SRPL8 Server System Product Guide 51
Using the System Setup Utility (SSU)
The SSU is on the configuration software CD-ROM shipped with the server. The SSU provides a
graphical user interface (GUI) over an extensible framework for server configuration. The
SSU framework supports the following functions and capabilities:
• Assigns resources to devices and add-in boards before loading the OS.
• Lets you specify boot device order and system security options.
• Permits viewing and clearing of the system event log (SEL).
• Permits viewing of the system field replaceable units (FRUs) and sensor data records (SDRs).
• Allows troubleshooting of the server when the OS is not operational.
• Provides a system-level view of the server I/O devices.
• Supports saving and restoring system configuration.
When to Run the SSU
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 SEL and 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 SEL.
• View FRU information.
• View the SDR table.
The SSU is PCI-aware and works with any compliant configuration (.CFG) files supplied by the
peripheral device manufacturer.
The I/O carrier comes with a .CFG file describing the characteristics of the carrier and the system
resources it requires.
To specify a system configuration, SSU uses the information provided by:
• .CFG files.
• Configuration registers.
• Flash memory.
• The information that you enter.
The SSU then 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 the values 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 BIOS can detect any potential
data corruption before the actual hardware configuration occurs.