Setting Up my First Server and I need some help

[JoeDaBuilder]

I recently bought a used HP S6500 with 8 SL230 blades and need some help setting it up. This will be my first time configuring a server, so please excuse me if my questions seem basic—I’m still new to this.

I’ve noticed there is no video slot such as VGA or HDMI on this server. After doing some research and consulting with ChatGPT, I learned that I can connect the ILO (Integrated Lights-Out) port to my router and then access the server via its IP address. I wanted to confirm if this is correct.

Additionally, do I need to get a switch for both the internet ports and the ILO ports on all 8 blades? ChatGPT suggested that I should only need to connect the ILO port to the main switch (which I believe is the top-left port, but I might be mistaken). Could you please confirm if this is accurate?

Also, I created a guide using ChatGPT to help with the setup. Could you review it and let me know if it’s correct?

[JoeDaBuilder]

Guide: Installing an Operating System via ILO Interface

Step 1: Access the ILO Interface

Power on your server.

Connect the ILO port on your top-left blade to your switch. (This connection is typically pre-established.)

Find the ILO IP Address:

Use your router’s interface or a network scanning tool (e.g., Advanced IP Scanner) to locate the IP address assigned to the ILO port.

Write down the IP address.

Open a Web Browser on another computer, enter the ILO IP address in the address bar, and press Enter.

Step 2: Log in to the ILO Interface

Enter your credentials:

Provide the ILO username and password. (Default credentials may be found on a sticker on the server or in the server manual.)

Step 3: Use the ILO Remote Console

Locate the Remote Console:

In the ILO interface, find and click on "Remote Console" or "Launch Console."

Access the Server Screen:

A new window will open displaying the server’s screen.

Step 4: Prepare for OS Installation

Download the OS ISO File:

Windows: Download a Windows Server ISO from the official Microsoft website.

Linux: Download an Ubuntu Server ISO or another Linux distribution from their respective official websites.

Save the ISO file on your computer.

Mount the ISO File:

In the ILO interface, navigate to "Virtual Media" or "Virtual Drives."

Select "Mount" and choose the ISO file you downloaded.

Step 5: Boot from the ISO and Install the OS

Reboot the Blade Server:

In the Remote Console, locate and click on the button to reboot or power cycle the server.

Enter the Boot Menu:

During startup, look for a prompt (e.g., F10, F11, or Esc) to enter the Boot Menu. Press the indicated key promptly.

Select the Mounted ISO:

In the Boot Menu, choose the option corresponding to your "Virtual Media" or "Virtual CD/DVD" and press Enter.

Start the Installation Process:

The server will boot from the ISO, and the installation process for Windows or Linux will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 6: Complete the OS Installation

Follow On-Screen Prompts:

Configure settings such as language, partition the hard drive, and set up user credentials (username and password). Write down these credentials for future reference.

Wait for Installation to Complete:

The installation process will take some time. Once complete, the server will reboot automatically.

Unmount the ISO File:

Return to "Virtual Media" in the ILO interface and unmount the ISO file to prevent the server from booting from it again.

Step 7: Access Your Server Remotely

For Windows:

Use Remote Desktop Connection (RDP). Enter the server's IP address and log in with your credentials.

For Linux:

Use an SSH client like PuTTY or your terminal. Log in using the credentials created during installation.

This is the Guild i made please let me know if this correct 

[shiva_jr]

Hi @JoeDaBuilder ,
ChatGPT output is not assured.  Please refer this main page of the HPE SL230 Server, where all the related documents links will be available.  Reply if still help required.
For example, 
HP ProLiant SL230s Gen8 Server Installation Instructions
HP ProLiant s6500 Chassis Setup and Installation Guide

HP ProLiant SL6000/SL6500 Scalable System Cabling Guide

HP ProLiant s6500 Chassis Setup and Installation Guide

Regards,
Shiva_JR

[TVVJ]

Hello,

• Please refer to section "Component identification > Front panel components > Item 8" on page 60 of the HPE ProLiant SL230s Gen8 Server's maintenance and service guide for the location of the iLO port. For the default iLO credentials, refer to Item 5 on page for the Serial number/iLO information pull tab.
• If the iLO credentials is known, connect the iLO port to the network, once an IP address is obtained or assigned, browse to iLO using that IP address and login.
• If the iLO credentials is not known, use that in the Serial number/iLO information pull tab and see if it works.
• If not, then clear the iLO security using the system maintenance switch on the system board. To do so, you may refer to section "System board components" on page 63 of the above mentioned guide, specifically item 17. Power off the server, and remove the power cable from the module. Slide the tray out, and identify it as mentioned above. In that, set switch "S1" from the default position "Off" to "On", replace the access panel and slide the tray in, connect the power cable and power on the server.
• Once the server powers on and a message indicates that a system maintenance switch is turned on, then power off the server, remove the power cable from the power supply, reverse the switch "S1" to its default position and power it on. Then use the default credentials found on the Serial number/iLO information pull tab to login.
• For connecting the server's iLO to a network, please use the same method of connecting any desktop or a laptop computer using an ethernet cable.
• For assigning a static IP address to the iLO, you may refer to section "Configuring network settings with the ROM-based utilities".

Regards,

[support_s]

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