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Document ID: GKEY-3H3GRS

PCServer704 - System Configuration Utility Program

Applicable to: World-Wide

System Configuration Utility Program

The System Configuration Utility program provides a convenient method to configure various system settings. This program automatically configures system adapters and maintains system parameters. Because the System Configuration Utility program assigns system resources, conflicts between adapters are less likely to occur. In most cases, the server operates using the configuration default settings.

If a conflict does occur, see "Configuration Conflicts".

You must use the System Configuration Utility program anytime you want to change resource allocations, such as

Adding, deleting, or moving ISA or EISA devices
Resolving conflicts
Maintaining security functions
Adding or removing memory

The System Configuration Utility program automatically configures PCI devices, Plug and Play devices, and system memory.

Each time you use the System Configuration Utility program to configure the server, the configuration information is saved to the nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) and in a backup file (with an extension of .CMS ). Only devices that are installed and configure correctly appear on the System Configuration Utility program screens.

Review this section and the information included with the devices you are adding before making changes. Also, record the current settings before making any changes. The values you enter using the System Configuration Utility program override the entries in the Setup program.

A screen similar to the following appears when you start the SCU program.

SYSTEM CONFIGURA

TION UTILITY, Release x.xx

Step 1

About System Configuration

Step 2

Add and Remove Boards

Step 3

Change Configuration Settings

Step 4

Save Configuration

Step 5

View Switch/Jumper Settings

Step 6

Exit

[Select=ENTER] [Exit =

ESC] [Help=F1] [Utilities=F9]


In most cases, the server will operate using the default settings, and you need to change the settings only to resolve configuration conflicts or to enable or change device function (for example, define the drive startup sequence).

Use the following commands to navigate through the screens and make selections:

Action

Press Key

Use Mouse

Change between
major menus

Left or Right Key

Click on menu items

Highlight an item

Up or Down

Point to an item

Select an item

Enter

Double-click left mouse button

End activity without changing configuration

ESC

Click on Exit

Get help

F1


Backing Up the SCU Program Diskette

Use an operating system command, such as the DOS DISKCOPY command, to make a completebackup copy of the System Configuration Utility program diskette. Using the backup copy can prevent damage to the original diskette.
The operating system documentation provides information on backing up diskettes.

Starting the System Configuration Utility Program

To access the System Configuration Utility program, do the following.

1. Insert the backup copy of the System Configuration Utility program diskette into the diskette drive 'A' and reboot the server.

The system begins the power-on self test. If the user password is set, the system prompts you to enter it.

Notes

If a user password is set, you must enter it to access the System Configuration Utility program. If a user and administrator passwords are set, you can enter either one.

If a configuration error occurs, a prompt appears before the operating system starts.


2. Press Enter when the SCU title screen appears .

3. Follow the instructions on the Main Menu screen to view or change the configuration.

Step 1: About System Configuration:

Select About System Configuration for an overview of the program. You can select from a menu for specific information about each function.

You can also press F1 for on-line Help information while performing a configuration function.

Step 2: Add and Remove Boards:

Note

If the administrator password entry prompt appears, you must enter it to access the selection.


Select Add and Remove Boards to add, remove, or move any adapter. The System Configuration Utility program automatically detects and adds most adapters. This step provides a list of all correctly configured devices. Press F6 to add ISA devices to the configuration.

The server requires configuration files to correctly configure ISA and EISA adapters. You mustcopy the configuration file, which has a file-name extension of .CFG , from the device diskette to the System Configuration Utility program diskette before installing the device in the server.

If administrator password is set, the system prompts you to enter it.

If an administrator password is not set, the system prompts to set an administrator password. You can press Esc to continue using the System Configuration Utility program without setting an administrator password.

Step 3: Change Configuration Settings

Note

If the administrator password entry prompt appears, you must enter it to access the selection.


After adding adapters, select this choice to change the configuration, if necessary. If you change a setting in this step, you might need to change a switch or jumper setting on the system board or on a device. See 'System Configuration Utility Default Settings— for a listing of the default values.

All settings will remain in the default position if you do not use this selection to change the configuration.

If an administrator password is not set, the system prompts you to set an administrator password. You can press Esc to continue using the System Configuration Utility program without setting an administrator password.

Advanced Options:

Press F9 to display the Advanced Options Menu screen. This screen provides options to display configuration data. You can select the following choices:

Option

Description

Global Resource Map

Lists allocated resources.

Board Details

Provides details on the adapter
highlighted on the Changing
Configuration Setting screen.

System Details

Displays configuration data on the entire system and its present state of configuration.

Physical Board ID

Lists the identifiers of adapters
physically installed in the system


Step 4: Save Configuration:

Note

If the administrator password entry prompt appears, you mustenter it to access the selection.


This choice saves the configuration settings to nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) and in a backup file (with an extension of .CMS ).

Note:
Be certain you want to save this configuration data, because once you select this choice,
the save process begins immediately.

If you set an administrator password and you have not used the Add and Remove Boards, or Change Configuration Settings choices during this session, the system prompts you to enter it.

If an administrator password is not set, the system prompts to set an administrator password. You can press Esc to continue using the System Configuration Utility program without setting an administrator password.

Step 5: Switch/Jumper Settings:

Select View Switch/Jumper Settings to display the current settings of switches and jumpers on any adapter that is switch or jumper configurable.

Utilities:

The Utilities choice controls some aspects of how the system generates configuration data. For example, you can have the System Configuration Utility program prompt the user to manually add boards. Press F9 from the Main Menu screen to access the Utilities screen.

Press the space bar to select an option. Refer to the following table for information on the choices on this menu.

Options

Description

Remote Mode

Configure a computer other than the computer you are using.

Advanced/Dealer Mode

Maintain settings not typically set by an average user.

Force New Configuration

Generate all new configuration data for PCI devices. If not selected, the system uses the existing configuration settings.

Load CFG Files Manually from Directory List

Prompt the user to add boards manually.

Ignore ID
Mismatches

Select to have the System Configuration Utility Program load configuration data for all adapters, even adapters physically present during the last configuration but now present.


Step 6: Exit:

This choice exits the System Configuration Utility. If you have changed configuration settings, you can optionally press F10 to restart the system so that the new settings take effect. Otherwise, press Enter to exit the System Configuration Utility program.

Recording the SCU Program Settings:

The configuration settings should be recorded for future reference. If a printer is attached to the server, you can use the Print Screen key to print these settings. Also the new settings should be recorded each time you make changes. Have the customer record the configuration settings in the tables in 'Device Record' of the customers PC Server 704 User's Handbook.

Search Keywords

Hint Category

Configuration, Hardware Maintenance Information

Date Created

14-05-97

Last Updated

01-06-98

Revision Date

29-05-99

Brand

IBM PC Server

Product Family

PC Server 704

Machine Type

8650

Model

Various

TypeModel

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