Install Karios in two steps
Download a small installer, boot your server and answer a few setup screens. When the installer is ready, give it the platform bundle from any computer's web browser. That's it.
Install the base system
Boot the ISO from USB, the network or your server's remote console. Fill in disks, network and a password.
Hand over the bundle
The installer shows a web address. Open it on any computer and upload the bundle file.
The server checks the file, finishes the install and restarts on its own. You sign in.
Before you start
Five minutes here saves a restart later. Most install problems come from one of these settings.
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A 64-bit x86 server
4 GB of memory to install. Plan on 16 GB and 16 cores or more for real use.
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UEFI boot, virtualization on
Turn on Intel VT-x or AMD-V in firmware. Turn off Secure Boot for the install.
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Disks in pass-through mode
Set the disk controller to HBA, JBOD or pass-through.
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Network details ready
A static IP, prefix and gateway for management, plus four addresses for the control services.
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A second computer
Any laptop or desktop with a browser, on the same network as the server. You'll use it in step 2.
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BMC login (recommended)
The IP, user and password for iDRAC, iLO or IPMI. Karios uses it to manage the server later.
The install erases every internal disk
This includes disks you don't select. Copy off anything you need before you boot the installer.
Download the ISO and set up the server
The installer is a single ISO file. It puts a minimal base system on the server, then pauses and waits for the platform bundle.
Boot the server from the ISO
Pick whichever way fits where the server is. All three run the same installer.
USB stick
Write the ISO to an 8 GB or larger USB 3.0 stick with Etcher, Rufus or dd. Plug it in and boot.
Virtual media
Mount the ISO through iDRAC, iLO or Supermicro IPMI and boot from it. No trip to the data center.
Best for remote serversAnswer the setup screens
Each screen checks your input before you move on, and nothing is written to disk until you confirm the summary.
- LicenseAccept the license agreement.
- DisksChoose all-in-one or management only, the disks for the system, and how to protect them (mirror is the default).
- NetworkEnter your addresses. Each network is tested before you continue.
- AdminSet the password for the
kariosuser. At least 12 characters. - LocationSite address, time zone and time servers.
- HardwareReview what was found and add your BMC login.
- SummaryCheck everything, then start the install.
There is no time limit.
When the base system is done, the installer stops at 96% and shows this address. Your server will show its own management IP here.
Download the bundle and upload it
The bundle holds the rest of the platform. You can download it while step 1 runs, on the same computer you'll upload from.
Use the ISO and bundle from the same release on this page. The server refuses a bundle from a different version.
Upload it when the installer asks
- Open the addressType the address from the server screen into a browser on your second computer. Use
http://, exactly as shown. - Drop in the fileChoose the bundle or drag it onto the page. Add the
.sha256file too so the server can check it. - Walk awayThe server verifies the file, finishes the install and restarts by itself.
No second computer on that network?
- Give the page a download link the server can reach, and it fetches the bundle itself.
- Copy the bundle to a USB stick, plug it into the server and enter the file path.
If an upload stops halfway, retry on the same page. You can close the browser and come back at any time.
Deliver the platform bundle
This server is ready for the rest of the install.
or choose a file from this computer
The upload page on your second computer. It shows each stage as the server finishes.
After the restart
Let it start up
The console reads "Karios is BOOTSTRAPPING". Give it a few minutes and don't power off.
Sign in
Open the address shown on the console. Sign in as karios with the password you set.
Check it's ready
Under System VMs, the Console Proxy and Secondary Storage VM both show Running. You're done.
Common questions
Why two downloads?
The installer stays small, so it boots quickly over USB, PXE or a remote console. The bundle is one file you hand over from a normal computer, which is faster and easier than streaming it through a BMC.
Does the server need internet access?
No. Download both files anywhere, then upload the bundle from a laptop on the server's network or from a USB stick. Air-gapped sites install the same way.
What if the upload fails?
Retry on the same page. The server checks every file, so a partial or damaged upload is refused before anything is installed.
What if the install stops on an error?
Retry from the step that failed. You don't need to start over. Boot the ISO again and it clears any partial install first.
Which hardware works?
Server-class Supermicro, Dell, Cisco, Lenovo and HPE machines that meet the list above. All-in-one installs need at least two disks, one of them left empty for data.
Do I need a license to try it?
No. Every install starts with a free 10-socket evaluation license. Add a subscription or prepaid license from Control Center when you're ready.
Stuck? We'll help.
Tell us which screen you're on and what it shows. The full install guide covers every screen in detail.