Installing an Operating System
With the server's hardware and remote management fully configured, you are now ready to install an operating system (OS). This chapter provides a high-level guide to the recommended installation methods for a modern server environment.
Before you begin: Pre-installation checklist
Before starting the OS installation, ensure you have completed the following preparation steps:
Configure storage (if necessary): If you plan to use a RAID array for your OS drive, make sure you have already configured it in the server's BIOS or RAID controller utility.
Set the boot mode: Ensure the server is set to UEFI boot mode in the BIOS for modern operating systems.
Prepare your installation media: Have your OS installation file ready. For remote installation, this should be an ISO file saved on your local computer or a network share.
Verify remote console access: Confirm you can log in to the BMC web interface and launch the remote console.
Recommended method: Installing remotely via the BMC
The most efficient and common way to install an OS on a server is by using the BMC's remote console and virtual media features. This allows you to perform the entire installation from your own computer, without needing to be physically present at the rack.
Log in to the BMC web interface using the IP address you configured.
Launch the Remote Console (KVM). This will open a window showing the server's live video output.
Mount the OS ISO file. In the remote console window, find the Virtual Media or Virtual CD/DVD menu. Select your OS ISO file to mount it as a virtual drive. [Image, NEW: A screenshot of the BMC's remote console interface, with an arrow highlighting the "Virtual Media" or "Mount ISO" button.]
Reboot the server using the power controls in the BMC interface.
Enter the boot menu. As the server starts up, press the appropriate key (usually F11 or F12) to open the boot device selection menu. [Image, NEW: A screenshot of a typical server boot menu, showing a list of devices like "Hard Drive," "PXE Boot," and "Virtual CDROM."]
Select the Virtual CD/DVD from the boot menu and press Enter.
Follow the OS installer prompts. The server will now boot from your ISO file, and you can proceed with the standard operating system installation.
Alternative method: Local installation via USB
This method is useful if you are working directly at the rack or do not have the remote management network set up.
Create a bootable USB drive with your chosen OS installer.
Plug the USB drive into any available USB port on the server.
Power on the server and press the key to enter the boot menu (e.g., F11).
Select the USB drive from the list of bootable devices.
Proceed with the OS installation.
Installing drivers and utilities
After the OS is installed, you must install drivers to ensure the hardware performs correctly.
OS and Driver Compatibility
Operating System
Chipset / Storage Drivers
BMC/IPMI Tools
LAN/NIC Drivers
Source Location
Windows Server 2025 (64-bit)
Included in OS / OEM CD
IPMIView / Redfish CLI
Intel / Broadcom INF
OEM Driver DVD, Support Site
RHEL 9.x
Built-in kernel support
ipmitool / openipmi
igb / ice / bnxt
Red Hat Repo, OEM Repo
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Native LTS kernel
ipmitool / Web GUI
Supported via netplan
Ubuntu Repo, GitHub, OEM
VMware ESXi 8.x, 9.x
Native or VIB drivers
Web UI via IP only
NIC may need async VIB
VMware Compatibility Guide
Linux (RHEL) 9.5 / 10 (64-bit)
Yast + zypper packages
Supported via CLI
Supported modules
SUSE Repo, OEM Bundle
Driver Installation Formats
Operating System
Driver Format
Installation Method
Example File Name
Windows Server
.exe, .inf
Run installer or use Device Manager
intel_chipset_setup.exe
RHEL / SUSE
.rpm
dnf install or rpm -i
aspeed-bmc-utils-1.12.rpm
Ubuntu
.deb
apt install or dpkg -i
ipmitool_1.8.18-9_amd64.deb
VMware ESXi
.vib, .zip
esxcli software vib install
net-igb-5.8.3-1OEM.vib
System Utilities
Utility Name
Function
OS Support
Command-line / GUI
IPMITool
Manage BMC via IPMI (power, sensor, sol)
Linux, Windows
Command-line
Redfish CLI
RESTful API control over BMC
Cross-platform (Python)
Command-line
Web BMC GUI
Full BMC access via browser (KVM, logs)
Any with browser
GUI
VROC Config Tool
Configure NVMe RAID
Windows, RHEL, ESXi
GUI or CLI
LMSensors
Monitor CPU temp / fan via SMBus
Linux
Command-line
Post-Installation Tasks
After installing the OS and drivers, you should:
Apply the latest OS updates and security patches.
Verify network, storage, and remote management functionality.
Optionally configure RAID monitoring, logging agents, or other third-party tools.