Managing server hardware remotely is essential in modern IT environments. HPE’s Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) provides remote management capabilities for HPE ProLiant servers. One of the tools to configure and manage iLO is HPONCFG. This utility allows administrators to configure iLO settings without having to reboot the server or restart services, making it a powerful tool for system management.
In this post, we will cover how to use HPONCFG on both Windows and Linux systems, walking through installation, usage, and key commands.
What is HPONCFG?
HPONCFG (HP Online Configuration Utility) is a command-line utility used to configure iLO on HPE servers. The main advantage of HPONCFG is that it enables configuration of iLO without requiring server downtime. It directly interfaces with the iLO subsystem, applying configurations in real-time.
Prerequisites
Before using HPONCFG, make sure you have:
- Administrator or root access to the server.
- The appropriate HPONCFG package installed on your system (Windows or Linux).
- Firmware version of iLO that supports HPONCFG (usually iLO 2 or later).
Installing HPONCFG on Windows
1. Download the HPONCFG tool
- Visit the HPE support site and download the latest HP Lights-Out Online Configuration Utility for Windows or download it from here.
2. Install the tool:
- Run the installer and follow the installation prompts to install HPONCFG on your Windows machine.
Update: I figured it out that you will not be able to install the HP Lights-Out Online Configuration Utility when iLO Channel Interface Driver is missing. You will get this error when trying to install:
The software is not supported for installation on this system.
The installation program couldn’t find the Integrated Lights-Out Management Interface Driver which is required but is not currently installed. Please install the appropriate driver and then rerun the setup program.
Search on HPE Support Site after the right version. In my case, I needed iLO 5 Channel Interface Driver for Microsoft Windows Server 2016 and 2019. You can download this version from here.
After installing the driver, I could install iLO Configuration Utility successfully.
3. Verify installation:
- Once installed, open a command prompt and type the following command:
hponcfg /?
- This should display the HPONCFG help menu, confirming that the tool is installed correctly. Installation path: C:\Program Files\Hewlett Packard Enterprise\HPONCFG
4. Graphical Interface
- A graphical user interface of the tool is also availale. A shortcut for it will be provided in “Start Menu > Programs > HPE System Tools > HPE Lights-Out Online Configuration Utility
1. Extracting current iLO configuration:
- You can extract the current iLO configuration to an XML file:
hponcfg /w ilo-config.xml
- This will save the current iLO settings in an XML file named
ilo-config.xml
.
2. Modifying the iLO configuration:
- Edit the
ilo-config.xml
file as needed. For example, to change network settings or user credentials, locate the respective tags in the XML and update them.
3. Applying new configuration:
- After making changes to the XML file, you can apply the new configuration using the command:
hponcfg /f ilo-config.xml
4. Rebooting iLO:
- If you need to restart the iLO subsystem after making changes, use the following command:
hponcfg /iLO_reboot
5. Resetting iLO to Factory Defaults:
- If you need to reset the iLO subsystem to factory defaults, use the following command:
hponcfg /reset
Installing HPONCFG on Linux
1. Download the HPONCFG package:
- Download the HP Lights-Out Online Configuration Utility for Linux from the HPE support site or from here.
2. Install the package (If you didn’t download locally, copy the package using WinSCP before installation):
- For Red Hat or CentOS-based systems:
rpm -ivh hponcfg-x.x.x.rpm
- For Debian-based systems:
dpkg -i hponcfg-x.x.x.deb
3. Verify installation:
- To verify the installation, run:
hponcfg
- If installed correctly, it should display the available commands.
Using HPONCFG on Linux
1. Extracting the current iLO configuration:
- Use the following command to extract the iLO configuration to an XML file:
hponcfg -w ilo-config.xml
2. Modifying the iLO configuration:
- Open the
ilo-config.xml
file using a text editor such asvim
ornano
and make the necessary changes to iLO settings.
3. Applying the new configuration:
- Apply the modified configuration using:
hponcfg -f ilo-config.xml
4. Rebooting iLO:
- If you need to restart the iLO subsystem after making changes, use the following command:
hponcfg -b
5. Resetting iLO to Factory Defaults:
- Reset the iLO subsystem to factory defaults if necessary by running:
hponcfg -r
Important HPONCFG Commands
- View help:
hponcfg /?
(Windows) orhponcfg -h
(Linux)
- Save current iLO configuration:
hponcfg /w filename.xml
(Windows) orhponcfg -w filename.xml
(Linux)
- Apply new iLO configuration:
hponcfg /f filename.xml
(Windows) orhponcfg -f filename.xml
(Linux)
- Reboot iLO:
hponcfg /iLO_reboot
(Windows) orhponcfg -b
(Linux)
- Display iLO information:
hponcfg /i
(Windows) orhponcfg -i
(Linux)
Tips for Using HPONCFG
- Backup your current configuration: Always create a backup of your current iLO configuration before making any changes.
- XML validation: Make sure your XML files are well-formed and validated before applying them. A mistake in the XML structure can lead to failed configurations.
- Script automation: HPONCFG commands can be automated in scripts for deploying iLO settings across multiple servers, saving time in large-scale environments.
Conclusion
HPONCFG is an essential tool for administrators who manage HPE servers. It allows for efficient and flexible management of iLO settings without server downtime. Whether you are using Windows or Linux, the ability to remotely configure server hardware enhances overall system reliability and uptime.
With the steps provided in this guide, you should now be able to install, configure, and use HPONCFG to manage iLO settings on your HPE servers effectively.
Author : Bibith Dathan
Setup and Configure iLO using HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility:
- HP Lights-Out Online Configuration utility (HPONCFG) is a Windows or Linux operating system based utility available to configure iLO.
- The HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility (HPONCFG), which is part of latest HP SmartStart CDs Or u can download from HP site.
- The utility u can download from HP site or you can install it from HP smart CD.
root:serverA# rpm -qf /sbin/hponcfg
hponcfg-3.1.1-0
root:ServerA#
Requirements before using HPONCFG:
- The RILOE II, iLO, or iLO 2 Management Interface Driver must be loaded on the server. HPONCFG displays a warning if the driver is not installed.
- HPONCFG requires minimum RILOE II, iLO, and iLO 2 firmware versions. To determine the minimum firmware version required, see the HP SmartStart Scripting Toolkit Linux and Windows Editions Support Matrix.
HPONCFG can be used to perform the following tasks:
1. Obtain an entire configuration
2. Obtain a specific configuration
3. Set a configuration
Value Meaning
0 The script was sent successfully to the device, or there is no RILOE II,
iLO, or iLO 2 present in the system.
1 The script could not be sent to the device.
HPONCFG — command Syntex:
#hponcfg [-help][-?][-reset][-f filename][-l filename] [-w filename][-get_hostinfo][-m firmwarelevel] [-mouse | -mouse -dualcursor | -mouse -allusers]
Simple steps to config ILO using this utility:
1. #/sbin/hponcfg -a -w /tmp/ilo2.out (Get configuration )
2. #vi /tmp/ilo.out — (Edit configuration to reflect changes )
( Note this is xml file )
3. #/sbin/hponcfg -f /tmp/ilo.out -v (Appy the configuration)
Setting a specific configuration:
A specific configuration can be sent to the iLO, iLO2, or RILOE II by using the command format:
#HPONCFG /f add_user.xml /l log.txt
Setup and configure ILO using ILO RBSU : Please click here
Installing HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility on Windows
Installing HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility on Windows
Would you like to learn how to Install the HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility on Windows? In this tutorial, we are going to show you how to download and install the HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility software on a computer running Windows.
HPQLOCFG is a command-line software that allows you to send XML configuration and control scripts over the network to an HP iLO interface.
Copyright © 2018-2021 by Techexpert.tips.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Equipment list
Here you can find the list of equipment used to create this tutorial.
This link will also show the software list used to create this tutorial.
HP iLO Playlist:
On this page, we offer quick access to a list of videos related to HP iLO.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our youtube channel named FKIT.
HP iLO Related Tutorial:
On this page, we offer quick access to a list of tutorials related to HP iLO.
Tutorial — HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility on Windows
Start the HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility installation.
Accept the license and click on the Next button.
Click on the next button.
Wait the installation to complete and click on the Close button.
After finishing the HP Lights-out configuration utility installation, open a DOS prompt.
On the DOS prompt, access the HP Lights-out configuration utility installation folder.
You are now able to use the HPQLOCFG command to connect to an HP iLO interface and send RIBCL scripts.
In our example, the hpqlocfg command will send the RIBCL commands inside the Factory_Defaults.xml file to the HP iLo interface 192.168.0.10 using the username administrator and the password mypass.
Here is the content of the Factory_defaults.xml file.
Congratulations! You installed the HP Lights-out configuration utility on Windows
VirtualCoin CISSP, PMP, CCNP, MCSE, LPIC22021-08-07T13:10:21-03:00
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Lights-Out Configuration Utility (HPQLOCFG.EXE) — утилита для Windows, которая позволяет управлять через командную строку iLO 3, iLO 4 или iLO 5 по сети. RIBCL скрипты выполняются по SSL. Для работы утилиты требуется логин и пароль пользователя ILO с правами администратора. Знать IP адрес ILO тоже неплохо бы.
Для начала нужно скачать утилиту HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility.
https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_8abe539b67bf46978e8f84acb8
Качаем. Текущая версия 5.2.0 (26 июн 2018). Имя файла SP99166.msi (665 KB).
Устанавливаем:
По умолчанию утилита поставилась в директорию:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Hewlett Packard Enterprise\HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility
В этой статье мы покажем основные способы сброса пароля администратора на плате управления серверами HPE — Integrated Lights Out (ILO) на примере iLO 4 (инструкция применима также к iLO 3 и iLO 4).
При наличии физического доступа к серверу HPE, вы можете перезагрузить хост и при загрузке сервера нажать клавишу F9, чтобы перейти в меню настройки RBSU.
Затем нужно выбрать System Configuration -> iLO 4 Configuration Utility.
Для управления пользователями iLO перейдите в User Management.
Затем выберите Edit/Remove User -> Edit.
По умолчанию имя встроенной учётной записи в iLO – Administrator (регистро-зависимо).
Выберите пункт меню Password и укажите новый пароль.
Сохраните изменения, нажав F10. Пароль администратора iLO изменен. Можете продолжить нормальную загрузку сервера.
Основные недостатки такого метода сброса пароля: приходится подключаться к консоли сервера (идти в серверную) и требуется полная перезагрузка операционной системы.
Однако, вы можете сбросить пароль iLO непосредственно из запущенной операционной системы. Для этого используется официальная утилита HPE — hponcfg или HP Online iLO Configuration для Windows (требуется установка драйвера iLO Management Interface Driver в операционной системе, которая запущена на сервере).
Утилита hponcfg позволяет из локальной командной строки на сервере изменить любые настройки iLO без перезагрузки сервера.
Далее мы покажем, как с помощью hponcfg сбросить пароль iLO из Windows, Linux и VMWare ESXi.
Содержание:
- Сброс пароль HP ILO из Windows
- Сброс пароль HP ILO из Linux
- Сброс пароль HP ILO из VMWare ESXi
Сброс пароль HP ILO из Windows
Чтобы сбросить пароль администратора iLO из Windows, нужно скачать и установить пакет HP Lights-Out Configuration Utility SP70865.exe (если он еще не установлен) для вашей версии Windows.
https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_0e6dd836b4c54fa9b600b4491b
- Запустите HP Lights-Out Online Configuration Utility («C:\Program Files\HP\hponcfg\hponcfg_gui.exe») с правами администратора;
- Перейдите на вкладку User. Здесь должен быть доступен список пользователей iLO. Выберите пользователя Administrator и нажмите View/Modify;
- В открывшемся окне укажите поставьте чекбокс в поле Change Password, укажите новый пароль администратора iLO и сохраните изменения.
С помощью HP Lights-Out Online Configuration Utility вы можете также сменить сетевые настройки интерфейса iLO (IP адрес, шлюз, подсеть), импортировать/экспортировать и сбросить конфигурацию.
Также можно воспользоваться утилитой командой строки hponcfg.exe.
Сначала нужно сохранить текущую конфигурацию ILO в xml файл:
hponcfg.exe /w current_config.xml
Затем создайте новый XML файл reset_admin_password.xml с текстом:
<ribcl VERSION="2.0"> <login USER_LOGIN="Administrator" PASSWORD="password"> <user_INFO MODE="write"> <mod_USER USER_LOGIN="Administrator"> <password value="NewPassword"/> </mod_USER> </user_INFO> </login> </ribcl>
Чтобы применить к iLO конфигурацию с новым паролем, выполните:
hponcfg.exe /f reset_admin_password.xml /l hplog.txt
Сброс пароль HP ILO из Linux
В Linux также сначала нужно установить пакет hponcfg. В стандартных репозиториях его нет, поэтому их придется установить вручную. Проще все добавить репозиторий с утилитами HP с помощью скрипт add_repo.sh (http://downloads.linux.hpe.com/add_repo.sh). Скрипт автоматически определяет версию Linux, разрядность и т.д. и подключает нужный репозиторий.
Для установки hponcfg в CentSO/RHEL используется менеджер пакетов yum/dnf:
# yum install hponcfg -y
В Ubuntu/Debian:
# apt-get install hponcfg
Проверьте, возможно пакет уже установлен:
# rpm -qf /sbin/hponcfg
Создайте XML файл с новым паролем администратора iLO:
# vi reset_ilo_password.xml
<ribcl version=”2.0″> <login user_login=”Administrator” password=”password”> <user_info mode=”write”> <mod_user user_login=”Administrator”> <password value=”NewPasdrow1”> </password> </mod_user> </user_info> </login>
Затем примените новый пароль к плате управления HPE iLO:
# hponcfg -f passwd_reset_ilo.xml -l log.txt
Firmware Revision = 2.20 Device type = iLO 4 Driver name = hpilo Script succeeded
Сброс пароль HP ILO из VMWare ESXi
Для сброса пароля iLO из VMWare ESXi также нужна утилита hponcfg. Если вы используете кастомный образ ESXi от HPE, эта утилита уже установлена (/opt/hp/tools/ hponcfg).
Если утилиты нет, скачайте HPE ESXi Utilities Offline Bundle для вашей версии ESXi:
- vSphere 6.7 (https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX-702d3c7d8c4546a3b27d1458b5)
- vSphere 6.5 (https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_6be6cedecfee4ffe9f6c808711#tab-history)
Установите пакет:
#esxcli software vib install -d /tmp/hpe-HPUtil-esxi6.5-bundle-2.6a-1.zip
Перезагрузите хост командой:
# reload
Создайте текстовый файл reset_ilo_password.xml (как описано выше) с новыйм паролем iLO и примените его:
# hponcfg -f reset_ilo_password.xml
Через минуту плата iLO применит новую конфигурации и сможете авторизоваться на ней с новым паролем.