How to Quickly Install the Solaris 10 10/08 OS on x86 Systems
This How to Guide instructs users unfamiliar with Solaris 10 installation on how to install the Solaris 10 OS on a Sun supported x86 system. This step-by-step guide, complete with screen shots, takes users through the installation process, in 22 simple steps. Novice users should be able to complete a Solaris 10 10/08 Operating System installation on a standalone x86 system using the instructions in this guide.
Installation AssumptionsThis guide makes several assumptions, including:
- The system is an x86 system
- The system is compatible with the Solaris 10 OS and is listed on the Solaris Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).
- The system has a graphical interface
While this guide is most appropriate for a stand-alone system that does not have a network connection, it can also be used as a step-by-step installation procedure for networked systems—systems with an IP address that are connected to a network infrastructure—assuming network configuration information is available.
If problems arise during the installation process that are not discussed in this guide, refer to the Solaris 10 OS Installation Guide: Basic Installations for more information. This guide is part of the Solaris 10 Release and Installation Collection located on the Sun Web site at http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/prod/solaris.10.
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Check the Hardware Compatibility List
The first step before the installation process is to verify that the system to be installed is on the hardware compatibility list located at: http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/.
Note: The term "x86" refers to the "family" of 32-bit x86-compatible architecture and 64-bit AMD64 and Intel EM64T.
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Basic System Requirements
Verify the computer system meets the following requirements.
NOTE: The requirements below are recommended minimums. While it is possible to install the Solaris OS on a system with less disk capacity and CPU speed, it is not recommended.
- Minimum 512 MB of physical RAM
- Minimum 10 GB of available hard drive space
- Minimum 400 MHz CPU speed
- DVD or CD-ROM drive/li>
- Attached monitor or integrated display
For more information on Solaris System requirements, visit http://www.sun.com/solaris/specs.jsp. For a detailed list of 3rd-party applications available on Solaris 10, visit http://www.sun.com/partners/10moves/solutions.html.
Obtaining Media for the x86 Platform
The Solaris 10 OS 10/08 release is available via download from the Sun Web site.
- Go to http://www.sun.com/solaris/ to obtain information about the Solaris 10 OS.
- Go to http://www.sun.com/solaris/get.jsp to begin the download process.
- Choose Solaris 10 on the list of available downloads.
- Click on the appropriate media format (Solaris for x64/x86 systems).
- Register at the Sun Download Center, if you have not already done so.
- Answer the short questionnaire.
- Read and accept the license agreement.
- Download and burn the CDs or DVDs.
See the Solaris 10 Self Help FAQs located at http://www.sun.com/solaris/self_help.jsp for additional guidance, instruction, and tips on downloading the Solaris 10 OS or burning installation CD and DVD media.
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Power Up and Media Boot
The following procedure can be used whether another operating system is already running on the system, or for installation on a new system.
- Power up the system and insert the first installation CD or DVD into the drive tray.
- Restart the system.
- If the system appears to be booting from the hard disk, and the Solaris OS installer does not start, power cycle the system (power cycle is shutting the power on the system and then restarting the system). As the system begins to boot, enter setup mode. Typically, the system displays a message indicating which key (such as "Enter F2 to enter setup"). The key to press varies by manufacturer; the ESC and F12 keys are other common options. If you miss the message, simply restart the system a couple of times until you are able to view it.
- Once in setup mode, specify the boot device for the system. This example specifies the CD or DVD drive as the boot device. To do so, find the list that describes boot order and re-order as needed to ensure the CD or DVD drive appears first on the list. The system should then boot from the CD or DVD drive to start the install process, displaying a message resembling the one below:
Loading stage 2....
GNU GRUB version 0.95 ( xxK lower /
xxK upper memory)
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Installing the Solaris 10 10/08 Operating System
The Solaris 10 10/08 Operating System install and boot process is based on the GNU GRUB loader. Therefore, the messages displayed throughout this process are unique to the GRUB loader and are different than in prior Solaris installations. Identifying the Console
The next step in the installation process is to select the type of console for the hardware version on which the Solaris OS is being installed. Use the arrow keys to select the version of the Solaris OS that matches the hardware configuration. For most x86 systems, this is the default selection.
[Two serial console options are available in the event a headless rack-mounted system is in use and a serial port is needed as an interface to a serial console. For older x86 systems, such as the Sun Fire" LX50, Sun Fire" V60x, or Sun Fire" V65x servers, select Solaris Serial Console ttyb.]
Edit functions include using the arrow key to select or highlight an entry, the e key to edit a command, or the c key for a command line. Pressing the ENTER key, boot the version of operating system selected. The highlighted entry boots in 60 seconds even if a key is not pressed.
NOTE: Prompts do not appear during the boot process. If a selection is not made, the screen times out and the system automatically boots the Solaris OS. Solaris
Solaris Serial Console ttya (headless and rack-mounted systems only)
Solaris Serial Console ttyb (for1x50, v60x and v65x)
Selecting the Type of Installation
After the ENTER key is pressed, or the counter times out, a series of dots will run on the screen, then six installation options are presented. Select an option using the arrow keys or space bar as appropriate, or let the counter time out to automatically select the default installation method: SunOS Release 5.10 version generic_120012-12 32-bit
Copyright 1983-2005 Sun Microsystems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Use is subject to license terms.
Configuring devices.
1. Solaris Interactive (default)
2. Custom JumpStart
3. Solaris Interactive Text (Desktop session)
4. Solaris Interactive Text (console session)
5. Apply driver updates
6. Single user shell
Automatically continuing in xx seconds
(timeout)
When the first option is selected, or the counter times out, the following output is displayed. Keep in mind that the hardware information displayed, such as "nge0", may differ from the exact data displayed below and that each step can take up to a couple of minutes to complete: Solaris Interactive
Using install cd in /dev/dsk/c1t0d0p0
Using RPC Bootparams for network configuration information.
Attempting to configure interface nge0...
Skipped interface nge0
Setting up Java. Please wait...
Extracting windowing system. Please wait...
Beginning system identification...
Searching for configuration files(s)...
Search complete.
Discovering additional network configuration...
Starting Solaris Interactive (graphical user interface) Installation.
You must respond to the first question within 30 seconds or the installer
proceeds in a non-window environment (console mode).
If the screen becomes blank or unreadable the installer proceeds in
console mode.
If the screen does not properly revert to console mode, restart the
installation and make the following selection:
Solaris Interactive Text (Console session)
Press ENTER to continue.
When the ENTER key is pressed, the system switches to graphics mode. If you are able to see the graphics window, press ENTER. If not, the system will time out and will continue the installation in Text (Console) Mode. Roll your mouse over the gray window and press ENTER:
System Configuration
A series of screens guide you through the Solaris OS configuration process.
NOTE: The graphical screens require a mouse to be rolled over the window in order to answer questions posed throughout the configuration process.
- After you press ENTER, the system configuration process will start through a series of windows. Please roll the mouse over the appropriate window and make your selections.
- Select a language for the system:
- A new window, the Solaris Install Console, appears in the bottom-right corner. This window is used to display pertinent installation messages. Another window appears in which the Solaris OS installation questions should be answered:
- The Welcome screen appears. Click Next to continue the installation process. Keep in mind the installation program checks the configuration entered. If the configuration information supplied is incorrect, the system will ask for the correct information to be re-entered on the appropriate screens:
- The Network Connectivity window appears:
Network Connectivity
x networked
non-networked
- The Host Name window appears. Type in the name for the system and follow the guidelines on the screen, then click on the Next button:
- The NFSv4 Domain Name window appears. Let the system use the default option and click on the Next button:
- The Time Zone window appears. Next, set the time zone for the system. This example sets the time zone by specifying the geographic region. Select "Geographic" and click Next:
- Next, select the continent and country. Detailed information on the exact location is requested. For example, selecting "Americas" results in a screen that lists all time zones in the "Americas". Select the appropriate time zone and click Next:
- Next, set the date and time and click Next. A date and time is automatically displayed. If correct, click Next. If adjustments are needed, make corrections in the text boxes and click Next:
- The Root Password window appears. Set the root password. Note the password typed remains invisible. Re-enter the password in the second box and click Next:
- The Remote Services window appears. In this window, you can choose a "Secure by default" Solaris installation, but afterwards individual services should be enabled. If you are unsure of your type of installation, follow the default, "Yes" to enable all remote services:
- The Confirmation window appears. Please verify that your information is correct and then click the Next button, if any information is incorrect, click the Back button and fix it:
- The Solaris installation window appears. From here Solaris will start the installation process based on your preferences:
- The Installer options window appears. This option only applies in case you want to do some post-install customizations, for this installation process let the system go with the default options. "Yes" on automatic reboot, and "Yes" on Ejection of the install media:
15a. A pop-up window will appear to remind you to physically remove the CD/DVD. Click on the OK button to continue:
- The Media window will appear. Unless you are using different media than a CD/DVD, this question does not apply to your case, please use the default CD/DVD and click the Next button:
- The System initialization window will appear with a progress bar, and after a few seconds it will disappear indicating that the system is was initialized:
- The License window appears. Please read the Solaris License Agreement, and if you agree, click on the Accept checkbox, then click on the Next button:
- The Type of Install window appears. Advanced users may want to customize the installation, if not, leave the default and click on the Next button:
- The confirmation window appears. On this window, you can see a more technical description of how Solaris will be installed on your system. Click on the Install Now button:
- The Install Progress window appears. Now just wait for a few minutes while Solaris installs on your system. After the installation is completed, remember to eject the CD/DVD. The system will reboot automatically and will start on Solaris:
- For Localization, please review the Solaris 10 10/08 installation guide that can be found at: http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/prod/solaris.10
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For More Information
For more information regarding the Solaris 10 OS, visit sun.com/solaris.
| Manuals |
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Sun Documentation |
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Big Admin System Administration Portal |
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| Sun BluePrint Articles
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Configuring JumpStart Servers to Provision Sun x86 Systems |
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Performing Network Installations Without a Local Boot Server |
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Configuring Multiboot Environments on Sun x64 Systems with AMD Processors |
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| Related Web Sites
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Solaris Laptop List (x86) |
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Solaris Hardware Compatibility List |
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Solaris 10 System Requirements |
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Solaris 10 11/06 OS Features Comparison Chart |
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| Next Steps to Solaris 10 Adoption
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Get hands on experience with Solaris 10 using "Solaris 10 How To Guides" |
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Get trained on Solaris 10—free! |
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Count on Sun's full enterprise support—whenever you're ready. Get a support contract. |
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Participate in the OpenSolaris community |
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