IBM System x3690 X5, Installation And User Manual

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ServerGuide features
Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the ServerGuide
program. To learn more about the version that you have, start the
ServerGuide Setup
and Installation CD and view the online overview. Not all features are supported on
all server models.
The ServerGuide program performs the following tasks:
v Sets system date and time
v Detects the RAID adapter or controller and runs the SAS/SATA RAID
configuration program
v
Checks the microcode (firmware) levels of a ServeRAID adapter and determines
whether a later level is available from the CD
v
Detects installed hardware options and provides updated device drivers for
most adapters and devices
v
Provides diskette-free installation for supported Windows 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
setup program provides a list of tasks that are required to set up your server
model. On a server with a ServeRAID adapter or SAS/SATA controller with RAID
capabilities, you can run the SAS/SATA RAID configuration program to create
logical drives.
Note: Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the
ServerGuide program.
Typical operating-system installation
The ServerGuide program can reduce the time it takes to install an operating
system. It provides the device drivers that are required for your hardware and for
the operating system that you are installing. This section describes a typical
ServerGuide operating-system installation.
Note: Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the
ServerGuide program.
1. After you have completed the setup process, the operating-system installation
program starts. (You will need your operating-system CD to complete the
installation.)
2. The ServerGuide program stores information about the server model, service
processor, hard disk drive controllers, and network adapters. Then, the
program checks the CD for newer device drivers. This information is stored
and then passed to the operating-system installation program.
3.
The ServerGuide program presents operating-system partition options that are
based on your operating-system selection and the installed hard disk drives.
4. The ServerGuide program prompts you to insert your operating-system CD
and restart the server. At this point, the installation program for the operating
system takes control to complete the installation.
Chapter 3. Configuring the server
141