................................................................................. 29 Opening From My Repositories........................................................................................................................ 29 Deleting From My Repositories........................................................................................................................ 29 Refreshing From My Repositories........................
Updating A Local Repository.................................................................................................................................. 54 Creating A Custom Repository Using Dell OpenManage Essentials...................................................................... 55 Scheduling Automatic Search................................................................................................................................56 Searching Dell Support Site...............................
Overview 1 The Dell Repository Manager (DRM) ensures that the Dell systems are up-to-date with the latest BIOS, driver, firmware, and software.
5. 6. In the Choose your Dell Software section, click the required link from the following: • Client System Management • Enterprise System Management • Remote Enterprise System Management • Serviceability Tools To view the document, click the required product version. NOTE: You can also directly access the documents using the following links: • For Enterprise System Management documents — dell.com/openmanagemanuals • For Remote Enterprise System Management documents — dell.
Updating Dell Repository Manager 2 You can update the Dell Repository Manager to the latest available version using the following methods: • Updating Dell Repository Manager At Launch • Updating Dell Repository Manager Using The Application Settings • Updating Dell Repository Manager Using Updater Updating Dell Repository Manager At Launch 1. Launch the Dell Repository Manager. The Dell Repository Manager checks for the latest available version of the application at ftp.dell.com.
NOTE: If you do not want the Dell Repository Manager to check for the latest available versions at launch, in the Dell Repository Manager Update Manager screen, clear the Check for new version at launch check box. NOTE: For more information on installing the Dell Repository Manager on the system, see the Dell Repository Manager Quick Installation Guide at dell.com/support/manuals. Updating The Dell Repository Manager Using The Updater 1. Click Start → All Programs → Dell Repository Manager v
System Requirements And Uninstalling The Dell Repository Manager This chapter lists the systems requirements and procedures to uninstall DRM. Related Topic • Hardware Requirements • Software Requirements • Optional Requirements • Uninstalling Dell Repository Manager • Repairing Repository Manager Prerequisites For Installing The Dell Repository Manager This section lists the specific prerequisites for installing the DRM.
Requirement Details Supported Internationalized Operating Systems • • • • • • • • English French German Spanish Japanese Simplified Chinese Russian Portuguese NOTE: The Dell Repository Manager user interface is displayed only in English irrespective of the language of the operating system on which it is installed. NOTE: Internet connectivity and DVD burning software are optional requirements. You can use the Dell Repository Manager for local repositories, without Internet connectivity.
NOTE: If you click Cancel, a pop-up window is displayed. Click Yes to finish or No to return to the Ready to Repair the Program window. 5. Click Finish. The repaired Dell Repository Manager is installed on the system.
User Scenarios 4 This section describes the various features of the Dell Repository Manager (DRM) and the user scenarios. Using FileStore Save Disk Space In System Drive (C: Drive) DRM 1.6 onwards, the configurable FileStore feature helps the user to save disk space on the System Hard Disk. The default file location for the FileStore is C:\Users\\AppData\Local\RepositoryManager\FileStore. However, the FileStore can be moved to a different location after DRM is installed on the system.
Searching The Dell Support Site For Updates On DRM 1.6 and later, you can search the Dell support site for the latest catalog files and Dell Update Packages (DUPs) and non DUP packages. These updates can be exported to an existing or a new repository.
Export Updates To Lightweight Deployment Package LightWeight Deployment Package provides scripts (batch and shell) to apply the updates (DUP) for multiple products in an automated manner. DRM generates the batch file for the user.
DUPs. After you copy the LWDP file to the system, it provides necessary updates (drivers, BIOS, and firmware) to the system. The script provided by Dell is used to apply all the updates. For more information on Lightweight Deployment Package, see Schedule Automatic Search. The following flowchart describes the process of exporting the updates to a Lightweight Deployment Package.
Updating The Local Repository The Local Repository can be updated with the latest available updates (DUPs). The selected repository compares against the latest catalog file, which consists the latest available updates. You have the options to update the repository with all the available DUPs for the system. Also, you can choose a specific DUP as per the requirement. Different DUPs exist for newer version, changed files, obsoleted files, and other files in the source screen.
Creating Bootable CD or USB Keys For Updates You can create bootable USB keys for updates, using any third party or free tool. You can start your managed system by the bootable CD or USB storage. After the system starts up, it automatically runs the selected updates. After the update is complete, you can remove the CD or USB storage, and reboot the system to your host operating system.
• You have a server running an operating system that is not supported by Dell Repository Manager, such as Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD), Solaris, or older versions of Microsoft Windows, RedHat Linux or SUSE Linux. • You are using Linux versions such as Ubuntu or Debien. • You prefer to do your updates (regardless of OS) in an out-of-band method. To create bootable USB keys, using the tool - UNetBootIn as an example: 1. Download the UNetBootIn for Windows available at http://sourceforge.
The following flow chart describes the process in detail.
Launching DRM Using Command Line Options Navigate to the location where DRM is installed in the system. By default, for 64 bit DRM is installed at c:\Program Files (x86)\Dell\Dell Repository Manager v1.7.0. For 32 bit the DRM is installed at c:\Program Files\Dell\Dell Repository Manager v1.7.0. Go to Start → Run, type cmd and press enter. Run the Dell Repository Manager using the following command: • RepositoryManager.exe -server — Launches the application in Data Center version.
NOTE: Click Resync to retrieve the updated inventory data, if you have modified or removed certain systems from the systems managed by Dell Management Virtual Appliance Host. 11. Click Next click Cancel to exit without making any changes. The Summary window is displayed. Select the options you want to include in the repository: • Windows x32 Bundles and Components • Windows x64 Bundles and Components The Please wait... dialog box appears while creating the new repository. 12.
Using The Dell Repository Manager You can perform the following tasks: • Create repositories • Import legacy repositories • Update repositories • Export catalog • Export repositories • Modify repository • Work with bundles • Work with components • Search repositories based on different criterion by setting the filters • Work with jobs queue • Search Dell Support Site • Scheduling Automatic Search Related Topics • Creating A Customized Repository • Working With My Repositories •
Configuring Source Repository To configure a default repository: 1. On the Dell Repository Manager screen, click Application → Settings → Source Repository. 2. In the Source Repository window, select one of the following as the default repository: • Dell online repository (ftp.dell.com) NOTE: When a new catalog file is available from dell, the New Catalog Available notification appears on the menu bar. You can import the latest catalog file using this notification.
4. • Manually check for new plugins Under the Source of Plugin Update, select one of the following options: • 5. Online (ftp.dell.com) — Downloads the plug-in from the FTP site. • Folder — Updates the plug-in from a local folder on your system. If you select Online (ftp.dell.com), click Download to save the plug-ins. If you select Folder, click Browse to navigate to the location of the plugin. The Browse For Folder window is displayed. 6. Navigate to the folder location where the plug-in is saved.
Creating A Customized Repository To create a new repository: 1. On the My Repositories tab, click New → Customize Repository. The Create Repository window is displayed. 2. Type the Name: and Description:. 3. Click Next. The Base Repository window is displayed. NOTE: Click Cancel at any time to exit without creating a new repository. 4. Select a source for the repository. The options available are: • 5.
• Rack — Includes Dell system models of the rack mount or monolithic type of form factor. • Blade — Includes Dell system models of the blade chassis or modular type of form factor. • Tower — Includes Dell system models of the tower or monolithic type of form factor. If you select Storage, you can select one or more from the following options: • EqualLogic • PowerVault 12. Click Next. The Select OS window is displayed. 13.
• Name of the repository. • Number of Bundle(s) and Component(s). • Number of the additional component files. NOTE: Ensure that the bundle(s) and components you add to the repository belong to the specified criteria. Dell Repository Manager does not restrict you from adding components that do not belong to the specified criteria into the repository. 24. Click Close to exit the repository created window. Creating An Empty Repository To create an empty repository: 1.
NOTE: You cannot stop this process once it is started. 2. Click Yes to confirm or click No to exit the window. The repository is deleted from the Repository Manager. NOTE: Deleting a repository deletes the repository data and the associated files from the database, once you confirm the operation. NOTE: The Delete option is disabled until you select any particular repository.
Importing A Legacy Repository 1. In the Dell Repository Manager, click on Repository Import Legacy Repository window is displayed. The Import Repository window is displayed. 2. Click Browse to navigate to the location of the file. 3. Once you select the file, click Open. 4. Under Select the repository content to import: , select one of the following. The File Path Location: shows the details of the file. • 5. Import only the catalog reference file (e.g. catalog.
Changed Files Click to view any component files whose hash values are different in the destination and source repositories. Select the check box corresponding to the files you want to update in the destination repository and click Update. Obsolete Files Click to view the files that exist in the destination repository but, not in the source repository. Select the check box corresponding to the system from which you want to remove the files. The file names appear on the right-hand side.
NOTE: By default, the source is set to Dell online repository (ftp.dell.com). You can change the source to a different repository by clicking Application → Settings → Source Repository on the Dell Repository Manager window. NOTE: You may have to provide your user credentials, if prompted. 2.
The Name of the system, the OS (operating system), Inventory time (the timestamp of the inventory verification), and the Total Devices appear on the left-hand side of the window once the specific device is selected. Refreshing Inventory For Repositories You can refresh information of repositories that are created using inventory from OME or Dell Management Plug-in for VMware vCenter. To refresh the details of an OME or vCenter repository: 1.
Importing Bundles To import a bundle: 1. On the My Repositories tab, select the repository to which you want to add the bundle, and click Open. 2. On the Bundles screen, click + Add. The Import Bundle(s) window is displayed. 3. On the Import Bundle(s) window, click Next. The Import or Create window is displayed. 4. On the Import or Create window, select Import bundle(s) from an existing repository, and click Next. The Select Repository window is displayed. 5.
selected between Include All and Select Model(s), selecting Select Model(s) displays all the Dell tower systems. You can then choose the tower system(s) whose DUPs you want to include in the repository. The Select Bundle(s) window is displayed. 10. In the Select Bundles window, select the bundle(s) to include in the repository, and click Next. • ONLY include most recent and custom bundle(s) — Includes recently released bundle(s) in the repository.
The Summary and Finish window is displayed. This window displays the properties of the custom bundle(s) that you are about to create based on the selections you made. 10. On the Summary and Finish window, click Finish. 11. Once the bundle is created, a Success window is displayed confirming that Bundle Created... 12. Click OK to close the window. The custom bundle(s) is added under the list of bundle(s) on the Bundles tab. The custom bundle(s) you create are indicated by the term User in the Author column.
To compare bundle(s): 1. On the My Repositories tab select the desired repository, and click Open. 2. On the Bundles screen, select the bundle you want to compare. The selected bundle is the base bundle. 3. Click Compare. The Compare Bundles window is displayed. 4. On the Compare Bundles window, select a repository that contains the bundle with which you want to compare the base bundle, from the Repository drop-down box.
8. Click Yes. Changing The Component Sequence You can view the Bundle Properties details of a bundle by double-clicking it or by clicking the Properties in the Task menu. You have the Name: , Version: , OS type: , Operating System: , Platforms: and Size: details of that particular bundle. After you click the Component Sequence tab, the list of components for that bundle are displayed.
Property Description Keyword Search Filters components based on the text you provided. For example, if you provide PowerEdge, Dell Repository Manager displays all the latest repositories and components applicable to the Latitude systems. NOTE: You can enter only regular search syntax in this field.
For example, if you enter 12/12/2012 and select Prior to, Dell Repository Manager displays all the components released earlier than December 12, 2010. Exporting Bundles You can export a bundle to an existing repository, export to a new repository, or you can export it as RAW Driver Packs (Using Windows Bundle), light weight deployment scripts, bootable ISO (using Linux Bundle), or as an SUU and use it to update applicable systems.
• Export to Repository — Exports the bundle(s) to a repository. You can choose to export to an existing repository or create a new repository. If you select the Export as NEW Repository option, Dell Repository Manager creates a repository containing only the bundle(s) you selected. If you choose to Export to existing Repository, all existing repositories appear in a window allowing you to select one as the destination repository. • Raw Driver Pack (Using Windows Bundle) — It extracts the .INF and .
3. Select the bundle(s) you want to export from the list of displayed bundle(s), and click Export. The Export Bundle(s) window is displayed. 4. In the Export Bundle(s) window, click Next to continue. The Select Destination page is displayed. 5. In the Select Destination page, select Export to light weight deployment scripts, click Next to continue. The Select Deployment Options page is displayed. 6.
NOTE: By default, No is selected. Selecting these options is optional. 9. Under Select Script, select one of the following: • Replace default script — To execute the customized script instead of the Dell default script. Click Browse to navigate to the folder where the customized script is located. • Append to default script — To execute the customized script after the Dell default script is executed. NOTE: Ensure that the customized script is of .sh format.
• Plug-in type Installed Version Generate 32– Bit SUU* Status SUU version Generate 64– Bit SUU** Status SUU version When ftp.dell.com is accessible and the latest plug-in does not exist on the system, DRM will download the required plug-ins in the run time. NOTE: * — Only 32–bit Windows bundles or any Linux bundles can be included in 32–bit plug-in. ** — Only 64–bit Windows bundles or any Linux bundles can be included in 64–bit plug-in.
Importing Dell Update Packages (DUPs) 1. On the My Repositories tab, select the repository where the components are located that you want to download and click Open. 2. Select the Components that you want to import to another location and click Download File. The Browse For Folder window displayed. 3. In the Browse For Folder window, navigate to the location where you want to save these components before adding them to another bundle or repository, and then click OK.
The non-DUPs files must first be downloaded and saved to a local or network drive location. 2. Click the Components tab, and then click Import. The Import new DUP files window is displayed. 3. Under Selected DUP Files, click Browse. The Select DUP File to Add window is displayed. 4. In the Select DUP File to Add window, select the component(s) that you want to add, and then click Open. You can browse and search for any non-DUP file available on the system.
7. • Windows 64–bit • Linux 32–bit and 64–bit • OS Independent Select one of the following, and click Next . • Select all Operating Systems — This option is selected by default. • Select specific Operating Systems — You can select multiple platforms by pressing and holding the key while selecting the platforms. NOTE: You can only choose Select specific Operating Systems if you have selected Windows. This function is disabled if you selected Linux or OS Independent in Step 4.
Copying Components To copy to components: 1. On the My Repositories tab select the desired repository, and click Open. 2. On the Components tab, select the component(s) to copy. 3. Click Copy To. The Copy Component(s) window is displayed. 4. Click Next. The Select Destination window is displayed. 5. In the Select Destination window, select one of the four options: • 6. 7. Copy component(s) into an Existing Repository — Exports component(s) to an existing repository.
NOTE: If any error or warnings are found in the export, a message is displayed on Copy Components window. Click the Errors/Warnings button to view the details. d. Click Close to return to the Components tab. 15. If you select Create a NEW bundle in the same repository and add component(s) into it and click Next. The Name and Version window is displayed. a. Type the name and version of the bundle and click Next. By default, the name of the bundle is New Bundle (Windows 32–bit) and the version number, 1.0.
Component Filters The filter properties table lists the options which you can use to filter your search results: Property Description Keyword Search Filters components based on the text you provide. For example, if you type PowerEdge, Dell Repository Manager displays all the latest repositories and components applicable to the PowerEdge systems. NOTE: You can provide only regular search syntax in this field. Update Type Filters components based on the type of components.
• • • Windows-DUP (64–bit) Linux-DUP (32–bit and 64–bit) Non-DUP For example, if you select Windows-DUP, Dell Repository Manager displays the components applicable to the Windows operating system. If you select Non-DUP, Dell Repository Manager displays components that are operating systemindependent. Supported Devices Filters components based on supported hardware devices.
Saving Filters To create or save a filter: 1. On the My Repositories tab, select a repository for which you want to search the bundle(s) and components. Click Open. The bundle(s) and components for that repository are displayed under their specific tabs. 2. There are no saved filters to select from until you have created and saved them. Once you have gone through the process of saving them, then they appear in the drop-down list.
Starting Jobs In The Jobs Queue Select the job from the Jobs Queue, and click Start to initiate any particular job. Refer to the Status and Progress tab next to the Job Name tab to check the completion. You need to stop the job that is running first, if you want to change the order for any job. Also, as soon as you stop the currently running job, the next one in the queue will start to run. Make sure that there is no job in the queue while you are trying to start a previously stopped job.
NOTE: Newer Versions, Changed Files, Obsolete Files and Other Files in Source screens provide further details on DUPs that can be installed to update the repository. You can see a list of the DUPs once you select any system from the System Filter or Device Filter. 4. You can select All or any specific DUP to update that local repository from the Newer Versions, Changed Files, Obsolete Files and Other Files in Source screens. NOTE: By default, the Show report after update.
NOTE: Click Resync to retrieve the updated inventory data, if you have modified or removed certain systems from the systems managed by Dell Management Virtual Appliance Host. 8. Click Next or Cancel to exit without making changes. The Summary window is displayed. Select the options you want to include in the repository: • Windows x32 Bundles and Components • Windows x64 Bundles and Components The Please wait... dialog box appears while creating the new repository. 9.
4. From the Models: select the desired model and click Add >. Repeat step 3 to add more models to the selected items list. The model(s) selected are displayed on the right. NOTE: The Service Tag option allows you to search a device based on the Service Tag provided. NOTE: To remove a model from the selected items, select the model from the Selected: box and click Remove. Repeat the step, if you want to remove more models from the selected items. 5. 6.
NOTE: The Service Tag option allows you to search a device based on the Service Tag provided. NOTE: To remove a model from the selected items, select the model from the Selected: box and click Remove. Repeat the step, if you want to remove more models from the selected items. 4. Under Search Options (File Format), select one of the following options: • Dell Update Packages — This is the default option. You can import all the DUPs to the local repository when you use the default option. • 5.
11. Click OK to close the window. Filter Updates You can use the following filters in the Dell Repository Manager: OS Type • Allows you to filter the search based on the operating system selected. The options available are Windows and Linux. Criticality • Filters the component(s) based on the criticality of the update. The available options are Recommended, Urgent, and Optional. For example, if you select Urgent, the Dell Repository Manager displays all the components that require an immediate update.
Frequently Asked Questions 6 This section lists some frequently asked questions about the Dell Repository Manager. Where is the Dell Repository Manager runtime log located? Dell Repository Manager creates two log files at runtime: • DellRepositoryManager_Server.svclog — Data Center Version • DellRepositoryManager_Client.svclog — Business Client Version The log file is located in C:\Users\\AppData\ Local\RepositoryManager\Log. I see an update present in dell.
Why would I use the Dell Repository Manager to create the catalog that LifeCycle Controller uses, instead of just using the catalog on the Server Update Utility (SUU)? Since, SUU supports Dell systems from Dell PowerEdge 8th generation systems to the most current systems, the catalog size on SUU is greater (over 7 GB), than the catalog size on the Dell Repository Manager.
