Creating a SLES Installation Repository with the YaST Installation Server Module

Novell Cool Solutions: Feature
By Aaron Gresko

Posted: 3 Nov 2005

Applies To:

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

Background

Any system administrator who has performed a few SLES installations, especially ones that include a service pack, quickly gets tired of swapping CDs. The good news is that SLES has the ability to be installed over a network, eliminating the need to monitor an installation and swap CDs. These installation repositories can be created manually (see Manually Create A Network Installation Source For SUSE Linux Enterprise Server SP1 by Aaron Gresko), or automatically with the YaST Installation Server module.

Installing the Module

The Installation Server module is not installed on SLES by default. Begin by installing it through YaST. Either launch YaST and navigate to Software > Install and Remove Software and install the yast2-instserver package or simply enter:

# yast -i yast2-instserver

at the command-prompt.

Creating the Repository

The first step is to create a base repository from the original shipping SLES CDs. Once that base repository is in place, a service pack can be added later. To create a base repository, perform the following steps:

1. Launch the Installation Server module by launching YaST and selecting Misc > Installation Server.

   

2. Complete the initial setup by choosing a base directory in which the installation repositories will reside. If desired, the module can automatically configure the repository to be available as a HTTP, FTP, or NFS share.

   

3. A Source Configuration windows appears. Select Configure to create a new source.

4. In the next dialog, give the repository a Source Name. This will be the directory that source resides in. In this example, the repository will be made in /home/kcoombs/installation/sles/. If the source is to be generated from ISO images choose the Use ISO Images Instead of CDs option and specify the directory they reside in. Decide whether the source should be announced with SLP and select Next.

   

5. Insert SLES CD1 or select the ISO for SLES CD1.

   

6. The contents of the CD are copied to the hard drive, and the next disk is prompted for. Continue providing disks until the repository is complete.

   NOTE: The last two disks (5 & 6) are simply source code and and not required for an install. To skip these disks select Cancel when they are prompted for.

   

7. The new SLES repository now appears under the Configured Sources. If no service packs are going to be applied to this repository, select Finish to complete the process. Otherwise, proceed to Adding a Service Pack.

   

Adding a Service Pack

To create a repository with a service pack, first create a base SLES repository then do the following:

1. On the Source Configuration screen select Change... (see above).

2. Select the source to add the service pack to and select Edit.

   

3. Select Prompt for additional CDs, and point to the directory containing the ISO images if necessary. Select Next to continue. You will get a warning that the source already exists. When prompted for the disks, insert or select the service pack disks.

   

Where to go From Here

With an installation repository available, SLES can now be easily installed without the constant need of changing disks. The only requirement it to get the system boot and pointed to the repository. This can be done in two ways:

• Boot with CD1 and change the source to the repository

• Use PXE to boot over the network

This source can also be used as a local YaST installation source (See YaST > Software > Change Source of Installation) or can even be used to create a bootable DVD.