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HPE iLO 5 (version 3.16 or later) and iLO 6 (version 1.71 or later) include enhancements that resolve a previous issue where iLO could revert to factory defaults if an internal backup configuration file was missing. In these versions, iLO always maintains an internal backup file, enabling restoration of configuration settings during events such as an AUX power-cycle or iLO reset. The risk of iLO configuration loss is higher with earlier iLO versions, particularly if the server’s CMOS battery voltage drops to1.5 volts or below, combined with the removal and re-application of AUX power.Key Improvements in Updated iLO Versions:Internal Backup File Availability:iLO 5 version 3.16+ and iLO 6 version 1.71+ ensure that an internal backup file is always available for restoration, mitigating the risk of losing iLO configurations during power cycles or resets.Event Log Monitoring:The iLO Integrated Management Log (IML) or Event Log provides status updates about the internal backup process, allowing administrators to monitor its progress:"Backup operation is in progress. Power cycle or iLO reset requests shall be deferred until operation completes."Backup operation completed."Deferred Power-Cycles:The updated iLO code will defer any AUX power cycle or iLO reset requests until the backup operation is complete. When performing a manual iLO reset or physically removing power cords, operators are advised to check the Integrated Management Log (IML) for the following sequence: "Backup operation is in progress. Power cycle or iLO reset requests shall be deferred until operation completes." followed by "Backup operation completed."
Any HPE ProLiant server with HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 (iLO 5) firmware version 3.16 or earlier, and HPE Integrated Lights-Out 6 (iLO 6) firmware version 1.70 or earlier.
Recommendations for Avoiding Factory Default Reversion:Update iLO FirmwareUpgrade iLO 5 toversion 3.16or later.Upgrade iLO 6 toversion 1.71or later.Firmware updates mitigate the risk of backup file deletion during initialization and ensure that an internal backup file is available for restoration.Monitor Backup Status via Logs:Use theLog Services APIor the iLO web interface to scan the event log for the case-insensitive text "ilo reset"Check the timestamp of the iLO reset event and confirm thatat least 15 minuteshave passed since the reset before initiating an AUX power-cycle.Avoid Power Removal During Backup Operations:Before initiating an AUX power-cycle, verify that no backup operation is actively running via the IML status message:"Backup operation is in progress..."Avoid physically removing power cords or turning off power breakers during this process.For iLO 5 to version 3.15 or earlier or iLO 6 to version 1.70 or earlier:1. For restoration, consult the"Initial setup steps"section in the iLO user guide to properly restore the configuration if reversion to factory settings occurs.2. Upgrade iLO 5 toversion 3.16or later.3. Upgrade iLO 6 toversion 1.71or later.4. Follow these Timing Guidance of allowing at least 15 minutes after performing any iLO reset, or ilO configuration modification then performing an AUX power-cycle. This time gap will ensure the internal backup operation completes successfully.As a result of the iLO reverting to the default configuration:The iLO network connection will revert to the dedicated iLO Network Port.The Shared iLO Network Port configuration will revert to the dedicated iLO Network Port.The server will remain in a powered off state.All iLO user configurations will be lost, including all local accounts.The Administrator password will be the default iLO password found on a sticker or tag attached to the server.The above list only highlights fundamental connectivity and inaccessibility issues. For additional details, refer to the HPE iLO user guide "Information that is restored during a backup and restore operation" and "Information that is not restored during a backup and restore operation" sections.Document VersionRelease DateDetails4January 26, 2026Updated Resolution section3October 16, 2025Updated document with additional information2August 8, 2025Updated title and scope with additional information and specified in the Description that it is an internal backup file.1August 8, 2025Original document release
Operating Systems Affected:Not Applicable
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