68 ISP2150 2U Rack Server Platform Product Guide
When to Run the System Setup Utility
The SSU is a DOS-based utility that supports extended system configuration operations for onboard
resources and add-in boards. You can also view the system event log and to set system boot and
security options. Use the SSU when you need to:
• add and remove boards affecting the assignment of resources (ports, memory, IRQs, DMA)
• modify the server’s boot device order or security settings
• change the server configuration settings
• save the server configuration
• view or clear the system event log
If you install or remove an ISA add-in board, you must run the SSU to reconfigure the server.
Running the SSU is optional for PCI and Plug and Play ISA add-in boards.
The SSU is PCI aware, and it complies with the ISA Plug and Play specifications. The SSU works
with any compliant configuration (.CFG) files supplied by the peripheral device manufacturer.
The I/O baseboard comes with a .CFG file. The .CFG file describes the characteristics of the board
and the system resources that it requires. The configuration registers on PCI and ISA Plug and Play
add-in boards contain the same type of information that is in a .CFG file. Some ISA boards also
come with a .CFG file.
The SSU uses the information provided by .CFG files, configuration registers, FLASH, and the
information that you enter, to specify a system configuration. The SSU writes the configuration
information to flash memory.
The SSU stores configuration values in FLASH memory. These values take effect when you boot
the server. POST checks the values against the actual hardware configuration; if they do not agree,
POST generates an error message. You must then run the SSU to specify the correct configuration
before the server boots.
The SSU always includes a checksum with the configuration data so the BIOS can detect any
potential data corruption before the actual hardware configuration takes place.
What You Need to Do
The SSU may be run directly from the Server Resource CD by booting the server system to the CD
and selecting “Utilities” or from a set of DOS diskettes.
If you choose to run the SSU from a set of DOS diskettes, you must create the SSU diskettes from
the Server Resource CD by booting to the CD and selecting “Create Diskettes.” Alternatively, if
you have a Windows 98 or Windows NT workstation, you can insert the CD into that system and
create diskettes from the “Utilities” menu of the graphical user interface.
If your diskette drive is disabled, or improperly configured, you must use the flash resident Setup
utility to enable it so that you can use the SSU. If necessary, you can disable the drive after you
exit the SSU. Information entered using the SSU overrides any entered using Setup.