creating repository for R620 retired server

This is my suggestion for12th generation servers at this point in their life cycle.  Just update the bios and perhaps network cards. Leave the idrac alone, unless there is a specific issue that you know is resolved in a newer idrac fw. Install an OS and apps that you require and see if everything is working. 
Here is a link to drivers and fw for R620: https://www.dell.com/support/product-details/en-us/product/poweredge-r620/drivers

Rey
#Iwork4Dell

Thank you for the response. The lifecylce controller needs drivers for the SATA controller at the minimum before I can boot a new OS on the server. Is there an alternate way to get the drivers necessary for the lifecycle controller to boot an OS without building a repository?

Gotcha, which OS and version are you trying to install? Also, which bios and idrac versions are currently installed? 

Rey

#Iwork4Dell

This link will take you to the OS driver pack, which will update the LC. The newer OS shouldnt need the drivers in the driver pack since they should already have them as part of the iso. The catch is that you might need to update the idrac in order to use the latest version of the driver pack. you would provide this file to the idrac update in the gui:
R620_Drivers-for-OS-Deployment_Application_W7W06_WN64_15.07.07_A00.EXE
Dell OS Driver Pack | Driver Details | Dell US

Rey
#Iwork4Dell

@DELL-Rey G​ Ok, I think I might be confused. I am trying to install Proxmox 8.3 and it does not recognize any of the drives I have in the system. One of the drives is a Dell enterprise class SSD so I wouldnt expect any compatibility issues. 

Booting into the lifecycle controller, and looking at "View current versions" under "Firmware update" firmware I am missing drivers for the SATA controller Non raid and raid. I understand this means the server has been "retired" through the life cycle controller, and I need to install the drivers via a USB key where I need to build a repository DB with the BIN drivers that I have already downloaded. 

But it sounds like you are saying I can use the "drivers for OS deployment pack to deploy my OS via IDRAC? 

In current versions I have
BIOS V 2.9.0

Diagnostics V 0

IDRAC V 2.65.65.65
Lifecycle Controller V 2.65.65.65
OS Collector v5.0,A00 V 5
OS Drivers Pack V 0 

there are other items for network and power but I dont believe they are relevant. 

Ah, ok, the Proxmox is new to me, so I dont know its requirements. Let me get more info about the system:
1. which storage controller does it have?
2. does the controller see the disks?

3. does Prox need to have a virtual disk created via the storage controller, or with the correct drivers, should it see the raw disks?

Rey
#Iwork4Dell

That is the problem, there are no storage controllers present. 

I believe this is because the drivers are missing from the life cycle controller, and I cannot install them because I cannot build a repository file. 

@Mrcylog​ I see your point, however, even after a retire operation, the idrac can always see the hardware and its existing fw versions that are physically installed, assuming its operating properly. The system only needs drivers when installing operating systems. I would suggest either using the idrac gui to view the information, similar to the below image or go into the F10>System Setup >Devices to see whats installed.  The R620 I have access to has an H710 mini controller. Its possible yours only has the embedded S110 software raid controller. The R620 had the option of Percs: S110, H310, H710, H710P and H810. Just to be sure, the lights on the drives do turn on when the server is on?

Shoot, well, under Device Settings I have my 4 Integrated NIC ports listed and nothing else. 

From BIOS if I go into SATA settings Embedded SATA is set to AHCI Mode  

Port E is set to auto with an unkow model and unkown device for device type. Same with port F. 

All other SATA modes have the same "unkown" status. 

I thought this was due to the lifecycle controll not having firmware loaded for the controller, but you are saying the firmware will still be there even after a full retirement?

Does this mean I have a bricked server?

Correct, the fw is on the hardware and Dell doesnt delete the fw from the hardware, even after using retirement function. When the system boots, it will run Collect System Inventory on Reboot (CSIOR), this step tells the idrac what hardware and fw versions are installed. what you are seeing about the embedded sata is normal. Just to be sure, you do see the drives light up on the front of the system?  

In your idrac gui, does it show drives?

#Iwork4Dell

as for lights, no, I do not get any lights on the drives except for briefly they both flicker at first power up. 

No drives show up in idrac, or BIOS. I did throw a little PCIE M.2 NVMe adapter into an expansion slot, and I am able to recognize that in proxmox, and installation is underway. 

Thank you for the assistance Rey, I would have been spinning my gears on this SATA firmware for ages without your insights! 

And unfortunately, after installing proxmox on my M.2 drive mounted from the PCIe expansion I am unable to boot from it. The only boot options are still limited to the 4 network ports. 

Hello,

the OS is not supported,

also if you are using a PCIe m.2 adapter might be a 3rd party device, (you can confirm that for us)

and I do not recall R620 supporting M.2 (I looked up), so I'm not sure we can do more here, I'm afraid.

Respectfully, 

Yes, it is third party. I am looking at using the internal USB port to create a boot drive to load the OS from the M.2 drive. not exactly ideal, but better than nothing! :(