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

[David Froble]

Jan-Erik Soderholm wrote:
> 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.
>>
>>
> 

Why don't you just jump into the company jet and fly over there, so you 
can get your hands on the system ??