Before you begin

Understand prerequisites for installing, removing, or replacing features and parts.

1. If you are installing a new feature, ensure that you have the software required to support the new feature and determine if there are any existing PTF prerequisites.

   To do this, go to the following Web site: http://www-912.ibm.com/e_dir/eServerPrereq.nsf

2. If you are performing an installation or replacement procedure that might put your data at risk, ensure, wherever possible, that you have a current backup of your system or logical partition (including operating systems, licensed programs, and data).
   For information on backing up your system or logical partition, select from the following:

   • AIX® backup
   • i5/OS® backup
   • Linux® backup
3. Review the installation or replacement procedure for the feature or part.
4. Note the significance of color on your system.

   Blue or terra-cotta on a part of the hardware indicates a touch point where you can grip the hardware to remove it from or install it in the system, open or close a latch, and so on. Terra-cotta might also indicate that the part can be removed and replaced with the system or logical partition power on.

5. Ensure that you have access to a medium, flat-blade screwdriver.
6. If parts are incorrect, missing, or visibly damaged, do the following:
   • If you are replacing a part, contact your service provider or next level of support.
   • If you are installing a feature, contact one of the following:
     • Your service provider or next level of support.
     • In the United States, contact the IBM® Rochester Manufacturing Automated Information Line (R–MAIL) at 1–800–300–8751.
   In countries outside of the United States, use the following Web site to locate your service and support telephone numbers:

   http://www.ibm.com/planetwide

7. If you encounter difficulties during the installation, contact your service provider, your IBM reseller, or your next level of support.
8. If you are installing new hardware in a logical partition, you need to understand and plan for the implications of partitioning your system. For information, see Logical Partitioning, and then return to these instructions.