I get the basic concept of a terminal, and I kind of think I know how to start. I don't run windows, so does something like minicom under linux work? I'll have to get a hold of a null modem cable. My laptop does have a serial connection(I'm not fully sure why, it's pretty new), so I'll use that. I assume that once you get a login, there's a way to change that password? Thanks for all the help, I'm waiting to hear back from my uncle, to see if I can get some install media from the company this came from. Otherwise, I'll have to look around some more. I've seen the IT person at my old school use a serial connection to manage a switch, and I did a programming project with a thermomter connected to the serial port on my laptop.

The terminal connection requires some form of special set of commands right? Or is that just for dialing out via serial?

What's the code on the LED? If you're sitting at 0c31, it's looking for your console.

I can check and get back to you, That number does look familiar.

The code is 0581. I'll google it, and see if that brings anything up, I didn't know those codes meant anything.

Ok, after letting it sit for like 15 minutes, I get a console, with just the '_' character, nothing else. As soon as I type 'ls', my monitor tells me "frequency out of range". Suggestions?

other suggestions? I picked up a null modem(I think, best buy called it a serial modem cable), and I'll see what I can get that to do.

According to IBMs site, that code is referencing TCPIP configuration. This makes sense since they yanked the box off the works network.

If its that far in the boot process you should of at least seen the IBM logo screen which is where you can select boot options such as SMS. Since you havnt seen it you are not looking at the default console.

Once you get your serial connection working you should boot to sms, you'll need to change it so you boot to the installation media. Select maintenance boot and choose the recovery option, then choose to access the rootvg with filesystems mounted.

Once in you can reset root password, change your network settings and set unwanted filesystems from mounting at startup.

hope this helps, gl.

Code 581 does mean internet.

If it has a graphics card, attach a VGA terminal and a regular keyboard. When you see the IBM logo on the screen, press F1 (i usually press several times, just to be sure).

This should bring you into the SMS menu.

If the box does not repond to this, then the console had been redefined to the serial port. Default speed is 9600,N,8,1. Instead of F1, press 1 (ascii char '1' (one)).

If you have been able to get an AIX bootable disk:
* go to maintaince mode, ("Start System Maintaince Mode for System Recovery, generally option 3)
* choose "Access Root Volumn Group"
* verify you want this
* determine which disk you want to boot
* the list of partitions will probably contain "hd1 hd2 hd3 hd4 hd5 hd6 hd8 hd9var hd10opt"
* choose to activate that disk mounting filesystems before starting ksh
* remove the root password
# passwd
* remove the internet definitions
# lsdev -Cc adapter
* for each of the ethernet adapters (assuming you have two : ent0 ent1)
# for i in 1 2; do; rmdev -dl en${i}; rmdev -dl et${i}; rmdev -dl ent${i}; done
# rmdev -dl inet0
# sync; sleep 3; reboot -q
==========
system should go into reboot quickly, and no 581 code anymore, and no need to guess root password. It is what you set it to, or blank if you just entered "return".

I should be getting an AIX CD in the mail. I haven't had a whole lot of time recently, I has an AP test and stuff to do, but I'll hopefully have more time now. Thanks

Well if you have questions, shoot. I'll do my best to answer.

And, as it tends to flame, if you want my opinion of AIX versus Linux, send a PM.

But lets get one thign straight: Linux is not Unix (fact). AIX is UNIX (fact). HP/UX is UNIX (fact) Solaris is UNIX (fact).

Being UNIX, or not being UNIX has to do with standards compliance.
AIX, HP, Solaris, Linux (though not compliant with UNIX/POSIX/etc) are all flavors of *NIX.

Each has stengths and weakneses. Base you choice on your strenghts and requirements - and willingness to learn a different way of getting something done.

ok, I got the aix CD, and tried booting with F1, to no avail.I changed the boot settings, and it still wouldn't boot the CD. Suggestions? I used CD 1 of 5 from the set. There were also 2 update CDs and a documentation CD.

I went through and did all of that again, and it worked. However, as soon as the machine gets to what looks like a console, my monitor starts flashing a "Signal out of range" message. I can't tell if there's a way to fix this or not, max refresh rate is 60Mhz. Is there a way to change that in AIX?

Not knowing exactly what the card is, and what your monitor is it is difficult to guess.

My expectation is that during boot the monitor should be at 800x600 settings with the idea that any SVGA terminal should be able to connect.

Based on what you comment I expect the system has moved on the AIX boot from harddisk and not from the CD (see the LCD codes below for hints on what to watch for).

Depending on the SMS (firmware) level, you may need to press the regular 1, rather than F1 (function key 1) to get into SMS menu.

You could also try pressing F5, or 5. This option causes AIX to boot using it's default bootlist (tape, cdrom, hd, network). With the CD installed you should see it start.

The LCD codes to watch for are:

c31 Select the console display for the diagnostics. To select No console display, set the
key mode switch to Normal then to Service. The diagnostic programs will then load
and run the diagnostics automatically.
c32 A direct-attached display (HFT) was selected.
c33 A tty terminal attached to serial ports S1 or S2 was selected.
c34 A file was selected. The console messages store in a file.

The is another LED code: F1DC I think, when the firmware is asking for the console. This will be asking to press '0', or '1', or '2' depending on configuration to set SMS console.

If you see the code c31 that is the moment to start pressing the (function) keys: btw. This means that the AIX boot image from somewhere is active.

For graphic it will be F1+Enter (or 1+enter), for tty0 it will probably be 2+Enter (dont forget to press Enter after pressing the 'selection' key.

If you see c32 or c33 you know what is now considering the console device. c34 generally does not get used, and from you have said already, it is not being used.

In short, if the Function keys dont work, use the normal ascii characters. And maybe try having a serial (laptop, hterm, etc.) port connection as well - untill you can redirect the console.

Also, as an alturnative. Open the box, remove the battery for 30 minutes, and reinstall. The bootlist will be default, and the console will be graphic if you connect a terminal, keyboard and mouse.

Michael

I didn't see any of those codes, even after attempting to reinstall. In the graphical BIOS, I guess, that's what it looks like, it gives me an option to select which console to use, and the only one available is selection 2. Does that mean that my graphics card isn't recognized?

I couldn't find the batter either, and I googled around a little bit to try and figure out where it was, to no avail. Where would that be?

Since it says 2, and you say it is graphical, you must have a second graphical interface.

While the 2 is displaying IF you have a LCD panel (what Model are we talking about again?) when the system asks for a 0, 1, 2, etc. it is trying to setup the concept of BIOS monitior is the one I mentioned here:
Have you tried connecting a serial line (null modem) between your PC/laptop and the rs6000/pSeries com1 (or maybe com0, but as I recall ouytside they are COM1, COM2, and as AIX tty0, tty1).

I'll do a reboot, and try to get the output of a serial interface startup for you.

it's not an LCD. It's a CRT monitor, w/ a max refresh of 60Mhz. It seems to boot, and as soon as I'm able to type 'ls' the monitor drops out w/ a "signal out of range" message. Is there a way to change the refresh rate? I think I tried a null modem, that is, I think the cable I was using was a null modem. I couldn't exactly figure out how to get it working, but it seemed as though it wasn't.

The machine's got a IBM GXT4000 video card in it, and I put a DVI-VGA converter on it, because I don't have any DVI monitors. That shouldn't be the reason it's dropping out on me should it?

By LCD I meant a 4 character, or perhaps a 2-line LCD (the 'ancient' systems had LED display panels.

This should be near the power on switch if you have one. A model number will help me some.

Consider sendig me an email. I'll reply when I have time. I opened my profile to permit sending email.