Dell server.

[ukracer]

Anyone running a Dell server with windows server 2022 mine is an R730 and I am not sure what's doing my head in more. My wife or this Damn server.

I can access the IDRAC and I can see the ports that are connected on the NIC using the advanced IP checker ( which for anyone following this thread is way better than angry IP) it even tells you what the IP belongs to.

But I simply can't get the server to ask for login credentials using a Web browser.

 

[Kayos]

I have an older Dell and I can see idrac on the network but have never tried to look at it

I'm back in the office and should have a spare hour

I'm running Ubuntu server though, and just SSH into it, but I will see what I can do with idrac

 

[TryingToWeld]

Dunno about Dells, but on HP the older iLo's don't like modern browsers. I used to have a 4 year old of Firefox for this very reason.

Also check whether the IDRAC is on the same physical port as Windows server, my HP's have a dedicated port for iLo, but also allow you to combine it with the standard ports.

Finally, is the IDRAC on the same lan as the rest of the machine, it's best practice to put management on it's own vlan.

 

[MetalMonkey]

I think I’ve commented on this topic before on a previous post.
There are much easier ways to achieve what you want, unless what you want is specifically to use IDRAC.

 

[ukracer]

I think I’ve commented on this topic before on a previous post.
There are much easier ways to achieve what you want, unless what you want is specifically to use IDRAC.

yes you most likely have dementure takes its toll sadly. But I dont actually want to use IDRAC . BUT it appears its the only way to access the server remotely. which is sort of stupid as I can actually touch it from here. I guess I an do what I need although I dont actually know what I need to do as my browser wont access windows server on its IP address. It seems I need to install of activate Remote Desktop on the Windows server before I can use that route to view it.. lol

I can access my NAS devices by using an IP address but not this damn server. I dont want to plug in a monitor and keyboard to the server for two reasons. 1. I am stubborm and wish to learn to do things remotly as in the future I think I will have a need to do so. but 2. I should not need to do that just to get access to the host OS of the server .

 

[MattF]

For what purpose do you need a/the server?

 

[skotl]

yes you most likely have dementure takes its toll sadly. But I dont actually want to use IDRAC . BUT it appears its the only way to access the server remotely. which is sort of stupid as I can actually touch it from here. I guess I an do what I need although I dont actually know what I need to do as my browser wont access windows server on its IP address. It seems I need to install of activate Remote Desktop on the Windows server before I can use that route to view it.. lol

I can access my NAS devices by using an IP address but not this damn server. I dont want to plug in a monitor and keyboard to the server for two reasons. 1. I am stubborm and wish to learn to do things remotly as in the future I think I will have a need to do so. but 2. I should not need to do that just to get access to the host OS of the server .

IP KVMs used to cost thousands of pounds (and I've spent many thousands, over the years, on them professionally) but you can now get cute little variants for upwards of £60 on Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk : ip kvm

Now I'm suspecting that your old R730 may have VGA and PS2 keyboard + mouse so, if it does, I don't know whether you could use an HDMI + USB IP KVM with the adaptors that you can get for cheap on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kasoud-Adapter-Keyboard-Replacement-Converter/dp/B0D1QVLDZB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Omivine-Digital-Converter-Projector-Raspberry/dp/B0BW3ZJ97Y

But it may be worth a shot, especially given Amazon's 30 day returns policy

Edit: Looks like it's just the VGA converter that would be needed as it has two x USB

 

[ukracer]

For what purpose do you need a/the server?

Well as lot if it is "because I can" and It's the sort of question I ask people who run home servers. But initially it's to copy all the disks fitted into my desktop so I have at least one backup that I can use if I delete things in error as I sort the content out. Second it's because I keep getting told a NAS is not a backup. So I intend to TRY to have 4 places. The PC , a NAS and two Clouds.

Another use is to store images of my Laptops, Desktops, Phones and Family devices. So if nothing else I will have a quick way of at least getting back to square one.

It's the sort of thing that will evolve as a need arises or doesn't as the case maybe.

 

[ukracer]

IP KVMs used to cost thousands of pounds (and I've spent many thousands, over the years, on them professionally) but you can now get cute little variants for upwards of £60 on Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk : ip kvm

Now I'm suspecting that your old R730 may have VGA and PS2 keyboard + mouse so, if it does, I don't know whether you could use an HDMI + USB IP KVM with the adaptors that you can get for cheap on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kasoud-Adapter-Keyboard-Replacement-Converter/dp/B0D1QVLDZB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Omivine-Digital-Converter-Projector-Raspberry/dp/B0BW3ZJ97Y

But it may be worth a shot, especially given Amazon's 30 day returns policy

Edit: Looks like it's just the VGA converter that would be needed as it has two x USB

View attachment 519928

Ok so that IP KVM plugs into the server. But as its got HDMI I need a HDMI adapter to connect.
I assume that then allows me to connect to the server as if I am using a PS2 keyboard and VGA screen locally.
Which is great and a solution I might take up but it's not a replacement for learning how to connect/set-up a server remotely using IDRAC and then RDP.

It's more bugging me now as I appear to not understand how it should work. Lol

I suspect as I use team viewer, anydesk and not RUST to access my PC when remote from it my expectation of being able to see windows server when logging in using the browser is a bit too far fetched. I guess it's because I can do so with a NAS that's confusing me.

 

[knighty]

I've got a few r730 running at work

Think youre sorted here now... but any other questions just ask :-)


P.s. I use anyvdesk

If you go in via idrac you can take remote control through it... not done it in ages, iirc it uses java and it was a pain to setup

 

[ukracer]

I've got a few r730 running at work

Think youre sorted here now... but any other questions just ask :-)


P.s. I use anyvdesk

If you go in via idrac you can take remote control through it... not done it in ages, iirc it uses java and it was a pain to setup

No no no I am not sorted. Lol

I am using rustdesk but like anydesk it needs a client installed on the remote machine. I used to use teamviewer and I "think" that used to allow push install. Might just have been push upgrade though.

The bit I still can't get answers for is how to gor example get someone miles away to connect a dellR730 to a router using 2 cables n. 1 for the IDRAC and 1 for the NIC.

Then for me to use IDRAC to install the windows server 2022 on it.
And then access windows server using the other network cable.

Perhaps as I am typing I see a problem ? as I would be using WAN not LAN in that event......that said I can't even do it using LAN. ROTFLMAO.

I can obviously plug in a VGA monitor and keyboard. Install rustdesk which would save a lot of time and typing but I would learn less....

Does what I am saying make sense?

 

[ukracer]

For what purpose do you need a/the server?

Oh I remember another use I have for it. RUSTDESK runs quicker if you use your own server.

 

[skotl]

Ok so that IP KVM plugs into the server. But as its got HDMI I need a HDMI adapter to connect.
I assume that then allows me to connect to the server as if I am using a PS2 keyboard and VGA screen locally.
Which is great and a solution I might take up but it's not a replacement for learning how to connect/set-up a server remotely using IDRAC and then RDP.

It's more bugging me now as I appear to not understand how it should work. Lol

I suspect as I use team viewer, anydesk and not RUST to access my PC when remote from it my expectation of being able to see windows server when logging in using the browser is a bit too far fetched. I guess it's because I can do so with a NAS that's confusing me.

I did link to PS2 and VGA connectors in my earlier post.

It’s not impossible that you won’t able to get the IDRAC working with any newish browser, as another poster suggested…

 

[ukracer]

I did link to PS2 and VGA connectors in my earlier post.

It’s not impossible that you won’t able to get the IDRAC working with any newish browser, as another poster suggested…

Yes mate I saw those adapters.

I can get the IDRAC working. It's the actual OS I am struggling with.

I have succumbed to plugging a key board and monitor in locally. This works fine. ( I think the PS2 keyboard port has been removed, but it worked fine with the USB keyboard.

Is windows server 2022 a GUi or is it all command line?

 

[MetalMonkey]

I can get the IDRAC working. It's the actual OS I am struggling with.

Lets rewind for a moment.

You have remote access to IDRACS, so when you say you can't get it to ask for login over a web browser, what are we talking about exactly? The remote KVM part of IDRACS or something else?

Keep in mind the only real reason to use an out of band management tool like IDRACS, is for the times when you can't manage the server normally.
Either because the operating system is broken, some firmware needs to be installed, perhaps a network issue or you need to power on the server after a shutdown.

For any other task, especially if you plan to use the system to do any actual work, you should be using some sort of remote management tool, be it RDP, TightVNC or one of the multitude of teamviewer/anydesk type programs.

The most important thing is how you secure them, you do not want to leave these connections open to the internet and accepting connections from unauthorised IP addresses, and that is going to be difficult to do unless you have static IP addresses or you intend to set up a VPN or dynamic DNS type solution.

At this point it would be worth taking a step back and defining exactly what you want to achieve as an outcome.
Otherwise you could invest a lot of time and effort to end up with something that doesn’t really do what you want.

 

[ukracer]

Lets rewind for a moment.

You have remote access to IDRACS, so when you say you can't get it to ask for login over a web browser, what are we talking about exactly? The remote KVM part of IDRACS or something else?

I am expecting to be able to use a browser to access the OS on the server. In the same/similar way as I do with my NAS. I have a Synology and a Qnap. One is easier to use but both respond to me accessing them via a browser using 192.168.1.xxx . I then add apps and move files etc similar to a Windows OS. So I expected to do the same using the R730 ....

Keep in mind the only real reason to use an out of band management tool like IDRACS, is for the times when you can't manage the server normally.
Either because the operating system is broken, some firmware needs to be installed, perhaps a network issue or you need to power on the server after a shutdown.

I think I follow that. I can't actually remember how I installed the OS. I know I did it in the Caravan. Using my laptop. Sadly it's in the time frame that I struggle to recall. It usually comes back to me in a few weeks......

For any other task, especially if you plan to use the system to do any actual work, you should be using some sort of remote management tool, be it RDP, TightVNC or one of the multitude of teamviewer/anydesk type programs.

This is where I am stuck. I can't access the OS to install anything. So I can't install any remote management client.

The most important thing is how you secure them, you do not want to leave these connections open to the internet and accepting connections from unauthorised IP addresses, and that is going to be difficult to do unless you have static IP addresses or you intend to set up a VPN or dynamic DNS type solution.

OK great point. One I had not given a lot of thought to as YET.

At this point it would be worth taking a step back and defining exactly what you want to achieve as an outcome.

I have mentioned the two main things currently are to transfer/copy files from.my desktop drives as I intend to prune them over the next few months. Plus to use it as a server to speed up Rust Desk.

Otherwise you could invest a lot of time and effort to end up with something that doesn’t really do what you want.

Yeah I appreciate what you say but any learning in this area is good.

 

[ukracer]

I thought this was going to be useful. I have reached the same stage as the middle of the video. BUT I think he then switches machines at around 8.40 so I don't see how he got the damn OS on screen. Lol

 

[MetalMonkey]

I am expecting to be able to use a browser to access the OS on the server. In the same/similar way as I do with my NAS. I have a Synology and a Qnap. One is easier to use but both respond to me accessing them via a browser using 192.168.1.xxx . I then add apps and move files etc similar to a Windows OS. So I expected to do the same using the R730 ....

That is, generally, a terrible way to use a windows desktop, you will have a far better experience using remote software or something optimised.
Now in fairness I haven't used IDRACS or ILO for a few years, so perhaps they have drastically improved, but they were always terribly laggy and very much a case of last resort just to get the server back to a state where you could remote to it.
I believe it is also a licenced feature you need to have enabled. Just because you have a licence for IDRACS does not mean the feature is enabled on it.

This is where I am stuck. I can't access the OS to install anything. So I can't install any remote management client.

If you have physical access to the server, use a mouse and keyboard. If you don't have access to the server, wait until you do!
Trying to fix a remote access problem remotely, is a lost cause.

Typically, the way this works is you set up the server first and get everything working. Then you enable the out of band/ lights out management and set that up and test it locally.
Then you set up your networking so you know both sites have access. Then you relocate the server to the remote location.

The only time I would actually use something like IDRACS to install the operating system is if I knew it was already set up and working and I didn't have local access.
Or if I had multiple servers to deploy and I'd already tested the procedure with one first.
Even then it’s debatable as I'd probably be running a hypervisor on the tin and just spinning up VMs from a template.

OK great point. One I had not given a lot of thought to as YET.

I have mentioned the two main things currently are to transfer/copy files from.my desktop drives as I intend to prune them over the next few months. Plus to use it as a server to speed up Rust Desk.

Now might be the time - lights out like IDRAC is intended to be used across a LAN or via a VPN - not across an open internet connection.
Which is going to involve you in setting up additional infrastructure, probably purchasing static IP addresses, potentially upgrading your firewall/routers or at least doing some configuration work.

Or

You could just use install your rustdesk as a self hosted option on your server, which you are going to do anyway, and configure it with a key and you are done with a secure solution designed for the purpose.

Yeah I appreciate what you say but any learning in this area is good.

Nothing wrong with wanting to learn new things, but this is a pretty niche thing, which I don't think is going to be of any real use to you in the end, and likely suck up a lot of time and effort in the process.
But crack on by all means if its what you want to spend your time on.

 

[ukracer]

That is, generally, a terrible way to use a windows desktop, you will have a far better experience using remote software or something optimised.
Now in fairness I haven't used IDRACS or ILO for a few years, so perhaps they have drastically improved, but they were always terribly laggy and very much a case of last resort just to get the server back to a state where you could remote to it.
I believe it is also a licenced feature you need to have enabled. Just because you have a licence for IDRACS does not mean the feature is enabled on it.

I suspect this is a large part of my problem.

If you have physical access to the server, use a mouse and keyboard.

I have resorted to doing that. However when booting the server i do not get a Windows GUI.

You could just use install your rustdesk as a self hosted option on your server, which you are going to do anyway, and configure it with a key and you are done with a secure solution designed for the purpose.

Now I have decided to go that route I still can't access windows server 2022 to install rust desk. Or indeed any software.

Nothing wrong with wanting to learn new things, but this is a pretty niche thing, which I don't think is going to be of any real use to you in the end, and likely suck up a lot of time and effort in the process.
But crack on by all means if its what you want to spend your time on.

I don't like to be beaten. I like to establish at least why I could not do what I wanted to do. but I am having severe mental issues just lately. So many people want my time (need my time) i am spending both time awake and even time sleeping where my brain is constantly going back in time. (I really don't know why)

I am never up early. Certainly not 5am which I was today.

So I have decided to just do what I need to and maybe revisit things later. That said I still need storage so I need to get Rustdesk client set up on windows server 2022. This is still evading me.
Forum software is still adding photos 90 degrees out.

 

[Kayos]

It may be your sleep deprived brain, but surely you want Rustdesk server on the server and the client on your other device?