Typical operating-system installation

The ServerGuide program can reduce the time it takes to install an operating system. It provides the device drivers that are required for the hardware and for the operating system that you are installing. This section describes a typical ServerGuide operating-system installation.

1. After you have completed the setup process, the operating-system installation program starts. (You will need your operating-system CD to complete the installation.)
2. The ServerGuide program stores information about the blade server model, service processor, hard disk drive controllers, and network adapters. Then, the program checks the CD for newer device drivers. This information is stored and then passed to the operating-system installation program.
3. The ServerGuide program presents operating-system partition options that are based on your operating-system selection and the installed hard disk drives.
4. The ServerGuide program prompts you to insert your operating-system CD and restart the blade server. Then, the installation program for the operating system takes control to complete the installation. The BladeCenter CD drive must be associated with the blade server when this step is performed.
   When you start the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, the program prompts you to complete the following tasks:

   • Select your language.
   • Select your keyboard layout and country.
   • View the overview to learn about ServerGuide features.
   • View the readme file to review installation tips for your operating system and adapter.
   • Start the operating-system installation. You will need your operating-system CD.