Apple Mac OS X Server manual Creating a Configuration File

You can define generic setup data that can be used to set up any computer.

For example, you might want to define generic setup data for a computer that’s on order, or to configure 50 Xserve computers you want to be identically configured. You can also save setup data that’s specifically tailored for a particular computer.

Important: When you perform an upgrade installation, saved setup data is used and overwrites existing server settings. If you do not want saved server setup data to be used after an upgrade, rename the saved setup configuration file.

Creating a Configuration File

An easy way to prepare configuration files to automate the setup of a group of computers is to start with a file saved using Server Assistant. You can save the file as the last step when you use Server Assistant to set up the first computer, or you can run Server Assistant later to create the file. You can then use that configuration file as a template for creating configuration files for other computers. You can edit the file directly, or write scripts to create customized configuration files for any number of computers that use similar hardware.

Note: If you intend to create a generic configuration file because you want to use the file to set up more than one computer, don’t specify network names (computer name and local hostname), and make sure that each network interface (port) is set to be configured using DHCP or using BootP.

To save a configuration file during server setup:

1In the final pane of Server Assistant, after you review the settings, click Save As.

2In the dialog that appears, choose Configuration File next to “Save As” and click OK.

ÂIf encryption is not required, don’t select “Save in Encrypted Format.”

ÂTo encrypt the file, select “Save in Encrypted Format” and then enter and verify a passphrase. You must supply the passphrase before an encrypted setup file can be used by a target computer.

3Navigate to the location where you want to save the configuration file, name the file using one of the following options, and click Save; when searching for setup files, target computers search for names in the order listed:

ÂMAC-address-of-server.plist (include any leading zeros but omit colons)—For example, 0030654dbcef.plist.

ÂIP-address-of-server.plist—For example, 10.0.0.4.plist.

Âpartial-DNS-name-of-server.plist—For example, myserver.plist.

Âbuilt-in-hardware-serial-number-of-server.plist (first 8 characters only)—For example, ABCD1234.plist.

Âfully-qualified-DNS-name-of-server.plist—For example, myserver.example.com.plist.

Chapter 3 Installing Server Software and Finishing Basic Setup

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