This chapter explains how to install the OpenVMS Alpha and Integrity servers operating systems. It includes sample output similar to what you might see during an installation and explains how to respond to the prompts.

If you purchased a system with the operating system preinstalled, then most of the information in this chapter does not apply. The first time you power up your preinstalled system, you are prompted to enter only the information necessary to customize your installation. See the documentation provided with your system.

This chapter includes the procedures for booting the OpenVMS operating system CD/DVD. The boot procedures differ significantly between Alpha and Itanium-based systems. For additional information about booting Alpha systems, see Appendix A. Information about setting up and booting Itanium-based systems is located in Appendix B.If you are installing OpenVMS for the first time, see the appropriate appendix.

Once the system CD/DVD is booted, the procedures for installing OpenVMS Alpha and OpenVMS Integrity servers are very similar.

	NOTE: Before you install the OpenVMS operating system, ensure that the correct version of firmware is running in your computer. For information about Alpha system firmware, see Section 1.3.5. For Integrity servers system firmware, see Section 1.3.6.

This chapter is organized into sections and steps that describe the major tasks for installing OpenVMS, in the order in which these tasks must be performed. Section 3.1 includes a checklist that you can use to make sure you perform all the installation tasks described in this chapter.