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Phase 03: OS Configuration

Runbook Platform

DOCUMENT CATEGORY: Runbook SCOPE: Post-installation OS configuration PURPOSE: Prepare nodes for Azure Arc registration MASTER REFERENCE: Microsoft Learn - Prepare Active Directory

Status: Active Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes (all nodes) Last Updated: 2026-01-31

Overview​

This stage configures the Azure Stack HCI operating system on all cluster nodes with the settings required for Azure Local deployment. All steps can be performed remotely once WinRM is enabled.

Objective: Configure the Azure Local operating system on each node with network settings, remote management, and baseline configuration required for cluster deployment.

Tasks:

  1. Enable WinRM for PowerShell remote management
  2. Enable RDP for graphical remote access
  3. Configure static IP addresses on management adapters
  4. Disable DHCP on management adapters
  5. Configure DNS server addresses
  6. Verify DNS client configuration
  7. Configure NTP time synchronization
  8. Enable ICMP firewall rules for network diagnostics
  9. Disable unused network adapters
  10. Set node hostnames
  11. Clear previous storage configuration (conditional)
  12. Optional: Run complete combined script

Validation:

  • Remote management operational (WinRM and RDP)
  • Static network configuration applied
  • DNS resolution functional
  • Time synchronization configured
  • Nodes accessible and properly named

Outcome: All nodes configured with proper network settings, remote management enabled, and ready for Azure Arc registration (Stage 13).

Configuration Workflow​

flowchart TD
 A[Start: OS Installed] --> B[Enable WinRM]
 B --> C[Enable RDP]
 C --> D[Static IP]
 D --> E[Disable DHCP]
 E --> F[DNS Config]
 F --> G[Verify DNS]
 G --> H[NTP Config]
 H --> I[Enable ICMP]
 I --> J[Disable Unused NICs]
 J --> K[Hostname]
 K --> L[Storage Cleanup]
 L --> M[Ready for Arc]

Steps Overview​

StepDescriptionTime
Task 1Enable WinRM for Remote Management5 min
Task 2Enable RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)5 min
Task 3Configure Static IP Address10 min
Task 4Disable DHCP on Management Adapter5 min
Task 5Configure DNS Servers5 min
Task 6Verify DNS Client Configuration5 min
Task 7Configure Time Synchronization (NTP)5 min
Task 8Enable ICMP (Ping)5 min
Task 9Disable Unused Network Adapters5 min
Task 10Configure Hostname5 min
Task 11Clear Previous Storage Configuration5 min
Task 12Complete Combined ScriptN/A

Prerequisites​

RequirementDescription
OS installedStage 11 completed
iDRAC accessConsole access for initial config
IP planningStatic IPs assigned per node
DNS serversEnterprise DNS available
NTP serverTime source identified

Variables from infrastructure.yaml​

The following variables are used during OS configuration:

VariableDescriptionExample
NODE_XX_IPStatic IP address for each node192.168.200.11
NODE_XX_NAMEHostname for each nodeazlocal-node01
MANAGEMENT_GATEWAYDefault gateway IP192.168.200.1
MANAGEMENT_SUBNET_PREFIXSubnet prefix length24
DNS_PRIMARY_IPPrimary DNS server IP192.168.200.2
DNS_SECONDARY_IPSecondary DNS server IP192.168.200.3
NTP_SERVERNTP server IP or hostnamepool.ntp.org

Network Configuration Reference​

Example Node Configuration:

NodeManagement IPGatewayDNS1DNS2
NODE0110.x.x.1110.x.x.110.x.x.210.x.x.3
NODE0210.x.x.1210.x.x.110.x.x.210.x.x.3
NODE0310.x.x.1310.x.x.110.x.x.210.x.x.3
NODE0410.x.x.1410.x.x.110.x.x.210.x.x.3

Automation Options​

Manual: Follow each step in sequence.

Automated: Use Task 12: Combined Script for full automation.

Validation Checklist​

CheckRequired
WinRM responds✅
RDP accessible✅
Static IP configured✅
DNS resolution works✅
Time synchronized✅
Hostname correct✅

Next Stage​

After completing OS configuration:

All Steps Complete?Next Action
✅ YesProceed to Phase 14: Arc Registration
❌ NoComplete remaining configuration steps

References: