How to reset the admin password on Dell ME4 or ME5 storage array

Products

• Security Analytics

Issue/Introduction

The admin password is set during the initial configuration of the storage array.  If for some reason the password is lost, the only way to reset the password is by using a serial cable and connecting to the storage array via PuTTy or some other serial client.

Environment

Dell ME4
Dell VA084
Dell ME5

Resolution

The information below can also be found in this article provided by Dell:  PowerVault: ME4, ME5 Restoring management access when a password is lost

Locate this cables, which should have been included in the original packaging: 

In order to connect this to a laptop or workstation, you will need a serial-to-usb adapter similar to this:

Plug the black cable into the circular CLI serial port on the back of the storage array as indicated in the image below:

Use the following connection settings to connect to the storage array.  The COM port will vary depending on what your laptop or workstation has assigned the serial line to.  The default is COM1.  Check the Windows Device Manager to see what COM port has been assigned to the serial-to-usb adapter.

Follow the instructions under the PowerVault ME5 & ME4 (G280 firmware) series section of the Dell article above to reset the administrator password.