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If you have the Compaq Original Eisa Smart Array Controller then please refer to these instructions located at smart.html.
If you wish to learn more about the differences between static drivers and modular drivers then go to lindrivers.html. This lindrivers.html document discusses when to use smart2=0x6000 and when to use eisa=0x6000.
If you have the Smart-2/E controller then it is not very difficult at all in order to get it working with Linux. Here's a summary of a normal install:
Hardware Setup:
System Erase [warning, system erase erases all data in the system, be sure to backup any data needed before running system erase]
Reconfigure system using SmartStart or SCU
Choose Linux as the installed OS
Configure the array controller using ACU
Software Install:
Begin the RedHat Linux Install
Begin the "expert" mode of install by typing "linux expert" at the boot: prompt
When prompted for a driver disk, select cancel driver disk
When asked if you need to specify any drivers, then choose the Compaq Smart2 (cpqarray) driver
Specify module options of eisa=0x6000
Note that the value of eisa= is the slot number, so if you have the Smart-2/E in slot 5, then you put eisa=0x5000.
Continue on with the normal install.
Module Options
The parameters you keyed in (eisa=...) should get put in /etc/conf.modules for you. Here's what part of your /etc/conf.modules would look like when it's done:
alias scsi_hostadapter cpqarray
options cpqarray eisa=0x6000
Remember that for the Smart-2/E you do not have to build a new kernel. It seems that only the original smart (smart.html) has a problem with cpqarray loaded as a module. The Smart-2/E does not have a problem with cpqarray loaded as a module.
Building a new Initrd
Note: After updating /etc/conf.modules or /etc/modules.conf with new information regarding your boot controller (with driver loaded as a module and not statically) you must build a new initrd. This is accomplished in Red Hat by using the mkinitrd command: