HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) is the management processor built into ProLiant servers. ProLiant Gen10 and Gen10 Plus servers use iLO 5; Gen11 servers use iLO 6. This guide walks through the first-time setup HPE documents for both versions: cabling, IP address, first login, local accounts, licence key and, if you ever need it, a factory reset.
Before you start
- Physical or console access to the server (keyboard and monitor) for the F9 System Utilities steps.
- The serial label pull tab on the server: it carries the default iLO user name, password and DNS name.
- An IP address, subnet mask and gateway for iLO if your management network does not use DHCP.
- Your iLO licence key, if you bought one, and an account with the Configure iLO Settings privilege to install it.
iLO 5 and iLO 6: what is the same and what differs
The setup flow is the same in both user guides. The visible differences are the utility name and the generation it ships on.
| Item | iLO 5 | iLO 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | ProLiant Gen10, Gen10 Plus | ProLiant Gen11 |
| Pre-boot utility | System Configuration > iLO 5 Configuration Utility | System Configuration > iLO 6 Configuration Utility |
| Licence installation | Administration > Licensing in the web interface (both versions) | |
Menu names can change between firmware releases. If a label on your screen differs, check the HPE iLO 6 User Guide or the HPE iLO 5 User Guide for your version.
Step 1 — Connect iLO to the network
HPE describes two connection options:
- Dedicated management network — the iLO port is cabled to a separate network. HPE calls this the preferred configuration: better security and performance, and you can still reach iLO if the production network fails.
- Shared Network Port — iLO shares a supported embedded NIC or add-on card on the production network. Less cabling, but iLO traffic competes with production traffic, the shared port cannot run faster than 100 Mbps, and iLO can be unreachable for 2–8 seconds while the server boots or OS NIC drivers load. Remote Console and virtual media sessions can drop at those moments.
Some servers need an optional iLO network enablement module before any network connection works. Without it, iLO is reachable only in-band (for example from the UEFI System Utilities or the RESTful API on the host). Check the server user guide for your model.
Step 2 — Set a static IP address (skip if you use DHCP)
By default iLO takes its address from DHCP. HPE recommends DHCP and DNS where possible. To set a static address:
- Restart or power on the server and press F9 at the POST screen. The UEFI System Utilities start.
- Click System Configuration > iLO 6 Configuration Utility (on Gen10/Gen10 Plus: iLO 5 Configuration Utility).
- Click Network Options and set DHCP Enable to OFF. The IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway IP Address boxes become editable.
- Enter the IP address, subnet mask and gateway.
- Press F12, then click Yes - Save Changes.
- Click OK when told iLO must be reset. iLO resets; you can reconnect after about 30 seconds.
- Press Esc back to the System Configuration page and click Exit and resume system boot.
Step 3 — Log in for the first time
Open https://<iLO hostname or IP address> in a browser. HTTPS is required. The default credentials are printed on the serial label pull tab:
- User name: Administrator
- Password: a random eight-character string, or a common default password if the server was ordered with SKU P08040-B21.
- DNS name: ILO followed by the server serial number.
HPE recommends changing the default password right after the first login.
Step 4 — Create local user accounts
Give each administrator a personal account instead of sharing Administrator. You can do this in two places:
- Before the OS is installed: F9 > System Configuration > iLO 6 Configuration Utility > User Management > Add User. Set each privilege to YES or NO, enter the New User Name, Login Name and password, then press F12 and click Yes - Save Changes. The Login privilege is always granted, and the Recovery Set privilege cannot be assigned here.
- In the web interface: Administration > User Administration, click New, enter Login Name, User Name and password, then choose a predefined role or keep Custom and tick privileges such as Remote Console, Virtual Power and Reset and Virtual Media. This needs the Administer User Accounts privilege.
Step 5 — Install an iLO licence key
iLO Standard ships with every server at no extra cost. Some features need an iLO Advanced licence. A few examples from the HPE iLO licensing guides:
| Feature | iLO Standard | iLO Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Remote Console (graphical) | Pre-OS only (except BL and WS servers) | Yes |
| Virtual media through Remote Console | BL and WS servers only | Yes |
| Scripted or URL-based virtual media | No | Yes |
| Email-based alerting and Remote Syslog | No | Yes |
| Directory service and Kerberos authentication | No | Yes |
| Active Health System, Agentless Management, web interface, RESTful API | Yes | Yes |
To install a key:
- Click Administration in the navigation tree, then the Licensing tab.
- Type the key in the Activation Key box and click Install.
- Read the EULA and click I agree.
A new key replaces any installed key, and iLO then shows only the last five digits, so record the full key somewhere safe. According to HPE, iLO licences do not expire, are not transferable, and stay valid for the life of the server they are installed on. A free 90-day trial key can be applied to a server once. Part numbers ending in #0D1 are installed at the factory.
Security states in brief
iLO starts in the Production security state. You can view or change it under Security > Encryption. Higher states (High Security, FIPS, CNSA) enforce stronger ciphers and block tools that do not support TLS 1.2 or 1.3; the CNSA state needs iLO Advanced. Leaving FIPS requires a factory reset, so plan this before you enable it.
Reset iLO to factory defaults
Warning: A factory reset erases all iLO settings, including users, licence data (a factory-installed key is kept), network settings and the iLO logs. Note your network settings and licence key and save any logs you need first. With a static IP, you will need physical access to set the address again.
- Press F9 during POST and open System Configuration > iLO 6 Configuration Utility (or iLO 5).
- Select Yes in Set to factory defaults and click OK to confirm.
- Press Esc to the main menu and click Exit and resume system boot.
- Log in with the default account from the pull tab, then reboot the server OS. iLO shows memory and network details again only after that reboot.
HPE recommends the Redfish API for factory resets in scripted environments.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the default iLO password?
On the serial label pull tab attached to the server. The user name is Administrator. After a factory reset, the same pull-tab credentials apply again.
Does an iLO Advanced licence expire?
No. HPE states that iLO licences do not expire; the one-year or three-year term refers to the support agreement only.
Checklist
- iLO cabled to a dedicated management network where possible.
- Static IP set in the iLO Configuration Utility, or DHCP reservation in place.
- Logged in once and default Administrator password changed.
- Personal local accounts created with only the privileges each person needs.
- Licence key installed, if bought, and recorded safely.
- Next: set up alerts and test the remote console.
Skyline can supply, configure and maintain Dell, HPE and Huawei servers under an annual maintenance contract (AMC). Contact us.
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