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Chapter 3 Installing Server Software and Finishing Basic Setup 41
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:
1 In the final pane of Server Assistant, after you review the settings, click Save As.
2 In the dialog that appears, choose Configuration File next to “Save As” and click OK.
 If encryption is not required, don’t select “Save in Encrypted Format.”
 To 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.
3 Navigate 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:
 MAC-address-of-server.plist (include any leading zeros but omit colons)—For example,
0030654dbcef.plist.
 IP-address-of-server.plist—For example, 10.0.0.4.plist.
 partial-DNS-name-of-server.plist—For example, myserver.plist.
 built-in-hardware-serial-number-of-server.plist (first 8 characters only)—For example,
ABCD1234.plist.
 fully-qualified-DNS-name-of-server.plist—For example, myserver.example.com.plist.