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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 Hardware replacement procedures.

  3. Connect all external cables to the server. See Server components for connectors locations.

    Typically, you will need to connect the following cables:

    • Connect the server to the power source.

    • Connect the server to the network.

    • Connect the server to the storage device.

  4. Power on the server.

    Power button location and power LED are specified in Front view.

    The server can be turned on (power LED on) in any of the following ways:

    • Press the power button.

    • The server can restart automatically after a power interruption.

  5. Validate the server. Make sure that the power LED, drive activity LED, and Ethernet connector LED are lit properly.

    See Front view and Rear view for more information on the LED indications.

Configure the system​

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

  1. Update the firmware for the server if necessary.

  2. Configure the firmware for the server.

    The following information is available for RAID configuration:

  3. Install the operating system.

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