Task Map: Preparing to Install From the Network With DVD Media

(x86 only): Verify that your system supports PXE. 

If you want to install an x86 based system over the network, confirm that your machine can use PXE to boot without local boot media. 

If your x86 based system does not support PXE, you must boot the system from a local DVD , CD, or, for the Solaris 10 3/05 release, a boot diskette. 

Check your hardware manufacturer's documentation or the system BIOS. 

Choose an installation method. 

The Solaris OS provides several methods for installation or upgrade. Choose the installation method that is most appropriate for your environment. 

Choosing a Solaris Installation Method

Gather information about your system. 

Use the checklist and complete the worksheet to collect all of the information that you need to install or upgrade. 

Chapter 5, Gathering Information Before Installation or Upgrade (Planning)

(Optional) Preconfigure system information. 

You can preconfigure system information to avoid being prompted for the information during the installation or upgrade. 

Chapter 6, Preconfiguring System Configuration Information (Tasks)

Create an install server.

Use the setup_install_server(1M) command to copy the Solaris 10 DVD to the install server's hard disk.

Creating an Install Server With DVD Media

(Optional) Create boot servers.

If you want to install systems from the network that are not on the same subnet as the install server, you must create a boot server on the subnet to boot the systems. Use the setup_install_server command with the -b option to set up a boot server. If you are using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), a boot server is not necessary.

Creating a Boot Server on a Subnet With a DVD Image

Add systems to be installed from the network.

Use the add_install_client command to set up each system that you want to install from the network. Each system that you want to install needs to find the install server, the boot server if required, and configuration information on the network.

Adding Systems to Be Installed From the Network With a DVD Image

(Optional) Configure the DHCP server.

If you want to use DHCP to provide system configuration and installation parameters, configure the DHCP server, then create the appropriate options and macros for your installation. 

If you want to install an x86 based system from the network with PXE, you must either configure a DHCP server, or, for the Solaris 10 3/05 release, create a boot diskette.

Chapter 13, Planning for DHCP Service (Tasks), in System Administration Guide: IP Services

Preconfiguring System Configuration Information With the DHCP Service (Tasks)

Solaris 10 3/05 for x86: Create a boot diskette.

If your system cannot boot from the network or from a local CD or DVD, you must create a boot diskette. 

The boot diskette is not included in the Solaris 10 1/06 release.

Solaris 10 3/05 for x86: Copying the Boot Software to a Diskette

Install the system over the network. 

Begin the installation by booting the system from the network. 

Booting and Installing the System From the Network With a DVD Image