DW Blackjack RACK 2U - Windows Server 2019 System Recovery

Technical Bulletin

To: DW® Customers

Date: April 2023

Re: DW Blackjack RACK 2U Recovery

DW Blackjack RACK – Windows Server 2019 System Default Instructions

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Affected Model Numbers: DW-BJRR2UxxTS, DW-BJRR2PxxTS, DW-BJRR2XxxTS, DW-BJRR2YxxTS

Operating System: (W19) Windows Server 2019 Standard

Release Date: April 21, 2023

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DW Blackjack RACK System Recovery Guide

In the rare event that the embedded Windows Server 2019 Standard operating system of a DW Blackjack RACK 2U has become corrupted, infected with a computer virus, or is otherwise not operating as it should, system administrators can attempt to use recovery options to restore the system to a working condition.

This document will outline how to restore a malfunctioning DW Blackjack RACK 2U unit by using:

Option 1: Windows Server System Embedded Recovery Method – the Blackjack unit’s operating system is not operating normally and must be reset and restored.
Option 2: Windows System USB Key Recovery Method – the Blackjack unit’s operating system will not load properly, and the embedded restoration tool is not accessible. An external resource (USB) must be used to recover the system.

**NOTE: Data will be deleted during the formatting process. DW Blackjack units use separate drive partitions to preserve DW Spectrum Media archives but if you are using a custom-built server or have altered the default save location of the DW Spectrum Server Media, it is recommended to back up the media archives. For more information on manually backing up server archives, you can refer to the article “Large Storage Backup from a DW Spectrum Server”.

Option 1: Windows Server System Embedded Recovery Method

The DW Blackjack RACK 2U includes a built-in recovery tool that can be used to restore the computer’s operating system and default applications. Follow the directions below to use the embedded recovery on a server with Windows Server 2019 edition.

You can confirm the Microsoft OS edition by opening the Start W menu and searching for “Activation Settings”.

Part 1.1 – Windows Server Backup Creation

For creating a restoration point to use as an embedded recovery, you can create a local backup of system data and save it to a specific location with the Windows server Backup feature.

To create a backup:

From the desktop, open the Start W menu and search for “Windows Server Backup”.

Locate the Action area within the local backup window and select “Backup Once…”.

The Backup Once Wizard will display. Proceed through the wizard and configure the following:
1. Backup Options – select “Different options” to select a specific location to save the system backup.
2. Select Backup Configuration – select “Custom” to specify the volumes and files for backup.
3. Select Items for Backup – click “Add Items” then select the items for “Bare metal recovery”.

Bare metal recovery
System state
EFI System Partition
Local disk (C:)
1. Specify Destination Type – select to save the backup to “Local drives”.
2. Select Backup Destination – select the recovery partition, “Recovery (Z:)”. If you are going to use an external storage drive as the backup destination, select your preferred destination instead.
3. Confirmation – a summary of the one-time backup configuration will display. Click the “Backup” button to proceed with the backup process.

Allow the Backup Once Wizard to complete the backup process. This may take at least five (5) minutes to complete.

Once finished, you can close the Backup Once Wizard window.

Part 1.2 – Start the Windows Server System Embedded Recovery Environment

To boot the DW Blackjack RACK 2U into the Windows Recovery Environment:

Restart the system. When the Windows Boot Manager displays, use the arrow keys to select “Recovery” then tap the ENTER key.

The recovery setup wizard will display.

Select “US” as your keyboard layout then select “Troubleshoot” as your recovery option.

As a result, the Advanced Options will be displayed. Select “System Image Recovery” then select “Windows Server” as the target operating system.

When recovering the Windows Server system image, the Re-image Your Computer setup wizard will display. Select a system image backup.

Choose “Use the latest available system image (recommended)” then click the Next button.

Click Next to skip the Choose additional restore options window.

A summary will display for the restoration image. Click the Finish button to proceed with the image restoration process.

Windows will proceed with restoring the system image. This process may take some time to complete. Once the restoration has finished, Windows will need to restart. Allow the system to restart then continue.

Part 1.3 – Final Recovery Steps

After re-imaging the system with the Windows Server recovery wizard, some basic setup may be needed to complete the DW Blackjack recovery process.

When greeted by the Windows Boot Manager window, select the “Windows Server” option.
Log in to the Windows desktop with the default credentials:
1. Username: dwuser
2. Password: Dw5pectrum

Allow the Blackjack to be discoverable by other devices within the local network.

The Windows Server Manager will launch its dashboard. You can use the server manager to configure the server as needed.

Next, make sure that the Dell SupportAssist application is installed. To install, double-click on the SupportAssistInstaller driver file located in:

C:\Drivers

You can open the Dell SupportAssist application to obtain the Dell Service Tag and device information when seeking further device support from Dell.

Option 2: Windows 10 IoT USB Key Recovery Method

If the DW Blackjack RACK 2U’s built-in recovery partition is not accessible, a USB key containing the Windows Server 2019 may be used to recover the system. You can contact DW Support for a USB recovery drive if needed.

Part 2.1 – Setting the Boot Order

The USB Recovery Key uses an automated script to run recovery options when restoring a system. Perform the following steps to prep the Blackjack for USB recovery:

Insert the USB Recovery Key into USB 2.0 port, located in the rear panel of the DW Blackjack RACK 2U then power on the system.

If the unit is already ON, please restart the machine to reset the startup process.

As the system is powering ON, tap the F11 key on the keyboard to access the Boot Manager.

In the Boot Manager, select “One-shot UEFI Boot Menu”.

In the UEFI Boot Option menu, select “Disk connected to back USB1:…”

The Clonezilla GNU GRUB menu will appear.

Use the keyboard to select the first option in the list.

Allow the Clonezilla script to run and for the installer to complete the process. This process can take between 5 ~ 10 minutes to complete. You can track the progress in the Partclone progress window.

Once the process has completed, tap the Y key to confirm.

Use the keyboard to select “Reboot” and allow the system to restart.

Allow the system to reboot. You may remove the USB Recovery Key once the system has booted to the desktop login screen.

There are some follow-up steps that must be completed to finish the recovery process. Please refer to Part 1.3 – Final Recovery Steps to complete this process.

This concludes the system restoration guide for the DW Blackjack RACK 2U using Windows Server 2019.

For More Information or Technical Support

DW Technical Support:

Toll-free: 866.446.3595

https://www.digital-watchdog.com/contact-tech-support/

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