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Document ID: DDSE-3QNJDQ

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.

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

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 CONFIGURATION UTILITY, Release x.xx

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6

About System Configuration
Add and Remove Boards
Change Configuration Settings
Save Configuration
View Switch/Jumper Settings
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 or Click on menu items
major menus

Highlight an item or Point to an item

Select an item Enter Double-click left mouse button

End activity ESC Click on Exit
without changing
configuration

Get help F1



Backing Up the SCU Program Diskette
Use an operating system command, such as the DOS DISKCOPY command, to make a complete backup 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.
2. Power-on the system. Or, if the system is powered on, insert the System Configuration Utility program diskette and press Ctrl-Alt-Del.

Or, at the operating system prompt for drive A , type SCU and press Enter.
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.

3. Press Enter when the SCU title screen appears.
4. 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 must copy 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 must enter 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 Maintain settings not
Mode typically set by an average
user.

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

Load CFG Prompt the user to add boards
Files Manually manually.
from Directory List

Ignore ID Select to have the System
Mismatches 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

Utility

Date Created

11-06-96

Last Updated

02-04-98

Revision Date

01-04-99

Brand

IBM PC Server

Product Family

PC Server 704

Machine Type

8650

Model

TypeModel

Retain Tip (if applicable)

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