The benefits of uUsing Smart Start or Manual Install

[Gordon Yee]

Opps.

I hit a key by accident and the posting started.

I have installed over 20 servers and now HP has the another method of OS installation using ORCA and RBSU. I wanted to know if others have compared the differences between the SmartStart Install and the Manual Install.

When you are doing a brand new server install which option do you use and why?

I appreciate your input and opinion.

Gordon

[Gert Luyten]

It all depends on the model of Proliant servers you have.

1) If it's an 'older' Generation 1 server, you use the version 5.x from Smartstart and select an Assisted Installation

2) if you have a newer G2/G3 generation server that supports RBSU and ORCA you use SmartStart version 6.x
You first select the correct OS in RBSU and setup your array with ORCA (F8)
But you can also configure the array with the ACU-XE tool booting from Smartstart 6. Then you continue with the actual Smartstart installation itself.

See this list for supported servers with SS 6.x on
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11497_div/11497_div.html

[Gordon Yee]

Gert, thanks for your input.

the server is a hp proliant dl380 g3. i used the F9 key to setup the array and used the "manual installation" instead of the "assisted installation."

with the "manual installation," i had to provide the storage array 5i controller and NIC drivers on a diskette. i also had to used the smart start cd v6 after the completion of the win 2000 o/s installation. i used the smart start cd v6 to install all HP software for the server.

it does not appear to be any significant diffrences. i will be using the "assisted installation" in all future server builds.

if you have other thoughts on the subject please let me know.