Intelligent Data Collector User Guide

Abstract
Using the IDC tool to collect log data from mission critical HPE servers.

Part Number: P17316-001

Published: March 2019
Edition: 1
© Copyright 2019 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP

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Contents

About the IDC tool...................................................................................4

Requirements for using IDC..........................................................................................................4
Servers and logs supported by IDC.............................................................................................. 5

Using the IDC tool................................................................................... 6

Collecting logs using IDC..............................................................................................................6
Viewing logs collected by IDC.......................................................................................................6
Communicating through SSH using plink.................................................................................. 7
Updating the cached SSH host key.............................................................................................. 7

Troubleshooting...................................................................................... 8
Troubleshooting system hangs when collecting FPL or SEL logs................................................ 8
Troubleshooting server SSH host key mismatch.......................................................................... 8

Support and other resources...............................................................10

Accessing Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support......................................................................... 10
Accessing updates......................................................................................................................10
Customer self repair.................................................................................................................... 11
Remote support...........................................................................................................................11
Warranty information................................................................................................................... 11
Regulatory information................................................................................................................12
Documentation feedback............................................................................................................ 12

Websites................................................................................................ 13

3
About the IDC tool
Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides Intelligent Data Collector (IDC) for customers to collect logs from
supported HPE mission critical servers.

Figure 1: IDC starting menu

IDC communicates with the server management interface (OA, iLO/MP, or RMC/eRMC) to read and save
logs from the server. You can configure what data you want collected, or can use the default
configurations for collecting server logs.
The IDC program does not record any user passwords. IDC does not upload anything to the server and it
will not change any configurations.
The IDC program requires no installation process. Simply copy the IDC.exe file on a Windows-based
client system that has a network access to the server. Then IDC is ready to use.
IDC may be left on HPE customer systems, but it will remain the property of Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Requirements for using IDC

To use the IDC tool to collect logs from a server, the following requirements must be met.

4 About the IDC tool

 • The specified user must login with full administrator permissions to enable IDC to capture all the
necessary data.
• To avoid problems with HTML versions of the logs that IDC creates, do not use a number sign (#) in
the name of the save file.
• Ensure the client system where IDC runs has plenty of storage space to save the data being collected.
Server logs are frequently larger than 100 MB.
• Telnet is using the default port (23) and is enabled on the OA or iLO/MP
• If it is necessary that an SSH connection is used between IDC and a Superdome 2 OA or c3000/
c7000 OA, then this connection can be established by using PuTTY.

Servers and logs supported by IDC

The IDC tool collects log data from the following types of servers.
IDC does not collect VC (Virtual Connect) support logs from VC interconnect modules. IDC does not work
with legacy cell-based systems, such as sx2000 models.
HPE Superdome Flex Server
Connect to the RMC or eRMC for a Superdome Flex Server and collect logs.
Logs collected include: the last 10 days of events from the IEL, details of all CAE events, and
summaries of UVDMP logs.
HPE Integrity Superdome 2 and Integrity Superdome X
Connect to the Onboard Administrator (OA) for a Superdome 2 or Superdome X server and collect
logs.
Logs collected include: CPE, HR, CMC, and MCA errdumps, ZDT (Superdome 2 only), and SEL and
FPL dumps (full dumps or last 10 days of logs). Also runs over 75 OA commands that obtain the
status of the nPars, vPars, Blades, iLO, CPU, Memory, Firmware, XFM, IOX, CAE, and more.
IDC can create and/or copy debug archives. Create archive options are to create the debug logs on
the OA Archive Storage, or to create them on a USB device. Copy archive options are to copy a
debug archive from OA Archive Storage to a USB device, or to copy them to an FTP server.
IDC can test the OA to iLO connectivity.
Integrity Blade servers and enclosures
Connect to the OA of a c7000 or c3000 enclosure and collect SHOW ALL data. IDC also can collect
SEL, FPL, iLO, ZDT, and Console Logs from any type of Integrity Blade that is installed in the
enclosure and is functioning as a monarch blade.
Integrity rack servers
Connect to a iLO/MP of an rx2800, rx2660, rx660 system and collect logs, including SEL, FPL, iLO,
ZDT, and Console Logs. IDC will also access the iLO/MP command menu and collect the outputs
from all the CM commands.

About the IDC tool 5

Using the IDC tool
Collecting logs using IDC
When necessary, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise support specialist can provide customers access to the
IDC tool.

Procedure

1. Download the IDC.exe file to a Windows client system.

The Windows client must have a network connection to the server management interface.
2. Run IDC.exe on the Windows client system.

3. Select the type of server that IDC will connect to by using the buttons.
4. Specify the management IP address or hostname, the user name, and password for the server.
5. Click the Create Save File button to designate the name and location of the text file for saving the
data.
IDC will create the specified file once you click Collect Data. If a file with that name exists, IDC will
immediately overwrite that file. IDC does not append to an existing file.

The specified Save file must have a .txt extension, or this tool will not work.
To avoid problems with HTML versions of the logs that IDC creates, do not use a number sign (#) in
the name of the save file.
6. Select the data that you want collected.
The default is to collect all the logs. You can select which logs you want the tool to collect by clicking
Modify IDC configuration.
7. To begin collecting logs, click Collect Data and let the program run.

Collecting all logs can take a long time (possibly over 45 minutes) depending on the amount of data
that is in the logs.

After IDC has finished collecting data, it lists all the data file names and indicates IDC FINISHED.
Clicking the Reset IDC Tool button will reset IDC to its starting state. Resetting this way will clear all
fields, attempt to close any open network connection, and then reset the collection configuration to its
default starting state. This button is always available, even while IDC is actively collecting server data.
8. If you want to collect another set of server logs, click Reset IDC Tool to clear all settings.
After IDC settings are cleared, you can start over by selecting a server type.

Viewing logs collected by IDC

You can view log data from the Windows client where you ran IDC.

Prerequisites
Use IDC to collect server log data from a server.

Procedure

1. On a Windows client, run IDC and collect server log data from a server.

6 Using the IDC tool

 The IDC tool saves the log data to the location you specified on the Windows client.
2. View the Windows client folder where you saved the log data.
3. Open the server log data to view it.
View the text file or HTML file with the name you specified. The HTML output is easiest to navigate for
viewing.

The collected log data for each server is provided in text (.txt) and HTML (.html) format. To support
HTML viewing of the collected output, .htm files are also included. A ZIP bundle of all files also is
provided.
4. If you are requested to do so, submit the ZIP bundle to Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Communicating through SSH using plink

IDC allows you to communicate to server management interfaces through SSH using plink.exe.

Prerequisites
plink.exe must be in the same directory where IDC.exe is located.

Procedure

1. Ensure plink.exe is installed on the Windows client that you use to run IDC.
plink is included with the IDC tool package that is distributed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

2. Click Modify IDC configuration and select SSH in the IDC options menu.
3. Proceed with server log data collection.
Once you click the Collect Data button, IDC will launch plink.exe to open an SSH connection to the
configured system.

Updating the cached SSH host key

IDC will fail to connect to a management interface when PuTTY cached keys do not match the current
keys for the management interface. In this case, you must clear and update the cached PuTTY keys.

Procedure

1. Launch a separate PuTTY SSH session and connect to the management interface (OA, iLO/MP, or
RMC/eRMC) for the server.
You are prompted that the received key and the cached key do not match.
2. Answer "y" to the Update Cached key question.
This response results in updating the PuTTY registry with the new key.
3. Restart IDC.

Using the IDC tool 7

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting system hangs when collecting FPL or
SEL logs
Symptom
The IDC tool output indicates hangs when collecting FPL or SEL logs for a server.

Cause
The IDC tool SSH timer value is set too low.
The default timer value is 50 ms, which gives good performance overall.

Action

1. Stop the current log collection session.

Click the Reset IDC Tool button.
2. Select the server type for log collection.
3. Increase IDC tool SSH timer value.

a. Click the Modify IDC configuration button.

b. Select SSH - Using plink.
c. Enter a new timer value.
Start by doubling it to 100 ms, and back off from there as need be.

Troubleshooting server SSH host key mismatch

Symptom
You see the following message in the IDC window.

WARNING - POTENTIAL SECURITY BREACH!

The server's host key does not match the one PuTTY has cached in the
registry. This means that either the server administrator has changed the
host key, or you
have actually connected to another computer pretending to be the server.

Cause
SSL keys were created for the server and they now do not match the cached keys.

Action

1. Launch a separate PuTTY SSH session and connect to the management interface (OA, iLO/MP, or
RMC/eRMC) for the server.
You are prompted that the received key and the cached key do not match.
2. Answer "y" to the Update Cached key question.

8 Troubleshooting
 This response results in updating the PuTTY registry with the new key.
3. Restart IDC.

Troubleshooting 9
Support and other resources
Accessing Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support
• For live assistance, go to the Contact Hewlett Packard Enterprise Worldwide website:
http://www.hpe.com/info/assistance
• To access documentation and support services, go to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center
website:
http://www.hpe.com/support/hpesc

Information to collect
• Technical support registration number (if applicable)
• Product name, model or version, and serial number
• Operating system name and version
• Firmware version
• Error messages
• Product-specific reports and logs
• Add-on products or components
• Third-party products or components

Accessing updates
• Some software products provide a mechanism for accessing software updates through the product
interface. Review your product documentation to identify the recommended software update method.
• To download product updates:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center
www.hpe.com/support/hpesc
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center: Software downloads
www.hpe.com/support/downloads
Software Depot
www.hpe.com/support/softwaredepot
• To subscribe to eNewsletters and alerts:
www.hpe.com/support/e-updates
• To view and update your entitlements, and to link your contracts and warranties with your profile, go to
the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center More Information on Access to Support Materials
page:
www.hpe.com/support/AccessToSupportMaterials

10 Support and other resources

 IMPORTANT: Access to some updates might require product entitlement when accessed through
the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center. You must have an HPE Passport set up with
relevant entitlements.

Customer self repair

Hewlett Packard Enterprise customer self repair (CSR) programs allow you to repair your product. If a
CSR part needs to be replaced, it will be shipped directly to you so that you can install it at your
convenience. Some parts do not qualify for CSR. Your Hewlett Packard Enterprise authorized service
provider will determine whether a repair can be accomplished by CSR.
For more information about CSR, contact your local service provider or go to the CSR website:
http://www.hpe.com/support/selfrepair

Remote support
Remote support is available with supported devices as part of your warranty or contractual support
agreement. It provides intelligent event diagnosis, and automatic, secure submission of hardware event
notifications to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which will initiate a fast and accurate resolution based on your
product's service level. Hewlett Packard Enterprise strongly recommends that you register your device for
remote support.
If your product includes additional remote support details, use search to locate that information.

Remote support and Proactive Care information

HPE Get Connected
www.hpe.com/services/getconnected
HPE Proactive Care services
www.hpe.com/services/proactivecare
HPE Proactive Care service: Supported products list
www.hpe.com/services/proactivecaresupportedproducts
HPE Proactive Care advanced service: Supported products list
www.hpe.com/services/proactivecareadvancedsupportedproducts

Proactive Care customer information

Proactive Care central
www.hpe.com/services/proactivecarecentral
Proactive Care service activation
www.hpe.com/services/proactivecarecentralgetstarted

Warranty information
To view the warranty information for your product, see the links provided below:
HPE ProLiant and IA-32 Servers and Options
www.hpe.com/support/ProLiantServers-Warranties
HPE Enterprise and Cloudline Servers
www.hpe.com/support/EnterpriseServers-Warranties
HPE Storage Products
www.hpe.com/support/Storage-Warranties
HPE Networking Products
www.hpe.com/support/Networking-Warranties

Support and other resources 11

Regulatory information
To view the regulatory information for your product, view the Safety and Compliance Information for
Server, Storage, Power, Networking, and Rack Products, available at the Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Support Center:
www.hpe.com/support/Safety-Compliance-EnterpriseProducts

Additional regulatory information

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is committed to providing our customers with information about the chemical
substances in our products as needed to comply with legal requirements such as REACH (Regulation EC
No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council). A chemical information report for this product
can be found at:
www.hpe.com/info/reach
For Hewlett Packard Enterprise product environmental and safety information and compliance data,
including RoHS and REACH, see:
www.hpe.com/info/ecodata
For Hewlett Packard Enterprise environmental information, including company programs, product
recycling, and energy efficiency, see:
www.hpe.com/info/environment

Documentation feedback
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is committed to providing documentation that meets your needs. To help us
improve the documentation, send any errors, suggestions, or comments to Documentation Feedback
([email protected]). When submitting your feedback, include the document title, part number,
edition, and publication date located on the front cover of the document. For online help content, include
the product name, product version, help edition, and publication date located on the legal notices page.

12 Support and other resources

Websites
General websites
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Information Library
www.hpe.com/info/EIL
Single Point of Connectivity Knowledge (SPOCK) Storage compatibility matrix
www.hpe.com/storage/spock
Storage white papers and analyst reports
www.hpe.com/storage/whitepapers
For additional websites, see Support and other resources.

Websites 13