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 the system programs to the 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 the Main Menu, the following utility-program selections appear:
   o View configuration:  Displays the present configuration information.  You cannot change any information from this screen.
   o Change configuration:  Lets you change the configuration information enclosed in brackets ([...]).
   o Back up configuration:   Copies the configuration information from the battery-backed memory to the hard disk.  Use this utility program to keep a current copy of the configuration information after you make changes.
   o Restore configuration:  Retrieves the configuration information copied by the Backup Configuration program and restores that information to the battery-backed memory.
   o Run automatic configuration:  Verifies and updates the configuration information.
     Notes:
       a. The Run Automatic Configuration program restores the settings of the installed options to their default values.  If you have changed the configuration information, make a note of the current settings before you use the Automatic Configuration program.  If you experience problems after running the program, refer to your notes to reset the values to their previous settings.
       b. If you are using DOS with an extended or enhanced memory-manager device driver, the 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 you select this choice from the Main Menu, the following utility-program 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 from this program:  a power-on password and an administrator password (also known as the     privileged-access password).  These passwords and other security features, such as the 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 the speed at which a character repeats when a key is held down.
   o Set console:   Sets the 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 the 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.
 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 the system programs from the Reference Diskette and select this program, a screen message prompts you to insert the Diagnostic Diskette.
 8. More utilities:   When you select this choice from the Main Menu, the following utility-program selections appear:
   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 the System  Partition
o To reconstruct the programs on the 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.

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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 the system programs from the 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 the F1 prompt appears, press F1.  A second IBM logo screen appears, followed by the system programs Main Menu.

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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. For these models, make sure you maintain a backup of 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 on the system.  When the F1 prompt appears on the screen, press F1.  The system programs Main Menu appears.
 2. Select Backup/Restore system programs from the Main Menu.
 3. Select either Back up the System Partition or Restore the System Partition (depending on which operation you are doing), and follow the instructions on the 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 the system programs (found on the IBM logo screen when the system programs are started)

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.

Updates to the System Programs
As part of the continuing work to improve quality, 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. To inquire about the latest updates, contact your IBM authorized reseller or marketing representative, or call the IBM HelpCenter (U.S. and Puerto Rico only) at 1-800-772-2227. You will receive the appropriate update diskettes for the IBM PC Server 500. (Try 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.