APIC Controller is not booting - ISO File Stuck on USB and also on KVM

[shlomim]

my APIC server is stuck - doesn't load the operating system.

when I try to start the installation via the KVM vDVD - the setup doesn't load.

when I try to mount via CIMC - using CIFS and HTTPS - the setup doesn't load

when I try to use Disk on Key - using RUFUS with GPT and DD mode - I get the following error:

I've tried to use the following images:

aci-apic-dk9.5.3.2f.iso

aci-apic-dk9.6.0.9c.iso

aci-apic-dk9.6.0.9e.iso

all of them with the same error

[julian.bendix]

Hey!

Can you try uploading the APIC ISO Image to any HTTP/HTTPS Server which exposes it, then mount the HTTP/HTTPS Share via CIMC?

This way usually works for me!

[shlomim]

Hi Julian

thanks for the help - I've installed HTTPS server on my Windows.

when I try to connect with the CIMC I'm getting an error.

I see on the server log that the client has disconnected.

do you install certificate on the CIMC ? or ?

[julian.bendix · Accepted solution]

Hey! No i never had to install a cert..

Usually I am doing it via CIMC GUI, but here is a Cisco Guide to perform it via CLI/SSH on CIMC:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/cloud-systems-management/application-policy-infrastructure-controller-apic/222040-steps-to-re-image-apic-controller-via-ht.html

Have you tried it like this?

Usually works for me..

[shlomim]

I've mounted the ISO file using RUFUS again - now I chose GPT and DD mode.

there is no error of SECURE BOOT - instead it is stuck on the following state:

[Reck Lin]

Hello, 

Hello,
I'm having a similar problem. It worked fine on my C220 Server. I recently purchased a batch of C225M6 APIC L4s and encountered the same issue: I can't enable the APIC Cluster. Then, when I tried upgrading the APIC, I encountered this issue. I've tried KVM-vDVD, CIMC-vDVD (via a web server), and USB DISK. I've also updated CIMC and secureBoot, but the issue persists.

[shlomim]

ok

to summarize - @julian.bendix  solution was correct - I just didn't follow the instructions correctly.

so in case someone else is having similar problem, after talking with TAC this is the relevant information:

1. TAC Engineer says to use only CIMC vDVD mount and not KVM vDVD - the TAC engineer and the document @julian.bendix provided recommends to use HTTP or HTTPS server for that, to mount the iso file.
2. After mounting the CIMC vDVD and booting from it - don't expect to see anything on KVM - once it's done you will see the KVM window stuck.
3. you must continue to via Serial Over LAN - basically you must SSH the CIMC and use the connect host command.
4. suddenly you get brand new prompt and information !
5. then you set the IP address of the MGMT interfaces of the APIC (not the CIMC) via Serial Over LAN, and then you point it to the ISO File via the same HTTP server - pay attention that this is not the CIMC IP - it is the APIC OOB Interface.
6. then you continue the setup - it's quite straight forward, once it's done - it will shutdown itself.

[julian.bendix]

Hey! So everything is good on your end now?

Happy to help, let me know if you need anything else!

[Joseph Rinehart]

I have run into something like this before and thought it may have stemmed from some of data corruption and used the following process to wipe the APIC clean and start over (keep in mind this was in a lab environment and I have no idea if it is supported or not):

1. Log into the CIMC.

2. Navigate to the storage tab and reinitialize both virtual drives (this will effective scrub the disks clean).

3.Mount the ISO file in the KVM/CIMC console.

4. Modify the boot order (if needed) and reboot.

5. This will reinstall the APIC software cleanly and should clear up the issue.

I have done this several times to deal with issues where simply erasing the APIC did not resolve the issue.