Main Menu
Reference
and Diagnostic Diskettes
Starting the Reference
Diskette
Starting
the System Programs from the Hard Disk
Backing
Up and Restoring the System Partition
Updating
the System Partition
Updates
to the System Programs
Device Drivers
Main
Menu
The following are the selections available when you start the system
programs. Included with each selection is a short description of
its purpose.
1. Start operating system:
Exits from the system programs and loads the operating system.
2. Backup/Restore system programs:
When you select this choice from the Main Menu, the following utility program
selections appear:
o Back up the System Diskettes: Makes a backup copy
of the Reference Diskette and Diagnostic Diskette.
o Back up the System Partition: Copies the system
programs and other critical startup files from a non-array model's System
Partition to diskette. This utility program creates the Reference Diskette
and Diagnostic Diskette. You need two 2MB diskettes to do this procedure.
o Restore the System Partition: Installs the system
programs and other critical startup files from diskette to a non-array
model's System Partition. Use this utility program to rebuild the
System Partition in case of accidental loss or damage.
3. Update system programs:
Copies a new version of system programs to System Partition.
Note: This information
does not apply to disk-array models.
4. Set configuration:
Contains program with which you can view, change, back up, or restore the
configuration information stored in the battery-backed memory. It
also contains the Automatic Configuration program.
The configuration information consists of:
o The amount of installed memory
o The built-in features and their assignments
o The installed options with their location and assignments
When you select Set configuration
from Main Menu, the following utility-program selections appear:
o View configuration:
Displays present configuration information. View Only!
o Change configuration:
Lets you change configuration information enclosed in brackets ([...]).
o Back up configuration:
Copies configuration information from battery-backed memory to hard
disk. Use this to keep a current copy of configuration information after
you make changes.
o Restore configuration:
Retrieves configuration information copied by Backup Configuration program
and restores that information to battery-backed memory.
o Run automatic configuration:
Verifies and updates the configuration information.
Notes:
a. Run Automatic Configuration
program restores settings of installed options to their default values.
If you changed configuration information, make a note of current settings
before you use Automatic Configuration program. If you experience
problems after running the program, refer to your notes to reset the values
to their previous settings.
Note: On most adapter
pages of the Ardent Tool, you will find the ADF sections at the bottom.
All settings and possible values are listed.
b. If you use DOS with an extended
or enhanced memory-manager device driver, Run Automatic Configuration program
might set a memory address that conflicts with the one used by the device
driver.
o Set and view SCSI device configuration:
Displays the current SCSI device settings, and allows you to make some
modifications for some devices.
Note:
For disk-array models you can view settings for the RAID adapter; however,
you must use the RAID configuration program (on the IBM RAID controller
diskette to make changes to the RAID adapter settings.
o Display memory map:
Displays the ROM memory addresses assigned to adapters.
5. Set features:
When selected from the Main Menu, the following selections appear:
o Set date and time:
Lets you place the current date and time in battery-backed memory.
o Set passwords and unattended start mode:
Helps prevent the use of the server by unauthorized persons. Two types
of passwords are available: a power-on password and an administrator password
(also known as privileged-access password). These passwords and other
security features, such as unattended start mode, are discussed in the
User's Reference. For information about setting or changing passwords,
see Setting an Administrator Password and Power-On Features.
o Set keyboard speed:
Changes speed at which a character repeats when a key is held down.
o Set console:
Sets server to operate without a keyboard or display. This selection
is useful if you are using the server in an unattended environment.
o Set startup sequence:
Lets you select sequence of the drives that the server will start from
when you turn it on.
o Set fast startup mode:
In this mode, the server startup time is greatly reduced because a shorter,
less extensive POST routine is run every time you turn on the server. You
might want to use this mode if your server has a lot of memory installed
or many devices attached.
o Set power-on features:
Lets you set the server to turn on automatically at a set time, or be turned
on from a remote location.
6. Copy an Option Diskette:
Copies configuration and diagnostic files from an Option Diskette.
Option Diskettes are included with many options. As part of the option-installation
procedure, you start the system programs, then copy the files from the
option diskette to the System Partition or to the backup copy of the Reference
Diskette. The server needs these files to make the new option
operational.
Note:
You MUST use Copy an Option Diskette from the Main Menu or
the ADF, DGS, and other associated files will NOT be copied to the System
(or Convenience) Partition. From hard experience, it is better to Copy
an Option Diskette with the new files BEFORE installing the new adapter.
7. Test the computer:
Checks the computer hardware. If a problem occurs during this testing,
a message appears on the screen advising you of the action to take. If
you start system programs from the Reference Diskette and select this,
a message prompts you to insert Diagnostic Diskette.
Note: The System Programs
will only test components with a *.DGS file (basically IBM or OEM for IBM
only). Errata, I think there is a planar related diags file as well...
8. More utilities:
When selected from the Main Menu, the utility-program selections appear:
Note: Some of these
are only on later systems.
o Display revision levels:
Displays information that you might need if you require service.
If you have a printer attached, you can print the information presented
on the screen by pressing the Print Screen key.
o Display system error log:
Displays and resets the entries in the error log. As errors occur,
they are recorded in this log. Error-log information is helpful when service
is required. More information about using the error log is available in
the Solving Problems.
o Stand-alone utility information:
Describes how to use the additional utility programs available on the Diagnostic
Diskette. Some of these programs can be used only with specific operating
systems. See Stand-Alone Utility Programs for additional information about
using the programs.
o Set and view system identification:
Lets you either set the system identification (record your computer serial
number) or view the system identification information about your
server. This vital product data (VPD) includes the model code, submodel
code, server serial number, and part-identification codes for the system
board and processor board.
o Set character font:
Lets you change the screen font. If you connect a non-ISO display (9515,
9517, and 9518 displays are ISO compliant) to your server, you can select
the appropriate font for that type of display. If you are attaching
anything else, check the documentation that comes with the device.
Reference
and Diagnostic Diskettes
The Reference Diskette and Diagnostic Diskette, which came with your
system, contain a copy of the system programs. Collectively, the two diskettes
are referred to as the System Diskettes. The system programs are
in three places:
o On the hard disk
For non-disk array models, the system programs are preinstalled
in the System Partition.
o On the System Diskettes
For both non-disk array and disk-array models, the system programs
are on the Reference and Diagnostic Diskettes.
o On the ServerGuide CD
If you misplace the System Diskettes, you can use the Diskette
Factory on the ServerGuide CD to create new diskettes.
The System Diskettes normally are used under the following conditions:
o To configure and test disk-array models
o To test non-array models if you cannot start the system programs
from System Partition
o To reconstruct the programs on System Partition of a non-array model
when you replace the hard disk drive or if the programs get damaged
o To install the DOS keyboard-password program and other stand-alone
utility programs
In non-array models, current system configuration information is maintained
in the System Partition. Instructions for backing up the System Partition
are in Backing Up and Restoring the System Partition. System configuration
information for disk-array models is maintained on diskette.
Starting
the Reference Diskette
To start the Reference Diskette:
1. Insert the Reference Diskette into your primary diskette drive.
2. Turn on the system. After a few moments, the system
programs Main Menu appears.
3. Use the Up Arrow key or the Down Arrow key to highlight a choice;
then press Enter.
You can get help about any selection by highlighting it and pressing
F1. The active keys are shown at the bottom of the screen. If you
select Test the computer, the system prompts you to insert the Diagnostic
Diskette.
Starting
the System Programs from the Hard Disk
Note: Starting system
programs from hard disk drive applies to non-disk-array servers only.
To start the system programs from the hard disk drive:
1. Remove all media (diskettes, CDs, tapes, and so on) from all
drives.
2. Turn off server; then turn it back on. The IBM logo appears
on screen.
3. When F1 prompt appears, press F1. A second IBM logo
screen appears, followed by the system programs Main Menu.
Use the Up Arrow key or the Down Arrow key to highlight the selection;
then press Enter.
You can get help information about any item on the menu
by highlighting the item and pressing F1. The bottom of the screen shows
the keys that are active.
Subtopics:
o Backing Up and
Restoring the System Partition
o Updating the System Partition
o Updates to the System Programs
Backing
Up and Restoring the System Partition
By making a backup copy of the System Partition, you are assured that
you have an exact duplicate of the information stored there. Whenever you
add information to the System Partition (for example, copy files from an
Option Diskette when you install an option) you should make a new backup
copy. This practice ensures that you can easily rebuild (restore) the System
Partition in the unlikely event of a hard disk drive failure.
Notes:
1. If you have a disk-array system, see Backing Up Your Disk-Array
Configuration for the procedure to back up the disk-array configuration.
2. Disk-array models do not have a System Partition. You should
backup the System Diskettes and keep them updated.
3. You need two 2MB diskettes to make a backup copy.
To back up or restore the System Partition:
1. Turn system on. When F1 prompt appears, press F1. System programs
Main Menu appears.
2. Select Backup/Restore system programs from Main Menu.
3. Select either Back up the System Partition or Restore the
System Partition (depending on which operation you are doing), and follow
instructions on screen.
Label the backup diskettes clearly with the following information:
o Current date
o Diskette name ("Reference Diskette" for the first diskette, "Diagnostic
Diskette" for the second)
o Model number of the server (found on the front of the computer)
o Version number of system programs (found on IBM logo screen when
system programs start)
In some cases, you might receive a message during the backup process
informing you that the entire partition will not fit on two diskettes.
This happens only if you have copied files from many Option Diskettes to
the System Partition. The only files that might be missing from the
backup diskettes are those associated with some options. If you ever need
to restore the System Partition, you can do so by using your backup diskettes
(Reference Diskette and Diagnostic Diskette) with the Restore the System
Partition program; then copy your Option Diskettes using the Copy an Option
Diskette program.
Updating
the System Partition
Micro Channel adapters and some other options are shipped
with an Option Diskette. This diskette has files that the server
uses to recognize the new option and set it up to operate correctly.
As part of the option-installation procedure, you use the system programs
to copy the files from the Option Diskette to the System Partition.
New System Partition information is available from option
diskettes and update diskettes. Use the instructions provided with these
diskettes.
Note: You MUST use
Copy an Option Diskette from the Main Menu or the ADF, DGS,
and other associated files will NOT be copied to the System (or Convenience)
Partition. From hard experience, it is better to Copy an Option Diskette
with the new files BEFORE installing the new adapter.
Updates
to the System Programs
IBM sometimes makes changes and enhancements to the system programs.
Periodically, updated versions of the Reference Diskette and Diagnostic
Diskette, which contain the system programs, are made available. (Try Kevin's
mirror of the PCBBS first...
)
Instructions for updating the System Partition with new
system programs are provided with the diskettes.
Note: This applies to non-disk
array models only.
Device
Drivers
Your server might need device drivers that let certain operating systems
and application programs take full advantage of features such as high-resolution
color images and improved performance. Not all programs need these device
drivers. Several device driver diskette images are available on the ServerGuide
CD. Use the Diskette Factory utility on the ServerGuide CD to create the
device driver diskettes of your choice. See the documentation that
came with the ServerGuide CD for more information about the Diskette Factory
utility.
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