Dell Repository Manager Data Center Version 2.
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. © 2016 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Contents 1 Overview.................................................................................................................6 What is new in this release....................................................................................................................6 Accessing documents from Dell support site...................................................................................... 7 Other documents you may need..........................................................................
Working with My Repositories............................................................................................................ 33 Functionalities of My Repositories................................................................................................33 Opening from My Repositories.....................................................................................................33 Saving repository in multiple locations....................................................................
Removing jobs in the Jobs Queue............................................................................................... 63 Jobs Queue details....................................................................................................................... 64 Searching Dell Support Site................................................................................................................ 64 Exporting updates from 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.
• User readable log files — Now, you can view the user log files, such as, .svlog and .log files. • Download Optimization — DRM supports concurrent download of DUPs while creating update packages. By default, you can concurrently download up to 5 DUPs and you may configure the number up to 10. • Significant overall performance improvement. • Version 2.2 onwards DRM supports catalog files in .gz format.
• Dell OpenManage Server Administrator Installation Guide* • Dell OpenManage Essentials User's Guide * This guide is also found on the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation DVD.
Updating Dell Repository Manager 2 You can update the Dell Repository Manager to the latest available version: • At launch • From Help • Using the Updater Updating Dell Repository Manager at launch If you are an existing user of DRM, you can update the DRM to the latest version while launching the application. 1. Launch the Dell Repository Manager. Dell Repository Manager checks for the latest available version of the application at ftp.dell.com.
Dell Repository Manager checks for the latest available version of the application at ftp.dell.com. You may be prompted to install the updated version of the application, if available. NOTE: The Update button is enabled only when the version of the Dell Repository Manager installed on the system is out-of-date. To retain the existing version of the Dell Repository Manager, click Skip.
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: In systems running Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (64-bit operating systems), you can start the update by running the RMUpdater.exe file at: c:\Program Files (x86)\Dell\Dell Repository Manager\RMUpdater.exe.
System requirements and uninstalling Dell Repository Manager This chapter lists the systems requirements and procedures to uninstall DRM. Related Topics • Hardware requirements • Software requirements • Optional Requirements • Uninstalling Dell Repository Manager • Repairing Dell Repository Manager Prerequisites for installing the Dell Repository Manager This section lists the specific prerequisites for installing the DRM.
Requirement Details • Windows 2008 R2 server • Windows 2012 R2 server • Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) • Microsoft Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit) • Microsoft Windows 8.
Repairing Dell Repository Manager To repair Dell Repository Manager: 1. Double-click the Repository Manager.exe file. 2. In the Dell Repository Manager - Install Shield Wizard, click Next. NOTE: By default, the Repair option is selected on the Program Maintenance window. 3. Confirm that Repair is selected, and click Next.The Ready to Repair the Program window appears. 4. In the Ready to Repair the Program window, click Install to complete the repair or click Cancel to exit without making any changes.
Using the Dell Repository Manager 4 You can perform the following tasks: • Setting up a Source Catalog from the DRM Welcome Page • 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 • Setting
Server OS that does not support WoW64 (Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit) then you must select 64 bit DUPs. Setting up a Source Catalog from the DRM welcome page In case, you are using the Dell Repository Manager for the first time, you must populate the database. You can select one of the following options: • Sync Database with Dell Online Catalog • Sync Database with Local Source Catalog NOTE: Local Source catalog is used when the Dell Online Catalog has been copied to a local location.
• FileStore • Email Settings • New Catalog Notification Configuring network settings To configure the default proxy settings for a repository: 1. In the Dell Repository Manager window, click Application → Settings → Network Settings. The Network Settings window is displayed. You have the option to select Web Download Protocol or setup Proxy Server. 2. Web Download Protocol allows you to select and enable or disable multiple protocols that can be used to download content. 3.
You can also download the bootable ISO plug-ins from this window. The bootable ISO plug-ins enable the Dell Repository Manager to generate new bootable ISOs. With Linux DUPs, the bootable ISO updates the pre-OS BIOS and firmware. To configure the plug-in notification settings: 1. In the Dell Repository Manager screen, click Application → Settings → Plug-in Update. The Checking for new Plug-ins window is displayed.
The FileStore window is displayed. 2. In the FileStore window, click Browse if you want to save the FileStore to another location on the same drive, another drive, or another computer on your network. By default, DRM creates the FileStore under C:\Users\\AppData\Local\RepositoryManager\FileStore. 3. Once you Select New FileStore Location click Open. If you choose to save the file store to a new location, ensure that: • The destination folder is blank.
NOTE: If the login credential is different from the default credentials, provide the Email ID, Password, User Name and Domain details. NOTE: If the mailbox is hosted in Exchange Online or Exchange Online as part of Office 365, you cannot use the default credentials. In that case, use the Exchange Online or Office 365 Credentials property to set the user’s identifications. NOTE: For email clients like Gmail, Yahoo and Rediff mail, the SMTP configurations are available online.
NOTE: To get automatic notification on the status of schedule search, configure and test the email settings before you proceed. 2. The Email Configuration window displays the details such as default e-mail address, e-mail type, and the server details. For more details regarding configuring and testing emails in DRM, see Configuring Email settings. You can use the Notify Additional Email Accounts option to add or remove more recipients.
6. Select the desired system type (Server, Storage, Network, and Client) and the brands (PowerEdge, PowerVault, Force10, and Client) for the repository. If you select Server, select PowerEdge, you have the option to select one or more from the following options: • Chassis — Includes Dell system models of the chassis type of form factor. • Rack — Includes Dell system models of the rack mount or monolithic type of form factor.
14. Select the check box corresponding to the components to include the component in the repository, and click OK. NOTE: You have the option to Clear Selections in case you want to change the options. 15. Click Next after you have selected any optional components. The Summary window displays the properties of the repository based on the selections. 16. Click Finish to create the repository. The Create repository dialog box appears while creating the new repository.
network) as the source repository. To set the Local Repository, see Configuring Source Repository. 4. • My Custom Repositories — Allows you to select an existing repository as the base repository. Click Next. The Connect to iDRAC window is displayed. If you have an IP Address or Host Name to access the iDRAC, you can the same host details to access iDRAC in the Create Repository for Dell iDRAC window.
Creating a repository with Dell OpenManage Essentials (OME) Inventory To create an update repository for Dell OpenManage Essentials (OME): 1. In the My Repositories tab in the Dell Repository Manager, click New → Dell OpenManage Essentials (OME) inventory. 2. Type the Name: and Description: and click Next. NOTE: Click Cancel at any time to exit without creating a new repository. The Base Repository window is displayed. 3. Select a source for the repository.
NOTE: Click Resync to retrieve the updated inventory data, if you have modified or removed certain systems from the systems managed by Dell OpenManage Essentials. 10. Click Next to continue. The Summary window is displayed. NOTE: OME 1.0 and DRM 2.1 must be installed on the same system; however, DRM 2.1 can access OME 1.1 and later versions inventory data from a remote system. In DRM 2.1, you must click Connect to obtain inventory data from OME irrespective of the version of OME it interacts. 11.
The Previous Catalog window is displayed. Select one of the previous catalogs from the list, and then click Next. NOTE: Selected catalog may take a few minutes to load. • Local Source Repository — During repository creation, local source is an option/feature, to use a repository or a catalog that is available and maintained locally (can be on any accessible network) as the source repository. To set the Local Repository, see Configuring source repository.
The Please wait... window is displayed while checking for the systems from Dell Management Appliance. 9. Click Close to exit the Results window. The repository is visible with all the Bundles, Components and Inventory. NOTE: You can create Dell Management Plug-in repositories only for 11G and later systems. NOTE: Ensure that the bundle(s) and component(s) you add to the repository belong to the specified criteria.
10. Click Select Components to include additional components in the repository, which are not included in the bundle(s) that you selected. 11. In the Select Optional Components window, select the system(s) to include their components in the repository. Once you select a system, the list of related components are displayed under the Current View window. 12. Select the check box corresponding to the components to include the component in the repository, and click OK. 13.
4. • My Custom Repositories — Allows you to select an existing repository as the base repository. Click Next. The Generic Inventory window is displayed. 5. Click Browse and navigate to the location where you have stored the generic inventory file. 6. Select the inventory file and click Open. The Inventory file Schema Validation window shows validation result. 7.
To build a generic inventory file: 1. Locate the inventory file for the desired Dell Server(s) from support.dell.com. 2. Download the SUU image from support.dell.com. Mount the ISO image virtually on the server which must be updated. For example: K:\bin\Windows. 3. Install the latest Inventory Collector executable file, for example: invCol.exe. 4. From the command prompt, for example, type the following to run the Dell Inventory Collector: invCol.exe -outc=H:\Dell_Generic_Inv.xml. 5.
NOTE: The URL acts as a web service. For example, https:///genericconsolerepository. In case, this IP is blocked by the Proxy Settings, you must add this URL under the Exception. 2. Once you provide the correct web service details for DLCI for SCVMM, you have to provide corresponding Username and Password to establish the integration. NOTE: Username and Password are not mandatory and it is up to the respective console. The Authentication Successful window displays. 3. Click OK.
The Comparing updates… dialog box appears while creating the new repository. If multiple groups were selected, multiple repositories are created. The New repository from inventory window displays the message: Successfully created repository from inventory. 10. Click Close in the New repository inventory window, to view the new SCVMM repository. Working with My Repositories The My Repositories screen displays the list of available repositories.
4. Click Next. The Save Options window is displayed. 5. Under Save repository to section, click browse... to navigate to the location where you want to save the repository. If you want to save the repository in multiple locations, click the + icon adjacent to the browse ... icon. The new row appears with the browse ... option. If you want to deselect any newly added row, click the – icon adjacent to the browse ... icon. 6.
• Scheduling automatic search DRM recommends Schedule Repository Search option, as it automates the entire process and finds just what is newer than what you have in the repository. Scheduling Repository Search 1. In the Dell Repository Manager window, click My Repositories tab, select any of the repository. 2. Click Schedule Repository Search. The Schedule Repository Search window is displayed. 3. Click the Search tab. 4.
11. Click Yes or click No to exit the window. An Automatic Search widow is displayed confirming that the task is successfully created. 12. Click OK. NOTE: Once you download updates to the repository using the Schedule Repository option, one Archived Bundle is created automatically. You can see the old files (components) are saved under the Archived Bundle. In case, you want to use the older versions of any component, you can select the old component from the Archived Bundle.
You can use the Notify Additional Email Accounts option to add or remove more recipients. The sender’s email address automatically gets added to the recipient’s list while sending the notification mail. 9. Click Finish to complete the process. A Task Creation pop-up window is displayed. 10. Click Yes or click No to exit the window. An Automatic Search widow is displayed confirming that the task is successfully created.
Old 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 platform from which you want to remove the files. The file names appear on the right-hand side. Select the check box corresponding to the files you want to remove and click Update. You have the option to select updates for a particular platform. Also, you can Select All (System Filter) to apply all the changes. 5.
3. Click Yes to continue. The Please wait... window is displayed while the catalog is being downloaded. NOTE: Click No to exit the window. NOTE: When a new catalog file is available from Dell, New Dell Online notification appears on the menu bar. To import the latest catalog file click the notification. NOTE: After the New Dell Online Catalog is installed on the Dell Repository Manager, the Sync Database with Dell Online option is enabled. Opening the source repository To open the Source repository: 1.
3. • System Models • Dell Update Package Format • Unassigned Components NOTE: The Unassigned Components option allows us to select generic updates to multiple platforms such as OMSA. Click Cancel to exit the Repository Properties window.
Adding bundles You can add bundle(s) from repositories to the repository you select. You can add bundle(s) by: • Directly importing the bundle from one repository to another repository. • Manually creating a bundle. NOTE: For a successful DUP import, the DUP and its dependent DUPs must be in the same folder. Importing bundles To import a bundle: 1. In the Dell Repository Manager screen, click My Repositories tab, select the repository to which you want to add the bundle, and click Open. 2.
8. On the DUP Format window, select the operating system(s) to include the corresponding components in the repository, and click Next. • Windows 32-bit- Allows you to select component(s) pertaining to systems running the Windows 32 –bit operating system supported by Dell Repository Manager. Windows 32–bit operating system can only use 32–bit DUPs. • Windows 64-bit- Allows you to select component(s) pertaining to systems running the Windows 64 –bit operating system supported by Dell Repository Manager.
4. On the Import or Create window, you have the option to select: • 5. Import bundle(s) from an existing repository. • Manually create a bundle. On the Import or Create window, if you select Import bundle(s) from an existing repository, and click Next. The Select Repository window is displayed. 6. You have the option to select any of the following options, and click Next. • Dell Online Catalog — You can import the bundle(s) and components from the Dell Online Catalog into the repositories you create.
18. In the Name and Version window, type the name and version for the bundle. 19. Under OS Type, select the appropriate DUP format that applies to the corresponding bundle. In case you are not sure about the type of DUP that you should run in to the system, select 32 bit DUPs, since the 32 bit DUP can be applied even for 64 bit operating systems. • Windows 32-bit- Allows you to select component(s) pertaining to systems running the Windows 32 –bit operating system supported by Dell Repository Manager.
Deleting bundles To delete a bundle: 1. In the Dell Repository Manager screen, click My Repositories tab, select the desired repository, and click Open. 2. On the Bundles screen, select the bundle you want to delete. 3. Click Delete. NOTE: If dependent DUPs are available in the same bundle, they are automatically deleted along with the main DUP. The following message appears: Are you sure you want to permanently delete selected bundles? 4.
The selected bundle is the base bundle. 3. Click Run a comparison. The Compare Bundles window is displayed. 4. On the Compare Bundles window, under Comparison Bundle session select a repository that contains the bundle with which you want to compare the base bundle, from the Repository dropdown box. The Bundle: list box displays the bundle(s) contained in the selected repository. 5. Select the bundle you want to compare with the base bundle.
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 Bundle Properties in the Task menu. You have the Name: , Version: , DUP Format: , 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.
NOTE: If you do not want to view the disclaimer, select the Do not show again during this session check box. 9. Click Ok or click Cancel to exit without making any changes. Once you click Ok, the Please wait... dialog box appears while Saving component order changes.... Bundle 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 provided.
3. Select the bundle(s) you want to use further from the list of displayed bundle(s), and click Create Deployment Tools. The Create Deployment Tools for Bundles window is displayed. 4. On the Select Destination window, select a desired deployment tool, and click Next. The available options are: • Create Custom Catalog and Save Updates • Create Light Weight Deployment Scripts • Create Bootable ISO (Linux Only) • Create Server Update Utility (SUU) – Export as SUU to Directory 5.
NOTE: If there is no plug-in available, a red cross appears. In such scenario, download the plugins separately. In case you have an older version of a plug-in, DRM downloads the latest version when the job is submitted. If the latest version of the plug-in is available, click Next. • Continue download irrespective of any error (in the selected components). • Please check in case you do not want to download the latest plug-in. 14. Click Next. Browse For Folder window is displayed.
When a deployment folder is created, a new Readme.html is added. The Readme file describes what the deployment kit contains, like supported platforms, operating system, and information about components. NOTE: You can edit these scripts to add or remove components of your choice. NOTE: The log file variable can be set from outside the script to override the default log file. For Windows, SET LOGFILE= and for Linux, export LOGFILE=.
The Select Deployment Options window is displayed. 5. In the Select Deployment Options window, select one or both options: • Force scripts to upgrade regardless of version or date. • Combine selected bundles into one folder. Each bundle will have a separate script. This will minimize disk space. • Continue with operations if downloads fail. NOTE: Selecting these options are optional. 6. Click Next to continue. The Browse For Folder window is displayed. 7.
• 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. NOTE: Ensure that the script is edited and saved in UNIX format. Scripts with Windows endline characters are unusable. NOTE: This step applies if you select Yes in Step 8.
The version number of the plug-in found is also displayed. • • The Select Plugins shows the following details: 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.
Component Properties You can view the Component Properties details of a component by double-clicking it or by clicking the Component Properties in the Task menu. You can view the following details: • File Name • Path • Version • Release Date • Release ID • OS • Update Type • Category • Criticality • Size • Description NOTE: You can also view the supported OS versions, platforms, devices, PCI device information and such information in the component properties section.
6. Click the Components tab, and then click Import. The Import new DUP files window is displayed. NOTE: If the files are not .exe, you need to change the file extension from .exe to .bin or any. 7. Under Selected DUP Files, click Browse. Navigate to the location where the component(s) are located and then select them. The Select DUP File to Add window is displayed. 8. In the Select DUP File to Add window, select the components that you want to add, and then click Open.
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.
3. In the Browse For Folder window navigate to where you want to save these components before adding them to another bundle or repository, and click OK. A Component download Queued window is displayed. NOTE: The DUP and its dependent DUPs are downloaded at the same location. NOTE: The job has been submitted to the Jobs Queue. You can check the Jobs Queue to follow the progress. Copying components To copy to components: 1.
You can select multiple platforms by pressing and holding the key while selecting the platforms. The Copy Component Summary window is displayed. b. Click Next. The Summary and Finish window is displayed. This window displays information about the component(s) under Selected Components: and Destination Components. c. Click Finish. The Bundle Disclaimer window appears. Here, you have the option to test the bundle before you deploy it to the real environment.
NOTE: In case there is a mismatch between the Selected Components and Destination Components the copying operation fails. Click Errors or Warning to view the details. 15. Click Errors or Warning. The Errors or Warning window appears with the details of the issue. It does not allow you to copy the DUP if there is a mismatch between the type or platform between the selected component and destination bundle. 16. Click Close to return to the Copy Component(s) tab.
For example, if you select BIOS, Dell Repository Manager displays all the components that require only BIOS updates. Criticality Filters components based on the criticality of the update. The available options are: • • • Optional Recommended Urgent For example, if you select Urgent, Dell Repository Manager displays all the components that you need to immediately update your system with. DUP Format Filters components based on the DUP format.
For example, if you select Network Drivers, Dell Repository Manager displays all the components that contain updated Network Drivers. PCI Device Info Filters components based on the PCI devices. The available options are: • • All Contains Working with filters The Dell Repository Manager has an extensive search mechanism that allows you to query repositories, create filters, save, and load filters.
6. Click OK to close the pop-up window. Managing filters The drop-down box on the left side of the Dell Repository Manager displays the filters that you created and saved. You need to select the specific filter and use the Properties button to view the options: To view a summary of the all existing filters, click Manage. The Manage Filters window displays each of the filters that have been saved. The Filter Name and Description columns can be used to sort the filters.
If you close the Dell Repository Manager while a job is still being processed in the Jobs Queue, the Processing Jobs window displays the following message: You have one job being processed. Would you like to Stop processing and Exit now? Job names of the jobs which are in processing state is displayed under the Jobs Queue. • Click Cancel to close the window and allow the job to finish processing. • Click Stop and Exit to exit the application without completing the jobs in the Jobs Queue.
You can also click Reset to clear the search options and start from the beginning. In the Dell Support Files → Search Results window you can view the details of individual updates. The Dell Update Package column displays whether the update is a DUP or non-DUP file. You can download or export a DUP file to the local system as well as a component for an existing or a new repository. You can also download the non-DUP files to the system, however, you cannot export the non-DUP files.
File format • Allows you to filter the search based on the operating system selected. The options available are: • Dell Update Packages (DUP) a. Windows 32–bit b. Windows 64–bit c. Linux (32–bit & 64–bit) Update type • Filters the component(s) based on the type of update required for the component. The available options are BIOS, Firmware, Driver, Application, and Utilities.
Scheduling Automatic Search The following are the benefits of using the Automatic Search feature to schedule an automatic download and/or build an update repository from the support site: • Downloading updates from Dell Support site for one or more Dell products based on the brands can be scheduled. This schedule can be used to check and download updates periodically, during the off pick hours.
– Optional – Recommended – Urgent • Operating system – Windows 32–bit – Windows 64–bit – Linux (32–bit & 64–bit) • Availability – All available files – New files not in Dell FTP Catalog 6. – All files not in Dell FTP Catalog Click the Actions tab, and select one of the following options: • Import updates to a repository in Dell Repository Manager Database — This option allows you to import updates to a new repository in the Dell Repository Manager. This option is selected by default.
Notification by email The email feature helps you to get an email notification when a new update is available for download. 1. In the Dell Repository Manager window, click Source → Schedule Automatic Search. The Automatic Search window is displayed. You can select Cancel at any time to exit without making any changes. 2. Under Email, select any one of the following: • SMTP • Microsoft Exchange NOTE: If you select the SMTP , you have to provide the Sender Details and SMTP Options.
Log Files DRM writes a record of its activities in the log files for further reference. DRM supports .svclog and .log files. For any critical issues, you can use the data from the log file for further troubleshooting and/or debugging. DRM log files are automatically created and maintained. By default, the log files are available at %localappdata%\RepositoryManager\Log.
Using Help in Data Center version 5 The Dell Repository Manager Help offers you: • Online Help Topics • Dell Techcenter • Check for Newer Version • Importing a Repository from Catalog file • Managing Scheduled Tasks • View Welcome Tab • Copying Log Files • Emailing Log Files • About Online Help Topics This option allows you to view and read the DRM data center (latest version) user guide online.
The File Path Location: shows the details of the file. NOTE: DRM supports importing a repository by providing the file path location of its catalog files. The supporting catalog formats are catalog .xml, catalog.cab, or catalog.gz file. 4. Under Select the repository content to import, select one of the following. • 5. Import only the catalog reference file (for example catalog.xml) • Import the catalog reference file and download the actual update files contained within it Click Import.
View Welcome Tab This option helps you to view or go back to the welcome page of DRM. Copying Log Files You can copy the log files that DRM has generated due to its activities, to a convenient location. To copy the log files: 1. In the Dell Repository Manager window, click the Help tab, click Copy Log Files. The Browse For Folder window is displayed. 2. You can Select a location to save the log files in a new location. You have the option to Make New Folder to copy the log files. 3.
