PowerEdge 17G Lifecycle Controller has been hobbled?

Question

Hello,

Our company just purchased a nice shiny new Dell R770 server with all the bells and whistles. What I almost immediately noticed is that the F10 Lifecycle Controller option at boot is now labeled as F10 = Lifecycle Controller (Install OS) and when I go into the LC, the ONLY option is to install an OS. No firmware update, No diagnostics, No hardware configuration, No Nothing! I searched online and saw a posting here from another user with the same issue, and the Dell technician suggested disabling/re-enabling the LC from F2, hard resetting the iDRAC, and reloading the iDRAC/LC firmware. This did not help the other user, and it didn't help in my case either (Though I was able to update the firmware to a slightly newer version with an updated UI, so that's something).

We called into Dell support this morning and after about 30+ minutes on the phone and lots of poking and prodding the iDRAC and uploading of SupportAssist files, the Dell tech admits that this is a FEATURE, and not a BUG. It seems that 17G servers have had ALL functions removed from the Lifecycle Controller EXCEPT for OS Installation!

Uhh... What?

1: Why in the heck would they do this? These features have been standard on Dell LCs for as long as I can remember and one of the main reasons that I love working on Dell hardware. I (personally) find using the iDRAC and LC much easier and more intuitive than iLO in HPE systems.

2: Why hasn't their support staff been properly trained on this major change from previous generations of server hardware? Why do their community techs give incorrect "solutions" to a problem that is actually working as designed? Why do their telephone techs have us jump through hoops before simply saying "That's actually how it works now. We removed some really useful features that you have been using for decades for no reason, so now you have to learn other ways to do your job."

3: And finally, if the ONLY thing you can do by hitting F10 is install an OS, WHY have an F10 option at all? Why still call it the Lifecycle Controller? It would make much more sense IMO to make this an additional function in F2, as you would hopefully only install an OS once and not worry about it until and if you decide to repurpose the hardware.

OK, enough with my rant. I will now wander back into the server room and make a nice new forehead shaped dent in the wall.

Randy

DELL-Rey G · Answer

Having worked with the 17G systems recently, I too was surprised that only OS Deployment was available. I was informed that the idrac GUI was going to be the method to perform the actions that the LC (F10) used to perform other than OSD. The diags are in the Boot Manager under System Utilities now.

I kinda like not having to go to 2 different areas to get things done on the system, but I agree that the communication could have been better.

Rey
#Iwork4Dell

BotMan · Answer

@DELL-Rey G​ Thanks for the reply. I know that most if not all of the 'new' way of doing things have been active for at least a couple of generations of Server/iDRAC/LC, but am *gobsmacked as to why they close to remove functionality from a perfectly usable system without actually telling anyone and not giving the front line techs a heads up so they can calm the pitchfork and torch wielding mobs of system administrators. *gobsmackedadjective 1. Flabbergasted, astounded, speechless, overawed. 2. Utterly astounded.  Randy #IhavepreviouslyworkedforDellasacontractorwaybackinthedayonseveralprojectsandreallyliketheirsupportandcustomerinteraction

Origin3k · Answer

And when we are here... dropping the LED bezel is also such a 'great' idea! Regards, Joerg

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hello, this is just my thoughts, not coming from Dell officially, but I think it seems that features are removed when they are not popular any longer (which wasn't the case for you, and I'm sorry for the inconvenience that you have to go through due to the change). Your system seems fairly new, I would recommend that you get in touch with your SAM and provide the feedback. Maybe if enough people provide it, then it could make a difference.

BotMan · Answer

@DELL-Young E​ Yes, it is brand new. The box was received from Dell on Wednesday, September 3rd, racked, OS installed, and 'problem' identified on the 4th, and conference call with Dell support happened the morning of the 5th. (No I didn't consume a 5th after the call, but I was considering it! <grin/'HIC'>) I believe I was very clear concerning my displeasure at the situation while talking with the phone support person while also apologizing and letting them know I was not unhappy with their assistance in the slightest. I am unsure if we were speaking with our Service Account Manager exactly as I was added to the call after a different tech opened the initial trouble ticket.

DELL-Rey G · Answer

I really feel that getting rid of the F10 options (except the OS deployment) is a good thing. We shouldnt have to reboot to enter the F10 screen to make changes that can be accomplished from the idrac gui. Though I would have preferred to see a pop in the F10 screen that informs the users that this is the new process from now on.

Rey
#iwork4Dell

BotMan · Answer

@DELL-Rey G​ Most if not all of the functions that were previously in F10 Lifecycle Controller could also be done using other solutions as the current (17G) options were also available in 16G and earlier builds, so it is really reducing our options as Systems Administrators by deprecating the F10 functionality. I doubt that the newer systems are tight on EEPROM/FLASH space, so don't think that the BIOS/iDRAC/LC memory is getting too low on available space to fit the ones and zeros, but I could be mistaken. If this IS the case, then they could have designed using a larger memory chip? (just a thought) As for the older 16G and earlier functions, some of them may or may not be somewhat different or even more in-depth than ones operated from within the OS such as diagnostics. Is your OS crashing on boot? If so, it may be difficult to load diags or roll back from a buggy firmware build if needed. I much prefer the option to hit F10 if needed. These are all just my personal preferences of course, but I really don't see the need to unilaterally pull functionality from the latest server family without notice and without properly training the sales and support staff on the implications of such a decision. I also REALLY hope that these and other functions are not reintroduced in a few months under a subscription model or only available if there is an active support contract like certain other hardware vendors.

bseklecki_ge · Answer

Mercifully, if you had wanted to access the LCC via the VGA Console to apply a microcode/firmware update (EXE files on a FAT-32 formatted USB Drive), one can do that via the USB-C port on the front bezel, which now emulates a Realtek USB-C, and gives convenient access to the web interface on the iDRAC10, which also allows SFX EXEs containing microcode to be uploaded conveniently (and then , paradoxically, creates LLC jobs in the queue to apply them at next power cycle)

But yea, not good rollout of this feature change.

I will be happy to see the LCC eventually sunset in favor of 100% iDRAC mandatory utilization / access.

Its how Cisco UCS rolls, and that's why they own the datacenter market.

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PowerEdge 17G Lifecycle Controller has been hobbled?

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