[Info-vax] Weird problem with non-booting AlphaServer 800.

[Jan-Erik Soderholm]

Stephen Hoffman wrote 2013-01-07 18:13:
> On 2013-01-07 16:49:14 +0000, Jan-Erik Soderholm said:
>>
>>  >>>boot dka100 -flags 0,1
>> (boot dka100.1.0.5.0 -flags 0,1)
>> block 0 of dka100.1.0.5.0 is a valid boot block
>> reading 1168 blocks from dka100.1.0.5.0
>> bootstrap code read in
>> base = 1d6000, image_start = 0, image_bytes = 92000
>> initializing HWRPB at 2000
>> initializing page table at 7ffce000
>> initializing machine state
>> setting affinity to the primary CPU
>> jumping to bootstrap code
>>
>> [hanging indefinitley here...]
>
> That's gotten through the primitive boot stuff and has tried to transition
> to what looks to be the OpenVMS Alpha V7.3-2 APB primary bootstrap.
>
> Enable the verbose boot-time diagnostics (add 30000 to the boot flags), and
> see what gets posted from APB, if anything.
>

Result with the 30000 flags value :

 >>>boot -flags 0,30000
(boot dka0.0.0.5.0 -flags 0,30000)
block 0 of dka0.0.0.5.0 is a valid boot block
reading 1168 blocks from dka0.0.0.5.0
bootstrap code read in
base = 1d6000, image_start = 0, image_bytes = 92000
initializing HWRPB at 2000
initializing page table at 7ffce000
initializing machine state
setting affinity to the primary CPU
jumping to bootstrap code
 >>>

The ">>>" is redisplayed after a 1-2 min delay with no activity
at all on the console.

I've now asked for a CD distro to be mounted in the CD to try
to boot from that device.

A new (well, a used but another) AS800 is on the way from our
distrubutor. Together with a techie...

Jan-Erik.





> Try booting from a different disk, a distro, or booting as a diskless
> satellite.
>
> Guesses...
>
> Might be a device name problem (particularly if allocation classes are in
> play), or it could be a failing disk, or failing disk controller, or
> incorrect termination, etc.
>
> I'd probably replace the battery, too, as that's cheap (if that box uses a
> coin cell), and a failing battery can sometimes cause weird errors.
>
> Some troubleshooting <http://labs.hoffmanlabs.com/node/192> details.
>
> Or alternatively, retire this box and roll in a less-fossil Alpha; an EV6
> or later.
>
>