Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later) - IBM eServer xSeries 306

Steps

Revision Level: 1.12
Updated: 02 July 2004

Supported systems

8836 - IBM eServer xSeries 306

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 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
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
4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the Adaptec SCSI controller
4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID-7e (Adaptec HostRAID) adapter
4.5 Configuring arrays using an IBM ServeRAID adapter
4.6 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux version 3 update 1 (or later)
5.0 Notices

1.0 What you will need

You will need to obtain the following items:

• A registered copy of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later).
• 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 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 CD version 7.0 or later.
• If you are using the Adaptec HostRAID function, you need the IBM ServeRAID-7e (Adaptec HostRAID) Support CD version 1.00.15 or later.

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/
• IBM device driver download site: Software and device drivers
• For countries outside the U.S., start at http://www.ibm.com/
• Red Hat FTP site: http://ftp.redhat.com/
• Red Hat Web site: http://www.redhat.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

3.0 Quick installation instructions for experienced users

Complete the following steps to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later):

1. If you are using the IBM eServer xSeries x306 with the HostRAID controller, in the "boot" screen, type linux dd. Otherwise, press Enter.
2. If you are using the HostRAID controller, go to the IBM PC Support site at http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ and download the HostRAID Driver for Red Hat device driver diskette. Copy the image to a diskette. When the Devices window opens, insert the diskette into the diskette drive. Select Yes, then OK.
3. Follow the instructions that guide you through the installation.

   NOTE: For a hardware summary of IBM xSeries servers, go to http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/education/cust/xseries/xref.html.

4. In the Package Defaults window, select Customize the Set of Packages to be Installed, then select Next.
5. In the Package Group Selection window, scroll down to the Development section and select Kernel Development, then select Next.
6. In the Custom Graphics Configuration window, select the applicable items, then select Next.
7. Go to the Red Hat Web site at: https://rhn.redhat.com for new and updated packages. Log in as the root user and install the latest kernel errata using Red Hat Package Manager (RPM). In the /etc/grub.conf file, set default=0 in order to use the updated kernel automatically.

4.0 Detailed installation instructions

Complete the steps in the following sections to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later).

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 server 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 4.2 Setting up the server. Otherwise, continue with step 4.
4. Install the hard disk drives in the drive bays.
5. Install the server 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. Turn on the server.
2. When the IBM logo is displayed, press F1 to start the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
3. Make sure 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 update the BIOS code, continue with 4.2.1 Updating the BIOS code. If not, go to 4.3 Configuring hard disk drives using the Adaptec SCSI controller. If you need to update the BIOS code, you must also update the diagnostics code and the service processor firmware.

4.2.1 Updating the BIOS code

Complete the following steps to update the BIOS code:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Support 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. To create the diskettes, run the executable (.exe) file under DOS or OS/2 and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. In the last window of the License Agreement, press the Y key.
4. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.
5. To update the BIOS code, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.
6. Continue to 4.2.2 Updating the diagnostic code.

4.2.2 Updating the diagnostic code

Complete the following steps to update the diagnostic code:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Support 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. To create the diskettes, run the executable (.exe) file under DOS or OS/2 and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. In the last window of the License Agreement, press the Y key.
4. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.
5. To update the diagnostics code, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.
6. Continue to 4.2.3 Updating the service processor firmware.

4.2.3 Updating the service processor firmware

Complete the following steps to update the service processor firmware:

1. Download the applicable image from the IBM Support 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. To create the diskettes, run the executable (.exe) file under DOS or OS/2 and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. In the last window of the License Agreement, press the Y key.
4. Label the diskettes, using the part number of the image.
5. To update the service processor firmware, complete the steps in the corresponding readme file.
6. Continue to 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 steps 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.
   1. Select the hard disk drive.
   2. Press Enter.
   3. Select Format Disk.
   4. Press the Y key twice.
10. When formatting is completed, exit the SCSI Disk Utilities.
11. To configure the arrays:
    • If you are using an IBM ServeRAID-7e (Adaptec HostRAID) adapter, continue with 4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID-7e (Adaptec HostRAID) adapter.
    • If you are using an IBM ServeRAID adapter, and not using Adaptec HostRAID, go to 4.5 Configuring arrays using an IBM ServeRAID adapter.
12. • Otherwise, go to 4.6 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later).

4.4 Configuring arrays using the IBM ServeRAID-7e (Adaptec HostRAID) adapter

When the server starts, an error message concerning drive configuration similar to the following displays:

• 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-7e (Adaptec HostRAID) Support CD
2. If you are prompted, update the HostRAID BIOS code and firmware. Restart the server and repeat step 1, if necessary.
3. In the ServeRAID Manager window, select LocalHost (Local system) and Controller 1.
4. In the menu bar, click Actions.
5. From the Actions menu, select Create Logical Drive.
6. Select Custom configuration for controller 1, then Next.
7. Specify the RAID level and select Next.
8. Select each ID to add it to the array, then Next.
9. Select Apply.
10. In the Confirmation window, select Yes.
11. If you are using an IBM ServeRAID adapter, continue with 4.5 Configuring arrays using an IBM ServeRAID adapter. Otherwise, go to 4.6 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later).

4.5 Configuring arrays using an IBM 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 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 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 4.6 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later).

4.6 Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later)

Complete the following steps to install Red Hat Enterprise Linux Version 3 Update 1 (or later).

1. If you are using the IBM eServer xSeries x306 with the HostRAID controller, in the "boot" screen, type linux dd. Otherwise, press Enter
2. If you are using the HostRAID controller, go to the IBM PC Support site at http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ and download the HostRAID Driver for Red Hat device driver diskette. Copy the image to a diskette. When the Devices window opens, insert the diskette into the diskette drive. Select Yes, then OK.
3. If the CD Found screen is displayed, select OK to test CD media.
4. In the Welcome window, select Next.
5. In the Language Selection window, select English, then Next.
6. In the Keyboard window, select US English, then Next.
7. In the Mouse Configuration window, select Generic - 3 Button Mouse (USB) or Generic - 2 Button Mouse (USB) and if you want, select Emulate 3 Buttons, then Next.
8. In the Disk Partitioning Setup window, select Manually partition with Disk Druid, then Next.

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

9. In the Partitioning window, you must create at least the following partitions, then select Next.
   • A /boot partition with mount point /boot, select file system type ext3, and 100MB in size.
   • A root partition with mount point /, select file system type ext3, and 900MB to 5.0GB in size.
   • A swap partition at least 32MB or twice the size of system memory, but less than 2.0GB. Leave the mount point information for the swap partition blank, and select file system type swap.
   • A /var partition with mount point /var, select file system type ext3, and at least 3.0GB in size.
10. In the Boot Loader Configuration window, make sure that GRUB, Default boot image and Device are selected as the default settings. Then select Next.
    1. If you want to create a GRUB password, select Use a Boot Loader Password, then Next.
    2. If you want to configure advanced boot loader options, select Configure Advanced Boot Loader Options, then Next.
    3. In the Configure Advanced Boot Loader Options window, make sure that Master Boot Record (MBR) is selected as the default setting. If you want to add default options to the boot command, enter them into the General Kernel Parameters field. When finished, select Next.
11. In the Network Configuration window, configure any network adapters, then select Next. See the online help for details.
12. In the Firewall Configuration window, configure the security settings, then select Next. See the online help for details.
13. In the Additional Language Support window, make sure that the Default Language for the operating system is correct, then select any additional languages to install on the system, then select Next.
14. In the Time Zone Selection window, select the correct time zone, then select Next.
15. In the Set Root Password window, type and confirm your root password, then select Next.
16. In the Package Defaults window, select Customize the Set of Packages to be Installed, then select Next.
17. In the Package Group Selection window, scroll down to the Development section, select Kernel Development, then Next.
18. In the About to Install window, select Next.
19. In the Graphical Interface (X) Configuration window, make sure the probed video adapter and the amount of video adapter RAM are correct, then select Next.

    NOTE: For a hardware summary of IBM xSeries servers, go to http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/education/cust/xseries/xref.html.

20. In the Monitor Configuration window, select the applicable monitor, then Next.
21. In the Custom Graphics Configuration window, select the applicable items. If you are using the RSAII adapter, then select Text Based Login instead of Graphical.
22. In the Congratulations window, select Exit.
23. When the server restarts, if a virus warning message is displayed, select Change is expected.
24. Firstboot will run after the installation.
    1. In the Welcome screen, select Next.
    2. In the License Agreement screen, select Yes to agree to the License Agreement, then Next.
    3. In the Date and Time screen, make the applicable changes, then select Next.
    4. In the User Account screen, add users, then select Next.
    5. If you are installing the operating system on a server with a sound card, in the Sound Card screen, select Test to check the audio adapter. When finished, select Next.
    6. In the Red Hat Network screen (Registration), select either Yes or No, then Next.
    7. In the Additional CDs screen, install other CDs or packages, then select Next.
    8. In the Finish Setup screen, select Next.
25. Go to the Red Hat Web site at: https://rhn.redhat.com for new and updated packages. Log in as the root user and install the latest kernel errata using Red Hat Package Manager (RPM). In the /etc/grub.conf file, set default=0 in order to use the updated kernel 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, xSeries, e-business logo, ServerProven, ServeRAID, PS/2, and OS/2 are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.

Adaptec and HostRAID are trademarks of Adaptec, Inc., in the United States, other countries, or both.

Red Hat and RPM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

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