IBM eServer xSeries 305 Type 8673, User Manual

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v Detects installed hardware options and provides updated device drivers for most
adapters and devices.
v Creates a setup-replication diskette for replicating setup selections for other
servers of the same model.
v Provides diskette-free installation for supported operating systems.
v Provides a replicated installation path for multiple installations of supported
operating systems.
v Includes an online README file with links to tips for your hardware and
operating-system installation.
Setup and configuration overview
When you use the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, you do not need setup
diskettes. You can use the CD to configure any supported IBM server model. The
ServerGuide program checks your system BIOS, service processors, and other
system hardware to determine if system updates are available. The setup program
provides a list of tasks that are required to set up your server model. On a server
with a ServeRAID adapter or integrated SCSI controller with RAID capabilities, you
can run the SCSI RAID configuration program to create logical drives.
Note: Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the
ServerGuide program.
When you start the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, the program performs
the following tasks:
v The ServerGuide program prompts you for your language, country, and keyboard
layout. (This information is stored and later passed to the operating-system
installation program.)
v The ServerGuide program displays choices for running the configuration
programs. For example:
– The Express Configuration method runs the required programs for your
server, based on the hardware that is detected.
– The Custom Configuration method displays all programs that are available for
your server, and you decide which programs to run.
– The Replicated Configuration method provides the option of duplicating your
setup selections to other servers that are the same model.
v If you select the Custom Configuration method, the following features are
optional. If you select the Express Configuration method, some or all of these
features are run, depending on the hardware that is detected:
– The Set Date and Time feature is provided so that you do not have to use the
Configuration/Setup Utility program to access these settings.
– The Clear Hard Disks feature is provided so you can delete all partitions on all
hard disk drives.
– The ServerGuide program checks the server BIOS code and microcode
(firmware) levels for supported options and then checks the CD for a newer
level. The CD content might be newer than the BIOS code and firmware level.
The ServerGuide program can perform a flash update of the BIOS code and
supported microcode (firmware) options without using diskettes.
– The SCSI RAID configuration program starts, leading you through the entire
configuration process.
– The ServerGuide program creates a System Partition on the default drive.
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xSeries 305 Type 8673: User’s Guide