Installing SUSE LINUX version 8.2 - IBM eServer xSeries 445

Steps

Revision level: 0.06
Updated: 06 June 2003

Supported System

8870 - IBM eServer xSeries 445

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.

This document contains the following information:

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 SUSE LINUX version 8.2 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 SUSE LINUX version 8.2
4.6 Optional: Loading security or package updates

1.0 What you will need

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

• A registered copy of SUSE LINUX version 8.2.
• Supported hard disk drives.Go to http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/ for the ServerProven list of supported options and part numbers for your server.
• Supported adapters. Go to http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/ for the ServerProven list of supported options and part numbers for your server.
• 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 6.00 or later, if you are using an IBM ServeRAID adapter.

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

SUSE FTP site: ftp://ftp.suse.com/
SUSE Web site: http://suse.com/us/support/download/index.html
IBM U.S. Web site: http://www.ibm.com/systems/support
For countries outside the U.S., start at http://www.ibm.com/

You can download product specifications from the following sites:

For IBM xSeries product specifications, go to http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/education/cust/xseries/xref.html

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."

3.0 Quick installation instructions for experienced users

Complete the following steps to install SUSE LINUX version 8.2:

1. Type acpi=oldboot and press Enter. If you have any SCSI or RAID adapters in a Remote Expansion Enclosure 100 (RXE 100), select Installation - Apic Enabled. At the command prompt, type acpi=oldboot and press Enter.
   
   NOTE: If you installed the Graphical Environment components on a server with an RSA II adapter, or if you plan to use a remote control environment to access the server, press F2, scroll to Text Mode and press Enter.
   
   
2. Follow the YaST2 prompts to continue with the installation.
   
   NOTES:
   • At the Installation Setting window, select Booting and make sure that the Replace Code in MBR option is set. (If it is not, highlight Replace Code in MBR and then select Edit. Select Set and select OK.) If the server has more than one processor or has Intel Hyper-Threading Technology enabled, select Edit Configuration Files and type the parameter acpi=oldboot at the end of the first line under File Contents that starts with "kernel"; then select OK. Select Accept when finished.
     
   • The installer might require a restart:
     1. Remove the SUSE LINUX 8.2 CD (or DVD, if applicable) 1 from the drive and select OK. Do not be alarmed if the server restarts.
     2. If the basic input/output system (BIOS) message "the boot sector has changed" is displayed, select Continue, Change is expected.
     3. In the SUSE startup screen, press Enter or wait for the system to initialize the base components.
        
   • If you installed the graphical environment components on a server with an RSA II adapter, or if you plan to use a remote control environment to access the server, the mouse might not function after the server is restarted. Complete the following steps:
     1. Press Ctrl+Alt+F2.
     2. At the command prompt, type:
        /sbin/modprobe mousedev
        echo "/sbin/modprobe mousedev" >> /etc/init.d/boot.local
     3. Press Alt+F7.
        
        
   • If you installed the Graphical Environment components on a server with an RSA II adapter, or if you plan to use a remote control environment to access the server, you will need to use a VESA mode driver for the graphical environment. A recommended mode would be the VESA driver at 1024x768@75 Hz. Refer to your hardware and the SUSE documentation for details on how to do this.
     
     NOTE: You can force SaX2 to use the VESA driver by running this command: sax2 -m 0=vesa

4.0 Detailed installation instructions

Complete the following steps to install SUSE LINUX version 8.2.

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 "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.

4.2 Setting up the server

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:
   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. Under Download, click Downloads & drivers.
   3. Under For any product, select Servers under Brand, choose the appropriate xSeries server under Family, and click Display documents.
   4. If you need to update the BIOS code, go to "4.2.1 Updating BIOS code." If not, go to "4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the integrated LSI SCSI controller."

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 Filter list 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 Filter list 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.

4.2.3 Updating the service processor firmware (if applicable)

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 Filter list 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, go to "4.5 Installing SUSE LINUX version 8.2." If you are using the IBM ServeRAID adapter, go to "4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID adapter." Otherwise, continue with "4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the integrated LSI SCSI controller."

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:

• 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.

6. Complete the following steps to format each hard disk individually. Formatting might take up to 30 minutes, depending on the drive size.
   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 "4.5 Installing SUSE LINUX version 8.2."

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

-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
-Drive(s) not responding or found at new location(s)
-Standby device(s) not responding or found at new location(s)

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 "4.5 Installing SUSE LINUX version 8.2."

4.5 Installing SUSE LINUX version 8.2

NOTE: If you are using a ServeRAID controller, it might be necessary to install SUSE LINUX 8.2 with a driver disk, if the firmware version (displayed when the system starts) is later than 6.00.xx. Complete the following steps to create the update driver disk:

1. Insert the ServeRAID Support CD (or DVD, if applicable)into the CD-ROM drive. Browse to the diskette directory and copy the suse.img file to a diskette:
   • If your server is running a UNIX-like operating system, complete the following steps:
     1. Insert a blank diskette into the diskette drive.
     2. From the directory where the disk image is saved, type: dd if=suse.img of=/dev/fd0
   • If your server is running a Microsoft Windows operating system, use the Rawrite or EMT utility. Start the server.

2. Continue with the installation. Press the Alt key at the boot options: prompt. At the message Please get your Driver update Floppy ready, insert the update diskette into the diskette drive and press Enter. Continue with step 2.

1. Start the server and insert the SUSE LINUX Version 8.2 CD (or DVD, if applicable) 1 into the CD-ROM drive.
2. At the boot options: prompt, scroll to Installation and press Enter.
   NOTE: If you installed the Graphical Environment components on a server with an RSA II adapter, or if you plan to use a remote control environment to access the server, press F2, scroll to Text Mode and press Enter.
3. Select English (US) and select Accept.
4. If the Please select dialog box opens, select New installation and select OK.
5. In the Installation Settings window, settings are preselected for your server. Review the following settings in the Installation Settings window and use the following guidelines to make any necessary changes. Make sure you follow the instructions under the Booting section. Select Accept when finished.

Mode - Do not change this.

Keyboard layout - If the language is set correctly, in most cases the correct keyboard setting will be automatically selected. Select Keyboard to modify the keyboard mapping. Select the keyboard layout from the list. You can check that it works properly by typing in the Keyboard test box. Select Accept when finished.

Mouse - Select Mouse if you need to change the type of mouse you are using. Changing the mouse type is not necessary in most cases. Select the correct mouse from the list and select Test to ensure that it is working with your mouse. Select Accept when finished.

Partitioning - Select Partitioning if you need to change the partitioning scheme for your hard drive(s). You will see YaST2's proposed partitioning scheme and can do one of the following:

• To accept the proposed scheme, select Next.
• Select Base partition setup on this proposal and then select Next to modify the proposal.

  In the Expert Partitioner window, you can view and change existing partitions on the hard disk drive(s), using the following options:

  • Create - Select Create to add new partitions.
  • Delete - Select partitions that you want to delete, and select Delete.
  • Edit - Select Edit to change existing partitions.
  • Resize - Select Resize to change existing partition sizes.
    

  When you are finished, select Next.

• Select Create custom partition setup and then select Next to discard the proposal. In the Preparing Hard Disk - Step 1 window, use one of the following procedures:
  
  • Select the hard disk you want to install SUSE LINUX 8.2 on. Select Next. If there are any pre-existing partitions that take up all of the space on the drive, complete one of the following steps:
    
    
    • Select Use entire hard disk.Select Next.
    • Select the partitions that can be deleted. Select Next.

    If the drive has been low-level formatted, or is new, select Next.

    If there arepreexisting partitions on the drive that do not take up all of the space, the message There is free space on the disk. Should YaST2 use this for SUSE LINUX? is displayed. If you select No, use the procedure for custom partitioning.

  • Select Custom partitioning - for experts. Select Next. The following options are available:
    
    
    • Create - Select Create to add new partitions.
    • Delete - Select partitions that you want to delete, and select Delete.
    • Edit - Select Edit to change existing partitions.
    • Resize - Select Resize to change existing partition sizes.
      
      

    Create, at least, the following partitions:

    • A swap partition at least as large as the boot partition and as much as double the size of the physical random access memory (RAM), with file system type SWAP.
    • A root partition at least 350 MB, with file system type EXT2 (for the most stable performance) or Reiser (for the best uptime). A minimum of 2 GB is required for a default installation.

  NOTES:

  If you want to use the Crypt file system, or any of the other options (such as LVM or RAID) for partitioning that are not described in this document, see the SUSE LINUX 8.2 User Guide or the SUSE LINUX 8.2 Administration Guide.

  Only four partitions can be primary. If you want to create more than four partitions, you will need to create a logical partition to put them in.

Software - Use this option to change the default software configuration, which installs most basic networking, administrative, and development tools that are needed. In the Software Selection window, select the software configuration you want.

For a specialized selection, select Detailed selection. You can then select specific software packages using the package tool. When finished, select Accept.

Booting - Select Booting and make sure that the Replace Code in MBR option is set. (If it is not, highlight Replace Code in MBR and then select Edit. Select Set and select OK.) If the server has more than one processor or has Intel Hyper-Threading Technology enabled, select Edit Configuration Files and type the parameter acpi=oldboot at the end of the first line under File Contents that starts with "kernel"; then select OK. Select Accept when finished.

Time zone - Use this option to set the time zone for the installation. Select the correct time zone from the list. Under the Hardware clock set to section, set either local time or UTC, depending on how you have set the clock for your server BIOS. Select Accept when finished.

Language - Use this option to specify the language for the installation. To specify a language, select Language, make your selection, and select Accept.

6. After selecting Accept, select Yes, install at the Warning window.
7. The server may restart after several packages are installed.
   1. If you receive a BIOS message stating that the boot sector has changed, select Change is expected.
   2. At the SUSE boot window, you can press Enter to boot off of the hard disk. Press Enter again, or wait and the system will initialize the base components.
   3. If you installed the graphical environment components on a server with an RSA II adapter, or if you plan to use a remote control environment to access the server, the mouse might not function after the server is restarted. Complete the following steps:
      1. Press Ctrl+Alt+F2.
      2. At the command prompt, type:
         /sbin/modprobe mousedev
         echo "/sbin/modprobe mousedev" >>
         /etc/init.d/boot.local
      3. Press Alt+F7.
         
         
8. You might be prompted to insert additional CDs (or DVDs, if applicable) to finish installing the packages.
9. At the Password for "root", in the system administrator window, type the administrative password that you want twice and select Next.
10. If the Network Configuration window opens, choose one of the following:
    
    
    • Select Skip Configuration and select Next to configure the network later.
    • Select Use Following Configuration(this is the default selection) and select Next to accept the preconfigured settings. (This will usually configure the first network device to connect using DHCP).
    • You may use the Change menu to change the settings for various devices. Refer to the SUSE LINUX 8.2 User Guide or the SUSE LINUX 8.2 Administration Guide for more information on this. When finished changing the configuration, select Next to continue the installation process.
      
      
11. If the Test Internet Connection window opens, choose one of the following:
    
    
    • Select Yes, Test Connection to the Internet (default) if the system is connected to the external network (Internet) and was configured for access in the previous step. Select Next and note the following steps:
      1. At this point the server will download the latest release notes and check for updates. Select Next.
      2. Select OK at the Online Updates Available prompt to run the online update.
      3. Select Next to accept the default settings at the Welcome to YaST Online Update window.
      4. Select OK when the list of possible package updates is displayed. This will install all of the recommended updates for your system.
      5. If you receive any unresolved dependencies errors, it is best to either ignore them or perform the recommended action to solve the dependency issue, depending on the situation.
      6. Select Finish after all necessary patches have been installed.
         
         
    • Select No, Skip this test if the system is not connected to the external network, or if it was not configured for Internet access in the previous step.
      
      
12. If the User Authentication Method window opens, verify the Stand-Alone Machine is selected and then select Next.

    NOTE: If you want to configure the system for network authentication, refer to SUSE's documentation for more information.
    

13. At the Add a New Local User window, type the information for one system user. You can also add additional users and groups or change the password settings by selecting the respective buttons to do so. When finished, select Next.
14. At the Release Notes window, read the release notes if you want and select Next when finished.
15. The Hardware Configuration window will allow you to configure various hardware on your system. (This can also be done later using the YaST2 configuration tools.)
    
    If you installed the graphical environment components on a server with an RSA II adapter, or if you plan to use a remote control environment to access the server, you will need to use a VESA mode driver for the graphical environment. A recommended mode would be the VESA driver at 1024x768@75 Hz. Refer to your hardware and the SUSE documentation for details on how to do this.
    
    NOTE: You can force SaX2 to use the VESA driver by running this command: sax2 -m 0=vesa
    
    
    • If the monitor is not detected correctly, complete the following steps:
      1. Select Change, then scroll to Graphics Cards and press Enter.
      2. Select Yes at the Unknown Monitor prompt.
      3. Select Properties and set the correct monitor at the Monitor-Model tab. If your exact monitor is not listed, use a similar model or select an appropriate VESA mode. Select Ok when finished.

         Attention: It is possible to damage your hardware by selecting the wrong monitor. Do not make changes if you do not know the correct settings for your monitor.

      4. Select Finish at the Currently configured monitors window.
      5. Select Finalize.
      6. At the SaX2 final steps... dialog, select Save to save your new configuration.
      7. Select Ok at the Configuration saved... dialog.
         
         
    • If you want to change the resolution or color depth for the systems graphical user interface (GUI), complete the following steps:
      1. Select Change, then scroll to Graphics Cards and press Enter.
      2. Select Color and Resolution.
      3. Select Properties and chose the desired color depth at the Colors tab.
      4. Select the next tab, and chose the maximum desired resolution for the GUI.

         NOTE: It is possible to damage your hardware by making these settings too high. Do not make changes if you do not know the correct settings.

      5. Select Ok when finished.
      6. Select Finish at the Currently configured desktops window.
      7. Select Finalize.
      8. At the SaX2 final steps... dialog, select Save to save your new configuration.
      9. Select Ok at the Configuration saved... dialog.
         
         

    Select Next when finished with the Hardware Configuration window.

16. At the Installation Completed window, select Finish to complete the installation.

4.6 Optional: Loading security or package updates

After the installation and network are set up, complete the following steps to install any security or package updates from SUSE. Run this update regularly to ensure that all software has the latest available security updates.

1. Open a graphical terminal program (such as xterm or konsole), or log in at the console command prompt.
2. If you are using a graphical terminal program, type xhost +.
3. Type su. The program asks for the root password.
4. Type the root password. You can now run the program YaST2 as the root user.
5. Start YaST2 by typing yast2.
6. Select Software then select Online Update.
7. Chooseone of the following for the installation source:
   • Leave the default value of ftp.suse.com.
   • Change to a different mirror for a better download time if necessary. A list of mirrors is available at http://www.suse.com/us/support/download/ftp/int_mirrors.html.
     
     
8. Select Next. The Connection and Data transfer window opens, and the various security and software patch descriptions are downloaded.
9. Select Accept to install all recommended updates.
10. Select Finish.
11. Select Close to exit YaST2.