Skip to main content

Installation guidelines

Use this information for installation.

Attention
Static electricity that is released to internal server components when the server is powered-on might cause the system to halt, which might result in the loss of data. To avoid this potential problem, always use an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system when removing or installing a hot-swap device.
Before you install optional devices, read the following information:
  • Read the safety information in Safety, the guidelines in Working inside the server with the power on, and Handling static-sensitive devices. This information will help you work safely.
  • Make sure that the devices that you are installing are supported. For a list of supported optional devices for the server, see the Lenovo ServerProven website.
  • When you install your new server, take the opportunity to download and apply the most recent firmware updates. This step will help to ensure that any known issues are addressed and that your server is ready to function at maximum levels of performance. To download firmware updates for your server, go to the Fix Central website.
    Important
    Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated code updates. If the device is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest level of code is supported for the cluster solution before you update the code.

    For additional information about tools for updating, managing, and deploying firmware, see the ToolsCenter for System x and BladeCenter at IBM ToolsCenter for System x and BladeCenter Information Center.

  • Before you install optional hardware, make sure that the server is working correctly. Start the server, and make sure that the operating system starts, if an operating system is installed, or that a 19990305 error code is displayed, indicating that an operating system was not found but the server is otherwise working correctly. If the server is not working correctly, see Running the DSA Preboot diagnostic programs for information about how to run diagnostics.
  • Observe good housekeeping in the area where you are working. Place removed covers and other parts in a safe place.
  • Do not attempt to lift an object that you think is too heavy for you. If you have to lift a heavy object, observe the following precautions:
    • Make sure that you can stand safely without slipping.
    • Distribute the weight of the object equally between your feet.
    • Use a slow lifting force. Never move suddenly or twist when you lift a heavy object.
    • To avoid straining the muscles in your back, lift by standing or by pushing up with your leg muscles.
  • Make sure that you have an adequate number of properly grounded electrical outlets for the server, monitor, and other devices.
  • Back up all important data before you make changes to disk drives.
  • Have a small flat-blade screwdriver, a small Phillips screwdriver, and a T8 torx screwdriver available.
  • To view the error LEDs on the system board and internal components, leave the server connected to power.
  • You do not have to turn off the server to install or replace hot-swap power supplies, hot-swap fans, or hot-plug Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. However, you must turn off the server before you perform any steps that involve removing or installing adapter cables and you must disconnect the power source from the server before you perform any steps that involve removing or installing a riser card.
  • Blue on a component indicates touch points, where you can grip the component to remove it from or install it in the server, open or close a latch, and so on.
  • Orange on a component or an orange label on or near a component indicates that the component can be hot-swapped, which means that if the server and operating system support hot-swap capability, you can remove or install the component while the server is running. (Orange can also indicate touch points on hot-swap components.) See the instructions for removing or installing a specific hot-swap component for any additional procedures that you might have to perform before you remove or install the component.
  • When you are finished working on the server, reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground wires.