Fix: iDRAC Virtual Console "The Viewer Has Terminated"

You open the Dell iDRAC virtual console to reach a server's screen, and instead get the message "The viewer has terminated", or the console window opens and closes immediately. This is a common problem on Dell PowerEdge servers with iDRAC 7, 8 and 9. Here are the usual causes and fixes, in the order we try them.

Before changing settings on a production server, make sure you have another way to reach it, and note the current settings.

1. Switch the console plug-in to HTML5

Older iDRAC firmware defaulted to a Java or ActiveX console plug-in. Modern browsers no longer run these, which is the most common cause of this error.

• Log in to the iDRAC web interface.
• Go to the Virtual Console settings (on iDRAC 7/8: Server > Virtual Console; on iDRAC 9: Configuration > Virtual Console).
• Change Plug-in Type to HTML5 and apply.
• Close the old console window and launch it again.

If HTML5 is not offered, the iDRAC firmware is too old. See step 5.

2. Close other console sessions

iDRAC allows a limited number of virtual console sessions. If another administrator, or a session that was not closed properly, is still connected, a new viewer may be refused or terminated. In the iDRAC web interface, check the active sessions list and end stale sessions, then try again.

3. Allow pop-ups and check the browser

• Allow pop-ups for the iDRAC address, because the console opens in a new window.
• Try a different up-to-date browser, or a private window to rule out extensions.
• If you are using an IP address with a self-signed certificate, open the iDRAC page directly first and accept the certificate warning, then launch the console.

4. Check the network ports

The virtual console needs more than the web page. Make sure your PC can reach the iDRAC on the web port (usually 443) and the virtual console port (by default 5900). Firewalls or VPNs between your PC and the server often block the console port while the web page still loads.

5. Update the iDRAC firmware

Outdated iDRAC firmware causes many console problems and also misses security fixes. Check the current version in the iDRAC interface and compare it with Dell's support site for your server model. Update during a maintenance window and follow Dell's instructions for your model.

6. Reset the iDRAC

If the console still fails, a soft reset of the iDRAC often clears it. This restarts only the management controller, not the server or its operating system:

• From the iDRAC web interface, use the option to reset or restart iDRAC, or
• Run racadm racreset from a system with RACADM access.

Wait a few minutes for iDRAC to come back before logging in again.

Still not working?

Check that the Virtual Console feature is enabled and licensed for your iDRAC version (some console features depend on the iDRAC licence level), and look at the iDRAC logs for errors.