| Common Questions |
| Q1. |
What servers and options are supported with SmartStart? |
| A1. |
SmartStart assisted installation supports servers that have ROM-based setup utilities (RBSU). View the following support matrices.
- Server Support Matrix for details on SmartStart server support
- OS Support Matrix for details on general server and OS support
- Product Support Matrix for details on which hardware was initially supported on a release of SmartStart
- SmartStart 5.5 is available for for download.
- SmartStart 5.5 is the last in the family of 5.x versions of SmartStart that support the System Partition and the System Configuration Utility.
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| Q2. |
What Operating Systems does SmartStart support for Assisted Installation? |
| A2. |
SmartStart assisted installation supports the following operating systems:
To view the the latest support OSs see updated OS supported list.
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| Q3. |
How can I do manual installation of my Operating System without SmartStart? |
| A3. |
ProLiant servers include embedded configuration tools that facilitate the steps to configure server and array controller hardware. Hardware configuration options are available after the server boots: ORCA (F8 selection for Option ROM Configuration for Arrays Utility) provides options to configure your RAID controller, RBSU (F9 selection) configures the server, the new System Maintenance menu (F10 selection - only available on selected ProLiant ML/DL G3 servers) to run embedded utilities such as embedded Diagnostics.
After configuring your hardware, you're ready to proceed with the OS installation process from the vendor-supplied OS media. Insert the SmartStart CD after the OS installation to install the ProLiant Support Packs. |
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| Q4. |
How can I get a copy of SmartStart? |
| A4. |
SmartStart is delivered standard with every HP ProLiant ML and DL 300, 500, and 700 series of servers and packaged within the ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack, or downloadable from www.hp.com/servers/smartstart. A single release is also available for order.
HP will replace defective delivery media for a period of one year (90 days) following the date of purchase of your server. Customers who have received defective media can either request a replacement SmartStart or download the latest CD. In the United States, SmartStart CDs can be ordered by calling 1-800-652-6672. In other countries, customers should contact a HP Authorized Supplier or local HP Service Center for pack availability and ordering information.
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| Q5. |
Can I make copies of the SmartStart CD as well as contents on the CD? |
| A5. |
The CDs included in the ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack and ProLiant Software Maintenance Pack - SmartStart, Management, Firmware Maintenance (Maintenance Pack Only)- are licensed on a per-company basis. They may be duplicated and used on all ProLiant servers within each company that purchases a server or a subscription. As part of the duplication of CD images, the customer has the ability to host their own images of these CDs within their company.
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| Deployment and Configuration |
| Q1. |
What are the ProLiant Essentials and the ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack? |
| A1. |
ProLiant Essentials software is a portfolio of modular, flexible tools that expand the capabilities of ProLiant ML and DL 300, 500, and 700 series, and ProLiant BL servers. ProLiant Essentials extend the reach and breadth of server manageability, and enhance the build-out of an adaptive enterprise by lowering overall life-cycle costs and reducing demands on IT resources. For more information visit www.hp.com/servers/proliantessentials.
The ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack includes the SmartStart CD and the Management CD. The Pack includes essential software every customer needs to install, configure, and manage ProLiant servers as part of an adaptive enterprise. Delivered standard with ProLiant ML and DL 300, 500, and 700 series servers, the Foundation Pack contains the latest industry-leading systems level management tools from HP.
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| Q2. |
What tools are available for multi-server deployments? |
| A2. |
Use the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit or the Rapid Deployment Pack to facilitate rapid deployment of large volumes of servers.
The SmartStart Scripting Toolkit delivers an unattended automated installation for high volume server deployments supporting the ProLiant ML/DL/BL product line and integrates with popular operating systems. The toolkit includes a modular set of utilities and detailed documentation that describes how to apply these tools to build an automated server deployment process. Visit www.hp.com/servers/sstoolkit for more information.
The Rapid Deployment Pack is an Altiris and HP deployment solution that combines the Altiris GUI console for centrally managing deployments via scripting or imaging, and the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit as the engine for scriptable deployments. For more information visit www.hp.com/servers/rdp.
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| Q3. |
What is RBSU and how do I use it? |
| A3. |
RBSU stands for ROM-Based Setup Utility and is available on selected HP ProLiant servers. A complete list of RBSU-based servers is listed on the Quickspecs. This utility is embedded in the system ROM and enables configuration of server hardware. Pressing the F9 key from the startup sequence starts this configuration process. Configuring system parameters was previously performed through the System Configuration Utility, installed by SmartStart 5.5 and earlier, by pressing the F10 key. RBSU is machine specific and customized for each type of server. RBSU performs a wide variety of configuration activities including the following:
- Viewing system information
- Selecting the operating system (OS)
- Configuring system devices and installed options
- Selecting the primary boot controller
For more details on how to use RBSU, go to the Business Support Center and download the RBSU User Guide.
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| Q4. |
What is ORCA? |
| A4. |
The Option-ROM Configuration for Arrays utility (ORCA) is a utility that allows users to configure array controllers. ORCA is accessible by pressing F8 after system POST. It allows the user to create and delete logical drives, set interrupts, and set boot controller order. |
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| Q5. |
What is the ProLiant Support Pack or PSP? |
| A5. |
ProLiant Support Packs represent operating system (OS) specific bundles of ProLiant optimized drivers, utilities, and management agents. These bundles of software are tested and released concurrently with HP's SmartStart CD to insure proper installation and functionality. PSPs come with their own deployment utilities that help you get the software deployed onto your individual ProLiant systems. Obtain the PSP through:
- The SmartStart CD and the new ProLiant Software Update CD Autorun
- Access the latest PSPs and other software from the Software and Drivers download pages.
PSPs can be installed in a variety of ways - By launching the installation from the autorun on the SmartStart CD or by using the deployment utilities that are provided with the PSPs.
For more information on using the PSP, review the HP ProLiant Support Pack Deployment and Utilities User Guide.
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| Updates |
| Q1. |
Where can I get the latest firmware and software for my ProLiant server and options? |
| A1. |
Firmware for your ProLiant servers and server options is now available through the ProLiant Firmware Maintenance CD, available for download from the SmartStart Download CD web page. |
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| Q2. |
What methods are available to upgrade firmware for my ProLiant? |
| A2. |
Updating ProLiant firmware can be performed using one of the following methods:
- ROM Update Utility: To perform firmware updates for selected ProLiant servers and options, use this utility available by booting or launching the autorun of the ProLiant Firmware Maintenance CD.
- ROMPaqs: Floppy-based method for performing firmware updates for selected ProLiant servers and options.
- Online ROM Flash Components: Online method for Windows and Linux systems for performing firmware updates for selected ProLiant servers and options.
- HP USB Key Utility: Copy your SmartStart and Firmware Maintenance CD on your portable USB key storage device.
For more detail on ROM Updates, visit http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/romflash.html. |
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| Q3. |
How can I be notified when a new release of SmartStart is available and where can I find more details on the latest changes with each SmartStart release? |
| A3. |
Receive proactive notification of Software Updates using Subscriber's Choice. Subscriber's Choice uses a secure website to proactively communicate product changes and Customer Advisories through e-mail to registered customers based on a customer-provided profile. To sign up for this free service, go to www.hp.com/go/subscriberschoice. More information for each release of SmartStart is found in several places:
- What's New section in the SmartStart web pages and the SmartStart CDs
- Server Support Matrix for details on SmartStart and Firmware Update CD server support
- OS Support Matrix for details on general server and OS support
- Product Support Matrix for details on which hardware was initially supported for a specific release of SmartStart
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| Systems Utilities |
| Q1. |
What is the ROM Update Utility? |
| A1. |
The ROM Update utility provides customers a way to update system and option ROMs when the system is offline. To launch the utility, boot the ProLiant Firmware Maintenance CD and go to the Maintenance menu. |
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| Q2. |
What is the ACU? |
| A2. |
The Array Configuration Utility software for Smart Array controllers and the StorageWorks RAID Array 4x00 family of products makes it easy to configure and expand your disk drive arrays remotely. It is a web-based tool that has a configuration wizard that allows you to configure your array controller, add additional disk drives to an existing configuration or reconfigure your existing disk drive array. For more information go to http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/software-management/acumatrix/index.html. |
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| Q3. |
What is the Diagnostics Utility? |
| A3. |
Insight Diagnostics lets you view information about a server's hardware and software configuration. You can perform hardware and software tests on the following subsystems: Processor, Input devices, Communication ports and devices, Storage devices, Graphics, Memory, Multimedia devices. You can save information to a file or print information for all of the screens in the utility.
Insight Diagnostics is available in online as well as offline mode. To launch the offline utility, boot the SmartStart CD and go to the Maintenance menu. To run the online utility, access the System Management Homepage. |
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| Q4. |
What is the Erase Utility? |
| A4. |
The Erase Utility provides a way to clean your server system by deleting all data on attached storage. The Erase Utility is available on the boot environment of the SmartStart CD, under the Maintenance Tab. This utility also clears non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). |
| Service and Support |
| Q1. |
How can I get support for SmartStart? |
| A1. |
HP offers a complete choice of services to ensure the success of your ProLiant Server deployment program. From professional consultative services to responsive telephone support services, the expertise of HP Services is available to support the implementation and operation of your SmartStart application. A complete list of services is available at http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/smartstart/support-services.html. |
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| Q2. |
What services offerings are available with SmartStart? |
| A2. |
Software Technical Support Services - provide easy access to experts for questions regarding use of the SmartStart after the 90-day period. This is also a way to secure extended coverage hours and committed response times (1 or 2 hours) from day one. These CarePaq offerings are available in easy to purchase and convenient to use 5, 10 and 25 incident packages. For more information, visit http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/cache/9516-0-0-225-121.aspx |
| Q3. |
How can I be notified when a new release of SmartStart is available and where can I find more details on the latest changes with each SmartStart release? |
| A3. |
HP's Subscribers Choice service offers customized driver alerts and product information when avaiable. For the details on the latest version of Smartstart, please visit www.hp.com/go/ss. |
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