Fix RED008: Unable to Extract Payloads from Update Package

What This Guide Covers

This article explains how to resolve the RED008 error that occurs during firmware or BIOS updates on Dell PowerEdge servers using iDRAC or Dell OpenManage tools.

Quick Fix Summary

• Verify firmware compatibility: Ensure iDRAC meets minimum version requirements before upgrading.
• Use intermediate updates: Update to an intermediate version before applying the latest firmware.
• Manually extract and upload the correct file: Use the firmimgFIT.d9 or firmimg.d8 file via iDRAC web interface.

Overview

The RED008: Unable to extract payloads from Update Package error typically appears when updating iDRAC, BIOS, or other firmware components through Dell Repository Manager (DRM), OpenManage Enterprise (OME), or iDRAC web GUI. This issue often relates to version compatibility or corrupted update packages.

Error Indicators

• Message: RED008 Unable to extract payloads from Update Package
• Job status: Failed during firmware update
• Occurs in:
• iDRAC web interface
• Lifecycle Controller
• Dell OpenManage Enterprise update jobs

Possible Causes

• Firmware version gap: Older iDRAC versions cannot directly upgrade to certain newer versions.
• Corrupted download: Update package may be incomplete or damaged.
• Insufficient iDRAC memory: Lifecycle Controller cache may need clearing.
• Incorrect file format: Using .exe instead of extracted firmware image.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Confirm Firmware Compatibility

• Check Dell KB for minimum version requirements.
• Example: To upgrade to iDRAC 4.00.00.00, the current version must be 3.30.30.30 or newer. [dell.com]

2. Perform Intermediate Upgrade

• If your iDRAC is older than the required version:
1. Download an intermediate firmware version from Dell Support.
2. Update to that version first, then apply the target update.

3. Use Correct File Format

• Download the Windows DUP (.exe) update package.
• Extract the file using WinRAR or similar tool.
• Locate the firmimgFIT.d9 (for iDRAC9) or firmimg.d8 (for iDRAC8).
• Upload this file via iDRAC web interface → Firmware Update tab. [dell.com], [dell.com]

4. Clear Lifecycle Controller Cache

• Reboot the server and perform an AC power cycle.
• Optionally, use Repurpose or Retire System in Lifecycle Controller (press F10 during boot) to clear cached data. [dell.com]

5. Verify Download Integrity

• Re-download the update package.
• Confirm checksum/hash matches Dell’s published values. [dell.com]

6. Alternative BIOS Update Method

• For BIOS updates, use the .efi file method:
• Format a USB drive to FAT32.
• Copy the .efi BIOS file.
• Boot into BIOS Boot Manager (F11) and apply update. [dell.com]

Additional Notes

• After manual updates, run an Inventory Job in OME to refresh compliance status.
• Always back up system configurations before firmware updates.
• Refer to Dell Lifecycle Controller and iDRAC release notes for version-specific details.

References

• Dell Community Discussion [dell.com]
• Dell KB: PowerFlex Upgrade Failure – RED008 [dell.com]
• Dell KB: How to Update BIOS Using EFI File [dell.com]

Affected Systems

• Dell PowerEdge servers (R630, R640, R740, M640, etc.)
• iDRAC8 and iDRAC9 with Lifecycle Controller
• Operating Systems: Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Linux