I am a Windows admin but we require the use of at least one SUN for an application that cannot be installed on Windows. We've had two SUN Netra X1 boxes for some time that have seen some use, but I'm told the newest version of the application cannot be installed on the version of Solaris that is running on these.

A UNIX guru was ostensibly going to help with the OS reinstall and advised that we get a Serial->ethernet device connected to the LOM port. I have done this and can get to a console prompt remotely using the device on one of the servers (I get no response from the other server for no readily apparent reason, but thats a concern for another day).

The help reinstalling has not materialized so I figured I would try to determine how to do it myself. I can get to a console prompt and log into the machine via the LOM port using the remote serial device (or I could connect locally if need be) but I'm not sure how to start a fresh install of the OS. The Netra X1 has no CD/DVD drive and my assumption is that by connecting via serial I would be able to somehow use either the CD on the client with which I connect or some sort of network install. Am I on the right track? I'm really just guessing given what the local UNIX expert (who is no longer available) told me to do.

Also, are there any considerations prior to reinstalling that are UNIX-specific? License keys or such? There is nothing application-wise that needs to be retained but I'm unsure if there is anything specific to the OS that I wouldn't want to just blithely remove. Can I just download an OS CD from Oracle.com and reinstall?