---
title: iDRAC Access and TSR Logs
slug: idrac-access-and-tsr-logs
description: How to reach the iDRAC out-of-band controller on Dell node machines and pull a Technical Support Report (TSR) for hardware diagnosis.
tags:
  - node-provider
  - maintenance
  - runbook
  - idrac
date: 2026-05-04
related:
  - node-provider-maintenance
  - updating-node-firmware
  - bmc-password-reset
  - node-provider-troubleshooting
---

When Dell's hardware support team triages a node machine, they almost
always ask for two things: the **service tag** (the serial number on
the pull-out tag at the front of the chassis) and a **Technical
Support Report (TSR)** — a packaged diagnostic dump that
includes hardware inventory, firmware versions, and SEL logs.

This entry covers how to reach the iDRAC out-of-band controller and
how to pull a TSR when iDRAC is reachable, when it is reachable only
locally, and when it is not reachable at all.

For BMC-side credential recovery on non-Dell machines, see the
[BMC Password Reset Guide](/wiki/bmc-password-reset/). For the
follow-on step of applying firmware, see
[Updating Firmware](/wiki/updating-node-firmware/).

## Method 1 — iDRAC over the network

If the iDRAC has a working management address, log in over HTTPS and
export the SupportAssist collection. Dell's support articles describe:

- Exporting SupportAssist collections via iDRAC9.
- Changing the default iDRAC9 login credentials — do this on
  every newly installed machine.
- Resetting the iDRAC password from a KVM connection if the existing
  credentials no longer work.

> [!WARNING]
> The iDRAC must not be exposed to the public internet. Place it on
> an isolated management network or behind a VPN.

## Method 2 — iDRAC Direct (laptop-to-port)

When the iDRAC is not reachable from the management network, use the
**iDRAC Direct** feature: connect a laptop directly to the dedicated
iDRAC port, configure the laptop's NIC for the iDRAC subnet, and
browse to the iDRAC IP.

This works without changing any of the node's BIOS or iDRAC settings,
and is the fastest path when you have physical access.

## Method 3 — configure the iDRAC IP from BIOS

If you don't know the current iDRAC address and need to set one, use
a crash cart to enter BIOS at boot:

1. Open the **iDRAC** network settings.
2. Set IPv4 to a known address.
3. Save and exit.
4. Connect a laptop directly to the iDRAC port.
5. Set the laptop's NIC to a matching subnet.
6. Browse to the configured iDRAC IP.

## Method 4 — Lifecycle Controller (no iDRAC access)

If iDRAC is unreachable entirely, use the **Lifecycle Controller** to
extract the TSR and export it to a USB stick.

> [!TIP]
> The Lifecycle Controller's first-run wizard is five steps and asks
> for network configuration on each one. Leave every field blank
> except for the mandatory NIC interface selection — pick an
> unused NIC there. Skipping the rest avoids accidentally
> reconfiguring the management network.

Once inside Lifecycle Controller:

1. Generate the TSR.
2. Export it to a USB drive.
3. Carry the USB drive to a workstation with internet access and
   attach the TSR to the Dell support ticket.

## After you have a TSR

If the next step is firmware, follow
[Updating Firmware](/wiki/updating-node-firmware/) — Dell will
typically respond to a TSR-attached ticket with direct download links
for the relevant firmware packages.

## Related

- [Node Provider Maintenance Guide](/wiki/node-provider-maintenance/) — the parent runbook.
- [Updating Firmware](/wiki/updating-node-firmware/) — the typical follow-on after a TSR.
- [BMC Password Reset Guide](/wiki/bmc-password-reset/) — non-Dell BMC credential recovery.
- [Node Provider Troubleshooting](/wiki/node-provider-troubleshooting/) — the troubleshooting index.