Start and stop the server

The iSeries™ server is well known for rarely needing to be stopped or restarted. However, some maintenance items or system changes may require that the iSeries server stop processing and go through an initial program load (IPL). Stopping and starting the iSeries must be done carefully. Use this topic to review requirements and options for this process.

Note: The procedures for starting and stopping the server depend on whether you have a partitioned system. The following instructions are relevant only for an iSeries server without partitions. If you have a partitioned system (without the hardware management console for eServer™), see Restart and power down a system with logical partitions within the Logical Partitions topic. If you have a partitioned system (with the hardware management console for eServer), see Partitioning with an eServer i5.

Regardless of how your iSeries server is configured, starting and stopping the server requires careful planning to prevent data loss and to protect system integrity. The iSeries server provides several methods for starting the system to allow for various amounts of interaction with the user.

Note: Several system values determine the available options for starting and stopping the iSeries.

Start the server
Use this topic to select a method for starting your server and handling problems with IPL.
Sign on to the system
Use this topic to access functions on the iSeries after startup.
Stop the server
Use this topic to safely shut down the server and to plan for controlled server restart operations.
System values that control IPL
You can use the system values discussed in this topic to control the type of initial program load (IPL) and the way the system does an IPL.

Parent topic: Basic system operations

Related concepts

Partitioning with an eServer i5