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Server setup checklist

Use the server setup checklist to ensure that you have performed all tasks that are required to set up your server.

The server setup procedure varies depending on the configuration of the server when it was delivered. In some cases, the server is fully configured and you just need to connect the server to the network and an AC power source, and then you can power on the server. In other cases, the server needs to have hardware options installed, requires hardware and firmware configuration, and requires an operating system to be installed.

The following steps describe the general procedure for setting up a server.

Setup the server hardware​

Complete the following procedures to setup the server hardware.

  1. Unpack the server package. See Server package contents.

  2. Install any required hardware or server options. See the related topics in Enclosure hardware replacement procedures.

  3. If necessary, install the rail and CMA to a standard rack cabinet. Follow the instruction in Rail Installation Guide and CMA Installation Guide that comes with the rail installation kit.

  4. If necessary, install the server into a standard rack cabinet. See Install a node to the rack.

  5. Connect all external cables to the server. See Enclosure components for connectors locations.

    Typically, you will need to connect the following cables:

    • Connect server to the power source

    • Connect server to the data network

    • Connect the server to the storage device

    • Connect the server to the management network

  6. Install the I/O fillers when the connectors are not used. The connectors could be damaged without proper protection of the fillers. The I/O fillers are in the material box. See Node I/O connector fillers to distinguish the I/O fillers.

  7. If the security LED of the server is blinking, the server is in System Lockdown Mode. Activate or unlock the system for operation. See Activate or unlock the system.

  8. Power on the server.

    Power button location and power LED are specified in Troubleshooting by system LEDs.
    • The node power button LED states are as followed:
      Table 1. Power button and power status LED (green)
      StatusColorDescription
      OffNoneNo power supply is properly installed, or the LED itself has failed.
      Flashing rapidly (four times per second)GreenThe server is turned off and is not ready to be turned on. The power button is disabled. This will last approximately 5 to 10 seconds.
      Flashing slowly (once per second)GreenThe server is turned off and is ready to be turned on. You can press the power button to turn on the server.
      LitGreenThe server is turned on.
    The server can be turned on (power LED on) in any of the following ways:

    • You can press the power button.

    • The server can restart automatically after a power interruption.

    • The server can respond to remote power-on requests sent to the Lenovo XClarity Controller.

    Note
    You can access the management processor interface to configure the system without powering on the server. Whenever the server is connected to power, the management processor interface is available. For details about accessing the management server processor, see Opening and Using the XClarity Controller Web Interface section in the XCC documentation compatible with your server at Lenovo XClarity Controller portal page.

  9. Validate the server. Make sure that the power LED, Ethernet connector LED, and network LED are lit with green light, which means the server hardware was set up successfully.

    See Troubleshooting by system LEDs for more information on the LED indications.

Configure the system​

Complete the following procedures to configure the system. For detailed instructions, refer to System configuration.

  1. Set the network connection for the Lenovo XClarity Controller to the management network.

  2. Update the firmware for the server, if necessary.

  3. Configure the firmware for the server.

  4. Install the operating system.

  5. Back up the server configuration.

  6. Install the applications and programs for which the server is intended to be used.

  7. Configure ThinkEdge security features. See Activate/unlock the system and configure ThinkEdge security features.