Installing Red Hat Linux v7.3 - IBM eServer xSeries 225

Steps

Revision level: 1.02
Updated: 28 February 2003

Supported systems

8647 IBM eServer xSeries 225, type 8647, all models

Follow the eServer xSeries network operating system (NOS) installation instructions provided in this document in sequential order unless these instructions advise you otherwise. 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 to make a selection from a menu. The term "click" is used to deNote the use of a mouse to make a selection.

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 7.3 installation
4.2 Setting up the server
4.2.1. Updating the BIOS code
4.2.2. Updating the diagnostic code
4.2.3. Updating the service processor firmware (if applicable)
4.2.4. Installing the system-management device driver (if applicable)
4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the integrated LSI small computer system interface (SCSI) controller
4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID adapter
4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux version 7.3

You must have the following software and hardware for the installation:

• A registered copy of Red Hat Linux version 7.3.
• Supported hard disk drives. Visit the ServerProven compatibility Web site for the ServerProven list of supported options and part numbers for your server.
• Supported adapters. Visit the ServerProven compatibility Web site for the ServerProven list of supported options and part numbers for your server.
• One blank diskette to create a boot diskette (label it "Boot disk")
• One blank diskette to create a BIOS code flash diskette. You might need additional blank diskettes for firmware updates.
• The IBM ServeRAID Support CD version 5.11 or higher, if you are using an IBM ServeRAID adapter.

You can download device drivers and files from the following sites:

• Red Hat FTP site: ftp://ftp.redhat.com
• Red Hat Web site: http://www.redhat.com
• IBM U.S. Support Web site
• For countries outside the U.S., start at the IBM Web site

See the Note in step 2 of section 3.0 for technical specifications.

If you have 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.

Complete the following steps to install Red Hat Linux version 7.3:

1. Turn on the server and insert the Red Hat Linux version 7.3 CD 1 in to the CD-ROM drive.
2. In the Welcome to Red Hat Linux version 7.3 window, press Enter.
3. 
   Note: For a technical spec sheet for your IBM xSeries server, visit BladeCenter and System x Reference Sheets.
4. If a virus warning message is displayed, click Change is expected.
5. Log in as root user and install the 2.4.18-24.7.x or higher kernel errata using RPM. In the /etc/grub.conf file, if default=0, the updated kernel starts automatically. For details and other general advisories, visit http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/rh73-errata.html.
6. Complete the following steps to install the Broadcom device driver:
7. 1. To remove the tg3 module, type rmmod tg3.
   2. Download and install the latest Broadcom device driver.
   3. Edit the /etc/modules.conf file and replace tg3 with bcm5700.

Complete the following steps to install Red Hat Linux version 7.3.

Notes:

• Network adapters can be installed and configured during or after the installation.
• For integrated drive electronics (IDE) interface models, ensure that your hard disk drive is the primary master device.

Complete the following steps to prepare the hardware:

1. Disconnect the server from the power source, and remove the cover.
2. If problems occur when you attempt to install multiple adapters or devices, for the initial installation, remove all adapters and devices that are not required for the base operating system to be installed.

Note: Disconnect any tape drives or external SCSI devices temporarily. After the operating system is starting without errors, reinstall the removed adapters and devices one at a time. This procedure simplifies the installation process.

3. If you plan to use an external storage enclosure, set up the enclosure, using the instructions that come with the enclosure; then, continue with section 4.2 Setting up the server. Otherwise, continue with step 4.
4. Install the hard disk drives in the drive bays.
5. Install the cover.
6. Connect the server to the power source.

Complete the following steps to set up the server:

1. Start the server.
2. When the IBM logo is displayed, press F1 to start the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
3. Verify that the BIOS code is at the latest revision level that is available from the IBM Web site or FTP site.
4. If you need to download the BIOS code, complete the following steps:

Note: If you need to update the BIOS code, you must also update the diagnostics code, service processor firmware, and system management device driver.

Complete the following steps to update the BIOS code:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Web site or FTP site. The image is a self-extracting, executable file (under DOS or IBM OS/2) that creates the flash diskettes.
2. In the Downloadable Files by Category menu, select BIOS (System).
3. To create the diskettes, run the executable (.exe) file under DOS or OS/2 and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. In the last window of the License Agreement, press the Y key.
5. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.
6. To update the BIOS code, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.

Complete the following steps to update the diagnostic code:  

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Web site or FTP site. The image is a self-extracting, executable file (under DOS or IBM OS/2®) that creates the flash diskettes.
2. In the Downloadable Files by Category menu, select Diagnostic.
3. To create the diskettes, run the executable (.exe) file under DOS or OS/2 and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. In the last window of the License Agreement, press the Y key.
5. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.
6. To update the diagnostics code, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.

Complete the following steps to update the service processor firmware:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Web site or FTP site. The image is a self-extracting, executable file under DOS or IBM OS/2®) that creates the flash diskettes.
2. In the Downloadable Files by Category menu, select Advanced Systems Management.
3. To create the diskettes, run the executable (.exe) file under DOS or OS/2 and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. In the last window of the License Agreement, press the Y key.
5. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.
6. To update the service processor firmware, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.

To install the system-management device driver, follow the specific installation instructions included in the readme file for your NOS.

If you are using an IDE interface, continue with section 4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux version 7.3. If you are using the IBM ServeRAID adapter, continue with section 4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID adapter. Otherwise, continue with section 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the integrated LSI SCSI controller.

Complete the following steps to configure the hard disk drives using the LSI SCSI controller:

1. Start the server and press Ctrl+C when prompted.
2. If your server has one channel, go to step 4. Otherwise, continue with step 3.
3. Select the bus, device, and channel that you want to configure.
   Note: If you are using both channels of the integrated LSI SCSI controller, be sure to repeat steps 2 through 5 for both channels.
4. Select Device Properties.
5. Verify the boot SCSI ID:
6. • If the server has one channel, verify that the boot SCSI ID matches the drive identification (ID) that you plan to use for the boot partition.
   • If the server has two channels, verify 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. Complete the following steps to format each hard disk individually. Formatting might take up to 30 minutes, depending on the drive size.
8. 1. Scroll down to the row with the hard disk drive.
   2. Tab over to the Format column.
   3. Press Enter twice.
   4. When the formatting is complete, press any key to continue.
   5. Press Esc three times and select Exit the Configuration Utility.
   6. Continue with section 4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux version 7.3.

When the server starts, an error message concerning drive configuration similar to the following message is displayed.

1. Insert the IBM ServeRAID Support CD into the CD-ROM drive and press F10 to continue without changing the configuration.
2. If prompted, update the ServeRAID BIOS code and ServeRAID firmware. Restart the server and repeat step 1, if necessary.
3. In the ServeRAID Manager screen, double-click LocalHost (Local system) and select Controller 1.
4. In the menu bar, click Actions; then, click Restore to factory-default settings.
5. In the Confirmation screen, click Yes.
6. In the Actions menu, select Configure RAID.
7. Select Custom configuration for controller 1; then, click Next.
8. Double-click each ID you want to add to the array and click Next.
9. Specify the RAID level and click Next.
10. Click Apply.
11. In the Confirmation screen, click Yes.
12. Click Reboot or Restart at the ServeRAID Manager screen and continue with section 4.5 Installing Red Hat Linux version 7.3.

Complete the following steps to install Red Hat Linux Version 7.3:

1. Turn on the server and insert the Red Hat Linux version 7.3 CD 1 into the CD-ROM drive.
2. In the Welcome to Red Hat version 7.3 window, press Enter.
3. In the Language Selection window, select English and click Next.
4. In the Mouse Configuration window, select 2 Button Mouse (PS/2) or 3 Button Mouse (PS/2) and click Next.
5. In the Welcome screen, click Next.
6. In the Installation Type window, select Custom and click Next.
   Note: If you encounter the notification that the partition table is corrupt, select Initialize.
7. In the Disk Partitioning window, select Manually partition with Disk Druid and click Next.
8. In the Disk Setup window, create at least the following partitions:
9. 1. root partition with mount point /, file system type ext3, and 1.2 to 3.5GB in size.
   2. /boot partition with mount point /boot, file system type ext3, and 50MB in size.
   3. swap partition at least 32MB or twice the size of system memory, but less than 2GB. Leave the mount point information for the swap partition blank and select file system type swap.
10. In the Boot Loader Installation window, verify that GRUB, Master Boot Record (MBR), and Default boot image and Device are selected asthe default settings, and click Next.
11. In the Boot Loader Password Configuration window, create a GRUB password if you want to, and click Next.
12. In the Network Configuration window, configure any network adapters and click Next.  See the online help for details.
13. In the Firewall Configuration window, configure the security settings and click Next.  See the online help for details.
14. In the Language Selection window, select the languages in which you want to install and click Next.
15. In the Time Zone Selection window, select the correct time zone and click Next.
16. In the Account Configuration window, type and confirm your root password and add any additional accounts. When you are finished, click Next.
17. In the Authentication Configuration window, click Next.  For more information about types of passwords, see the Red Hat Linux Installation Guide.
18. In the Package Group Selection window, select Kernel Development and any other packages that you want to install, and click Next.
19. In the Video Configuration window, verify the probed video adapter and the applicable amount of video adapter RAM, and click Next.
    Note: For a technical spec sheet for your IBM xSeries server, visit BladeCenter and System x Reference Sheets.
20. In the About to Install window, click Next.
21. Follow the instructions on the screen to create the boot disk. Remove the diskette when finished.
22. In the Monitor Configuration window, select the applicable monitor and click Next.
23. In the Custom Graphics Configuration window, select the applicable items and click Next.
24. At the Congratulations window, click Exit. Remove the CD or diskette from their drives.
25. When the server restarts, if a virus warning message is displayed, click Change is expected.
26. Log in as root user and install the 2.4.18-24.7.x or higher kernel errata using RPM. In the /etc/grub.conf file, if default=0, the updated kernel starts automatically. For details and other general advisories, visit http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/rh73-errata.html.
27. Complete the following steps to install the Broadcom device driver:
28. 1. To remove the tg3 module, type rmmod tg3.
    2. Download and install the latest Broadcom device driver.
    3. Edit the /etc/modules.conf file and replace tg3 with bcm5700.