Introduction

IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) allows you to manage your server as if you were physically standing in front of it, even if the operating system is unresponsive or SSH is inaccessible. By using the Java-based KVM console, you can mount an ISO file stored on your local computer directly to the remote server as “Virtual Media.”

This method is essential for tasks such as:

Installing a custom Operating System.
Booting into a rescue environment for troubleshooting.
Re-imaging a server that fails to boot.

Virtual Media Support at No Additional Cost

While many standard Supermicro setups require a paid license to use Virtual Media, Liquid Web Dedicated Servers include this functionality by default. This guide covers how to launch the Java console and mount your local ISO file.

Prerequisites

A Dedicated Server with Liquid Web along with root credentials.
You must have the newest version of Oracle Java or the OpenJDK package installed on your local machine to launch the iKVM viewer.
For security, IPMI is often restricted to private networks. Ensure you are connected to the Liquid Web VPN before attempting to access the IPMI IP address.
Have the .iso image ready on your local computer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Connect to the Liquid Web VPN.
Enter your server’s IPMI IP address (usually starting with 10.x.x.x) into your browser’s URL bar.

“Not Secure” Warning

You may see a “Not Secure” warning. This is normal for IPMI; proceed past the warning.

Enter your IPMI ADMIN username and password.
Click Remote Control from the top menu and select Console Redirection, then click Launch Console. A file named launch.jnlp will download; open this file to launch the Java iKVM viewer. If Java blocks the application, you may need to add the IPMI IP address to the “Exception Site List” in your computer’s Java Control Panel.
Once the console loads, click Virtual Media at the top left of the window and select Virtual Storage.
Click the Device 1 tab (or ensure “Logical Drive Type” is set to ISO), then click Open Image to browse and select the .iso file on your local computer.
Click the Plug In button to mount the ISO file. Ensure the “Connection Status” reads “Plugged In” before closing the Virtual Storage window.
Restart the server by clicking Macro > Macro: Ctrl + Alt + Del within the Java console window.
As the server restarts and the Supermicro logo appears, repeatedly press F11 on your keyboard to trigger the Boot Menu.
Use your arrow keys to select the device labeled IPMI Virtual CDROM or Virtual USB and press Enter to boot from your local ISO file.

ISOs Will Unmount When You Close the Console

The mounted ISO file will remain mounted if the console session is open. Once you close the console session, the mounted ISO will be removed as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When using the “Local File” method, the server reads the data from your computer over the internet. The speed of the installation is limited by your local upload speed. For large installations, consider asking Support to mount the ISO from a USB drive physically attached to the server.

Most modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) no longer support Java plugins. When you click “Launch Console,” it should download a .jnlp file. You must locate this file in your downloads folder and open it manually using the “Java Web Start” application.

No. Liquid Web provides Dedicated Servers with the necessary IPMI licenses included, so you can use the Virtual Media feature without purchasing an upgrade.

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