Dell r640 SUU fails to update

The error "inventory file not found" with Dell Server Update Utility (SUU) usually means the SUU is unable to locate the necessary inventory data for the server it's attempting to update. This can happen if the Inventory Collector is not running, is not supported on the virtual machine, or if there are issues with the inventory file itself. 

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:

1. Inventory Collector Not Running or Supported:

Cause:

SUU relies on the Inventory Collector (invCol.exe) to gather information about the server's components and firmware. If the Inventory Collector is not running or is not supported on your specific environment (e.g., VMware ESXi), SUU will fail to find the inventory file. 

Solution:

• Ensure the Inventory Collector is running: Verify that the Inventory Collector executable (invCol.exe) is installed and running on the server. 

• If running in VMware ESXi: For ESXi, SUU 2.0.0 or later must be run in "passthough" mode, which bypasses the Inventory Collector and collects firmware inventory directly from iDRAC. 

• Check for compatibility: If you're using a virtualized environment, ensure the SUU version is compatible with the virtualization platform. 

2. Inventory File Issues:

Cause:

The inventory file (typically inv_xml) might be corrupted, missing, or not in the correct format.

Solution:

• Re-create the inventory file: Use the Dell Inventory Collector (invCol.exe) to generate a new inventory file. Follow the instructions in the Dell Repository Manager Data Center User's Guide, found here.
• Verify file integrity: Ensure the new inventory file is complete and valid.
• Check file path: Make sure the path to the inventory file is correct within the SUU settings. 

3. Other Potential Issues:

Lock files:

SUU can sometimes create lock files (e.g., suu.lck) during its operation. If an abrupt shutdown occurs, these lock files can interfere with the SUU's ability to run properly, potentially leading to the "inventory file not found" error.

Solution:

Delete the lock files from the relevant directory (e.g., <%systemdrive%>:\dell\suu for Windows, /var/log/dell/suu for Linux). 

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check SUU documentation: Consult the Dell Server Update Utility User's Guide for your specific version of SUU for troubleshooting tips. 

1. Verify Inventory Collector: Ensure the Inventory Collector is running and accessible to the SUU. 

1. Re-create inventory file: Generate a new inventory file using the Dell Inventory Collector. 

1. Check lock files: Delete any lock files that may be present. 

1. Restart SUU: Restart the SUU application. 

Let us know if you have any further questions. Also please send us your service tag by DM. https://www.dell.com/community/en/direct-messaging

Respectfully,

@DELL-Young E​ ok i ended up just updating dell repository manager and re downloaded the r640 update, looks a little different but is this normal?

the lines:

No Caching mode page found

assuming drive cache: write through

Hello,

Did the updates apply?

Could you post another picture? The latest image is too small to read and gets blurry when zooming in.

From what I can tell the ones in the image installed. Can you confirm that?

If you can, try a flea power drain before starting updates and check results:

drain flea power (shut down, disconnect power cables and Network cables, hold in power button 20 seconds with cords removed).

After flea power drain, system has to set for 3 minutes for DRAC to reset without any power plugged in.

Then plug in NIC and power but wait 2 minutes before power on to give DRAC time to initialize.

If you cannot drain the flea power then give the DRAC a reboot before starting the updates and check results.

Are you using this one, or try using this one, and check results?

DELL System Update, v.2.1.1.0. ( think yours says 2.0.2.0 but it is hard to read)

Version:2.1.1.0, A00.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=03gc8&oscode=ws22l&productcode=poweredge-r640

it's all good and all updates were installed successfully! thanks guys.