The Supermicro IPMI is an interface that enables users to easily manage their server hardware, including the ability to remotely control and monitor power consumption, system health, and performance and configure BIOS settings. The default password for every Supermicro IPMI is an important security measure to ensure only authorized personnel can access the system. Since November 2019, Supermicro IPMI interfaces have come with unique passwords other than the conventional “ADMIN”. Luckily, resetting and changing the default password is easy and is highly recommended for anyone using a Supermicro IPMI.

How to Find the Default Password on a Supermicro IPMI

The default password for Supermicro IPMI can be found through different methods. The first way is to look at the documentation provided with your Supermicro server when you purchased it. This will usually include a Sticker with the default username and password. If the documentation is unavailable, you can access the server's BIOS and navigate to the "IPMI Configuration" page, where the default username and password should be displayed. If this is unavailable, you should contact your server manufacturer to ask for the default credentials.

How to Reset and Change the Password on a Supermicro IPMI

  1. Power down your Supermicro server and unplug the power cable.
  2. Use a small flathead screwdriver to unscrew the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) reset button on the back of the server. 
  3. Push and hold the IPMI reset button for 10-15 seconds. 
  4. Plug the power cable back into the server and turn it back on. 
  5. Log into IPMI using your web browser and enter ‘ADMIN’ as your username and password (or, for devices made after November 2019, the unique username and password you found in the previous section of this article).
  6. Go to ‘Configuration’ in the IPMI menu, then select ‘User Configuration’. 
  7. Select your username, then change your password to something more secure than the default ‘ADMIN’ password.
  8. Save your changes and log out of IPMI.

Troubleshooting (or How to Regain Access in Case You Can’t Log Back In!)

  1. Verify the server model and BIOS version. If the BIOS is earlier, upgrade it to the latest version.
  2. Open a command prompt and type “ipmitool -l user” to list all available user accounts. 
  3. Check the output to see if a user account has administrator privileges. If so, use that account's credentials instead of resetting the default password.
  4. If there is no admin account or the default password is still required, find the IPMI's interface IP address using “ipmitool lan print”. 
  5. Connect to the IPMI web interface using a web browser and use the IP address found in step 4.
  6. Log into the web interface using the default credentials: username: ADMIN, password: ADMIN (or, for newer models, the unique username and password found on the sticker in your product documentation).
  7. Once logged in, click “User Configuration” and select “User Name". 
  8. Select an existing user account with administrator privileges or click add to create a new one with administrator privileges. 
  9. Once the user is created or updated, click “User Group” and select “Administrator”, under which this user falls to grant them full access rights to the IPMI web interface. 
  10. Log out of the web interface and log back in with new credentials, and you should be able to access the IPMI web interface with no issues!

Wrapping Up

For Supermicro IPMI devices manufactured before November 2019, the default password is "ADMIN". This password can be reset from the BIOS setup or the IPMI web interface. The reset process must be followed carefully to ensure the user does not lose any access to their Server Management Interface. However, if anything goes wrong, additional steps can be taken to restore access to the system.

  • Supermicro IPMI enables remote management of servers, allowing administrators to control and manage their servers from anywhere at any time.
  • The default username and password for Supermicro IPMI are often set to 'ADMIN' and 'ADMIN', which can pose a security risk. To change the password, administrators should log in to the IPMI web interface and navigate to 'User Management'.
  • Supermicro IPMI is a versatile tool that can be used for various management tasks, such as remote power cycling and system diagnostics. Securing the default IPMI password is crucial for protecting server infrastructure.

FAQ

What is Supermicro's IPMI default password?

The Supermicro IPMI default password for most models is either ADMIN or "superuser". For newer models, it is on a sticker in the device documentation.

How can I change the Supermicro IPMI default password?

To change the Supermicro IPMI default password, access the server's webpage and enter the User ID and Password. Then, go to Maintenance->Change Password in the System Setup menu and enter your new password. 

Is it safe to keep the Supermicro IPMI default password?

Keeping the Supermicro IPMI default password is generally not recommended as it is easy to guess, making your server vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It is advised to change the password regularly for enhanced security.

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