Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1 Update 2 (or later) - IBM eServer xSeries 305 (Type 8673)

Steps

Contents

Installation Instructions for Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS Version 2.1 Update 2 (or later) for IBM eServer xSeries 305 Type 8673

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
• 4.2 Updating the BIOS code
• 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the Adaptec SCSI controller
• 4.4 Configuring arrays with the ServeRAID adapter
• 4.5 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1

5.0 Notices

Installation Instructions for Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS Version 2.1 Update 2 (or later) for IBM eServer xSeries 305 Type 8673

Revision Level: 1.10

Updated: 19 February 2004

(C) Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2004. All rights reserved. US Government Users Restricted Rights - Use, duplication, or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

NOTE: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the general information under 5.0 Notices in this document.

Supported server: IBM eServer xSeries305 Type 8673

Follow the 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.

1.0 What you will need

• A registered copy of Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1 update 2 (or later)
• 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 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.
• If you are using an IBM ServeRAID adapter, you need the IBM ServeRAID Support version 6.10 (or later) CD

2.0 Where to download device drivers and files

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

• IBM U.S. Support Web site: http://www.ibm.com/systems/support

For countries outside the US, start at http://www.ibm.com/

• IBM device driver download site: Software and device drivers

You can download product specifications from the following sites:

• For IBM xSeries product specifications, go to http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/education/cust/xseries/xref.html
• Red Hat FTP site: http://ftp.redhat.com/
• Red Hat Web site: http://www.redhat.com/

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 Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1:

1. Turn on the server and insert the Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1 update 2 (or later) CD 1 into the CD-ROM drive.
2. In the Welcome to Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1 window, press Enter at the startup prompt.
3. Follow the instructions that guide you through the installation.
4. In the Mouse Configuration window, select 2 Button Mouse (PS/2) or 3 Button Mouse (PS/2) and then Next.
5. In the Installation Type window,
   • If you are installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES, select Server and then Next.
   • If you are installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS, select Workstation and then Next.
6. In the Custom Graphics Configuration window, select the applicable items, and then select Next.

4.0 Detailed installation instructions

Complete the steps in the following sections to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux EW/WS version 2.1.

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

4.1 Setting up the hardware

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. 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 step 5. 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.
7. Continue to 4.2 Updating the BIOS code.

4.2 Updating the BIOS code

Complete the following steps to update the BIOS code:

1. Turn on the server.
2. When the IBM logo is displayed, press F1 to start the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
3. Make sure that your BIOS code is at the latest revision level that is available from the IBM Web site or IBM FTP site.
4. If you need to download the BIOS code, 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.
   1. In the Download, select Downloads & drivers.
   2. On the "Download and drivers" page, in the Brand field, select Servers.
   3. In the Family field, select xSeries 305.
   4. Select Continue.
   5. On the "xSeries 305 Support" page, in the "Filter list by category" menu, select BIOS.
   6. To create the diskettes, run the executable (.exe) file under DOS or OS/2 and follow the instructions on the screen.
   7. In the last License Agreement window, press the Y key.
   8. Label the diskettes, using the part numbers of the image.
   9. To update the BIOS code, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.
5. If you are using IDE, go to 4.5 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1. If you are using the IBM ServeRAID adapter, go to 4.4 Configuring arrays with the ServeRAID adapter. Otherwise, continue with 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the Adaptec SCSI controller.

4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the Adaptec SCSI controller

Complete the following procedure to configure the hard disk drives using the Adaptec SCSI controller:

1. Turn on the server and press Ctrl+A when prompted.
2. If the server has only one channel, go to step 4. Otherwise, continue with step 3.
3. Select the bus, device, and channel you want to configure.

   NOTE: If you are using both channels of the integrated Adaptec controller, be sure to follow steps 3 through 7 for each channel.

4. Select Configure/View Host Adapter Settings.
5. Select Boot Device Options.
6. Make sure that the boot SCSI ID is correct:
   • If the server has only one channel, make sure 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, make sure 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.
9. Complete the following steps to format each hard disk individually. Formatting might take up to 30 minutes, depending on the drive size.
   • Select the hard disk drive.
   • Press Enter.
   • Select Format Disk.
   • Press the Y key twice.
10. When formatting is completed, exit the SCSI Disk Utilities.
11. Continue with 4.4 Configuring arrays with the ServeRAID adapter.

4.4 Configuring arrays with the ServeRAID adapter

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)

This error message indicates that you need to configure the arrays. If you see this error message, complete the following steps to configure arrays:

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, select LocalHost (Local system) and select Controller 1.
4. In the menu bar, select Actions; then, select Restore to factory-default settings.
5. In the Confirmation screen, select Yes.
6. In the Actions menu, select Configure RAID.
7. Select Custom configuration for controller 1; then, select Next.
8. Select each ID you want to add to the array and select Next.
9. Specify the RAID level and select Next.
10. Select Apply.
11. In the Confirmation screen, select Yes.
12. Select Reboot or Restart at the ServeRAID Manager screen and continue with 4.5 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1.

4.5 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1

Complete the following steps to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1:

1. Turn on the server and insert the Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1 update 2 (or later) CD 1 into the CD-ROM drive.
2. In the Welcome to Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES/WS version 2.1 window, press Enter at the startup prompt.
3. In the Language Selection window, select English, then Next.
4. In the Keyboard Configuration window, select Generic 105-Key(Intl), U.S.English, Enable dead keys, and then Next.
5. In the Mouse Configuration window, select 2 Button Mouse (PS/2) or 3 Button Mouse (PS/2) and then Next.
6. In the Welcome window, select Next.
7. In the Installation Type window,
   • If you are installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ES, select Server and then Next.
   • If you are installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS, select Workstation and then Next.
8. In the Disk Partitioning window, select Manually partition with Disk Druid, then Next.

   NOTE: If a message that the partition table is corrupt or unreadable is displayed, initialize the drive.

9. In the Disk Setup window, you must create at least the following partitions and then select Next.
   • A root partition with mount point /, file system type ext3, and 350 MB to 3.2 GB in size.
   • A /boot partition with mount point /boot, file system type ext3, and 50 MB in size.
   • A 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. In the Boot Loader Installation window, make sure that GRUB, Master Boot Record (MBR), and Default boot image and Device are selected as the default settings. Then select Next.
11. In the Boot Loader Password Configuration window, create a GRUB password if needed, then select Next.
12. In the Network Configuration window, configure any network adapters, then select Next. See the online help for details.
13. In the Firewall Configuration window, configure the security settings, then select Next. See the online help for details.
14. In the Language Selection window, select the languages in which you want to install, then select Next.
15. In the Time Zone Selection window, select the time zone, then select Next.
16. In the Account Configuration window, type and confirm your root password and add any additional accounts. When you are finished, select Next.
17. In the Package Group Selection window, select Software Development and Select individual packages and then Next. Select Development, System, kernel-source package. When you are finished selecting packages, select Next.
18. If the Unresolved Dependencies window opens, select Install packages to satisfy dependencies and then Next.
19. In the Video Configuration window, make sure that the probed video adapter and the applicable amount of video adapter RAM are correct, then select Next.

    NOTE: For a summary of IBM xSeries server hardware, go to http://www-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/xseries/literature.html.

20. In the About to Install window, select Next.
21. In the Boot Disk Creation window, follow the instructions on the screen to create the startup diskette. Remove the diskette when finished.
22. In the Monitor Configuration window, select the applicable monitor and then Next.
23. In the Custom Graphics Configuration window, select the applicable items and then Next.
24. In the Congratulations window, select Exit. Remove the CD or diskette from the drive.
25. When the server restarts, if a virus warning message is displayed, select Change is expected.
26. Go to https://rhn.redhat.com for new and updated packages that are available on Red Hat Network (RHN). Log in as the root user and install the latest kernel errata using RPM. In the /etc/grub.conf file, if default=0, the updated kernel starts automatically.

5.0 Notices

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some jurisdictions do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.

This information could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time without notice.

IBM, eServer, ServerProven, OS/2, ServeRAID, and xSeries are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

Other company, product, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.