Formatting A Partition - Dell iDRAC7 User Manual

NOTE: The uploaded image and the emulation type must match. There are issues when iDRAC7 emulates a
device with incorrect image type. For example, if the partition is created using an ISO image and the emulation
type is specified as Hard Disk, then the BIOS cannot boot from this image.
• Image file size is less than or equal to the available space on the card.
• Image file size is less than or equal to 4 GB as the maximum partition size supported is 4 GB. However, while
creating a partition using a Web browser, the image file size must be less than 2 GB.
Creating a Partition Using an Image File Using Web Interface
To create a vFlash partition from an image file:
1. In iDRAC7 Web interface, go to Overview → Server → vFlash → Create From Image.
The Create Partition from Image File page is displayed.
2. Enter the required information and click Apply. For information about the options, see the
A new partition is created. For CD emulation type, a read-only partition is created. For Floppy or Hard Disk
emulation type, a read-write partition is created. An error message is displayed if:
– The card is write-protected
– The label name matches the label of an existing partition.
– The size of the image file is greater than 4GB or exceeds the available space on the card.
– The image file does not exist or the image file extension is neither .img nor .iso.
– An initialize operation is already being performed on the card.
Creating a Partition From an Image File Using RACADM
To create a partition from an image file using RACADM:
1. Open a telnet, SSH, or Serial console to the system and log in.
2. Enter the command: racadm vflashpartition create –i 1 –o drive1 –e HDD –t image –
l //myserver/sharedfolder/foo.iso –u root –p mypassword
A new partition is created. By default, the created partition is read-only. This command is case sensitive for the
image file name extension. If the file name extension is in upper case, for example FOO.ISO instead of FOO.iso, then
the command returns a syntax error.
NOTE: This feature is not supported in local RACADM.
NOTE: Creating vFlash partition from an image file located on the CFS or NFS IPv6 enabled network share is
not supported.

Formatting a Partition

You can format an existing partition on the vFlash SD card based on the type of file system. The supported file system
types are EXT2, EXT3, FAT16, and FAT32. You can only format partitions of type Hard Disk or Floppy, and not CD. You
cannot format read-only partitions.
Before creating an partition from an image file, make sure that:
• You have Access Virtual Media privilege.
• The card is initialized.
• The card is not write-protected.
• An initialize operation is not being performed on the card.
202
iDRAC7 Online Help .