Installing Red Hat Linux v7.2 - IBM eServer xSeries 255

Steps

Revision level: 1.01
Updated: 13 June 2002

Supported systems

8685 All models - IBM eServer xSeries 255

Follow the eserver xSeries network operating system (NOS) installation instructions provided in this document in sequential order unless these instructions advise you differently. Windows and messages might differ from those in this document. Throughout this document, the term select is used to denote the use of arrow keys or the mouse to make a selection from a menu.

Sections within this document

1.0 What you will need
2.0 Where to download device drivers and files
3.0 Quick installation instructions for experienced users
4.0 Detailed installation instructions
4.1 Setting up the hardware for Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 installation
4.2 Setting up the System Service Package
4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the integrated Adaptec small computer system interface (SCSI) controller
4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID adapter
4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux Version 7.2

1.0 What you will need

Ensure you have the following items to install Red Hat Linux Version 7.2:

• A licensed copy of Red Hat Linux Version 7.2
• Supported hard disk drives (View a list of the supported options and part numbers for your server.)
  
• A supported adapter (View a list of the supported options and part numbers for your server.)
• One blank diskette to create a boot disk (label it “Boot disk”).

If you are using an IBM ServeRAID adapter, you need the following:

• IBM ServeRAID Support CD Version 4.84 or later
• IBM ServeRAID support for Red Hat Linux diskette 2 of 2 v5.10 or later
• Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 installer update diskette. Click here to download the Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 installer update diskette. Follow the instructions on this website to install the update.

2.0 Where to download device drivers and files

Use the following network operating system (NOS) installation instructions to partially automate the system and ServeRAID basic input/output system (BIOS) code updates, device driver installation, Linux installation and configuration, and post-installation Red Hat Package Manager (RPM) updates. Review the following resources to ensure that the most current levels are installed:

· IBM U.S. Web site: http://www.ibm.com/systems/support
· Red Hat FTP site: ftp://ftp.redhat.com
· Red Hat Web site: http://www.redhat.com

If you have prior experience with small computer system interface (SCSI), hardware, and the installation process, continue with 3.0 Quick installation instructions for experienced users.” If not, continue with “4.0 Detailed installation instructions.”

3.0 Quick installation instructions for experienced users

Complete the following less-detailed steps if you have experience in installing programs:

1. Start the server and insert Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 CD 1 into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Press Enter. Alternatively, if you are using the ServeRAID adapter type linux ddupdates at the Welcome to Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 window and press Enter
   
3. Follow the instructions that guide you through the installation process.
   
   NOTE: Click here for a hardware summary of IBM xSeries servers and click Technical spec sheets (PSREF). Click here for a hardware summary of IBM monitors and click Monitors technical spec sheets (PSREF).
   
   
4. When installation is completed, log in as root user and install the 2.4.9-13 or later kernel errata. In the /etc/grub.conf file, setting default=0 will automatically start the updated kernel by default.
   
   NOTE: Click here for more information on the installation process.
   
   
5. Click here to download updated XFree86 packages.
6. Click here to download the latest Broadcom driver
   

4.0 Detailed installation instructions

NOTE: For integrated drive electronics (IDE) models, ensure that your hard disk drive is the primary master device.

4.1 Setting up the hardware for Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 installation

Complete the following sections to install Red Hat Linux Version 7.2.

1. Unplug the server and remove the cover. If problems occur when you attempt to install multiple adapters or devices in the initial installation, install all microprocessors you plan to use and remove all adapters and devices that are not required to install the base operating system. For example, if you are installing multiple network adapters, install only one now. If you are using a tape drive or external SCSI devices, disconnect them temporarily. When the operating system starts without errors, install the removed adapters and devices one at a time. This procedure simplifies the installation process.
   
   NOTE: If you plan to use an external direct access storage device (DASD) enclosure, the following instructions do not apply. Refer to the documentation provided with the external enclosure for the correct setup; then continue with 4.2 Setting up the System Service Package.
   
   
2. Install the hard disk drives in the drive bays.
3. Install the cover.
4. Plug in the server.

The System Service Package image is a self-extracting, executable file (in DOS or OS/2) that you use to create flash diskettes. Complete the following steps to install the System Service Package:

1. Download the IBM eserver xSeries 255 System Service Package. The System Service Package contains the latest versions of the following images:
   a. BIOS code
   b. Diagnostics code
   c. System Management Processor firmware files
   d. System Management device driver
   
   
2. To download the System Service Package, complete the following steps:
   a. Click Downloadable files from the IBM Support Web site, in the left pane of the window.
   b. Select the product family from the Select Your Product menu.
   c. Select System Service Package from the Downloadable Files by Category menu. A link to the package for the selected server will appear.

   NOTE: There is a different link for each server.
   

3. Build the diskette images; double-click to start the executable (.exe) file (in DOS or OS/2). In the last screen of the License Agreement, press the Y key. Properly label the diskettes using the part numbers to associate the correct names for the flash diskettes.
4. Start the server.
5. Press F1 when the IBM logo appears to access the Configuration/Setup Utility.
6. Verify that your BIOS revision level is at the latest level. Click here to download the latest level of BIOS code.
   
   NOTE: If you need to update the BIOS code, you must also update the diagnostics code, System Management Processor firmware, and System Management device driver code.
   
   
7. To update the BIOS code complete the following steps:
   a. Restart the server with the BIOS code diskette in the diskette drive.
   b. Select Update POST/BIOS.
   c. Press the Y key when the message Would you like to move the current code to the backup location within the flash ROM? is displayed.
   d. Press the Y key when the message Would you like to save the current flash code to disk? is displayed.
   e. From the Select a Language window, select a language.
   f. Remove the diskette from the diskette drive, and press Enter to restart the server.
   
   
8. To update the diagnostics code, complete the following steps:
   a. Insert the BIOS code diskette into the diskette drive and restart the server.
   b. Select Update Diagnostics.
   c. Remove the BIOS diskette and insert Diagnostics diskette 1 into the diskette drive when prompted and press Enter.
   d. Select a language from the Language Selection window.
   e. Remove Diagnostics diskette 1 from the diskette drive and insert Diagnostics diskette 2 and press Enter.
   f. Remove Diagnostic diskette 2 from the diskette drive when the update is complete and press Enter to restart the server.
   
   
9. To update the System Management Processor firmware (if applicable), complete the following steps:
   a. Startup the server with the System Management Processor firmware diskette in the diskette drive.
   b. Select Update System Management Firmware.
   c. Press Enter. The Warning window appears.
   d. Press Enter when the message that the same version is already installed appears.
   e. Press Enter when the message that a newer version is already installed appears.
   f. Press Enter when the update is completed, to return to the main menu.
   g. Select Exit Utility, and then click Yes, exit utility.
   h. Remove the diskette, and press Enter to restart the server.
   
   
10. Install the System Management device driver (if applicable), by following the installation instructions included in the README.txt file for your NOS. These instructions are NOS specific.
    
    NOTE: When all of the updates are complete, press F1 to start the Configuration/Setup Utility as the system restarts (when the IBM logo is displayed). You might receive a 162 Configuration has changed error. Ignore this message.
    
    
11. Select Load Default Settings from the Configuration/Setup Utility menu and press Enter.
12. Click Start Options from the Menu bar and press Enter.
13. Select Startup Sequence from the Start Options menu and press Enter.
14. Select CD-ROM at the First Boot Device prompt and Diskette Drive 0 at the Second Boot Device prompt.
15. Select Hard Disk 0 at the Third Boot Device prompt and Disabled at the Fourth Boot Device prompt.
16. Press Esc to return to the Configuration/Setup Utility menu.
17. Select Save Settings, select Exit Setup, select Yes, exit the Setup Utility, and press Enter.
18. If you are using an IDE interface, continue with 4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux Version 7.2.
19. If you are using an IBM ServeRAID adapter, continue with 4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID adapter. Otherwise, proceed to 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the integrated SCSI controller.

4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the integrated SCSI controller

Complete the following steps to configure the hard disk drives:

1. Start the server and press Ctrl+A.
2. If your system has one channel, go to step 4. Otherwise, continue with step 3.
3. Select the Bus:Device:Channel that you want to configure.
   
   NOTE: If you are using both channels of the integrated Adaptec disk controller, be sure to repeat steps 2 through 8 for both channels.
   
   
4. Select Configure/View Host Adapter Settings.
5. Press F6 to reset the host adapter defaults.
6. Select Boot Device Options (Configurations) and do one of the following:
   a. If you have one channel, verify (through SCSI Disk Utilities) that the SCSI ID matches the drive identification (ID) that you plan to use for the boot partition.
   b. If you have two channels, verify (through SCSI Disk Utilities) that the boot channel and boot SCSI ID match the SCSI channel and drive identification (ID) that you plan to use for the boot partition.
   
   
7. Press Esc twice to confirm your changes.
8. Select SCSI Disk Utilities to format the hard disk drive.
9. Complete the following steps to format each hard disk drive individually:
   a. Highlight and select the hard disk drive.
   b. Press Enter.
   c. Select Format Disk.
   d. Press the Y key twice. (The formatting might take up to 30 minutes, depending on the drive size.)
   
   
10. Press Esc when formatting is completed, to exit the SCSISelect Utility.
11. Continue to section 4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux Version 7.2.

4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID adapter

Complete the following steps to configure the arrays in your server:

1. Insert the IBM ServeRAID 4.80 Support CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Press F10 Exit without change.
   
   NOTE: Upon initial startup, an error message concerning drive configuration similar to the following might appear, "Following drives not responding (oldstate:newstate:ch:bay) (ONL:DDD:2:1)(ONL:DDD:2:2) Identifiers for the following drives do not match configuration..."
   
   
3. If prompted, update the ServeRAID BIOS and firmware. To update the ServeRAID BIOS, complete the following steps:
   a. Restart the server and repeat Step 1.
   b. Click OK when the ROM Update Wizard Dialog window appears.
   c. Click Next and Finished.
   
   
4. At the ServeRAID Manager window, highlight Controller 1 under localhost.
5. In the menu bar, click Actions; then click Restore to factory default settings.
6. Click Yes when the Confirmation window appears.
7. Click Actions and then click Configure RAID. The Configuration wizard starts.
8. Click Custom configuration for controller 1 and click Next.
9. Double-click each drive you want to add to the array and click Next.
10. Select the RAID level from the menu and click Next.
11. Click Apply.
12. Click Yes when the Confirmation window appears.
13. Click Restart at the ServeRAID Manager window and proceed to step 15. When the system restarts, remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive. If you are using an earlier version, continue to step 13.
14. Click No when the Ready Drives confirmation window appears.
15. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete at the Exit window and remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive when the system restarts
    
    NOTE: On some servers it might be necessary to disable the integrated Adaptec controller startup (boot) capability. (You can still access devices attached to it if the proper device drivers are installed.)
    
    
16. Complete the following steps if you have problems with the ServeRAID configuration:
    a. Press Ctrl+A when prompted after the system restarts.
    b. If you have a two-channel system, select the channel you want to configure.
    c. Select Configure/View Host Adapter Settings.
    d. Select Advanced Configuration Options.
    e. If a non-startable device is attached to the internal Adaptec controller, such as a CD-ROM drive or tape drive, set the Host Adapter BIOS field to Disabled:scan bus. If no devices are attached, set the Host Adapter BIOS field to Disabled:NOT scan.
    f. Press Esc twice, and press the Y key to save changes.
    g. Press Esc a third time to return to the Bus:Device:Channel selection window.
    h. If you are using both channels of the integrated Adaptec controller, be sure to repeat steps 14b through 14g for both channels. To exit the SCSISelect Utility, press Esc and press the Y key.
    
    
17. Continue to 4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux Version 7.2.

4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux Version 7.2.

Complete the following steps to install Red Hat Linux Version 7.2.

1. Startup the server and insert the Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 CD 1 into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Press Enter. The Welcome to Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 window appears.
   
   NOTE: If you are using a Se4veRAID adpater take the following steps:
   a. Type linux ddupdates at the Welcome to Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 window and press Enter
   b. Insert the IBM ServeRAID support for Red Hat Linux diskette
   c. Create a Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 installer update diskette if you are using a ServeRAID adapter. Click here to download the Red Hat Linux Version 7.2 installer update diskette.
   d. Insert the installer update diskette into the diskette drive and click OK.
   
   
3. Select English from the Language Selection window and click Next.
4. Click Generic 105-Key (Intl), click U.S.English, click Enable dead keys, from the Keyboard Configuration window, and click Next.
5. Click 2 Button Mouse (PS/2) or 3 Button Mouse (PS/2) from the Mouse Configuration window and click Next.
6. Click Next.
7. Click from the Installation Type window and click Next.
   
   NOTE: If you are notified that the partition table is damaged, click Initialize.
   
   
8. Click Manually partition with Disk Druid from the Disk Partitioning window and click Next.
9. When the Disk Setup window appears, create the following partitions:
   a. Root partition with mount point /, file system type ext3, and 1.2 to 3.5 GB in size.
   b. /boot partition with mount point /boot, file system type ext3, and 50 MB in size.
   c. Swap partition at least 32 MB or twice the size of system memory, but less than 2 GB. Leave the mount point information for the swap partition blank, and select file system type swap.
   
   
10. Verify that GRUB, the master boot record (MBR), and the default boot image and device have been selected as the default settings from the Boot Loader Installation window and click Next.
11. Create a GRUB password (optional) from the Boot Loader Password Configuration window and click Next.
12. Configure the network adapters from the Network Configuration window and click Next.
13. Configure the security settings from the Firewall Configuration window and click Next.
14. Select the languages that you want to install from the Language Selection window and click Next.
15. Select a time zone from the Time Zone Selection window and click Next.
16. Type and confirm your root password and add any additional accounts from the Account Configuration window and click Next.
17. Click Next. For more information about types of passwords, see the Red Hat Linux Installation Guide.
18. Select the packages that you want to install from the Package Group Selection window and click Next.
    
19. Verify that the video adapter, monitor type, and amount of video adapter RAM are accurate for your system configuration from the Video Configuration window.. Make any changes, if necessary, and click Next.
20. Click Next.
21. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the boot disk and remove the diskette when finished.
22. Select your monitor type from the Monitor Configuration window and click Next.
23. Select your monitor preferences from the Custom Graphics Configuration window and click Next.
24. Click Exit. Remove any CDs or diskettes.
    
    NOTE: When you restart your system the IBM BIOS code might return a virus-warning message. Click Change is expected.
    
    
25. When installation is completed, log in as root user and install the 2.4.9-13 or later kernel errata. In the /etc/grub.conf file, setting default=0 will automatically start the updated kernel by default.
    
    NOTE: Click here for more information on the installation process.
    
    
26. Click here to download updated XFree86 packages.
27. Click here to download the latest Broadcom driver