Initial Firmware Configuration

With the initial preparations complete, it's time to configure the server's low-level settings. This process involves two key components: the BIOS and the Management Interface (BMC). In this chapter, you'll connect directly to the server, adjust essential BIOS settings, and then use the powerful remote management interface to prepare for the OS installation.

Connecting to the serial console

A serial console provides direct, text-based access to the server. It's a great option for initial setup or for troubleshooting if you ever have network problems.

1

Connect the Serial Cable

Connect a serial cable from your computer to the server’s console port.

2

Launch Terminal Application

Open Tera Term or your preferred terminal application.

3

Configure the Serial Connection

Create a new serial connection with the following settings:

  • Port: The COM port assigned to your serial adapter

  • Speed (Baud rate): 115200

  • Data: 8 bit

  • Parity: None

  • Stop bits: 1 bit

  • Flow control: None

[Image, EXISTING: Tera Term serial port settings screen, showing Speed set to 115200.]

Pro Tip: Finding your COM port

If you're not sure which COM port to use on a Windows computer, you can find it in Device Manager under the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section.

4

Power On the Server

Once the serial connection is ready, power on the server. You should see the server’s boot-up messages appear in the terminal window.

Configuring essential BIOS settings

Next, you'll enter the BIOS setup utility to configure the server's fundamental hardware settings.

1

Watch for the Setup Prompt During Boot

As the server starts up, carefully watch the terminal screen for a message such as: "Press <DEL> or <ESC> to enter setup.

2

Enter BIOS Setup

When you see the prompt, immediately press the Delete or Escape key on your keyboard. This will interrupt the normal boot process and launch the BIOS setup utility.

[Image, EXISTING: Tera Term VT window showing the POST screen with the message "Press <DEL> or <ESC> to enter setup."]

3

Disable Secure Boot

  • Navigate to the Security tab in the BIOS.

  • Locate the Secure Boot option and set it to Disabled.

[Image, EXISTING: Aptio Setup Utility screen showing the Secure Boot option being set to Disabled.]

Why do this? Disabling Secure Boot provides maximum compatibility for installing a wide range of operating systems, especially some Linux distributions. If your OS fully supports it, you can re-enable this feature after installation for an extra layer of security.

4

Set the Boot Device Priority

  • Navigate to the Boot tab.

  • Select Boot Option #1 and set it to your OS installation media, such as a USB drive or a virtual CD/DVD from the BMC.

📷 [Image: Aptio Setup Utility screen showing the Boot Option #1 being selected from a list]

Best Practice After the OS installation is complete, go back into the BIOS and set the server’s internal drive (e.g., NVMe) as the first boot device. This helps speed up future boot times.

5

Save and Exit BIOS

  • Navigate to the Save & Exit tab.

  • Select Save Changes and Exit.

  • Confirm with Yes when prompted.

The server will now restart with your updated settings applied.

📷 [Image: Aptio Setup Utility screen showing the Save & Exit Setup confirmation dialog]

Accessing the management interface (BMC)

The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) is the most flexible way to manage your server. It gives you full remote control over the hardware through a simple web browser.

1

Connect the BMC Ethernet Cable

Connect an Ethernet cable to the server's dedicated BMC management port.

2

Find the BMC IP Address via Serial Console

After the server finishes booting, access the serial console and run the following command:

ifconfig

  • Look under the eth0 interface for the inet addr field.

  • This will show the BMC’s current IP address.

📷 [Image: A terminal window showing the output of the ifconfig command. The eth0 interface and its inet addr of 10.0.174.90 are highlighted]

Best Practice: Use your DHCP server In a managed network, the easiest way to find the BMC's IP address is often to check the DHCP server's lease table. Look for the MAC address printed on the server's label.

3

Access the BMC Web Interface

  • On a computer connected to the same network, open a web browser.

  • Enter the BMC’s IP address into the address bar.

4

Log In to the BMC

Use the default credentials to log in:

  • Username: root

  • Password: 0penBmc

[Image, EXISTING: The MegaRAC OneTree login screen with fields for Username and Password.]

Security Warning: Your first action after logging in for the first time should be to change the default root password. Leaving it as the default is a significant security risk.

Mounting an OS image with virtual media

The Virtual Media feature lets you "trick" the server into thinking a physical drive is inserted, using an ISO file on your computer instead.

1

Open the Virtual Media Page in BMC

In the BMC web interface, navigate to: Operations > Virtual Media

2

Add the OS Installation ISO File

Under the “Load image from web browser” section:

  • Click Add file for Slot_0

  • Select your OS installation ISO file (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS) from your local computer

📷 [Image: The Virtual media page after an Ubuntu ISO has been selected and the Start button is available]

3

Mount the ISO Image

After selecting the ISO file:

  • Click the Start button to mount the image

  • A "Success" notification should appear confirming the image is mounted

Common Mistake: Forgetting to click Start

Simply selecting the file isn't enough. You must click the Start button to actually mount the ISO. Forgetting this step is a common reason why a server fails to boot into the OS installer.

With the BIOS configured and the installation media mounted, you are now ready to launch the KVM and begin installing the OS.

Launching the remote KVM console

The KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) console is your virtual window into the server. It provides a remote display and full keyboard and mouse control, which is essential for interacting with the OS installer.

1

Launch the KVM Console

In the BMC web interface, go to the navigation menu and click on KVM under the Operations section.

2

View the Virtual Screen

A new browser window or tab will open, displaying the virtual console screen of the server.

📷 [Image: The MegaRAC KVM pop-up window showing a connected status and a black console screen]

3

Restart the Server to Boot from Virtual Media

Use the Power controls available in the KVM or BMC interface to restart the server. The system will now boot from the virtual media (ISO) you previously mounted.

With all firmware settings configured, the installation media mounted, and the KVM console open, you are fully prepared to begin the operating system installation.

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