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Service Hints & Tips

Document ID: MQUN-3PGQJE

PC Server 520 - Configuration (8641-EZ0, EZV, EZL, EZS, EZE)

Applicable to: World-Wide

Configuration (Models EZ0, EZV, EZL, EZS, EZE)

Note
DASD and other adapters may require additional configuration information.

Configuration is the allocation of the server resources to organize and interconnect hardware devices and software programs. The steps required to configure the above named servers depend on the number and variety of devices and programs installed.

For information about configuring the IBM SCSI-2 Fast/Wide PCI-Bus RAID Adapter, see 'STARTING THE RAID CONFIGURATION PROGRAM' -.

These servers support the following types of adapters.
- Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
- Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA)
- Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)

The following hardware configuration utility programs are supplied with the server.
- Built-in Setup program
- Configures system board functions, such as the integrated drive electronics (IDE) controller and serial and parallel port assignments that you install. It also allows you to set passwords for starting up and accessing the Setup program.
- PC Server 520 EISA Configuration Diskette
- Configures EISA and ISA adapters (boards).
- Built-in SCSI-2 adapter utility program (SCSISelect Utility program) Configures SCSI devices installed in non-disk-array models
- Configuration Option Diskette
- Configures SCSI devices in disk-array models

EISA, ISA, and PCI Adapters
Before installing a new device or program, read the documentation supplied with it. Reading the instructions helps you determine the steps required for installation and configuration. The following list provides a preview of the actions that might be required to configure the server. When installing different types of adapters at the same time, install and configure them in the following sequence:
1. ISA
2. EISA
3. PCI

Note
During POST, the server automatically configures ISA Plug and Play and PCI devices.
1. Run the Setup program and record the current configuration settings.
2. Backup the EISA Configuration Diskette.
See Backing Up the EISA Configuration Diskette.
3. Start the EISA Configuration Diskette and:
a. Record the current settings.
b. Install configuration files (.CFG).

Note
If the .CFG files were not supplied with the adapter, see Files.

See Recording EISA Configuration Settings and Starting the EISA Configuration Diskette.
4. Set jumpers or switches on the server system board. See System Board Jumpers.
5. Set jumpers or switches on the device. See the instructions supplied with the adapter.
6. Install the adapter in the server.
7. Install software programs. See the installation instructions supplied with the software.
8. Resolve configuration conflicts. See Configuration Conflicts .

ISA or EISA Features and Options
Some ISA and most EISA devices are supplied with option diskettes.
These diskettes can contain any or all of the following types of information:
- Configuration files (.CFG)
- Diagnostic files (.DGS)
- Device drivers
- Sample applications (mini-applications)

Files:
A configuration file is required to configure the server for ISA or EISA adapters. You must copy this configuration file, which has a file-name extension of .CFG , from the device diskette to the EISA Configuration Diskette before installing the device in the server. The configuration file reserves the system resources that the adapter needs to function properly.

Some ISA adapters are supplied with a diskette that contains the CFG file for the adapter. If ISA adapters are installed that were not supplied with their own CFG files, you must use the PC Server EISA Configuration Diskette for the system you are servicing to create a unique CFG file for each adapter.

Note
The unique .CFG files are slot sensitive. That is, they should not be used to configure identical adapters in multiple systems unless you install the adapters in the same expansion slots within each system.

To create a unique CFG file for an ISA adapter, do the following:
1. Insert the IBM PC Server EISA Configuration Diskette for the system you are servicing into diskette drive A.
2. Start the configuration utility program.
3. At the main menu, select Step 2, Add or remove boards.
4. At the next menu, select the slot in which you installed the adapter.
5. At the next screen, select OK.
6. At the next screen, press F5 ; then select Create .CFG file.
7. Press Enter.
8. At the Create a board CFG file screen, type in the adapter manufacturer and description (for example IBM Token Ring); then press Enter.
9. Refer to the adapter documentation for information about specific configuration parameters (such as IRQ or DMA channel) required for the adapter. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to enter the appropriate parameters on the menu.

Notes:
a. Normally, ISA adapters do not use every parameter. Most adapters require only a PORT address.
b. The SVGA video adapter in the server requires specific memory and I/O address assignments to function properly. To avoid configuration conflicts, do not assign the following SVGA memory and I/O addresses to other adapters or options in the server:

Memory address space:
A000 H - C7FFH

I/O address spaces:
2E h - 2EFh
3B h - 3DFh
46E8h

10. After you type in all of the appropriate parameters, press F10.
11. At the next screen, carefully verify that the information is correct; then press Enter.
12. At the Add Confirmation window, press Enter again.
13. In the next window (add), press Enter. The adapter description appears in the selected slot.
14. Verify the installation; then press F10. 15. At the next menu, select Save and exit the configuration utility.

Note
PCI devices do not require .CFG files.

Device Drivers: Device drivers are programs designed to support a specific type of hardware device. They provide instructions that enable the computer to interact with the device, or to take advantage of a device's special feature. The device driver might ship with the operating system, the application program, or on the option diskette. Not all devices require device drivers. Refer to the
documentation supplied with the option for additional information.

Sample Applications:
Some optional devices provide small applications or sampler files. These applications demonstrate the capabilities of the device and serve as software examples for programming the device. Refer to the documentation supplied with the option for additional information.

To configure the server for an ISA or EISA adapter:
1. Read the documentation supplied with the adapter.
2. Copy any files with the extension of .CFG from the option diskette to the EISA Configuration Diskette. See Files for important information about configuring ISA adapters.
3. Start the EISA Configuration Diskette (see Starting the EISA Configuration Diskette).
4. Record the new configuration information (see Recording EISA Configuration Settings ).
5. Save the new configuration settings to the EISA Configuration Diskette and to the nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) (see Starting the EISA Configuration Diskette).
6. Set any jumpers or switches on the adapter.
7. Install the adapter in the server.

PCI Features and Options
PCI devices automatically communicate with the server's configuration information. This usually results in automatic configuration of a PCI device. If a conflict does occur, refer to Configuration Conflicts.

Assigning Interrupt Levels
A rotational interrupt technique to is used to configure PCI adapters. This technique enables you to install a variety of PCI adapters that currently do not support sharing of PCI interrupts.

Always use the IBM PC Server EISA Configuration Diskette for the system you are servicing when assigning interrupts for EISA and ISA adapters. You cannot assign an EISA or ISA adapter the same interrupt that you have assigned to a PCI adapter. This is because the server does not support interrupt sharing among PCI, EISA, and ISA adapters.

If a situation occurs where you need an additional interrupt, you can use an interrupt from another function that you might not need, such as the IDE controller (Interrupt 14) or COM2 (Interrupt 3).

Memory
After you add (or remove) extended memory, you must update the EISA Configuration Diskette.

Note
Not performing the following procedure could result in memory errors, and in the operating system not recognizing the added (or removed) memory.

1. Start the EISA Configuration Diskette (see Starting the EISA Configuration Diskette).
2. Select Step 3: View or edit details. The system information appears.
3. Under Advanced System Feature Setup , select Total System Memory.
4. Select the correct amount of memory, then press F10.

Note
It is possible to install single-inline-memory-modules (SIMMs) in combinations where the total amount of memory installed does not appear on the memory configuration screen. In the unlikely event that this occurs, select the next lower setting on the memory configuration menu, and all of the installed memory will be supported on the server.

5. Return to the Main Menu, save the configuration, and exit from the utility program.

EISA Configuration Diskette

You must use the EISA Configuration Diskette anytime you want to change resource allocations, such as:
- Adding or removing devices
- Moving devices
- Changing device function
- Resolving conflicts
- Adding or removing PCI adapters

Each time you use the EISA Configuration Diskette to configure the server, the configuration information is saved in a System Configuration Information (SCI) file and in the NVRAM configuration. Only devices that you install and configure correctly appear on the EISA Configuration screens.

Backing Up the EISA Configuration Diskette:
Use an operating system command, such as the DOS DISKCOPY command, to make a complete backup copy of the EISA Configuration Diskette. Using the backup copy can prevent damage to the original diskette. The operating system documentation provides information on backing up diskettes.

Making Menu Selections:
When you start the EISA Configuration Diskette, an introductory screen appears. Type CF at the prompt. After you press Enter, the main menu, Steps in configuring the computer , appears.

The EISA Configuration program main menu contains five steps:
Step 1
Important EISA configuration information: This step provides information about the differences between the ISA configuration process and the EISA configuration process.

Step 2
Add or remove boards: If the server is configured correctly, this step provides a list of the devices installed in the EISA expansion slots. The Add choice allows you to add ISA devices to the configuration. If EISA adapters are installed in the server, and you have not copied the .CFG file to the EISA Configuration Diskette, you are prompted to insert the adapter's configuration diskette into the diskette drive. The .CFG file is copied to your diskette. If the adapter's .CFG file is copied to the EISA Configuration Diskette before starting the diskette, and the adapter is installed in the server, EISA devices are added automatically.

Step 3
View or edit details: After adding EISA or ISA adapters in Step 2, use the Edit selection of this step to configure them. Use the Edit Resources selection of this step for complex configurations. If you change a setting in this step, you might have to change a switch or jumper setting on the system board or on a device.

Step 4
Examine switches or print report: After Steps 1 and 2 have been completed correctly, this step displays the correct switch and jumper settings for the installed devices that have switches and jumpers. Also, you can choose to print a system configuration report.

Step 5
Save and exit: This step allows you to save the configuration or to discard the changes before exiting the program.

Use the Up Arrow or Down Arrow key to highlight your selection; then press Enter to make your selection. To help you track your progress, a checkmark ( ) appears on the main menu next to the completed steps.

You can access help information through:
- Help windows, which remain active.
- Information windows, which appear automatically as a result of some configuration activities.
- The Help=F1 prompt, which allows you to access the Help Menu for screens displaying the prompt. To remove the Help Menu, press Esc.

Recording EISA Configuration Settings:
Record the configuration settings you made in Step 3, View or edit details and Step 4,
Examine switches or print report on a separate sheet and store it in a safe place for future reference. If a printer is attached to the server, you can use the Print Screen key to print these settings. The settings are helpful when you install additional options. Also, record the new settings each time you make changes. Be sure to record the current configuration settings for the user.
Starting the EISA Configuration Diskette: Using a backup copy of the EISA Configuration Diskette can prevent damage to the original diskette (see Backing Up the EISA Configuration Diskette).

To start the EISA Configuration Diskette, do the following:
1. Insert the EISA Configuration Diskette into the diskette drive.
2. Power-on the computer, or if it is already on, shut down the operating system and restart the computer.
3. When the first screen appears, type CF and press Enter. Follow the instructions on the screen until the main menu, Steps inconfiguring the computer , appears.
4. Use the Up Arrow or Down Arrow key to advance through the items on the screen. Use the Tab key to select choiceson the bottom of the screen. Press the Esc key to return to a previous menu.
5. Press Enter to make a selection.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to view or change (edit) the configuration information.

Note
Adapters installed in the server appear automatically on the EISA Configuration screens after you copy the adapter's configuration file (file with an extension of .CFG ) to the EISA Configuration Diskette. If you want to manually add an adapter that you have not yet installed in the server, add it using Step 2 from the menu. To configure ISA adapters, follow the instructions on the screen.

Using EISA Configuration Diskette Advanced Function:
Locking an ISA adapter reserves the selected resources and prevents the system from using them to resolve resource conflicts. Use the Advanced function to lock ISA boards. An exclamation mark (!) appears next to locked adapters.

To use the Advanced functions, do the following:
1. Start the EISA Configuration Diskette (see Starting the EISA Configuration Diskette).
2. At the main menu, select Step 3, The View or edit details screen appears.
3. Press F7. The Advanced functions screen appears.
4.. Follow the instructions on the screen to:
a. Lock or unlock boards
b. View additional system information
c. Set verification mode
d. Maintain SCI files

	Search Keywords
	Hint Category	Configuration, Hardware Maintenance Information
	Date Created	16-08-96
	Last Updated	30-09-98
	Revision Date	29-09-99
	Brand	IBM PC Server
	Product Family	PC Server 520
	Machine Type	8641
	Model	EZ0; EZV; EZL; EZS; EZE
	TypeModel
	Retain Tip (if applicable)
	Reverse Doclinks and Admin Purposes