How to Reset Idrac Password on Dell Server

Is there a way to reset iDRAC password?

In the process of server management, iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller), as an important remote management tool for Dell servers, plays a crucial role, such as enabling remote power on/off, viewing hardware status, and performing system upgrades.

But sometimes, we accidentally forget the iDRAC password, which prevents us from accessing and managing the server properly. Symptoms of an unresponsive iDRAC include the following:

• RACADM commands return "ERROR: Unable to perform requested operation"
• No SSH/Telnet access to the iDRAC (the attempted connection times out)
• No iDRAC browser access
• Pinging the iDRAC IP address fails

The next section will provide you with detailed instructions on how to reset the iDRAC password.

How to reset the iDRAC password [4 methods]

Method 1: Using the iDRAC web interface

If you can still access the server's operating system, you can reset the iDRAC9 password through the server's local management interface.

1. Log in to the iDRAC9 web interface using your current credentials.

2. Click the Maintenance tab.

3. Select Diagnostics.

4. Click Reset iDRAC to reset the iDRAC or click Reboot iDRAC to reset the iDRAC.

Method 2: Using the Server's Bios

If you can't access iDRAC, you can also reset iDRAC password from BIOS.

1. Reboot your server and press F2 to enter the BIOS setup.

2. Once in the BIOS settings, navigate to the iDRAC Settings.

3. Find the Reset iDRAC option, and choose to reset to default settings. This will remove any passwords set for iDRAC.

4. Confirm the reset, and the iDRAC password will be reset to its factory default. The default login is:

• Username: root
• Password: calvin

Method 3. Reset iDRAC password with racadm command

1. Install Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA) on the server.

2. Open a command prompt with administrator privileges.

3. Optionally, confirm the default admin account exists with the command

racadm get idrac.users.2.

4. Use the command below to reset the password.

racadm set idrac.users.2.password

Method 4. Reset iDRAC password for older servers

On older Dell PowerEdge servers such as iDRAC7 and iDRAC8, you can use the reset button to restore iDRAC to factory settings, including changing the password.

1. Connect to the iDRAC Web interface.

2. Log in to the interface by entering the username and password.

3. In the lower right corner of the overview screen, the Quick Launch Tasks are shown.

4. Click Reset iDRAC.

5. Confirm the action.

✨Note: Before changing the iDRAC password, use AOMEI Cyber Backup to create a full backup of your VMs or physical servers since data loss can occur due to hardware failures, accidental deletions, or cyberattacks.

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Download and install the AOMEI Cyber Backup to ensure that your data is always protected and recoverable.

1. Connect your Hyper-V for example. Click Device >> Add Hyper-V, then type the required information.

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3. Select virtual machines that allow you export multiple Hyper-V VMs.

4. In Schedule window, set up a scheduled backup task with flexible full backup / incremental backup within several clicks.

5. In Backup Cleanup window, specify the retention policy for each backup to delete unwanted backup files.

6. Monitor backup status and restore data whenever needed.

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With its advanced features, ease of use, and cost-effective pricing, AOMEI Cyber Backup is the perfect companion for IT professionals looking to enhance data protection efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the default iDRAC password?

• The default username isroot, and the default password iscalvin.

2. Can I reset the iDRAC password without physical access?

• Yes, you can reset the password using the iDRAC web interface, RACADM, or Dell SupportAssist if you have administrative access.

3. Will resetting the iDRAC password affect server operations?

• No, resetting the iDRAC password does not impact the server's operation or data.

4. What if I don’t know the user ID for iDRAC?

• The default admin account usually has a user ID of2. You can list all users with the command: racadm get iDRAC.Users

Conclusion

Resetting the iDRAC password is a simple process that can be done through various methods, depending on your access level and server configuration. Whether you use the web interface, RACADM, BIOS settings, or physical reset button, this guide provides all the steps you need to regain access to your iDRAC.

By following best practices for password management and security, you can ensure uninterrupted access to your Dell PowerEdge server’s remote management tools.