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EK-V4000-OG-A01

February 1993

176 pages

Original

1.3MB

Document:	OpenVMS Systems Oper Guide: VAX 4000 & VAXstation 4000
Order Number:	EK-V4000-OG
Revision:	A01
Pages:	176
Original Filename:

OCR Text

OpenVMS Systems Operations
Guide: VAX 4000 and VAXstation
4000 Systems
Order Number: EK-V4000-OG. A01

February 1993
This document is a quick reference guide to basic system operations for VAX
4000 and VAXstation 4000 systems. It contains information from multiple
sources covering such topics as: system physical characteristics, system
power up, boot, backup procedures, and console command descriptions.

Revision/Update Information:

Digital Equipment Corporation

Revision 1.0

February 1993
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and
should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that
may appear in this document.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1993.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DEC, DECconnect, Digital, DSSI, KRQ50, MSCP, OpenVMS, Q22–bus, Q–bus,
RL, RRD42, RX, RZ, ThinWire, TK, TURBOchannel, VAX, VAX MACRO,
VAX–11/780, VAXcluster, VAXstation, VMS, and the DIGITAL Logo.
FCC Notice:
This equipment generates, uses, and may emit radio frequency. The equipment
has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such radio frequency interference.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference, in
which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.1.

Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 System Overview
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enclosure Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model 100 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model 200, BA215 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model 200, BA430 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model 300/400/500/600 BA440 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enclosure Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model VLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–1
1–2
1–2
1–2
1–3
1–3
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–8
1–8
1–9
1–9
1–10
1–10
1–11
1–12
1–12
1–13
1–14
1–14
1–15

iii

2 System Physical Description
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 100 System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Panel Access Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Terminal Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expansion Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Panel Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enclosure Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass Storage Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass Storage Shelf Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISE Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISE Control Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Cover Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Cover Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Door Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enclosure Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass Storage Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass Storage Shelf Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISE Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISE Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Cover Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Cover Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440 . . . . . . . .
Front Door Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enclosure Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass Storage Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass Storage Shelf Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISE Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISE Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Module Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Control Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 System Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–2
2–2
2–3
2–4
2–5
2–6
2–7
2–7
2–8
2–9
2–10
2–11
2–12
2–13
2–14
2–16
2–17
2–18
2–18
2–19
2–20
2–21
2–23
2–24
2–25
2–26
2–28
2–29
2–30
2–30
2–31
2–32
2–33
2–35
2–36
2–37
2–38
2–41
2–42
2–43

Front Panel View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Panel Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–43
2–44
2–45
2–46
2–48
2–48
2–49
2–49
2–50

3 Console Commands
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console I/O Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How the System Enters Console I/O Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console I/O Mode Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entering Console Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Console Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Entering Language Inquiry Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Language Selection Menu, VAX 4000 Systems . . . . .
Sample Language Selection Menu, VAXstation 4000
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Security Feature: VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation
4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Security Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enabling the Console Security Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Logging in to Privileged Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Security Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disabling the Console Security Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exiting from Privileged Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Command Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BOOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTINUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEPOSIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EXAMINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FIND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HALT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HELP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INITIALIZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MOVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–1
3–2
3–2
3–3
3–5
3–6
3–12
3–12
3–13
3–14
3–15
3–15
3–16
3–16
3–17
3–18
3–19
3–19
3–20
3–20
3–22
3–22
3–24
3–26
3–26
3–27
3–27
3–28
3–29

NEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SEARCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
START . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UNJAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
X — Binary Load and Unload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
! (Comment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–30
3–32
3–33
3–35
3–37
3–41
3–41
3–42
3–42
3–42

4 System Startup and Shutdown Procedures
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Display, VAX 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Display, VAXstation 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Display with Error, VAX 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . .
Startup Display with Error, VAXstation 4000 Systems . . . . .
After You Start Up the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions on Shutting Down the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three Ways to Shut Down the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orderly Shutdown Under Program Control . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Shutdown Under Program Control . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Shutdown Under Console Control . . . . . . . . . . . .
Powering Off the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other System Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restarting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovering from an Over Temperature Condition . . . . . . . . .

4–1
4–2
4–2
4–3
4–4
4–5
4–6
4–7
4–8
4–8
4–8
4–9
4–9
4–10
4–11
4–12
4–12
4–12

5 System Boot Procedures
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps in the Boot Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Device Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Listing Possible Boot Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Autobooting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Response to Boot Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–1
5–2
5–2
5–3
5–5
5–5
5–6
5–6
5–7

Sample Boot, VAX 4000 System, Boot Device Defined . . . . .
Sample Boot, VAX 4000 System, Boot Device Not Defined
................................................
Sample Boot, VAX 4000 System, Selecting a Boot Device . . .
Manually Booting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exiting to Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit to Console Mode, VAX 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit to Console Mode, VAXstation 4000 Systems . . . . . . . . . .
Using the BOOT Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BOOT Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BOOT Command Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optional Boot Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting from [SYSF] During an Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting from a Different Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Definition: Conversational Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What You can do During a Conversational Boot . . . . . . . . . .
Conversational Boot Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SYSGEN Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining Default Boot Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining a Default Boot Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET BOOT Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET BOOT Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes on Defining a Boot Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining the Default Halt Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET HALT Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET HALT Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–8
5–9
5–10
5–11
5–11
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–13
5–13
5–14
5–14
5–14
5–14
5–15
5–15
5–16
5–17
5–17
5–17
5–17
5–17
5–18
5–18
5–18

6 System Backup and Restore Procedures
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standalone BACKUP Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Definition: Standalone BACKUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why Use Standalone BACKUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Store Standalone BACKUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Standalone BACKUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing on the System Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing on a Tape Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting Standalone BACKUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Booting Standalone BACKUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting from the System Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting from a Tape Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting from a Compact Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backing Up the System Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–1
6–2
6–2
6–2
6–3
6–4
6–4
6–5
6–7
6–7
6–8
6–9
6–11
6–13

vii

Image Versus Physical Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Run Standalone BACKUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BACKUP Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes on Volume Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restoring the System Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restore Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6–13
6–13
6–14
6–17
6–18
6–18

Setting the Console Security Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Logging in to Privileged Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Console Security Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disabling the Console Security Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample SHOW DEVICE Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Boot, Boot Device Defined . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Boot, Boot Device Not Defined . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Boot, Selecting a Boot Device . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Systems, Power Up to Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . .

3–16
3–17
3–18
3–19
5–5
5–8
5–9
5–10
5–11

VAX 4000 Model 100 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 200, BA215 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 200, BA430 Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 BA440 Enclosure . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model 90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 100: Front Panel Access Cover . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 100: Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 100: Expansion Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: Front Panel Window and Keylock . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: ISE Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–9
1–9
2–2
2–3
2–6
2–7
2–8
2–9
2–11
2–13

Index
Examples
3–1
3–2
3–3
3–4
5–1
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–5

Figures
1–1
1–2
1–3
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
2–1
2–2
2–3
2–4
2–5
2–6
2–7
2–8
viii

2–9
2–10
2–11
2–12
2–13
2–14
2–15
2–16
2–17
2–18
2–19
2–20
2–21
2–22
2–23
2–24
2–25
3–1
3–2
4–1
4–2
4–3
4–4
5–1

BA215 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: Front Door Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: Front View with Doors Open . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: ISE Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and Indicators . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Front Door Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Front View with Doors Open . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: ISE Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Console Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and Indicators . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Front Panel . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Language Selection Menu, VAX 4000 System . . . . . . . . . . . .
Language Selection Menu, VAXstation 4000 System . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Startup Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System Startup Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Startup Display, with Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Startup Display with Error Message . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System, Power Up to Console Mode . . . . . .

2–16
2–18
2–19
2–20
2–23
2–25
2–28
2–30
2–31
2–32
2–35
2–37
2–41
2–43
2–45
2–48
2–49
3–13
3–14
4–3
4–4
4–5
4–6
5–12

VAX 4000 System Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 System Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 System Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAX 4000 Model 100: Console Terminal Settings . . . . . . . . .

1–2
1–2
1–3
1–10
1–11
1–12
1–13
1–14
1–15
2–5

Tables
1–1
1–2
1–3
1–4
1–5
1–6
1–7
1–8
1–9
2–1

2–2
2–3
2–4
2–5
2–6
2–7
2–8
2–9
2–10
2–11
2–12
2–13
2–14
2–15
2–16
2–17
3–1
3–2
4–1
5–1
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–5
5–6
5–7
5–8
5–9
6–1

BA215 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf Components . . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: ISE Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel Components . . . . . . . . . .
BA215 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and Indicators . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf Components . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: ISE Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel Components . . . . . . . . . .
BA430 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and Indicators . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf Components . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: ISE Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Console Module Components . . . . . . . . . . .
BA440 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and Indicators . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Front Panel
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Rear Panel
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console I/O Mode Control Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console I/O Mode Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Shutdown Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Device Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Response to Boot Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BOOT Command Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conversational Boot Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SYSGEN Commands Used in SYSBOOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample SET BOOT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SET HALT Keywords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Standalone BACKUP/IMAGE and /PHYSICAL Qualifiers . . .

2–10
2–12
2–14
2–17
2–21
2–24
2–26
2–29
2–33
2–36
2–38
2–42
2–44
2–46
2–49
2–50
3–3
3–6
4–8
5–2
5–3
5–5
5–7
5–13
5–15
5–16
5–17
5–18
6–13

Preface
This document contains material from multiple sources and
provides a single, quick reference guide to information on a
variety of topics relative to the operation of VAX 4000 and
VAXstation 4000 systems.

Intended
Audience

This guide is designed primarily for:
•

System software support personnel

•

Digital Services personnel

•

System managers

•

Instructors and participants in certain OpenVMS operating
system courses:
OpenVMS Systems Troubleshooting
OpenVMS System and Network Management I, II, and
III

Document
Structure

The document organization is as follows:
Chapter 1

Presents overviews of the VAX 4000 and
VAXstation 4000 system models

Chapter 2

Describes the system physical components

Chapter 3

Describes the console I/O mode commands

Chapter 4

Describes the system startup and shutdown
procedures

Chapter 5

Describes the system boot procedures

Chapter 6

Describes the system backup procedures

Conventions

xii

The following conventions are used in this manual:
Convention

Description

monospace type

Represents text displayed on the screen
by the system.

boldface type

Indicates user input in examples or text.

italic type

Emphasizes important information or
indicates a variable or manual title.

UPPERCASE

In examples, indicates a command.

lowercase

In examples, indicates parameters or
arguments to be specified by the user.

In command syntax descriptions, a
vertical bar | indicates options, one
of which you can choose.

Note

A note contains information of special
importance to the reader.

Ctrl/X

Indicates to hold down the Ctrl key while
you press another key.

A lowercase italic n indicates the generic
use of a number. For example, 19nn
indicates a 4-digit number in which the
last 2 digits are unknown.

{}

In format descriptions, indicates required
elements. You must choose one of the
elements.

[]

In format descriptions, indicates optional
elements. You can choose none, one, or
all of the options.

1
System Overview

Introduction

VAX 4000 and VAXstation 4000 systems are available in a
variety of models from high performance, multi-user systems
to entry level, desktop workstations. This chapter presents
overviews of the systems. Topics include:
•

System models

•

VAX 4000 system enclosures

•

VAXstation 4000 system enclosures

•

System specifications

•

System options

•

Related Documents

Table 1–8 (Cont.) VAX 4000 System Documentation
Order Number

Title

Model 400/500/600 Documents

VAXstation
4000 System
Documents

EK-K42AA-DK

VAX 4000 Model 400/500/600 Documentation Kit

EK-448AD-IN

VAX 4000 Model 400/500/600 Installation

EK-450AD-OP

VAX 4000 Model 400/500/600 Operation

EK-452AD-TI

VAX 4000 Model 400/500/600 Technical Information

EK-451AD-TS

VAX 4000 Model 400/500/600 Troubleshooting and
Diagnostics

VAXstation 4000 documents are available in documentation kits.
Table 1–9 lists the kits.
Table 1–9 VAXstation 4000 System Documentation
Order Number

Title

EK-PMARI-DK

VAXstation 4000 Model 60 Documentation Kit

EK-VAXOG-DK

VAXstation 4000 Model 90 Documentation Kit

EK-VXVLC-DK

VAXstation 4000 VLC Documentation Kit

System Overview 1–15

2
System Physical Description

Introduction

This chapter describes the controls, indicators, connectors, and
other physical components of the VAX 4000 and VAXstation 4000
systems.
Topics include:
•

VAX 4000 model 100 system unit

•

VAX 4000 model 200 system, BA215 enclosure

•

VAX 4000 model 200 system, BA430 enclosure

•

VAX 4000 model 300/400/500/600 enclosure — BA440

•

VAXstation 4000 models 60 and 90 system unit

•

VAXstation 4000 model VLC

System Physical Description

2–1

VAX 4000 Model 100 System Unit

VAX 4000 Model 100 System Unit
Front Panel
Access Cover

The system unit provides access to removable media internal
devices by way of an access cover on the front panel. Figure 2–1
shows the access cover.
Figure 2–1 VAX 4000 Model 100: Front Panel Access Cover

RE_EN06149A_91

2–2 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 100 System Unit

Rear Panel

The rear panel of the system unit contains several connectors,
controls, and indicators. Figure 2–2 shows the rear panel.
Figure 2–2 VAX 4000 Model 100: Rear Panel
1
2
3
4

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
MLO-009279

System Physical Description

2–3

VAX 4000 Model 100 System Unit

Rear Panel
Description

The following list keyed to Figure 2–2 describes the rear panel
components.
Power On/Off switch — turns the system unit on and off.

AC power connector — receptacle for the ac power cord.

Synchronous communications ports 0 (bottom) and 1 — for
connecting devices that use synchronous communications.

Asynchronous communications ports A (bottom) and B — for
connecting devices that use asynchronous communications.
Modified modular jack (MMJ) ports 0, 1, and 3 — for
connecting the user terminal, printer, or other devices that
require an asynchronous DEC423 data-line-only port.
The console terminal is always connected to port 3.

Asynchronous modem control port (port 2) — for connecting
a modem, terminal, printer, or other devices that require an
EIA-232 port.

Halt button — halts the system and returns it from program
I/O mode to console mode.

Break/Enable switch and LED — when in the up position,
causes the system to halt when the keyboard break key is
pressed. The LED is on when the switch is in the up position
and off when the switch is in the down position.
Diagnostic LEDs — indicate system and test status, and
error conditions.
Standard Ethernet port — for connecting the system to the
Ethernet by way of a standard connector.
Network Select switch — enables either the ThinWire or
standard Ethernet connection. Standard Ethernet is selected
when the switch is in the left-hand position.
ThinWire Ethernet port — for connecting the system to the
Ethernet by way of a ThinWire connector.

2–4 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 100 System Unit

Console
Terminal Port
Settings

If installed, the console terminal is always connected to port
3. The terminal settings shown in Table 2–1 are required to
communicate with the system unit by way of the console port.
Table 2–1 VAX 4000 Model 100: Console Terminal Settings
Parameter

Setting

Mode

VTxxx-7-bit

Speed

9600 baud; receive = transmit

Format

8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit

Comm 1 port

DEC423, data-leads-only

System Physical Description

2–5

VAX 4000 Model 100 System Unit

Expansion
Ports

The system unit provides additional ports for system expansion.
Figure 2–3 shows the port locations.
Figure 2–3 VAX 4000 Model 100: Expansion Ports

MLO-009280

Q–bus ports — for connecting an external Q–bus expander.

DSSI port — for connecting external DSSI devices and
building a DSSI based VAXcluster system.
SCSI port — for connecting small computer system interface
(SCSI) storage devices. An SCSI terminator is installed on
this port when the unit is shipped.

2–6 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure
Front Panel
Window

The BA215 enclosure has a removable front panel with a sliding
window that provides access to certain system controls. The
window is controlled by a rotary lock that allows the window to
be locked in one of three positions.
Figure 2–4 shows the rotary lock and indicates which controls
are accessible in each key position.
Figure 2–4 BA215 Cabinet: Front Panel Window and Keylock

Rotary Key Lock
Key Position 1:
No Access to Controls
Key Position 2:
Access to Tape Drive and
Operator Control Panel

Key Position 3:
Access to Power Switch
and Front Panel
Release Latch
MLO-000671

System Physical Description

2–7

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

Enclosure
Front View

Figure 2–5 shows a typical BA215 cabinet with the front panel
removed.
Figure 2–5 BA215 Cabinet: Front View
ISE
Controls and
Indicators

Mass
Storage
Shelf

Tape
Drive

Card
Cage
CPU Cover
Panel
Power
Supply

Fans
MLO-005509

2–8 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

Figure 2–6 shows the mass storage shelf that extends across
the top of the enclosure. The shelf may contain a TK series
tape drive and up to two RF-series integrated storage elements
(ISEs).
Figure 2–6 BA215 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf

ISE 1

Tape
Drive

ISE 0

d
loa
Un

era
Ha te
nd
le

Us
in
pe

DSSI
Connector

Wri
te
Pro
tec
t

Mass Storage
Shelf

DRIVE

Unit Number

Fault

WriteProtect

Ready

SYSTEM

Restart/
Run

ISE
Controls and
Indicators

Restart/Run
Button

Halt

Halt
Button

DC OK
Indicator
MLO-005510

System Physical Description

2–9

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

Mass
Storage Shelf
Description

Table 2–2 describes the components in the mass storage shelf.
Table 2–2 BA215 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf Components
Component

Description

ISE controls

Each ISE drive has its own set of controls and
indicators. When the system is turned on, the
indicator lights indicate the state of the ISEs.

DC OK
indicator

Illuminates (green) if the power supply voltages are
within operating range.

Halt button

The Halt button is a two-position switch that controls
the running state of the system.
Pressing the button in halts the system and
illuminates the red indicator on the button. When
pressed a second time, the button is returned to the
out position.
When the Halt button is in the out position,
the console mode prompt (>>>) is displayed and
commands can be entered on the console. If you
inadvertently press Halt, enter CONTINUE Return
on the console to continue.
CAUTION: Pressing the Halt button halts the
system regardless of the setting of the Break Enable
/Disable switch.

Restart/Run
button

Pressing the Restart/Run button causes the system
to return to its power-up state and execute self-tests.
If a boot device has been specified, and the Break
Enable/Disable switch is set to disable, the system
will reboot the system software. The button has a
green indicator.

DSSI connector

Allows additional RF-series ISEs to be added to
the system by way of a connection to an expansion
cabinet.

2–10 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

ISE Control
Panel

Figure 2–7 shows the ISE control panel.
Figure 2–7 BA215 Cabinet: ISE Control Panel

ISE Controls and Indicators

DRIVE

Unit Number

Fault

WriteProtect

Ready

SYSTEM

Restart/
Run

Halt

MLO-005512

Note
The ISE control panel is designed to operate on several
system platforms and can service up to three ISE drives.
A maximum of two ISE drives can be installed in a
BA215 cabinet.

System Physical Description

2–11

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

ISE Control
Panel
Description

Table 2–3 describes the ISE control panel.
Table 2–3 BA215 Cabinet: ISE Control Panel
Component

Function

Bus Node ID
plug

Fault light

Illuminates if an error condition exists in the
ISE. The light is on temporarily during the
power-up sequence.

Write-Protect
button

Determines if the ISE is to be write-protected.
Pressing the button in write-protects the ISE
and illuminates the (amber) indicator light.

Ready button

Determines if the ISE is to be placed on-line or
off-line.
Releasing the button (out position) places
the ISE on-line and illuminates the (green)
indicator light. Under normal operation the
green indicator flashes as seek operations are
performed. Pressing the button in places the ISE
off-line and extinguishes the indicator light.

2–12 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

CPU Cover
Panel

The CPU cover panel contains certain system controls,
indicators, and connectors. Figure 2–8 shows the panel.

Figure 2–8 BA215 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel

LED
Display
Break
Enable/
Disable
Switch

Power-Up
Mode Switch
Modified
Modular
Jack
A1

Standard
Ethernet
Connector

ThinWire
Ethernet
Connector

Ethernet
Connector
Switch
MLO-000679

System Physical Description

2–13

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

CPU Cover
Panel
Description

Table 2–4 describes the components on the CPU cover panel.
Table 2–4 BA215 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel Components
Component

Function

Power-Up Mode
switch

Determines the system response at power up:
•

Language Inquiry Mode (top position, indicated
by a profile of a face):
Causes the system to display a language
selection menu at power up if the console
terminal supports multiple languages. Also,
if a default boot device has not been selected,
this mode causes the system to prompt for a boot
device from a list of bootable devices. Once a
device is selected, the system will autoboot from
that device on power up.

•

Run Mode (middle position, indicated by an
arrow):
This position is the normal operating setting.

•

Loop Back Test Mode (bottom position, indicated
by a T in a circle):
Causes the system to run loopback tests on the
console serial line at power up. This setting
requires special loopback connectors and is for
Digital Services use only.

Modified
modular jack
(MMJ)

Provides the connection for the console terminal.

LED display

Shows the testing sequence during power up.
(continued on next page)

2–14 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

Table 2–4 (Cont.) BA215 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel
Components
Component

Function

Break Enable
/Disable switch

Determines if the system will respond to a break
signal from the console. If the switch is down,
breaks are disabled. If the switch is up, breaks are
enabled.
When breaks are enabled, pressing Break on the
console halts the processor and transfers control to
the console program. Use the console command SET
CONTROLP if you wish to specify Ctrl/P rather than
Break to initiate a break.
The Break Enable/Disable switch also controls
the system power-up response. When breaks are
disabled, the system autoboots at power up. When
breaks are enabled, the system enters console mode
(indicated by the (>>>) prompt) at power up.
The console commands SET HALT REBOOT and
SET HALT RESTART_REBOOT allow you to
override the Break Enable/Disable switch and
automatically boot software after an error halt or
power up, even if breaks are enabled.

Ethernet
connectors

Provide for connecting to either ThinWire Ethernet
or standard Ethernet.
The position of the Ethernet connector switch
determines which connector is active. Setting the
switch to the up position selects standard Ethernet.
Setting the switch to the down position selects
ThinWire Ethernet. A green LED for each connector
indicates the active connection.

System Physical Description

2–15

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

Power Supply
Controls

The power supply provides power to the mass storage devices,
the modules in the card cage, and the cabinet fans. Figure 2–9
shows the power supply controls and indicators.
Figure 2–9 BA215 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls

DC OK
Light
Reset
Button

Power
Supply
Circuit
Breaker

MLO-000680

2–16 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA215 Enclosure

Power Supply
Control
Descriptions

Table 2–5 describes the power supply controls and indicators.
Table 2–5 BA215 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and
Indicators
Component

Function

DC OK

Illuminates (green) if the power supply voltages
are within the correct operating range.

Reset
button

When pressed, resets the system to the powerup state. The button is recessed to prevent
inadvertent resetting of the system.

Circuit
breaker

Protects the system from power surges. When
tripped, the circuit breaker is in the out position.
To reset the breaker, press the circuit breaker to
the in position.

System Physical Description

2–17

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure
Front Door
Access

The BA430 enclosure has hinge mounted upper and lower
doors that provide access to the system controls. The doors are
controlled by a three-position rotary lock that allows you to open
both doors or the upper door only.
Figure 2–10 shows the rotary lock and indicates which controls
are accessible in each key position.
Figure 2–10 BA430 Cabinet: Front Door Access

Door Handle

Rotary Key Lock
Top Key Position:
Access to SCP, ISEs, and
Tape Drive Controls and
Indicators (Upper Part Open)

Middle Key Position:
No Access to Controls
(Both Parts Locked)
Bottom Key Position:
Access to Power Switch;
All Controls and Indicators
(Both Parts Open)
MLO-006033

2–18 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

Enclosure
Front View

Figure 2–11 shows a typical BA430 cabinet with both doors
open.
Figure 2–11 BA430 Cabinet: Front View with Doors Open
Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs)
Tape Drive

System Control
Panel (SCP)

Power Supply
CPU Cover Panel

Fans
Card Cage
MLO-005502

System Physical Description

2–19

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

Mass Storage
Shelf

The mass storage shelf extends across the top of the enclosure.
The shelf contains a system control panel (SCP), up to three
RF-series integrated storage elements (ISEs), and a TF85, TK70,
or TLZ04 tape drive. Tapeless systems can have up to four
RF-series ISEs.
Figure 2–12 shows the mass storage shelf.
Figure 2–12 BA430 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf
ISE 2

ISE 1

ISE 0

Tape Drive

Over Temperature
Warning Indicator
DC OK Indicator
Halt Button
Restart Button
System Control Panel (SCP)
MLO-005386

2–20 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

Mass
Storage Shelf
Description

Table 2–6 describes the mass storage shelf components.
Table 2–6 BA430 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf Components
Component

Description

ISE units

Up to three ISEs can be installed in the BA430
cabinet (four ISEs on a tapeless system). Each
ISE drive has its own set of controls and indicators.
When the system is powered on, the indicator lights
indicate the state of the ISEs.

Tape drive

A TF85, TK70, or TLZ04 tape drive can be installed
in this position. If no tape is installed, a fourth ISE
drive can be installed in the cabinet.

System Control Panel
Over
Temperature
Warning
indicator (red)

Flashes red if the internal system temperature
approaches a level that may cause system
component overheating. If the internal
temperature reaches a certain threshold, the
system automatically shuts down.
In addition to the indicator, an audible alarm also
provides warning of a possible over temperature
condition.

DC OK indicator
(green)

Illuminates if the power supply voltages are within
operating limits.
(continued on next page)

System Physical Description

2–21

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

Table 2–6 (Cont.) BA430 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf
Components
Component

Description

System Control Panel
Halt button

Controls the running state of the system.
Pressing the button in halts the system and
illuminates the red indicator on the button. When
pressed a second time, the button returns to the
out position.
When the Halt button is out, the console mode
prompt (>>>) is displayed and commands can be
entered on the console. If you inadvertently press
Halt, enter CONTINUE Return to continue.
CAUTION: Pressing the Halt button halts the
system regardless of the setting of the Break
Enable/Disable switch.

Restart button

Pressing the Restart button causes the system to
return to its power-up state and execute self-tests.
If a boot device has been specified, and the Break
Enable/Disable switch is set to disable, the system
will reboot the system software. The button has a
green indicator.

Note
The Halt and Restart buttons can be disabled to prevent
accidental activation. Contact the Digital Services
representative if you want to disable the controls on the
SCP.

2–22 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

ISE Controls

Up to three ISEs can be installed in a BA430 enclosure (four
on tapeless systems). Figure 2–13 shows the ISE controls and
indicators.
Figure 2–13 BA430 Cabinet: ISE Controls

Run/Ready Button
Write-Protect Button

Bus Node
ID Plug

Fault Indicator
MLO-004044

System Physical Description

2–23

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

ISE Control
Descriptions

Table 2–7 describes the ISE control panel.
Table 2–7 BA430 Cabinet: ISE Control Panel
Component

Function

Bus Node ID
plug

Fault light

Illuminates if an error condition exists in the
ISE. The light is on temporarily during the
power-up sequence.

Ready button

Determines if the ISE is to be placed on-line or
off-line.
Pressing the button in places the ISE on-line
and illuminates the green indicator light. Under
normal operation, the indicator flashes as seek
operations are performed. Setting the button
out places the ISE off-line and extinguishes the
indicator light.

Write-Protect
button

Determines if the ISE is to be write-protected.
Pressing the button in write-protects the ISE
and illuminates the (amber) indicator light.

2–24 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

CPU Cover
Panel

The CPU cover panel contains certain system controls,
indicators, and connectors. Figure 2–14 shows the panel.

Figure 2–14 BA430 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel

CPU Cover Panel

Break
Enable/
Disable
Switch

Standard
Ethernet
Connector

LED Display
Power-Up
Mode Switch
Modified
Modular Jack
Ethernet
Connector Switch
ThinWire Ethernet
Connector

MLO-005504

System Physical Description

2–25

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

CPU Cover
Panel
Description

Table 2–8 describes the CPU cover panel components.
Table 2–8 BA430 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel Components
Component

Function

Power-Up Mode
switch

Determines the system response at power up:
•

Language Inquiry Mode (top position, indicated
by a profile of a face):
Causes the system to display a language
selection menu at power up if the console
terminal supports multiple languages. Also,
if a default boot device has not been selected,
this mode causes the system to prompt for a
boot device from a list of bootable devices. Once
a device is selected, the system autoboots from
that device each time it is powered on.

•

Run Mode (middle position, indicated by an
arrow):
This position is the normal operating setting.

•

Modified
modular jack
(MMJ)

Provides the connection for the console terminal.

LED display

Shows the testing sequence during power up.
(continued on next page)

2–26 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

Table 2–8 (Cont.) BA430 Cabinet: CPU Cover Panel
Components
Component

Function

Break Enable
/Disable switch

Determines if the system will respond to a break
signal from the console. If the switch is down,
breaks are disabled. If the switch is up, breaks are
enabled.
When breaks are enabled, pressing Break on the
console halts the processor and transfers control to
the console program. Use the console command SET
CONTROLP to specify Ctrl/P rather than Break to
initiate a break if desired.
The Break Enable/Disable switch also controls
the system power-up response. When breaks are
disabled, the system autoboots at power up. When
breaks are enabled, the system enters console mode
(indicated by the (>>>) prompt) at power-up.
Use the console commands SET HALT REBOOT
and SET HALT RESTART_REBOOT, if desired, to
override the Break Enable/Disable switch setting.
These commands will cause an autoboot after an
error halt or power up, even if breaks are enabled.

Ethernet
connectors

System Physical Description

2–27

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

Power Supply
Controls

The power supply provides power to the mass storage devices,
the modules in the card cage, and to the cabinet fans.
Figure 2–15 shows the power supply controls and indicators.
Figure 2–15 BA430 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and
Indicators

Power Supply
Power Switch
AC Present Indicator
DC OK Indicator
Fan Failure
Indicator
Over Temperature
Condition Indicator

Power Bus
Connectors

Power Cable
Connector

MLO-005506

2–28 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 200 System, BA430 Enclosure

Power Supply
Control
Descriptions

Table 2–9 describes the power supply controls and indicators.
Table 2–9 BA430 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and
Indicators
Component

Function

Power switch

Turns system power on and off.
The power switch also functions as the system
circuit breaker. In the event of a power surge,
the breaker will trip, causing the power
switch to return to the off position. Turning
the system on resets the circuit breaker. If
the circuit breaker trips, wait one minute
before turning the system back on.

AC Present
indicator

Illuminates (orange) when the power switch is
on and voltage is present at the input of the
power supply.

DC OK
indicator

Illuminates (green) if the power supply
voltages are within operating limits.

Fan Failure
indicator

Illuminates (amber) if either of the two
cooling fans stops working. The power supply
will automatically shut down the system as a
precautionary measure when a fan failure is
detected.

Over
Temperature
Condition
indicator

Illuminates (amber) if the system shuts down
due to an over temperature condition.

Power bus
connectors

Provides a means for the system cabinet
to control power sequencing in expansion
cabinets. This allows one power switch to
control power for an entire expanded system.
CAUTION

Dual-host systems should not be configured with a
power bus. Inadvertently shutting off a host system and
bringing down the cluster defeats the reliability of a
dual-host system.

System Physical Description

2–29

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440
The BA440 enclosure is the main system cabinet for VAX 4000
Model 300, 400, 500, and 600 systems. This section describes the
main features of the enclosure.

Front Door
Access

The BA440 enclosure has hinge-mounted upper and lower
doors that provide access to the system controls. The doors are
controlled by a three-position rotary lock that allows you to open
both doors or the upper door only.
Figure 2–16 shows the rotary lock and indicates which controls
are accessible in each key position.
Figure 2–16 BA440 Cabinet: Front Door Access

Door Handle

Rotary Key Lock
Top Key Position:
Access to SCP, ISEs, and
Tape Drive Controls and
Indicators (Upper Part Open)

Middle Key Position:
No Access to Controls
(Both Parts Locked)
Bottom Key Position:
Access to Power Switch;
All Controls and Indicators
(Both Parts Open)
MLO-006033

2–30 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Enclosure
Front View

Figure 2–17 shows a typical BA440 cabinet with both doors
open.
Figure 2–17 BA440 Cabinet: Front View with Doors Open
Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs)
Tape Drive

System Control
Panel (SCP)

Power Supply
Console Module

Fans
Card Cage
MLO-004016

System Physical Description

2–31

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Mass Storage
Shelf

The mass storage shelf extends across the top of the enclosure.
The shelf contains a system control panel (SCP), up to three
RF-series ISEs, and a tape drive. Tapeless systems can have up
to four RF-series ISEs.
Figure 2–18 shows the mass storage shelf.
Figure 2–18 BA440 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf
ISE 2

ISE 1

ISE 0

Tape Drive

Over Temperature
Warning Indicator
DC OK Indicator
Halt Button
Restart Button
System Control Panel (SCP)
MLO-005386

Note
With RF35 ISE drives, up to six ISEs and a tape drive
can be installed in the BA440 cabinet. On tapeless
systems, seven ISEs can be installed.
The RF35 ISE has a dual-disk capability; two separate
ISEs share the same mass storage cavity and control
panel.

2–32 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Mass
Storage Shelf
Description

Table 2–10 describes the mass storage shelf components.
Table 2–10 BA440 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf Components
Component

Description

ISE units

Each ISE drive has its own set of controls and
indicators (shared controls for RF35 drives). When
the system is powered on, the indicator lights
indicate the state of the ISEs.

Tape drive

A TK70, TLZ04, or TF-series tape drive can be
installed in this position. If no tape is installed, a
fourth ISE drive can be installed in the cabinet.

System Control Panel
Over
Temperature
Warning
indicator (red)

DC OK indicator
(green)

Illuminates if the power supply voltages are within
operating limits.
(continued on next page)

System Physical Description

2–33

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Table 2–10 (Cont.) BA440 Cabinet: Mass Storage Shelf
Components
Component

Description

System Control Panel
Halt button

Controls the running state of the system.
Pressing the button in halts the system and
illuminates the red indicator on the button. When
pressed a second time, the button is returned to the
out position.
When the Halt button is out, the console mode
prompt (>>>) is displayed and commands can be
entered on the console. If you inadvertently press
Halt, enter CONTINUE Return to continue.
CAUTION: Pressing the Halt button halts the
system regardless of the setting of the Break
Enable/Disable switch.

Restart button

Note
The Halt and Restart buttons can be disabled to prevent
accidental activation. Contact the Digital Services
representative if you want to disable the controls on the
SCP.

2–34 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

ISE Controls

With dual-disk, RF35 ISE devices, up to seven ISEs or up to six
RF-series ISEs and a tape drive can be installed in the cabinet.
Figure 2–19 shows the ISE controls and indicators for the two
styles of RF-series ISE devices: single disk per cavity, and dual
disk per cavity.
Figure 2–19 BA440 Cabinet: ISE Controls

Run/Ready
Button
Write-Protect
Button

Bus Node
ID Plugs

Bus Node
ID Plug

Fault
Indicator

Fault Indicator
Run/Ready
Indicator

MLO-007175

System Physical Description

2–35

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

ISE Control
Descriptions

Table 2–11 describes the controls and indicators for the two types
of RF-series ISE devices: single disk per cavity, and dual disk
per cavity (RF35 ISE).
Table 2–11 BA440 Cabinet: ISE Controls
Component

Function

Bus Node ID
plug

Identifies the bus node number of the ISE.
Bus node numbers are factory-configured in
consecutive order from right to left with the
rightmost ISE being node 0. If the plug is
missing, the bus node number is undefined and
the fault indicator lights.
If the system has an RF35 with only one disk,
one set of controls will have a blank bus node ID
plug and its indicators will not light.

Fault light

Illuminates if an error condition exists in the
ISE. The light is on temporarily during the
power-up sequence.

Run/Ready
button

Determines if the ISE is to be placed on-line or
off-line.
Pushing the button in places the ISE on-line
and illuminates the green indicator light. Under
normal operation, the indicator flashes as seek
operations are performed. Setting the button
out places the ISE off-line and extinguishes the
indicator light.

Write-Protect
button

Determines if the ISE is to be write-protected.
Pressing the button in write-protects the ISE
and illuminates the (amber) indicator light.
The RF35 ISE has no Write-Protect button.
Write-protecting the RF35 is by way of
commands issued by the operating system or
firmware commands in console mode.

2–36 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Console
Module

The console module contains several system controls, indicators,
and connectors. Figure 2–20 shows the module.
Figure 2–20 BA440 Cabinet: Console Module

Power-Up
Mode Switch
Baud Rate
Select Switch

Modified
Modular Jack
Baud
300___________0
600___________1
1200__________2
2400__________3
4800__________4
9600__________5
19200_________6
38400_________7

Break Enable/
Disable Switch
Bus 0

LED Display

Bus 1

DSSI
Connectors
(External
Bus,
Bus 1)

Bus Node
ID Plugs
Ethernet
Connector
Switch
Standard
Ethernet
Connector
ThinWire
Ethernet
Connector

MLO-004038

System Physical Description

2–37

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Console
Module
Description

Table 2–12 describes the console module components.
Table 2–12 BA440 Cabinet: Console Module Components
Component

Function

Power-Up Mode
switch

Determines the system response at power up:
•

Language Inquiry Mode (top position, indicated
by a profile of a face):
Causes the system to display a language
selection menu at power up if the console
terminal supports multiple languages. Also,
if a default boot device has not been selected,
this mode causes the system to prompt for a
boot device from a list of bootable devices. Once
a device is selected, the system autoboots from
that device each time it is powered on.

•

Run Mode (middle position, indicated by an
arrow):
This position is the normal operating setting.

•

Baud Rate
Select switch

Set to match the baud rate of the console terminal.
The factory setting is position 5 (9600).

Modified
modular jack
(MMJ)

Provides the connection for the console terminal.

LED display

Shows the testing sequence during power up.
(continued on next page)

2–38 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Table 2–12 (Cont.) BA440 Cabinet: Console Module
Components
Component

Function

Break Enable
/Disable switch

Determines if the system will respond to a break
signal from the console. If the switch is down,
breaks are disabled. If the switch is up, breaks are
enabled.
When breaks are enabled, pressing Break on the
console halts the processor and transfers control to
the console program. Use the console command SET
CONTROLP to specify Ctrl/P rather than Break to
initiate a break if desired.
The Break Enable/Disable switch also controls
the system power-up response. When breaks are
disabled, the system autoboots at power up. When
breaks are enabled, the system enters console mode
(indicated by the (>>>) prompt) at power up.
Use the console commands SET HALT REBOOT
and SET HALT RESTART_REBOOT, if desired, to
override the Break Enable/Disable switch setting.
These commands will cause an autoboot after an
error halt or power up, even if breaks are enabled.

Bus Node ID
plugs

Identifies the bus nodes of DSSI adapters in the
CPU. The system has two separate DSSI buses. One
plug identifies an internal DSSI bus (Bus 0) and the
other plug identifies an external DSSI bus (Bus 1).
Both plugs are factory-configured.

DSSI Bus 1
connectors

(Labeled X and Y)
Provides a means for expanding the system by
connecting additional mass storage devices to the
second DSSI bus.
(continued on next page)

System Physical Description

2–39

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Table 2–12 (Cont.) BA440 Cabinet: Console Module
Components
Component

Function

Ethernet
connectors

2–40 System Physical Description

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Power Supply
Controls

The power supply provides power to the mass storage devices,
the modules in the card cage, and the cabinet fans. Figure 2–21
shows the controls and indicators.
Figure 2–21 BA440 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and
Indicators

Power Switch
AC Present Indicator
DC OK Indicator
Fan Failure
Indicator
Over Temperature
Condition Indicator

Power Bus
Connectors

Power Cable
Connector

MLO-004040

System Physical Description

2–41

VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600 Enclosure — BA440

Power Supply
Control
Descriptions

Table 2–13 describes the power supply controls and indicators.
Table 2–13 BA440 Cabinet: Power Supply Controls and
Indicators
Component

Function

Power switch

Turns system power on and off.
The power switch also functions as the system
circuit breaker. In the event of a power
surge, the breaker will trip, causing the
power switch to return to the off (0) position.
Turning the system on resets the circuit
breaker. If the circuit breaker trips, wait one
minute before turning the system back on.

AC Present
indicator

Illuminates (orange) when the power switch is
on and voltage is present at the input of the
power supply.

DC OK
indicator

Illuminates (green) if the power supply
voltages are within operating limits.

Fan Failure
indicator

Illuminates (amber) if either of the two
cooling fans stops working. The power supply
automatically shuts down the system as a
precautionary measure when a fan failure is
detected.

Over
Temperature
Condition
indicator

Illuminates (amber) if the system shuts down
due to an over temperature condition.

Power bus
connectors

Provides a means for the system cabinet
to control power sequencing in expansion
cabinets. This allows one power switch to
control power for an entire expanded system.
CAUTION

Dual-host systems should not be configured with a
power bus. Inadvertently shutting off a host system and
bringing down the cluster defeats the reliability of a
dual-host system.

2–42 System Physical Description

VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 System Unit

VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 System Unit
The VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 system units are similar.
This section describes the physical characteristics of the system
units.

Front Panel
View

Figure 2–22 shows the ports, switches, and indicators on the
front of the system unit.
Figure 2–22 VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Front Panel

4
5
6
7

MLO-008072

System Physical Description

2–43

VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 System Unit

Front Panel
Components

Table 2–14 describes the front panel components.
Table 2–14 VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Front Panel
Components
Item

Component

Function

On/Off switch

Power switch for system unit.

Front door

Protects switches.

Headset jack

For audio output to a headset (software
controlled).

Audio speaker switch

Turns speaker on (down) and off (up).

Halt button

Used to put the system into console
mode.

Alternate console
switch

Set to the up position to select a
terminal as an alternate console
for testing purposes, or to the down
position to return to normal use of the
workstation monitor.

Diagnostic lights

Show status of the system during
diagnostic tests.

2–44 System Physical Description

VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 System Unit

Rear Panel

Figure 2–23 shows the ports, switches, and indicators on the
back of the system unit.
Figure 2–23 VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Rear Panel

5
6

3
7

4
8
9
10
11
12
MLO-008073

System Physical Description

2–45

VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 System Unit

Rear Panel
Description

Table 2–15 describes the rear panel components.
Table 2–15 VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Rear Panel
Components
Item

Component

Function

SCSI port

Connects small computer system
interface (SCSI) peripheral devices
to the system unit. The system comes
with a SCSI terminator preinstalled.
Remove this terminator to attach
external options to the system unit or
expansion boxes.

Monitor video port

Connects the monitor video cable.

Monitor power port

Connects the monitor power cord.

System power port

Connects the system unit power cord.

Remote mouse/
keyboard port

Connects the remote mouse and
keyboard cable.

Mouse port

Connects the mouse cable.

Keyboard port

Connects the keyboard cable.

Printer/
communications port
(TTA3)

Primarily for connecting a printer or
hardcopy terminal through an RS423
cable. OpenVMS does not support
modems on this port.

Communications/
printer port (TTA2)

Primarily for connecting an
asynchronous communications device
such as a modem, through an RS232
cable. The secondary use is to attach a
printer or hardcopy terminal.

Standard Ethernet
port

Connects to a standard Ethernet
network.
(continued on next page)

2–46 System Physical Description

VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90 System Unit

Table 2–15 (Cont.) VAXstation 4000 Models 60 and 90: Rear
Panel Components
Item

Component

Function

Network switch

Selects either ThinWire Ethernet or
standard Ethernet. Move the switch to
the left for standard Ethernet or to the
right for ThinWire Ethernet.

ThinWire Ethernet
port

Connects to a ThinWire Ethernet
network.

System Physical Description

2–47

VAXstation 4000 Model VLC

VAXstation 4000 Model VLC
Side Panel

Figure 2–24 shows the ports and controls on the side of the
system unit.
Figure 2–24 VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Side Panel
Keyboard Port
Alternate Console Switch

Mouse Port

Halt Button
Headset Jack
S3

MLO-009238

2–48 System Physical Description

VAXstation 4000 Model VLC

Side Panel
Description

Table 2–16 describes the side panel components.
Table 2–16 VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Side Panel

Rear Panel

Component

Function

Headset jack

Connects an optional headset for audio
input and output.

Halt button

Halts the system and puts it into console
mode.

Alternate console
switch

Connects a terminal as an alternate
display device for testing purposes.

Keyboard port

Connects the keyboard cable.

Mouse port

Connects the mouse or an alternate
pointing device.

Figure 2–25 shows the ports and controls on the back of the
system unit.
Figure 2–25 VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Rear Panel
Monitor Video Port
Printer/Communications Port
SCSI Port
System Power Port
Monitor Power Port

Communications/Printer
Port
Standard Ethernet Port

On/Off Switch

MLO-007021

System Physical Description

2–49

VAXstation 4000 Model VLC

Rear Panel
Description

Table 2–17 describes the rear panel components.
Table 2–17 VAXstation 4000 Model VLC: Rear Panel
Component

Function

Monitor video port

Connects the monitor video cable.

Printer/communications
port

For connecting a DEC423 —
DECconnect cable-compatible
printer or hardcopy terminal, or
for connecting a communications
device.

Communications/printer
port

For connecting an asynchronous
communications device such as a
modem, or for connecting a printer
or hardcopy terminal.

SCSI port

Connects small computer system
interface (SCSI) peripheral devices.

Standard Ethernet port

Connects to a standard Ethernet
network.

Monitor power port

Connects the monitor power cord.

System power port

Connects the system power cord.

On/Off switch

Turns the system power on and off.

2–50 System Physical Description

3
Console Commands

Introduction

The console subsystem provides the means to control and
monitor systems operations. When the console control program
is in the console I/O mode of operation, you can enter commands
to display information about the system and to set various
system parameters.
This chapter describes the console I/O mode of operation,
summarizes all console commands, and describes the more
commonly used commands.
Topics include:
•

Console I/O mode

•

Changing the console language

•

Console security feature: VAX 4000 model 100 and
VAXstation 4000 systems

•

Console command descriptions

Console Commands

3–1

Console I/O Mode

Console I/O Mode
How the
System Enters
Console I/O
Mode

The console control program enters console I/O mode when the
system is powered on for the first time. The action taken on a
subsequent power up depends on the settings of certain system
hardware or software controls.
VAX 4000 systems
On these systems, the action taken on a subsequent power up
depends on the position of the Break Enable/Disable switch and
the setting of the halt action flag.
The console control program will enter console I/O mode on
power up if:
•

The Break Enable/Disable switch is set to enable, OR

•

The switch is set to disable and the default halt action was
set to HALT by the last SET HALT console command.

VAXstation 4000 systems
On these systems, the console program will enter console I/O
mode if the halt action was set to HALT by the last SET HALT
console command. VAXstation 4000 systems do not have a Break
Enable/Disable switch.

3–2 Console Commands

Console I/O Mode

Console I/O
Mode Control
Characters

Table 3–1 lists the keyboard control characters that have special
meaning in console I/O mode.
Table 3–1 Console I/O Mode Control Characters
Character

Function

Return

Ends a command line. No action is taken on a
command until it is terminated by a carriage
return.

< x (rubout)

Deletes the previously typed character.
On a video terminal, the previous character is
erased and the cursor is restored to its previous
position.
On a hardcopy terminal, each time the <x
key is pressed, the console echoes a backslash
(\) followed by the character deleted. If you
type a non-rubout character, the console echoes
another backslash, followed by the character
typed. The result is to echo the characters
deleted, surrounded by backslashes.

Ctrl/A or F14

Toggles insertion/overstrike mode for command
line editing. By default, the console powers up
to overstrike mode.

Ctrl/C

Aborts processing of a command. Has no effect
as part of a binary load data stream. Clears
Ctrl/S and reenables output stopped by Ctrl/O .

Ctrl/D or

Moves the cursor one position to the left.
Moves the cursor to the end of the line.

Ctrl/E
Ctrl/F or
Ctrl/B ,

Moves the cursor one position to the right.

, or

Ctrl/H or F12

Recalls previous commands.
Same as < x (rubout), above.
(continued on next page)

Console Commands

3–3

Console I/O Mode

Table 3–1 (Cont.) Console I/O Mode Control Characters

3–4 Console Commands

Character

Function

Ctrl/O

Suspends output to the console until you enter
Ctrl/O again. Output stream data continues
to be sent to the console but is not displayed.
Output display is resumed if the console prints
an error message or when the end of the output
stream is reached (console prompts for the next
command). Output is also resumed by entering
Maintenance mode: Break or Ctrl/C .

Ctrl/Q

Resumes the display of an output stream that
was suspended by Ctrl/S . On pressing Ctrl/Q ,
output stream data is resumed from the point
where it was suspended.

Ctrl/R

Echoes the current command line. Useful for
improving command line readability on edited
command lines.

Ctrl/S

Suspends output to the console terminal until
you enter Ctrl/Q . On pressing Ctrl/Q , output
stream data is resumed from the point where it
was suspended.

Ctrl/U

Echoes ^U<CR>. Entered, but otherwise
ignored if typed on an empty line.

Console I/O Mode

Entering
Console
Commands

Command line length
Console commands can be up to 80-characters long. Longer
commands produce error messages. The character count does not
include rubouts, rubbed-out characters, or the Return at the end
of the command.
Spaces and tabs
Multiple spaces and tabs are treated as a single space. Leading
and trailing spaces and tabs are ignored.
Numerics
Enter all numbers (addresses, data, counts) in hexadecimal
except for symbolic register names. Enter the numeric portion
of the register name in decimal. Hexadecimal digits include the
numbers 0 through 9 and the alpha characters A through F.
Command line case
You can enter commands in uppercase or lowercase letters,
including hexadecimal digits (A through F).
Qualifiers
You can place command qualifiers after the command keyword or
after any symbol or number in the command.
The following symbols denote qualifier and argument
conventions:
[]

Optional qualifier or argument

{}

Required qualifier or argument

Console Commands

3–5

Console I/O Mode

Console
Command
Summary

Table 3–2 is a summary of VAX 4000 and VAXstation 4000
console I/O mode commands. Some of the commands in the table
may not apply to your system. To display a list of supported
commands, enter the following command at the console prompt:

>>> HELP
Table 3–2 Console I/O Mode Command Summary
Command

Function

BOOT

Initializes the processor and transfers
execution to the VMB, the primary bootstrap
program.

CONFIGURE

Invokes an interactive mode that allows
you to enter Q22–bus device names, then
generates a table of Q22–bus I/O page device
CSR addresses and interrupt vectors.

CONTINUE

Resumes instruction execution at the point
where a halt occurred. Does not initialize the
processor.

DEPOSIT

Deposits data into the address you specify.
If you do not specify an address space or
data size qualifier, the console uses the
last address space and data size used in a
DEPOSIT, EXAMINE, MOVE, or SEARCH
command.

EXAMINE

Examines the contents of the memory location
or register of the address you specify.

FIND

Searches main memory starting at address
0 (zero) for a page-aligned 128 kB segment
of good memory, or a restart parameter block
(RPB).

HALT

Has no effect. Is included for compatibility
with other VAX consoles.

HELP

Displays the correct syntax for all console
commands.

INITIALIZE

Performs a processor initialization.
(continued on next page)

3–6 Console Commands

Console I/O Mode

Table 3–2 (Cont.) Console I/O Mode Command Summary
Command

Function

LOGIN1

Places the console in privileged console mode.
When the console security feature is enabled
and you put the system in console mode, the
system operates in unprivileged console mode.
You can access only a subset of the console
commands. To access the full range of console
commands, use the LOGIN command. This
command may only be executed in secure
console mode.

MOVE

Copies a block of memory starting at the
source address to a block beginning at the
destination address.

Executes the number of macroinstructions
you specify. If you do not specify a number, 1
(one) is assumed.

REPEAT

Repeatedly displays and executes the
command you specify. Press Ctrl/C to stop the
command. You can specify any valid console
command except the REPEAT command.

Finds all occurrences of a pattern and reports
the addresses where the pattern was found. If
you include the /NOT qualifier, the command
reports all addresses for which the pattern
did not match.

SET BFLAG

Sets the default R5 boot flags. The value
must be a hexadecimal number of up to eight
digits.

SET BOOT

Sets the default boot device. The value must
be a valid device name.

SET
CONTROLP

Sets Ctrl/P as the console halt condition,
instead of a BREAK.

1 VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 systems.

(continued on next page)

Console Commands

3–7

Console I/O Mode

Table 3–2 (Cont.) Console I/O Mode Command Summary
Command

Function

SET
DIAGENV1

Determines the default diagnostic
environment for the system. The values
are: 1 for customer (default), 2 for Digital
Services, and 3 for manufacturing.

SET FBOOT1

Defines the system tests to be run at startup.
The values are: 0 to test all components
(default), 1 to test all components except
memory. Excluding memory tests can reduce
startup time.

SET HALT

Sets the default halt action. You can enter
a keyword: default, restart, reboot, halt,
restart_reboot, or a number in the range 0 to
4.

SET HOST

Connects to the DUP or MAINTENANCE
driver on the node or device you specify.

SET
LANGUAGE

Sets the console language and keyboard type.

SET PSE1

Enables or disables the console security
feature. The command accepts the following
values:
0 — Disables console security
1 — Enables console security
When the console security feature is enabled,
only a subset of the console commands are
available to the user. To enable the complete
set of console commands once the console
security feature is enabled, use the LOGIN
command.

SET PSWD1

Allows you to set or change the console
security password.

SET RECALL

Sets command recall state to either
ENABLED (1) or DISABLED (0).

1 VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 systems.

(continued on next page)

3–8 Console Commands

Console I/O Mode

Table 3–2 (Cont.) Console I/O Mode Command Summary
Command

Function

SET SCSI_ID1

Sets the SCSI ID of the SCSI controller to a
number in the range 0 to 7. The SCSI ID of
the SCSI controller is set to 6 by default.

SHOW BFLAG

Displays the default R5 boot flags.

SHOW BOOT

Displays the default boot device.

SHOW CONFIG

Displays the system configuration and
information about the devices the firmware
has tested. Also displays the most recent
errors detected by device tests.

SHOW
CONTROLP

Shows the current state of Control-P halt
recognition, either ENABLED or DISABLED.

SHOW DEVICE

Displays all devices on the system.

SHOW DSSI

Displays the status of all nodes that can be
found on the DSSI bus. For each node on the
DSSI bus, the firmware displays the node
number, node name, boot name, and device
type, if available. Does not indicate whether
the device contains a bootable image.

SHOW
ETHERNET

Displays the hardware Ethernet address for
all Ethernet adapters that can be found, both
on-board and on the Q22–bus.

SHOW HALT

Displays the halt action. Keywords include:
default, restart, reboot, halt, restart_reboot,
or a number in the range 0 to 4.

SHOW
LANGUAGE

Displays console language and keyboard type.

SHOW
MEMORY

Displays main memory configuration, board
by board.

SHOW PSE1

Displays the state of the console security
feature.

1 VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 systems.

(continued on next page)

Console Commands

3–9

Console I/O Mode

Table 3–2 (Cont.) Console I/O Mode Command Summary
Command

Function

SHOW QBUS

Displays all Q22–bus I/O addresses that
respond to an aligned word read, plus vector
and device name information. For each
address, the console displays the address
in the VAX I/O space in hexadecimal, the
address as it would appear in the Q22–bus
I/O space in octal, and the word that was read
in hexadecimal. Also displays the vector that
you should set up, and device name or names
that could be associated with the CSR.

SHOW
RECALL

Displays the current state of command recall,
either ENABLED or DISABLED.

SHOW RLV12

Displays all RL01 and RL02 disks that appear
on the Q22–bus.

SHOW SCSI1

Shows any SCSI devices in the system.

SHOW
TRANSLATION

Shows any virtual addresses that map to the
specified physical address.

SHOW UQSSP

Displays the status of all disks and tapes
found on the Q22–bus that support the
UQSSP protocol. For each such disk or
tape on the Q22–bus, the firmware displays
the controller number, the controller CSR
address, and the boot name and type of
each device connected to the controller. The
command does not indicate whether the
device contains a bootable image.

SHOW
VERSION

Displays the current firmware version.

1 VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 systems.

(continued on next page)

3–10 Console Commands

Console I/O Mode

Table 3–2 (Cont.) Console I/O Mode Command Summary
Command

Function

START

Starts instruction execution at the address
you specify. If you do not give an address, the
current program counter is used. If memory
mapping is enabled, macroinstructions are
executed from virtual memory, and the
address is treated as a virtual address.
Equivalent to a DEPOSIT to PC, followed by
a CONTINUE. Does not perform a processor
initialization.

TEST

Invokes a diagnostic test program specified
by the test number you enter. If you enter
a test number of 0 (zero), all tests allowed
to be executed from the console terminal are
executed. The console accepts an optional
list of up to five additional hexadecimal
arguments.

UNJAM

Performs an I/O bus reset by writing a 1 (one)
to IPR 55 (decimal).

Loads or unloads (writes to, or reads from
memory) the specified number of data bytes
through the console serial line (regardless
of console type), starting at the specified
address. For use by automatic systems
communicating with the console.

Character can be used to document command
sequences. The comment character can
appear anywhere on the command line. All
characters following the comment character
are ignored.

Console Commands

3–11

Changing the Console Language

Changing the Console Language
Entering
Language
Inquiry Mode

VAX 4000 and VAXstation 4000 systems all support a feature
that allows you to change the language used by the console
program. When the console is in Language Inquiry Mode, you
select the language of your choice from a menu of languages
displayed on the console terminal.
The manner in which the console enters Language Inquiry Mode
depends on the system, as follows:
System

How to Enter Language Inquiry Mode

VAX 4000 systems
(except Model 100)

Set the Power-Up Mode switch to the
Language Inquiry Mode position before you
power on the system. This position is indicated
by the profile of a face on the switch.

VAX 4000 Model 100

Issue the console command:

>>> SET LANGUAGE
VAXstation 4000

Issue the console command:

>>> SET KBD

3–12 Console Commands

Changing the Console Language

Sample
Language
Selection Menu,
VAX 4000
Systems

Figure 3–1 shows the language selection menu displayed on a
VAX 4000 system.
Figure 3–1 Language Selection Menu, VAX 4000 System
KA6nn-A Vn.n VMB n.n
1) Dansk
2) Deutsch (Deutschland/Osterreich)
3) Deutsch (Schweiz)
4) English (United Kingdom)
5) English (United States/Canada)
6) Español
7) Français (Canada)
8) Français (France/Belgique)
9) Français (Suisse)
10) Italiano
11) Nederlands
12) Norsk
13) Português
14) Suomi
15) Svenska
(1..15):
Select a language by entering the number listed next to the
language. Save the language by rotating the Power-Up Mode
switch to run mode, indicated by an arrow. The new language
will be the default on subsequent reboots of the system.
Note
If you do not select a language within 30 seconds, the
system defaults to English (United States/Canada).

Console Commands

3–13

Changing the Console Language

Sample
Language
Selection Menu,
VAXstation
4000 Systems

Figure 3–2 shows the language selection menu for a VAXstation
4000 system.
Figure 3–2 Language Selection Menu, VAXstation 4000 System
>>> SET KBD
0) Dansk
1) Deutsch
2) Deutsch (Schweiz)
3) English
4) English (British/Irish)
5) Español
6) Français
7) Français (Canadien)

8) Français (Suisse Romande)
9) Italiano
10) Nederlands
11) Norsk
12) Português
13) Suomi
14) Svenska
15) Vlaams

3 >>>
Select the language from the menu by entering its number. The
new language will be the default on subsequent system reboots.

3–14 Console Commands

Console Security Feature: VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 Systems

Console Security Feature: VAX 4000 Model 100 and
VAXstation 4000 Systems
Overview

VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 systems support a
console security feature that allows you to disable most of the
console commands.
When the security feature is enabled, only privileged users
(those who know the security password) can use the full range of
console commands. When the console is in privileged mode, only
the following commands can be entered:
LOGIN

Allows a privileged user to gain entry to the
privileged state.

BOOT

Allows a nonprivileged user to boot from default
boot device. The command can only be issued
without parameters.

CONTINUE

Allows a nonprivileged user to continue
operations if the Halt button is accidentally
pressed.

Console Commands

3–15

Console Security Feature: VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 Systems

Setting the
Security
Password

The console security feature is disabled when the system is
installed. To set the security password, follow the sample
procedure shown in Example 3–1.
Example 3–1 Setting the Console Security Feature
>>> SET PSWD

>>> PSWD1 : {password} 
>>> PSWD2 : {password}

>>> ! Next console command
Request the set password dialog.

Enter the password in response to the system prompt (the
prompt displayed is system dependent).
The password must be a string of exactly 16 hexadecimal
characters (0 to 9 and A to F). The system does not echo the
password on the console.

Verify the password by entering it a second time.
If you enter the same password both times, the system saves
the password in non-volatile memory.
If you enter a different password, the system
displays an

error message. Repeat steps
through
if you receive an
error message.

Once you set the password, write it down and store it in a safe
place. If you forget the password, you must call Digital Services
to disable the console security feature.

Enabling
the Console
Security
Feature

After setting the security password, you must enable the console
security feature, by entering the following command at the
console prompt:
>>> SET PSE 1

3–16 Console Commands

Console Security Feature: VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 Systems

Logging in
to Privileged
Console Mode

When the console security feature is enabled, you must enter
the security password to log in to privileged console mode. In
privileged console mode you can use the full range of console
commands.
To log in to privileged console mode, follow the sample procedure
shown in Example 3–2. The procedure is specific to VAX 4000
Model 100 systems, but is similar for VAXstation 4000 systems.
You must have previously set the security password (SET PSWD
command).
Example 3–2 Logging in to Privileged Console Mode
>>> LOGIN

>>> Password: {password}

>>> ! Privileged console command
Request entry to privileged mode.

Enter the security password in response to the system
prompt (the prompt displayed is system-dependent).
If you enter the correct password, the system returns the
console prompt and you become a privileged user.
If you enter the wrong password, the system displays an
error message before returning the console prompt. Repeat
steps
and
if you receive an error message.

Console Commands

3–17

Console Security Feature: VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 Systems

Changing
the Security
Password

You must be a privileged user to change the security password.
To change the password, follow the sample procedure shown in
Example 3–3. The procedure is specific to VAX 4000 Model 100
systems, but is similar for VAXstation 4000 systems.
Example 3–3 Changing the Console Security Password
>>> LOGIN

>>> Password: {old password}
>>> SET PSWD

>>> PSWD1 : {new password} 
>>> PSWD2 : {new password} 
>>> ! Next console command
Log in as a privileged user.

Enter the old password in response to the system prompt.

Enter the command to set a new password.

Enter the new password in response to the system prompt.
The password must be a string of exactly 16 hexadecimal
characters (0 to 9 and A to F). The system does not echo the
password on the console.

Verify the new password by entering it a second time.
If you enter the same password both times, the system saves
the new password in non-volatile memory and returns the
console prompt.
If you enter the wrong password, the system displays an
error message before
returning the console prompt. Repeat

steps
through
if you receive an error message.

After you set the new password, write it down and store it in a
safe place. If you forget the password, you must call a Digital
Services representative to disable the console security feature.

3–18 Console Commands

Console Security Feature: VAX 4000 Model 100 and VAXstation 4000 Systems

Disabling
the Console
Security
Feature

When you disable the console security feature, all users can
use the full range of console commands. To disable the console
security feature, follow the sample procedure below.
Example 3–4 Disabling the Console Security Feature
>>> LOGIN
Password: {password}

>>> SET PSE 0
>>> ! Next console command

Exiting from
Privileged
Console Mode

To exit from privileged console mode, enter one of the following
commands:
•

BOOT

•

CONTINUE

•

HALT

•

START

When you exit from privileged mode, privileged users must enter
the LOGIN command with the correct password before they can
use the full range of console commands.

Console Commands

3–19

Console Command Descriptions

Console Command Descriptions
This section describes the more common console commands.
Some commands may not apply to your system. For a list of
commands supported on your system, enter the command:

>>> HELP
BOOT

Format:
BOOT [qualifier-list] [{boot_device},{boot_device},...]
Function:
Initializes the processor and transfers execution to VMB, the
primary bootstrap loader. VMB attempts to boot the operating
system from the specified device or list of devices, or from the
default boot device if none is specified. The console passes a boot
flag bitmap (if any) to VMB in R5.
If you do not enter either the qualifier or the device name,
the default value is used. Entering boot flags or a boot device
overrides, but does not permanently change, the corresponding
default value.
When specifying a list of boot devices (up to 32 characters, with
devices separated by commas and no spaces), the system checks
the devices in the order specified and boots from the first one
that contains bootable software.
Note
If included in a string of boot devices, the Ethernet
device (for example, EZA0), should be the last device of
the string. The system will continuously attempt to boot
from EZA0.

3–20 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

Qualifiers:
/R5:{boot_flags}

A 32-bit hex value passed to VMB in R5. Use
the SET BFLAG command to specify a default
boot flags longword. Use the SHOW BFLAG
command to display the longword.

/{boot_flags}

Same as /R5:{boot_flags}

[device_name]

Character string of up to 32 characters. When
specifying a list of boot devices, separate the
device names by commas and no spaces. The
factory default device is the Ethernet device.

Examples:
>>> SHOW BOOT
DKA300
>>> SHOW BFLAG
00000000
>>> B !Boot using default boot flags and device.
(BOOT/R5:0 DKA300)
2..
-DKA300

Console Commands

3–21

Console Command Descriptions

CONTINUE

Format:
CONTINUE
Function:
Causes the processor to begin instruction execution at the
address currently contained in the program counter (PC). This
address is the address stored in the PC when the system entered
console mode or an address that the user specifies using the
DEPOSIT command. The CONTINUE command does not
perform a processor initialization. The console enters program
I/O mode.
Example:
>>> CONTINUE
$

DEPOSIT

!VMS DCL prompt

Format:
DEPOSIT [qualifier-list] {address} {data} [data...]
Function:
Deposits data into the address specified. If you do not specify
an address space or data size qualifier, the console uses the last
address space and data size used in a DEPOSIT, EXAMINE,
MOVE, or SEARCH command. After processor initialization,
the default address space is physical memory and the default
data size is longword. If you specify conflicting address space or
data sizes, the console ignores the command and issues an error
message.

3–22 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

Qualifiers:
Data control: /B, /W, /L, /Q, /N:{count}, /STEP:{size}, /WRONG
Address space control: /G, /I, /M, /P, /V, /U
Arguments:
{address}

A longword address that specifies the first
location into which data is deposited. The
address can be an actual address or a symbolic
address.

{data}

The data to be deposited. If the specified
data is larger than the deposit data size, the
firmware ignores the command and issues an
error response. If the specified data is smaller
than the deposit data size, it is extended on the
left with zeros.

[{data}]

Additional data to be deposited (as many as can
fit on the command line).

Examples:
>>> D/P/B/N:1FF 0 0

! Clear first 512 bytes of
! physical memory.

>>> D/V/L/N:3 1234 5

! Deposit 5 into four longwords
! starting at virtual memory address
! 1234.
! Loads GPRs R0 through R8 with -1.

>>> D/N:8 R0 FFFFFFFF
>>> D/L/P/N:10/ST:200 0 8

! Deposit 8 in the first longword of
! the first 17 pages in physical
! memory.

>>> D/N:200 - 0

! Starting at previous address, clear
! 513 longwords or 2052 bytes.

Console Commands

3–23

Console Command Descriptions

EXAMINE

Format:
EXAMINE [qualifier-list] [address]
Function:
Examines the contents of the memory location or register
specified by the address. If no address is specified, + is assumed.
The display line consists of a single character address specifier,
the physical address to be examined, and the examined data.
EXAMINE uses the same qualifiers as DEPOSIT. However, the
/WRONG qualifier causes EXAMINE to ignore ECC errors on
reads from physical memory. The EXAMINE command also
supports an /INSTRUCTION qualifier, which will disassemble
the instructions at the current address.
Qualifiers:
Data control: /B, /W, /L, /Q, /N:{count}, /STEP:{size}, /WRONG
Address space control: /G, /I, /M, /P, /V, /U
Command-specific:
/INSTRUCTION

Disassembles and displays the VAX
MACRO–32 instruction at the specified
address.

Argument:
[{address}]

3–24 Console Commands

A longword address that specifies the first
location to be examined. The address can be
an actual or a symbolic address. If no address
is specified, + is assumed.

Console Command Descriptions

Examples:
>>> EX PC
G 0000000F FFFFFFFC
>>> EX SP
G 0000000E 00000200
>>> EX PSL
M 00000000 041F0000
>>> E/M
M 00000000 041F0000
>>> E R4/N:5
G 00000004 00000000
G 00000005 00000000
G 00000006 00000000
G 00000007 00000000
G 00000008 00000000
G 00000009 801D9000

! Examine the PC.

>>> EX PR$_SCBB
I 00000011 2004A000

! Examine the SCBB, IPR 17
! (decimal).

>>> E/P 0
P 00000000 00000000

! Examine local memory 0.

>>> EX /INS 20040000
P 20040000 11 BRB

! Examine 1st byte of ROM.
20040019

>>> EX /INS/N:5 20040019
P 20040019 D0 MOVL
P 20040024 D2 MCOML
P 2004002F D2 MCOML
P 20040036 7D MOVQ
P 2004003D D0 MOVL
P 20040044 DB MFPR

! Disassemble from branch.
I^#20140000,@#20140000
@#20140030,@#20140502
S^#0E,@#20140030
R0,@#201404B2
I^#201404B2,R1
S^#2A,B^44(R1)

>>> E/INS
P 20040048

! Look at next instruction.
S^#2B,B^48(R1)

DB MFPR

! Examine the SP.
! Examine the PSL.
! Examine PSL another way.
! Examine R4 through R9.

>>>

Console Commands

3–25

Console Command Descriptions

FIND

Format:
FIND [qualifier-list]
Function:
Searches main memory, starting at address zero, for a pagealigned 128 kB segment of good memory, or a restart parameter
block (RPB). If the command finds the segment or RPB, its
address plus 512 is left in SP (R14). If it does not find the
segment or RPB, the console issues an error message and
preserves the contents of SP. If you do not specify a qualifier,
/RPB is assumed.
Qualifiers:
/MEMORY

Searches memory for a page-aligned block of good
memory, 128 kB in length. The search looks only
at memory that is deemed usable by the bitmap.
This command leaves the contents of memory
unchanged.

/RPB

Searches all physical memory for an RPB. The
search does not use the bitmap to qualify which
pages are looked at. The command leaves the
contents of memory unchanged.

Examples:
>>> EX SP
G 0000000E 00000000
>>> FIND /MEM
>>> EX SP
G 0000000E 00000200
>>> FIND /RPB
?2C FND ERR 00C00004
>>>

HALT

! Check the SP.
! Look for a valid 128 kB.
! Note where it was found.
! Check for valid RPB.
! None to be found here.

Format:
HALT
Function:
Command has no effect; included only for compatibility with
other VAX system consoles.

3–26 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

HELP

Format:
HELP
Function:
Provides information about command syntax and usage.
Example:
The HELP screen display is system-dependent.

INITIALIZE

Format:
INITIALIZE
Function:
Initializes the processor. The hardware components initialized
are system-dependent.
Example:
>>> INIT

Console Commands

3–27

Console Command Descriptions

Format:
LOGIN
Function:
Allows you to put the system in privileged console mode.
If console security is enabled when you put the system in console
mode, the system operates in unprivileged console mode. You
can access only a subset of the console commands.
To access the full range of console commands, you must use the
LOGIN command. The command may only be executed in secure
console mode. When you enter LOGIN, the system prompts for a
password as follows:
Password:
You must enter the current console security password. If you
do not enter the correct password, the system displays an error
message.
When you enter the console security password, the system
operates in privileged console mode. The system exits from
privileged console mode when you enter one of the following
console commands:
•

BOOT

•

CONTINUE

•

HALT

•

START

3–28 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

MOVE

Format:
MOVE [qualifier-list] {src_address} {dest_address}
Function:
Copies a block of memory starting at the source address to
a block beginning at the destination address. Typically, this
command has an /N qualifier so that more than one datum is
transferred.
The MOVE command performs byte, word, longword, and
quadword reads and writes as needed to move the data. Moves
are supported only for the physical and virtual address spaces.
Qualifiers:
Data control: /B, /W, /L, /Q, /N:{count}, /STEP:{size}, /WRONG
Address space control: /V, /U, /P
Arguments:
{src_address}

A longword address that specifies the first
location of the source data to be copied.

{dest_address}

A longword address that specifies the
destination of the first byte of data. These
addresses may be an actual address or
a symbolic address. If no address is
specified, + is assumed.

Example:
>>> EX/N:3 0
P 00000000 00000000
P 00000004 00000000
P 00000008 00000000
P 0000000C 00000000
>>> EX/N:3 200
P 00000200 58DD0520
P 00000204 585E04C1
P 00000208 00FF8FBB
P 0000020C 5208A8D0
>>> MOV/N:3 200 0
>>> EX/N:4 0
P 00000000 58DD0520
P 00000004 585E04C1
P 00000008 00FF8FBB
P 0000000C 5208A8D0
>>>

! Observe destination.

! Observe source data.

! Move the data.
! Observe moved data.

Console Commands

3–29

Console Command Descriptions

Format:
NEXT {count}
Function:
Executes the specified number of macroinstructions. If no count
is specified, 1 is assumed. After the last macroinstruction is
executed, the console re-enters console I/O mode.
The console enters Spacebar Step Mode. In this mode,
subsequent spacebar strokes initiate single steps and a carriage
return forces a return to the console prompt.
The following restrictions apply:
•

If memory management is enabled, the NEXT command
works only if the first page in SSC RAM is mapped in S0
(system) space.

•

Overhead associated with the NEXT command affects
execution time of an instruction.

•

The NEXT command elevates the IPL to 31 for long periods
of time (milliseconds) while single-stepping over several
commands.

•

Unpredictable results occur if the macroinstruction being
stepped over modifies either the SCBB or the trace trap
entry. This means that you cannot use the NEXT command
in conjunction with other debuggers.

Argument:
{count}

3–30 Console Commands

A value representing the number of
macroinstructions to execute.

Console Command Descriptions

Examples:
>>> DEP 1000 50D650D4
>>> DEP 1004 125005D1
>>> DEP 1008 00FE11F9
>>> EX /INSTRUCTION /N:5 1000
P 00001000 D4 CLRL
R0
P 00001002 D6 INCL
R0
P 00001004 D1 CMPL
S^#05,R0
P 00001007 12 BNEQ
00001002
P 00001009 11 BRB
00001009
P 0000100B 00 HALT
>>> DEP PR$_SCBB 200
>>> DEP PC 1000
>>>
>>> N
P 00001002 D6 INCL
R0
P 00001004 D1 CMPL
S^#05,R0
P 00001007 12 BNEQ
00001002
P 00001002 D6 INCL
R0
>>> N 5
P 00001004 D1 CMPL
S^#05,R0
P 00001007 12 BNEQ
00001002
P 00001002 D6 INCL
R0
P 00001004 D1 CMPL
S^#05,R0
P 00001007 12 BNEQ
00001002
>>> N 7
P 00001002 D6 INCL
R0
P 00001004 D1 CMPL
S^#05,R0
P 00001007 12 BNEQ
00001002
P 00001002 D6 INCL
R0
P 00001004 D1 CMPL
S^#05,R0
P 00001007 12 BNEQ
00001002
P 00001009 11 BRB
00001009
>>> N
P 00001009 11 BRB
00001009
>>>

! Create a simple program.
! List it.

! Set up a user SCBB...
! ...and the PC.
! Single step...
! SPACEBAR
! SPACEBAR
! SPACEBAR
! CR
! ...or multiple step the program.

Console Commands

3–31

Console Command Descriptions

REPEAT

Format:
REPEAT {command}
Function:
Repeatedly displays and executes the specified command. Press
Ctrl/C to stop the command. You can specify any valid console
command except the REPEAT command.
Argument:
{command}

A valid console command other than REPEAT.

Example:
>>> REPEAT EX PR$_TODR !Watch the clock.
I 0000001B 5AFE78CE
I 0000001B 5AFE78D1
I 0000001B 5AFE78FD
I 0000001B 5AFE7900
I 0000001B 5AFE7903
I 0000001B 5AFE7907
I 0000001B 5AFE790A
I 0000001B 5AFE790D
I 0000001B 5AFE7910
I 0000001B 5AFE793C
I 0000001B 5AFE793F
I 0000001B 5AFE7942
I 0000001B 5AFE7946
I 0000001B 5AFE7949
I 0000001B 5AFE794C
I 0000001B 5AFE794F
I 0000001B 5^C
>>>

3–32 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

Format:
SEARCH [qualifier-list] {address} {pattern} [{mask}]
Function:
Finds all occurrences of a pattern and reports the addresses
where the pattern was found. If the /NOT qualifier is present,
the command reports all addresses in which the pattern did not
match.
SEARCH accepts an optional mask that indicates bits to be
ignored (don’t care bits). For example, to ignore bit 0 in the
comparison, specify a mask of 1. The mask, if not present,
defaults to 0.
A match occurs if (pattern and not mask) = (data and not mask),
where:
Pattern is the target data
Mask is the optional don’t care bitmask (which defaults to 0)
Data is the data at the current address
SEARCH reports the address under the following conditions:
/NOT Qualifier

Match Condition

Action

Absent

True

Report address

Absent

False

No report

Present

True

No report

Present

False

Report address

The address is advanced by the size of the pattern (byte,
word, longword, or quadword), unless overridden by the /STEP
qualifier.
Qualifiers:
Data control: /B, /W, /L, /Q, /N:{count}, /STEP:{size}, /WRONG
Address space control: /P, /V, /U
Command specific:
/NOT

Inverts the sense of the match.

Console Commands

3–33

Console Command Descriptions

Arguments:
{start_address}

A longword address that specifies the
first location subject to the search. This
address can be an actual address or
a symbolic address. If no address is
specified, + is assumed.

{pattern}

The target data.

[{mask}]

A mask of the bits desired in the
comparison.

Examples:
>>> DEP /P/L/N:1000 0 0
! Clear some memory.
>>>
>>> DEP 300 12345678
! Deposit some search data.
>>> DEP 401 12345678
>>> DEP 502 87654321
>>>
>>> SEARCH /N:1000 /ST:1 0 12345678 ! Search for all occurrences
P 00000300 12345678
! of 12345678 on any byte
P 00000401 12345678
! boundary. Then try on
>>> SEARCH /N:1000 0 12345678
! longword boundaries.
P 00000300 12345678
! Search for all non-zero
>>> SEARCH /N:1000 /NOT 0 0
! longwords.
P 00000300 12345678
P 00000400 34567800
P 00000404 00000012
P 00000500 43210000
P 00000504 00008765
>>> SEARCH /N:1000 /ST:1 0 1 FFFFFFFE ! Search for odd-numbered
! longwords on any boundary.
P 00000502 87654321
P 00000503 00876543
P 00000504 00008765
P 00000505 00000087
>>> SEARCH /N:1000 /B 0 12
! Search for all occurrences
P 00000303 12
! of the byte 12.
P 00000404 12
>>> SEARCH /N:1000 /ST:1 /w 0 FE11
! Search for all words that
>>>
! could be interpreted as
>>>
! a spin (10$: brb 10$).
>>>
! Note that none were found.

3–34 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

SET

Format:
SET {parameter} {value}
Function:
Sets the parameter to the value you specify.
Parameters:
BFLAG

Sets the default R5 boot flags. The value must
be a hex number of up to eight digits.

BOOT

Sets the default boot device. The value must be
a valid device name or list of device names as
specified in the BOOT command description in
BOOT.

HALT

Sets the user-defined halt action. Acceptable
values are the keywords "default," "restart,"
"reboot," "halt," "restart_reboot," or a number in
the range 0 to 4 inclusive.

HOST

Makes a DUP connection to a DSSI device.

LANGUAGE

Sets console language and keyboard type. If the
current console terminal does not support the
multinational character set (MCS), then this
command has no effect and the console message
appears in English. Values are 1 through 15.

PSE

Allows you to enable or disable the console
security feature of the system. The SET PSE
command accepts the following values:
0 — Disable console security
1 — Enable console security
When console security is enabled, only a subset
of the console commands is available to the user.
To enable the complete set of console commands
once the console security feature is enabled, you
must use the LOGIN command.

Console Commands

3–35

Console Command Descriptions

PSWD

Allows you to set or change the console security
password.

RECALL

Sets command recall state to either ENABLED
(1) or DISABLED (0).

SCSI_ID

Sets the SCSI ID of the SCSI controller to a
number in the range 0 to 7. The SCSI ID of the
SCSI controller is set to 6 by default.

Examples:
>>> SET BFLAG 220
>>> SET BOOT DUA0
>>> SET LANGUAGE 5
>>> SET HALT RESTART

3–36 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

SHOW

Format:
SHOW {parameter}
Function: Displays the console parameter you specify.
Parameters:
BFLAG

Displays the default R5 boot flags.

BOOT

Displays the default boot device.

CONFIG

Displays the system configuration. The
command displays information about the
devices that the firmware has tested. It
also displays the device errors that the most
recent device test detected.

DEVICE

Displays all devices in the system.

HALT

Shows the user-defined halt action.

DSSI

Shows the status of all nodes that are on the
DSSI bus. For each node on the DSSI bus,
the console displays the node number, the
node name, and the boot name and type of
the device, if available. The command does
not indicate the "bootability" of the device.
The node that issues the command reports a
node name of "*".
The device information is obtained from the
media type field of the MSCP command GET
UNIT STATUS. In the case where the node
is not running or is not capable of running
an MSCP server, no device information is
displayed.

ETHERNET

Displays hardware Ethernet address for
all Ethernet adapters that can be found.
Displays as blank if no Ethernet adapter is
present.

LANGUAGE

Displays console language and keyboard
type. Refer to the corresponding SET
LANGUAGE command for the definition.

MEMORY

Displays main memory configuration.

Console Commands

3–37

Console Command Descriptions

MEMORY/FULL

Additionally, displays the normally
inaccessible areas of memory, such as the
PFN bitmap pages, the console scratch
memory pages, the Q22–bus scatter-gather
map pages. Also reports the addresses of
bad pages, as defined by the bitmap.

PSE

Displays the condition of the console security
feature of the system.

QBUS

Displays all Q22–bus I/O addresses that
respond to an aligned word read, and
speculative device name information. For
each address, the console displays the
address in the VAX I/O space in hex, the
address as it would appear in the Q22–bus
I/O space in octal, and the word data that
was read in hex.
This command may take several minutes
to complete. Press Ctrl/C to terminate the
command. During execution, the command
disables the scatter-gather map.

RECALL

Shows the current state of command recall,
either ENABLED or DISABLED.

RLV12

Displays all RL01 and RL02 disks that
appear on the Q22–bus.

UQSSP

Displays the status of all disks and tapes
that can be found on the Q22–bus that
support the UQSSP protocol. For each
such disk or tape on the Q22–bus, the
firmware displays the controller number, the
controller CSR address, and the boot name
and type of each device connected to the
controller. The command does not indicate
whether the device contains a bootable
image.
This information is obtained from the media
type field of the MSCP command GET
UNIT STATUS. The console does not display
device information if a node is not running
(or cannot run) an MSCP server.

SCSI

Shows any SCSI devices in the system.

3–38 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

TRANSLATION

Shows any virtual addresses that map to
the specified physical address. The firmware
uses the current values of page table base
and length registers to perform its search;
it is assumed that page tables have been
properly built.

VERSION

Displays the current firmware version.

Examples:
>>> SHOW BFLAG
00000220
>>> SHOW BOOT
DUA0
>>> SHOW HALT
restart
>>>
>>> SHOW LANGUAGE
English (United States/Canada)
>>>
>>> SHOW TRANSLATION 1000
V 80001000
>>>
>>> SHOW VERSION
KA52 Vn.n VMBn.n
>>>
>>>
>>> SHOW ETHERNET
Ethernet Adapter
-EZA0 (08-00-2B-0B-29-14)
>>>
>>> SHOW SCSI
SCSI Adapter 0 (761300), SCSI ID 7
-DKA100 (DEC TLZ04)
>>>
>>> SHOW DEVICE
DSSI Bus 0 Node 0 (SYSDSK)
-DIA10 (RF31)
DSSI Bus 0 Node 1 (R7EB3C)
-DIA11 (RF31)
DSSI Bus 0 Node 5 (TFDR1)
-MIA5 (TF85)
DSSI Bus 0 Node 6 (*)

Console Commands

3–39

Console Command Descriptions

DSSI Bus 1 Node 0 (SNEEZY)
-DIB0 (RF71)
DSSI Bus 1 Node 1 (DOPEY)
-DIB1 (RF71)
DSSI Bus 1 Node 7 (*) UQSSP Tape Controller 0 (774500)
-MUA0 (TK70)
Ethernet Adapter
-EZA0 (08-00-2B-06-10-42)
>>> SHOW QBUS
Scan of Qbus I/O Space
-20001920 (774440) = FF08 DELQA/DESQA
-20001922 (774442) = FF00
-20001924 (774444) = FF2B
-20001926 (774446) = FF08
-20001928 (774450) = FFD7
-2000192A (774452) = FF41
-2000192C (774454) = 0000
-2000192E (774456) = 1030
-20001F40 (777500) = 0020 IPCR
Scan of Qbus Memory Space
>>>
>>> SHOW MEM/FULL
16 MB RAM, SIMM Set (0A,0B,0C,0D) present
Memory Set 0: 00000000 to 00FFFFFF, 16 MB, 32768 good pages, 0 bad pages
Total of 16 MB, 32768 good pages, 0 bad pages, 104 reserved pages
Memory Bitmap
-00FF3000 to 00FF3FFF, 8 pages
Console Scratch Area
-00FF4000 to 00FF7FFF, 32 pages
Scan of Bad Pages

3–40 Console Commands

Console Command Descriptions

START

Format:
START [{address}]
Function:
Starts instruction execution at the address you specify. If no
address is given, the current PC is used. If memory mapping is
enabled, macroinstructions are executed from virtual memory,
and the address is treated as a virtual address. The START
command is equivalent to a DEPOSIT to PC, followed by a
CONTINUE. It does not perform a processor initialization.
Argument:
[address]

The address at which to begin execution. This
address is loaded into the user’s PC.

Example:
>>> START 1000

TEST

Format:
TEST [{test_number} [{test_arguments}]]
Function:
Invokes a diagnostic test program specified by the test number.
If you enter a test number of 0 (zero), the power-up diagnostics
are executed. The console accepts an optional list of up to five
additional hexadecimal arguments.
Arguments:
{test_number}

A two-digit hex number specifying the
test to be executed.

{test_arguments}

Up to five additional test arguments.
These arguments are accepted, but
they have no meaning to the console.

Example:
>>> TEST 0
72..71..70..69..68..67..66..65..64..63..62..61..60..59..58..57..
56..55..54..53..52..51..50..49..48..47..46..45..44..43..42..41..
40..39..38..37..36..35..34..33..32..31..30..29..28..27..26..25..
24..23..22..21..20..19..18..17..16..15..14..13..12..11..10..09..
08..07..06..05..04..03..
Tests completed.
>>>

Console Commands

3–41

Console Command Descriptions

UNJAM

Format:
UNJAM
Function:
Performs an I/O bus reset. Resultant action is system-dependent.
Example:
>>> UNJAM
>>>

X — Binary
Load and
Unload

Format:
X {address} {count} CR {line_checksum} {data} {data_
checksum}
Function:
Loads or unloads (writes to, or reads from memory) the specified
number of data bytes through the console serial line (regardless
of console type) starting at the specified address.
The X command is for use by automatic systems communicating
with the console.

! (Comment)

Format:
! (exclamation point)
Function:
Useful in documenting command sequences. The comment
character can appear anywhere on the command line. All
characters following the comment character are ignored.
Example:
>>> ! The console ignores this line.
>>>

3–42 Console Commands

4
System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

Introduction

This chapter describes the basic system startup and shutdown
procedures. It is assumed that the system hardware and
software were properly installed and the diagnostic software ran
successfully.
Topics include:
•

System startup

•

System shutdown

•

Other system operations

System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

4–1

System Startup

System Startup
Startup
Procedure

To start up the system, use the following procedure:
Step

User Action or System Response

Power on the console terminal and wait for it to
complete self-tests.

On VAXstation 4000 and VAX 4000 Model 100 systems,
power on the disk, tape, and compact disc drives, if so
configured.
On VAX 4000 systems, if expansion cabinets are
connected to the system, power on the cabinets.
Note: If a power control bus cable is connected between
the system cabinet and the expansion cabinets, the
expansion cabinets will not power on until the system
cabinet is powered on.

On VAX 4000 systems, if you want the console to use a
language other than English, set the Power-Up Mode
switch to Language Inquiry Mode (indicated by the
profile of a face on the switch).

Power on the system cabinet (or system unit) by setting
the power switch to the 1 position.

4–2 System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

System Startup

Startup Display,
VAX 4000
Systems

Figure 4–1 shows a typical startup display for a VAX 4000
system.
Figure 4–1 VAX 4000 System Startup Display
KAxx-A Vn.n, VMB n.n
Performing normal system tests.
66..65..64..63..62..61..60..59..58..57..56..55..54..53..52..51.. 
50..49..48..47..46..45..44..43..42..41..40..39..38..37..36..35..
34..33..32..31..30..29..28..27..26..25..24..23..22..21..20..19..
18..17..16..15..14..13..12..11..10..09..08..07..06..05..04..03..
Tests completed.

>>>

CPU name, firmware version number, and VMB version
number
ROM based diagnostics countdown
Console mode prompt

System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

4–3

System Startup

Startup Display,
VAXstation
4000 Systems

Figure 4–2 shows a typical startup display for a VAXstation 4000
system.
Figure 4–2 VAXstation 4000 System Startup Display
KA49−A Vn.n 1
08−00−2B−04−03−12
32MB 3

OK
>>>

NUO−0535−04−GRA

CPU type and firmware version number

Ethernet hardware address

Memory size

Status bar — increases in size as self-tests run
Console mode prompt

4–4 System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

System Startup

Startup Display
with Error, VAX
4000 Systems

On VAX 4000 systems, errors during self-tests are indicated
by one or more error summaries, depending on the type of
error being displayed on the console terminal. A sample error
summary is shown in Figure 4–3.
Figure 4–3 VAX 4000 Startup Display, with Error
KA6nn-A Vn.n VMB n.n
Performing normal system tests.
95..94..93..92..91..90..89..88..87..86..85..84..83..82..81..80..
79..78..77..76..75..74..73..72..71..70..69..68..67..66..65..64..
63..62..61..60..59..58..57..56..55..54..53..52..51..50..49..48..
47..46..45..44..43..42..41..40..39..38..37..36..35..34..33..32..
31..30..29..28..27..26..25..24..23..22..21..20..19..18..17..16..
15..14..13..12..11..10..09..08..07..
?58 2 02 FE 0004 0000 02

; SUBTEST_58_02, DE_SHAC_RESET.LIS

P1=00000001 P2=00000000 P3=0000000F
P6=00000000 P7=00000000 P8=00000000
r0=90000026 r1=00000000 r2=00000000
r5=00000000 r6=00004018 r7=20004000
Normal operation not possible.

P4=00000000 P5=00000000
P9=00000000 P10=00000000
r3=00004200 r4=00000000
r8=00004000 EPC=200618BC

>>>

System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

4–5

System Startup

Startup Display
with Error,
VAXstation
4000 Systems

On VAXstation 4000 systems, errors during self-tests are
indicated by a double question mark followed by an error ID. A
sample error message is shown in Figure 4–4.
Figure 4–4 VAXstation 4000 Startup Display with Error
Message
KA49−A Vn.n
08−00−2B−04−03−12
32MB

??001

0172

?84 FAIL
>>>

NUO−0535−05−GRA

ID number

Component number

Component mnemonic
Error message number

4–6 System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

System Startup

After You Start
Up the System

After you start up the system, you need to decide if you want the
system to reboot or enter console mode on a subsequent startup,
after a system shutdown, or in response to a power-fail or error
halt.
On VAX 4000 systems, the Break Enable/Disable switch
determines the system response on startup. On VAXstation 4000
systems, the setting of the halt action determines the response.
The following table indicates how to specify the action the system
is to take on startup or after a shutdown.
If you want the
system to . . .

Then . . .

VAX 4000 systems
Reboot

Set the Break Enable/Disable switch to disable

Enter console mode

Set the switch to enable

VAXstation 4000 systems
Reboot

Issue either of the following commands:

>>> SET HALT REBOOT
>>> SET HALT RESTART
Enter console mode

Issue the command:

>>> SET HALT HALT

System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

4–7

System Shutdown

System Shutdown
Precautions on
Shutting Down
the System

Three Ways to
Shut Down the
System

In the shutdown procedures that follow, you will be asked to halt
the system. You should be aware that:
•

Halting the system interrupts all processes.

•

Halting the system may result in loss of data if the shutdown
procedure is not followed properly.

•

The system will halt if breaks are enabled and you press the
console Break (F5) key or if you shut off the console while
breaks are enabled (the system interprets the action as a
break and halts).

•

If the system is part of a VAXcluster, halting, restarting,
or turning the system off will interrupt other processes on
the cluster. Do not perform any of these activities without
consulting the cluster manager.

Table 4–1 describes three methods for system shutdown.
Table 4–1 System Shutdown Methods
Method

System shutdown performed by...

Orderly, under
program control

Executing the command procedure:
SYS$SYSTEM:SHUTDOWN.COM

Emergency,
under program
control

Executing the program:
SYS$SYSTEM:OPCCRASH.EXE

Emergency,
under console
control

Issuing console commands that result in a
fatal machine check exception.

It is recommended that you first attempt an orderly shutdown.
If that fails, attempt an emergency shutdown under program
control. If that fails, issue console commands to force a machine
check exception condition. For detailed information about
SHUTDOWN.COM and OPCCRASH.EXE, see the Guide to
Setting Up a VMS System.

4–8 System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

System Shutdown

Orderly
Shutdown
Under Program
Control

The procedure SYS$SYSTEM:SHUTDOWN.COM shuts down the
system in an orderly manner, performing maintenance functions
such as disabling future logins, stopping the batch and printer
queues, dismounting volumes, and stopping user processes.
To shut down the system using SHUTDOWN.COM, use the
following procedure:
Step

Action

Enter the following command:

$ @SYS$SYSTEM:SHUTDOWN
3.

Emergency
Shutdown
Under Program
Control

When the procedure terminates, halt the system by
pressing the Halt button twice. Make sure the light on
the button goes off. If the system does not have a Halt
button, press the Break (F5) key.

If you cannot perform an orderly shutdown with
SHUTDOWN.COM, you can attempt an emergency shutdown by
executing the program SYS$SYSTEM:OPCCRASH.EXE.
To perform an emergency shutdown with the OPCRASH
program, use the following procedure:
Step

Action

Enter the following command:

$ RUN SYS$SYSTEM:OPCCRASH
3.

When the program exits, halt the system by pressing the
Halt button twice. Make sure the light on the button
goes off. If the system does not have a Halt button,
press the Break (F5) key.

System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

4–9

System Shutdown

Emergency
Shutdown
Under Console
Control

If the operating system is in a hung state, and you cannot log
in to the SYSTEM account to use SHUTDOWN or OPCCRASH,
you can halt the system and enter console commands to force a
system failure. This results in an immediate shutdown.
CAUTION: Use this method only if the system is in a hung
state.
To force a system failure, use the following procedure:
Step

User Action or System Response

On VAX 4000 systems, set the Break Enable/Disable
switch to the Enable position.

Stop the system. If the system has a Halt button, press
it twice. Make sure the light on the button goes off.
If your system does not have a Halt button, press the
Break (F5) key.

Examine key processor registers by issuing the following
console commands:
Command

>>> E PC
>>> E PSL
>>> E/I 0
>>> E +
>>> E +
>>> E +
>>> E +
>>> E/N:F R0

Program counter
Processor status longword
Kernel stack pointer
Executive stack pointer
Supervisor stack pointer
User stack pointer
Interrupt stack pointer
General purpose registers

Record the register contents for later analysis.
4.

Enter the following commands:
>>> D PC FFFFFFFF
>>> D PSL 041F0000
These commands will force a fatal machine check
exception condition when attempting to CONTINUE
program execution.

Enter the following command:

>>> CONTINUE

4–10 System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

System Shutdown

Step

User Action or System Response

The system detects the fatal machine check condition
and enters an exception handler routine.

The exception handler sends the contents of memory
to a dump file on the system disk. You can analyze the
dump file later to determine the cause of the system
hang.

The system attempts a reboot.
If reboot fails (for example, boot device not defined),
reboot the system manually.

After the system reboots, you can examine the dump file
by:
•

Logging in to the SYSTEM account

•

Entering the following commands:

$ ANALYZE/CRASH SYS$SYSTEM:SYSDUMP.DMP
SDA> SHOW CRASH

For more information about the system dump analyzer (SDA),
see the VMS System Dump Analyzer Utility Manual.

Powering Off
the System

Once you complete the recommended shutdown procedure, you
can turn off the system by setting the power switch to off (0).
Note: On VAX 4000 systems with expansion cabinets linked to
the system cabinet by a power bus cable, you need only turn
off the system unit. The expansion cabinets will power down
when you set the system power switch to off. Note that the ac
indicator on the expansion cabinet power supply should remain
lit even though the system cabinet power is off.

System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

4–11

Other System Operations

Other System Operations
Restarting the
System

Restarting the system returns it to the power-up state. All
current and pending operations are aborted and power-up
selt-tests are run.
To restart the system, press the Restart/Run button on the
operator control panel. The Halt button must be out (not lit) to
effect a restart operation.
CAUTION: Restarting the system aborts all current and
pending operations. To prevent loss of data, warn all users to
log off before restarting the system. Follow the recommended
shutdown procedure before restarting the system.

Recovering
from an Over
Temperature
Condition

If the system cabinet internal temperature reaches a
certain threshold, an audible alarm will sound and the Over
Temperature Warning indicator will flash. If the temperature
continues to increase, the system will automatically shut down.
When the system shuts down due to overheating, the Over
Temperature Warning indicator remains lit. To recover from a
shutdown, set the power switch to off (0) and wait five minutes
before turning on the system.

4–12 System Startup and Shutdown Procedures

5
System Boot Procedures

Introduction

Booting is the process of loading system software into main
memory. VAX 4000 and VAXstation 4000 systems include an
internal ROM that contains the code necessary to boot the
operating system from the default system disk or an alternate
device.
This chapter overviews the boot process and describes the
various boot methods and associated console commands.
Topics include:
•

Boot overview

•

Autobooting the system

•

Manually booting the system

•

Optional boot procedures

•

Defining default boot actions

System Boot Procedures 5–1

Boot Overview

Boot Overview
Steps in the
Boot Process

Table 5–1 describes the steps in the boot process.
Table 5–1 Boot Process
Step

Action

System initiates the boot sequence, either automatically or in
response to a BOOT command issued from the console.

Boot procedure deposits boot control data in the CPU generalpurpose registers.

System loads VMB into memory from the system ROMs.
VMB is the primary bootstrap program that allows access to
the system disk (or alternate device).

VMB locates SYS$SYSTEM:SYSBOOT.EXE on the system disk
(or alternate device) and loads it into memory.

SYSBOOT.EXE loads the SYSGEN parameters stored in the
file SYS$SYSTEM:VAXVMSSYS.PAR and checks the state of
the conversational boot flag.

If the conversational boot flag is set, SYSBOOT.EXE stops and
displays the SYSBOOT> prompt.
If the flag is not set, SYSBOOT.EXE loads the operating system
executive into memory and transfers control to the executive.

When the executive finishes, it executes the SWAPPER process.

The SWAPPER creates the SYSINIT process.

SYSINIT creates the STARTUP process.

10.

STARTUP executes SYS$SYSTEM:STARTUP.COM (unless
another file was specified at the SYSBOOT> prompt) and
SYSTARTUP_V5.COM. The current values of SYSGEN
parameters are written back to VAXVMSSYS.PAR.

11.

The boot process finishes, and you can log in to the operating
system.

5–2 System Boot Procedures

Boot Overview

Boot Device
Names

VAX 4000 and VAXstation 4000 systems support booting from a
variety of devices, including disk drives, tape drives, PROM, or
from another system by way of the Ethernet.
Table 5–2 lists the device names of the more commonly used boot
devices.
Table 5–2 Boot Device Names
Device Type

Device Logical
Name

Controller/Adapter

VAX 4000 Model 100 System
RF-series disk

On-board DSSI adapter

DIAu

Compact disk

On-board SCSI controller

DKAxnn

Tape drive

On-board SCSI controller

MKAxnn

Ethernet

On-board adapter

EZA0

VAX 4000 Models 200/300/400/500/600
RF-series disk

On-board DSSI adapter

DImu

KFQSA DSSI adapter

DUcu

KZQSA adapter

DKAu

KRQ50 controller

DUcu

TF-series tape

On-board DSSI adapter

MImu

TF85 tape

On-board DSSI adapter

MIAu

KFQSA DSSI adapter

MUcu

TQK70

MUcu

RRD4x drive

TK70 tape

Key to device logical names
• m — DSSI bus adapter: A = bus 0; B = bus 1
When under operating system control, DIBu devices are recognized as DIAu
devices.
• c — Disk or tape controller designator: A = first, B = second, and so on
• u — unit number
• x — SCSI ID of device, (except ID 6 — reserved for SCSI controller)
• nn — SCSI logical unit number; usually 00.

(continued on next page)

System Boot Procedures 5–3

Boot Overview

Table 5–2 (Cont.) Boot Device Names
Device Type

Controller/Adapter

Device Logical
Name

VAX 4000 Models 200/300/400/500/600
TLZ04 tape

KZQSA adapter

MKAu

Ethernet

On-board adapter

EZA0

DESQA Ethernet controller

XQAu

MRV11 module

PRAu

PROM

VAXstation 4000 Systems
Fixed disk

SCSI controller (in system
unit or expansion box)

DKAxnn

Tape

SCSI controller (in system
unit or expansion box)

MKAxnn

Ethernet

On-board adapter

ESA0

5–4 System Boot Procedures

Boot Overview

Listing
Possible Boot
Devices

To obtain a list of boot devices available on the system, issue the
console command SHOW DEVICE.
Example 5–1 is a sample SHOW DEVICE listing for a VAX 4000
system. The system displays the device logical name preceded by
a dash (–) for each device.
Example 5–1 Sample SHOW DEVICE Display
>>>SHOW DEVICE
DSSI Bus 0 Node 0 (CLYDE)
-DIA0 (RF73)
DSSI Bus 0 Node 1 (BONNIE)
-DIA1 (RF73)
DSSI Bus 0 Node 5 (TFDR1)
-MIA5 (TF85)
DSSI Bus 0 Node 6 (*)
DSSI Bus 1 Node 7 (*)
UQSSP Tape Controller 0 (774500)
-MUA0 (TK70)
SCSI Adaptor 0 (761400), SCSI ID 7
-MKA0 (DEC TLZ04 1991(c)DEC)
Ethernet Adapter
-EZA0 (08-00-2B-06-10-42)

Boot Methods

VAX 4000 and VAXstation 4000 systems support two basic boot
methods, listed in Table 5–3.
Table 5–3 Boot Methods
Method

Description

Autoboot

The system automatically attempts to boot
the operating system software on power-up or
after a power-fail or error halt.

Manual boot

The system exits to console mode on power-up
or after a power-fail or error halt. The user
then issues a BOOT command to boot the
system.

The following sections describe the boot methods.

System Boot Procedures 5–5

Autobooting the System

Autobooting the System
Boot
Conditions

The system tests the following conditions during the boot process
to determine if an autoboot should be performed:
1. Position of the Break Enable/Disable switch (normally set to
the disable position)
Note:
VAXstation 4000 systems do not have a Break Enable
/Disable switch.
2. Halt action setting (SET HALT command)
3. Whether or not a boot device is defined (SET BOOT
command)
Depending on the conditions, the system will autoboot from
a default device, prompt for a device and then boot, or exit to
console mode.

5–6 System Boot Procedures

Autobooting the System

System
Response
to Boot
Conditions

Table 5–4 indicates the action the system takes in response to
the boot conditions.
Note
VAXstation 4000 systems do not have a Break Enable
/Disable switch. The boot action depends on the halt
action setting and whether or not a boot device is defined.

Table 5–4 System Response to Boot Conditions
Break
Switch
Disabled
Enabled

Halt Action

Boot
Device
Defined?

System Action

Yes

Boot from device

Prompt for device

Reboot or
Restart_reboot

Yes

Boot from device

Prompt for device

Halt

Exit to console mode

System Boot Procedures 5–7

Autobooting the System

Sample Boot,
VAX 4000
System, Boot
Device Defined

On a VAX 4000 system, if a boot device is defined, the system
displays the device logical name and the number 2 on the
console. As the system continues booting, it decrements the
countdown to 1 then 0.
Example 5–2 shows a sample VAX 4000 system autoboot with
DIA0 as the boot device.
Example 5–2 VAX 4000 System Boot, Boot Device Defined
KAxx-A Vn.n, VMB n.n
Performing normal system tests.
66..65..64..63..62..61..60..59..58..57..56..55..54..53..52..51.. 
50..49..48..47..46..45..44..43..42..41..40..39..38..37..36..35..
34..33..32..31..30..29..28..27..26..25..24..23..22..21..20..19..
18..17..16..15..14..13..12..11..10..09..08..07..06..05..04..03..
Tests completed.
Loading system software.

(BOOT/R5:0 DIA0)

2..
-DIA0
1..0..

CPU name, firmware version number, and VMB version
number

ROM based diagnostics countdown

5–8 System Boot Procedures

BOOT command string issued by system
Boot countdown

Autobooting the System

Sample Boot,
VAX 4000
System, Boot
Device Not
Defined

If a boot device is not defined, the system displays a list of
bootable devices and prompts for a device from the list.
Example 5–3 shows a power-up display and the boot device list.
Example 5–3 VAX 4000 System Boot, Boot Device Not Defined
KAxx-A Vn.n VMB n.n
Performing normal system tests.
66..65..64..63..62..61..60..59..58..57..56..55..54..53..52..51..
50..49..48..47..46..45..44..43..42..41..40..39..38..37..36..35..
34..33..32..31..30..29..28..27..26..25..24..23..22..21..20..19..
18..17..16..15..14..13..12..11..10..09..08..07..06..05..04..03..
Tests completed.
Loading system software.
No default boot device has been specified.
Available devices.
-DIA0 (RF31)

-DIA1 (RF31)
-MUA0 (TK70)
-EZA0 (08-00-2B-06-10-42)

Device? [EZA0]:

System reports it is unable to identify a default boot device

List of available devices
Boot device prompt

System Boot Procedures 5–9

Autobooting the System

Sample Boot,
VAX 4000
System,
Selecting a
Boot Device

To select a boot device, enter a device name at the system
prompt. Once a boot device is specified, the system will autoboot
from that device on power up.
Example 5–4 shows a power-up display with the user entering
the boot device name.
Note
If you do not enter a device name within 30 seconds, the
system attempts to boot from the Ethernet device, EZA0.

Example 5–4 VAX 4000 System Boot, Selecting a Boot Device
KAxx-A Vn.n VMB n.n
Performing normal system tests.
66..65..64..63..62..61..60..59..58..57..56..55..54..53..52..51..
50..49..48..47..46..45..44..43..42..41..40..39..38..37..36..35..
34..33..32..31..30..29..28..27..26..25..24..23..22..21..20..19..
18..17..16..15..14..13..12..11..10..09..08..07..06..05..04..03..
Tests completed.
Loading system software.
No default boot device has been specified.
Available devices.
-DIA0 (RF31)
-DIA1 (RF31)
-MUA0 (TK70)
-EZA0 (08-00-2B-06-10-42)
Device? [EZA0]: DIA0
(BOOT/R5:0 DIA0)
2..
-DIA0
1..0..

User specifies device DIA0

5–10 System Boot Procedures

Manually Booting the System

Manually Booting the System
Exiting to
Console Mode

The system will exit to console mode (>>> prompt) on power up
or after a power-fail or error halt if the Break Enable/Disable
switch is set to enable and the halt action is set to HALT (or
DEFAULT on VAX 4000 systems).
VAXstation 4000 systems do not have a Break Enable/Disable
switch. Exiting to console mode depends on the halt action.

Exit to Console
Mode, VAX
4000 Systems

Example 5–5 shows a power up to console mode for a typical
VAX 4000 system.
Example 5–5 VAX 4000 Systems, Power Up to Console Mode
KAxx-A Vn.n VMB n.n
Performing normal system tests.
66..65..64..63..62..61..60..59..58..57..56..55..54..53..52..51..
50..49..48..47..46..45..44..43..42..41..40..39..38..37..36..35..
34..33..32..31..30..29..28..27..26..25..24..23..22..21..20..19..
18..17..16..15..14..13..12..11..10..09..08..07..06..05..04..03..
Tests completed.
>>>

Console mode prompt

System Boot Procedures 5–11

Manually Booting the System

Exit to
Console Mode,
VAXstation
4000 Systems

On VAXstation 4000 systems, power-up self-tests are indicated
by a status bar that fills as each self-test completes. The more
memory in the system, the longer self-tests take. When all
self-tests are run, the console prompt (>>>) is displayed.
Figure 5–1 shows a power up to console mode for a typical
VAXstation 4000 system.
Figure 5–1 VAXstation 4000 System, Power Up to Console
Mode
KA49−A Vn.n 1
08−00−2B−04−03−12
32MB 3

OK
>>>

NUO−0535−04−GRA

CPU type and firmware version number

Ethernet hardware address

Memory size

Status bar — increases in size as self-tests run
Console mode prompt

5–12 System Boot Procedures

Manually Booting the System

Using the
BOOT
Command

BOOT
Command
Syntax
BOOT
Command
Examples

When the system is in console mode you can manually boot the
system by issuing the BOOT command.
The BOOT command allows you to boot the system from a:
•

Predefined boot device

•

Predefined boot device search list

•

Device specified on the command line

•

Device search list specified on the command

The BOOT command syntax is as follows:
>>> BOOT [/qualifier...] [device_name[,device_name...]]
Table 5–5 shows examples of BOOT command strings.
Table 5–5 BOOT Command Examples
Command

System Action

BOOT

Boot from the default boot device or from the first
bootable device in a string of devices.
A default boot device, or string of bootable devices, can
be defined by the SET BOOT command.

BOOT MIA5

Boot from TF85 tape unit 5.

BOOT DUA0,DIA0,MIA5,EZA0
Boot from the first device in the search string that
contains bootable software.
The boot device string can be up to 32 characters,
with devices separated by commas and no spaces.
The system checks the devices in the order specified
and boots from the first one that contains bootable
software.

Note
If the Ethernet device (for example, EZA0) is to be part
of the boot device search string, it should be the last
device in the string. The system will continually attempt
to boot over the Ethernet.

System Boot Procedures 5–13

Optional Boot Procedures

Optional Boot Procedures
Booting from
[SYSF] During
an Upgrade

During a system upgrade, you may be required to boot from the
[SYSF] root directory. To boot from [SYSF], enter the BOOT
command in the following format:

>>> BOOT /R5:F0000000 ddcu
Where ddcu is the device name of the system disk.
Example: The following command specifies to boot from the
[SYSF] directory of a RF31 fixed disk:

>>> BOOT /R5:F0000000 DIA0
Booting from
a Different
Directory

By default, the OpenVMS operating system is installed in the
system root directory named [SYS0]. However, you can use the
VMSKITBLD procedure to add a copy of the operating system to
another root directory (as long as it is not on the system disk).
You can then boot the system from that directory.
Example: The following command specifies to boot from [SYS3]
on an RF31 fixed disk that is not the system disk:

>>> BOOT /R5:30000000 DIA1
Definition:
Conversational
Boot

A conversational boot is commonly used in research and
development environments and during software upgrades.
Perform a conversational boot when you want to stop the boot
process before it completes. The boot process stops after it loads
SYS$SYSTEM:SYSBOOT.EXE and displays the SYSBOOT>
prompt.

5–14 System Boot Procedures

Optional Boot Procedures

What You can
do During a
Conversational
Boot

Conversational
Boot Procedure

When the SYSBOOT> prompt is displayed during a
conversational boot, you can enter certain SYSGEN commands
to do the following:
•

Look at system parameter values

•

Change system parameter values

•

Specify another parameter file

•

Specify another system startup command procedure

•

Select the default system parameter file if you modified
system parameters to values that render the system
unbootable

•

Specify a minimum startup

There are several ways to perform a conversational boot.
Table 5–6 presents a typical method.
Table 5–6 Conversational Boot Procedure
Step

Action

Enter the BOOT command in the following format:

>>> BOOT/R5:00000001 [ddcu]
Where ddcu is the device name of the boot device. If you
do not specify a device name, the system will boot from
the default boot device when you finish issuing SYSGEN
commands.
2.

At the SYSBOOT> prompt, enter the SYSGEN
commands from the subset commands available:

SYSBOOT> sysgen_command
3.

When you finish issuing SYSGEN commands, enter the
CONTINUE command to complete the boot process

SYSBOOT> CONTINUE

System Boot Procedures 5–15

Optional Boot Procedures

SYSGEN
Commands

Table 5–7 lists the subset of SYSGEN commands available at
the SYSBOOT> prompt. For more information about these
commands, see the VMS System Generation Manual.
Table 5–7 SYSGEN Commands Used in SYSBOOT
Command

Description

CONTINUE

Resumes the boot process.

DISABLE CHECKS

Inhibits checking of parameter values
specified with the SET command.

ENABLE CHECKS

Permits checking of parameter values
specified with the SET command.

HELP

Displays a summary of commands on
the console.

SET parameter-name

Establishes the name of a system
parameter.

SET/STARTUP

Sets the name of the system startup
command procedure.

SHOW [parameter-name]

Displays active, current, default,
maximum, and minimum values for
specific parameters. Use qualifiers to
display characteristics of parameters
grouped by categories.

USE [file-spec]

Specifies a parameter file to be used
as a source of values. You must enter
the entire file specification, including
device and directory; you cannot specify
a logical name.

5–16 System Boot Procedures

Defining Default Boot Actions

Defining Default Boot Actions
Defining a
Default Boot
Device

The SET BOOT console command allows you to specify a default
boot device, or a list of devices, which the system will search for
boot software.
Once a default boot device is defined, the system will
automatically boot from the device on power up or after a
power-fail or error halt. If a boot device list is defined, the
system will boot from the first device on the list which contains
bootable software.

SET BOOT
Syntax

The SET BOOT command syntax is as follows:

SET BOOT
Examples

Table 5–8 shows examples of SET BOOT command strings.

>>> SET BOOT [/qualifier...] device_name[,device_name...]

Table 5–8 Sample SET BOOT Commands
Command String

Description

SET BOOT EZA0

Defines the default boot device to be the
Ethernet controller.

SET BOOT DUA0,DIA0,MIA5,EZA0
Defines a boot device search string with DUA0,
DIA0, MIA5, and EZA0 as possible boot devices.
When attempting an autoboot, or if the BOOT
command is issued without specifying a device,
the system checks each device in order and
boots from the first one that contains bootable
software.

Notes on
Defining a Boot
Device

Selecting a device other than the Ethernet device is not
appropriate for diskless and tapeless systems that must boot
over the network.
If defining a boot device search string, the string can be up to
32 characters, with device names separated by commas and no
spaces.

System Boot Procedures 5–17

Defining Default Boot Actions

If an Ethernet device (for example, EZA0) is part of the string,
it should be the last device of the string. The system will
continuously attempt to boot over the Ethernet.

Defining the
Default Halt
Action

The SET HALT command allows you to define the action the
system takes on power up or after a power-fail or error halt. The
action taken depends on the state of the halt action flag.
When the system is shipped, the default action is set to halt.
You can change the default action by entering the SET HALT
command and specifying the keyword or value of the action you
want to set.

SET HALT
Syntax

The SET HALT command syntax is as follows:

SET HALT
Keywords

Table 5–9 shows the SET HALT keywords, the associated values,
and the system action taken on power-up or after a power-fail or
error halt.

>>> SET HALT {key_word | value}

Table 5–9 SET HALT Keywords
Keyword

Value

System Action

DEFAULT1

Halt and display console prompt.

RESTART2

Attempt restart. If restart fails, halt.

REBOOT

Attempt reboot. If reboot fails, halt.

HALT

Halt and display console prompt.

RESTART_
REBOOT1

Attempt restart. If restart fails,
attempt reboot. If reboot fails, halt.

1 Keyword not supported on VAXstation 4000 systems.
2 RESTART on VAXstation 4000 systems is the same as RESTART_REBOOT for

the other systems.

5–18 System Boot Procedures

6
System Backup and Restore Procedures

Introduction

This chapter describes the procedures for backing up and
restoring the system disk. Topics include:
•

BACKUP overview

•

Installing standalone BACKUP

•

Booting standalone BACKUP

•

Backing up the system disk

•

Restoring the system disk

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–1

Standalone BACKUP Overview

Standalone BACKUP Overview
Definition:
Standalone
BACKUP

Standalone BACKUP is a subset of the OpenVMS Backup utility
that allows you to make a complete backup of the system disk.
The utility runs without the support of the operating system.

Why Use
Standalone
BACKUP

Digital recommends that you run standalone BACKUP to make
a complete backup of the system disk for the following reasons:
•

The Backup utility that runs under control of the operating
system copies only what is on the disk and ignores sections
of any open files in memory.
If you were to use the on-line backup utility, portions of files
that were in memory, and data about files not yet written
back to the disk (cached data), would not be saved to the
backup copy.

•

In case a problem occurs during an operating system update,
or during the installation of other software products.
Before you attempt any of these procedures, you should back
up the system disk. If a problem occurs, you can restore the
backup copy of the system disk.

•

To prevent loss of system files if they are accidentally deleted.
After you install or upgrade the operating system, or any
other software products, you should back up the system
disk. If a system file is deleted and renders the system disk
inoperable, you can restore the backup copy and continue to
use the system.

•

In case the drive that holds the system disk malfunctions.
If you have a backup copy of the operating system, you
can restore it to a functioning disk and continue to use the
system.

•

To eliminate disk fragmentation, which happens when files
are stored noncontiguously on the disk. The BACKUP
command creates contiguous copies of files.

6–2 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Standalone BACKUP Overview

Where to Store
Standalone
BACKUP

Standalone BACKUP is normally supplied on a tape cartridge or
compact disk, depending on the distribution media received with
the system.
You can store standalone BACKUP on the system disk, a compact
disk, a tape cartridge, or any other media the system supports.
Digital recommends that you store standalone BACKUP on the
system disk and on one or more tape cartridges (in case the
original tape is damaged).

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–3

Installing Standalone BACKUP

Installing Standalone BACKUP
Installing on
the System
Disk

You can install standalone BACKUP in any available root
directory on the system disk from [SYS1] to [SYSE]. However,
Digital has established [SYSE] as the standard directory for
standalone BACKUP.
To install standalone BACKUP in the [SYSE] directory on the
system disk, use the following procedure:
Step

Action

Enter the following command:
$ @SYS$UPDATE:STABACKIT SYS$SYSDEVICE:

When the procedure finishes, the system displays the
following message:
The kit is complete.

The STABACKIT procedure places the files in the directories
[SYSE.SYSEXE] and [SYSE.SYS$LDR] on the system disk. It
lists the files as they are copied.
If you want to install standalone BACKUP in another directory,
change the target directory from SYS$SYSDEVICE: to the
directory of your choice.

6–4 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Installing Standalone BACKUP

Installing on a
Tape Cartridge

Digital recommends that you keep standalone BACKUP on a
tape cartridge in case the system disk becomes corrupted. If
you have a tape cartridge distribution kit, you already have
standalone BACKUP on tape. However, you may want to make
additional copies in case the original tape becomes damaged.
To install standalone BACKUP on a tape cartridge, use the
following procedure:
Step

User Action or System Response

Obtain a blank tape cartridge and write a descriptive
name on the paper label. Insert the label into the label
slot.
The tape label should reflect the contents of the tape.
For example, if you are building a Version 5.5-n kit, you
may want to label the cartridge S/A BKUP V5.5-n TK85.

Write-enable the tape cartridge.

Insert the tape cartridge in the tape drive.

Enter the following command:
$ @SYS$UPDATE:STABACKIT

When the procedure asks for the name of the target
device, enter the device name of the tape drive.
In the example below, MIA5 is entered in response to
the prompt for the device name.
%STABACKIT-I-SYMDEL, all global symbols deleted
Enter the name of the device on which to build the kit:
MIA5

The system displays the following message.
Please place the scratch tape cartridge in drive _MIA50:
This volume will receive the volume label SYSTEM.
Enter "YES" when ready:

When you are ready to continue, enter Y (for Yes).

The procedure displays verification messages informing
you that files are being copied.

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–5

Installing Standalone BACKUP

Step

User Action or System Response

10.

When standalone BACKUP is installed, the system
displays a message similar to the following.
Ending time 19-APR-1991 13:45:29.90
Starting time 19-APR-1991 13:22:39.05
The kit is complete.
$

11.

Remove the tape cartridge from the tape drive.

12.

Write-protect the cartridge and store it in a safe place.

6–6 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Booting Standalone BACKUP

Booting Standalone BACKUP
Before Booting
Standalone
BACKUP

Before you boot standalone BACKUP, you must shut down the
operating system. The shutdown procedure writes the contents
of the system caches back to the disk and closes any open files.
To shut down the operating system, perform the following
procedure:
Step

User Action or System Response

Set the Break Enable/Disable switch to Enable.

Take one of the following actions:

If the operating system is . . .

Then

Running

Go to step 3

Not running

Go to step 5

Enter the following command to shut down the system:
$ @SYS$SYSTEM:SHUTDOWN

Answer the questions.
When the procedure asks if an automatic system reboot
should be performed, press Return for No. When the
procedure is finished, the system displays the following
message.
SYSTEM SHUTDOWN COMPLETE - USE CONSOLE TO HALT SYSTEM

Stop the system. If the system has a Halt button, press
it twice. Ensure that the light on the button goes off. If
the system does not have a Halt button, press the Break
(F5) key.

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–7

Booting Standalone BACKUP

Booting from
the System
Disk

Standalone BACKUP is normally booted from the system disk to
save time. To boot standalone BACKUP from the system disk,
use the following procedure:
Step

User Action or System Response

Shut down the operating system.

Enter the BOOT command in the following format:
>>> B/E0000000 device_name
Where device_name is the name of the system disk.
For example, if the system disk is on DIA0, enter the
following:
>>> B/E0000000 DIA0

When the procedure asks for the date and time, enter
the date and time in the 24-hour clock format. For
example:
Please Enter Date And Time (DD-MMM-YYYY HH:MM)
19-APR-1991 13:00

The system displays a list of the local devices on the
system. For example:
Available device MIA5:
Available device DIA0:
Available device DUB0:
.
.
.

device type TF85
device type RF31
device type RRD42

Check the device listing. If the list is incomplete, make
sure that all devices are connected properly to the
system. See the installation manual for your system for
details.

When standalone BACKUP finishes booting, it displays
an identification message followed by the dollar-sign
prompt ($):
%BACKUP-I-IDENT, Standalone BACKUP V5.5; the date is 20-DEC1992 13:43
$

6–8 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Booting Standalone BACKUP

Booting from a
Tape Cartridge

If the system disk containing standalone BACKUP should
become unusable, you can boot standalone BACKUP from a tape
cartridge containing standalone BACKUP (either the distribution
tape or one you created).
To boot standalone BACKUP from a tape cartridge, perform the
following procedure. Booting from a tape takes approximately 20
minutes.
Step

User Action or System Response

Shut down the operating system.

Insert the tape cartridge containing standalone
BACKUP in the tape drive.

Enter the following command:
>>> B device_name
Where device_name is the device name of the tape drive.
For example, if the system uses a TLZ04 drive, enter
MKA0. If it uses a TF85 drive, enter MIA0.

Standalone BACKUP displays a message similar to the
following:
VAX/VMS Version V5.5--n Major version id=1 Minor version id=0

When the procedure asks for the date and time, enter
the date and time in the 24-hour clock format. For
example:
Please Enter Date And Time (DD-MMM-YYYY HH:MM)
19-APR-1991 13:00

The system displays a list of local devices on the system.
For example:
Available device MIA0:
Available device DIA0:
Available device DUB0:
.
.
.

device type TF85
device type RF31
device type RRD42

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–9

Booting Standalone BACKUP

Step

User Action or System Response

When standalone BACKUP finishes booting, it displays
an identification message followed by the dollar-sign
prompt ($):
%BACKUP-I-IDENT, Standalone BACKUP V5.5; the date is 19-APR1991 13:00
$

Remove the tape cartridge containing standalone
BACKUP from the tape drive.

6–10 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Booting Standalone BACKUP

Booting from a
Compact Disc

You can boot standalone BACKUP from the original compact disc
that was supplied as the operating system distribution media.
To boot standalone BACKUP for a compact disc, use the following
procedure. Booting from compact discs takes approximately 3
minutes.
Step

Action

Shut down the operating system.

Insert the operating system distribution compact disc in
the drive.

At the console prompt, enter the BOOT command:
>>> BOOT device_name
Where device-name is the device name of the compact
disc drive. For example, if the compact disc drive has a
device name of DUB0, enter the following command:
>>> BOOT DUB0

When the procedure asks for the date and time, enter
the date and time using the 24-hour clock format. For
example:
Please Enter Date And Time (DD-MMM-YYYY HH:MM)
20-DEC-1991 13:00

The procedure displays a list of the local devices on the
system. For example:
Available device MIA5: device type TK85
Available device DIA0: device type RF31
Available device DUB0: device type RRD42
.
.
.

Copy the names of the RF drives on a piece of paper.
If you will be using an RF drive to hold the system
disk, you will need the device name as displayed by the
standalone BACKUP procedure.

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–11

Booting Standalone BACKUP

Step

Action

When standalone BACKUP finishes booting, the
procedure displays an identification message followed by
the dollar-sign prompt ( $ ).
%BACKUP-I-IDENT, Standalone BACKUP V5.5; the date is 20-DEC1991 13:00
$

6–12 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Backing Up the System Disk

Backing Up the System Disk
Image Versus
Physical
Backup

Standalone BACKUP uses a subset of the VMS Backup utility’s
qualifiers. The key qualifier relative to backing up and restoring
the system disk is /IMAGE. Table 6–1 summarizes the qualifier
and contrasts it with /PHYSICAL which is used during other
types of backup operations.
Table 6–1 Standalone BACKUP/IMAGE and /PHYSICAL
Qualifiers
Qualifier

BACKUP Function

/IMAGE

Creates a functionally equivalent copy of the
entire system disk.

/PHYSICAL

Copies, saves, restores, or compares the entire
system disk in terms of logical blocks, ignoring
any file structure.

For a description of the Backup utility, see the VMS Backup
Utility Manual.

Before You Run
Standalone
BACKUP

Before you run standalone BACKUP to back up the system disk,
perform the following preliminary steps:
Step

Action

Write-protect the system disk by pressing the write
protect button on the drive.

Decide if you want to back up the system to a disk or to
a tape cartridge.

If you are using a tape cartridge, obtain a scratch tape
that you can use for the backup copy. Write-enable the
cartridge and insert it in the tape drive.

Determine the device name of the drive holding the
system disk, and the one holding the backup disk or
tape cartridge. Enter the SHOW DEVICE command to
obtain a list of devices.

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–13

Backing Up the System Disk

BACKUP
Procedure

To back up the system disk, use the following procedure:
Step

Action

Boot standalone BACKUP.

Enter the BACKUP command in one of the following
formats.
•

If backing up to disk:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY source_drive: target_drive:
•

If backing up to tape:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY source_drive: target_drive:_$ saveset.BCK/LABEL=volume_label/REWIND

Where:

Is the:

source_drive
target_drive

Device name of the system disk drive.
Device name of the drive holding the
backup disk or tape.
Note:
Before the backup operation begins,
the target device is initialized,
erasing all data currently on the
device.

saveset.BCK

Name of the saveset to be created.
The name should reflect the contents
of the backup tape and cannot exceed
17 characters in length.

volume_label

Volume label of the tape cartridge in
the tape drive.
If the tape has been initialized
already, use the same volume
label assigned by the INITIALIZE
command. If the tape has not been
initialized, you can assign a volume
label at this time. The volume
label cannot have more than six
characters.

6–14 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Backing Up the System Disk

Step

Action

Examples:
•

Backing up to disk:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY DIA0: DIA1
•

Backing up to tape:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY DIA0: MIA5:_$ APR_19_1991.BCK/LABEL=19APRF/REWIND
3.

The system displays the following message.
%BACKUP-I-STARTVERIFY, starting verification pass

Take one of the following actions:
If you are backing up to . . .

Then . . .

Another disk

Go to step 11

Tape and the contents of the system
disk fit on one tape cartridge

Go to step 11

Tape and the system disk contains
more data than one tape cartridge
can store

Go to step 5

The system displays the following messages:
%BACKUP-I-RESUME, Resuming operation on volume n
%BACKUP-I-READYWRITE, Mount volume n on _MIA5: for writing
Enter "YES" when ready:

Remove the backup tape cartridge from the tape drive
and write-protect the cartridge.
Label, number, and date the cartridge. The label and
number should reflect the contents of the tape.

Write-enable another scratch tape cartridge and insert it
in the drive.

When you are ready to continue, enter Y (for Yes) and
press Return .

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–15

Backing Up the System Disk

Step

Action

The procedure displays the following message:
%BACKUP-I-STARTVERIFY, starting verification pass

10.

Each time the procedure displays a mount request,
repeat steps 5 through 9.
When the backup is complete, go to step 11.

11.

When the procedure is finished, the system displays a
message similar to the following:
%BACKUP-I-PROCDONE, operation completed.
Processing finished at 18-JAN-1993 15:23
If you do not want to perform another standalone BACKUP
operation, use the console to halt the system.
If you do want to perform another standalone BACKUP operation,
ensure the standalone application volume is on-line and ready.
Enter "YES" to continue:

12.

If you were backing up to tape, remove the backup tape
cartridge from the drive and write-protect the cartridge.
Label, number, and date the cartridge. The label and
number should reflect the contents of the tape.

13.

Stop the system. If the system has a Halt button, press
it twice. Ensure that the light on the button goes off. If
the system does not have a Halt button, press the Break
(F5) key.

14.

Reboot the system.

Store the backup copy of the system disk in a safe place.

6–16 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Backing Up the System Disk

Notes on
Volume
Parameters

The BACKUP command creates a system disk that includes
a Digital provided set of volume parameters, including
a CLUSTER_SIZE (disk access scheme) of value 1. (The
CLUSTER_SIZE parameter refers to the way files are stored on
the disk, not to VAXcluster environments.)
You can change most volume parameters later with the SET
VOLUME command. However, to change the CLUSTER_SIZE
parameter, you must back up the system disk that has been
initialized previously with the CLUSTER_SIZE value that you
want.
To prevent the BACKUP command from reinitializing the target
disk, use the /NOINITIALIZE qualifier. For more information
about initializing a disk, see the Guide to Maintaining a VMS
System. For more information on the BACKUP command, see
the VMS Backup Utility Manual.

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–17

Restoring the System Disk

Restoring the System Disk
Restore
Procedure

You can restore the system disk from a backup copy that was
created on another disk or on a tape cartridge. To restore the
system disk, use the following procedure:
Step

Action

Determine the device name of the drive holding the
system disk, and of the drive holding the backup disk or
tape cartridge.
Enter the SHOW DEVICE command at the console
prompt if needed for a list of devices.

If you are restoring from a backup tape cartridge,
write-protect the cartridge and insert it in the drive.

Boot standalone BACKUP.

Enter the BACKUP command in one of the following
formats.
•

To restore from a backup disk:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY source_drive: target_drive:
•

To restore from a tape cartridge:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY source_drive:_$ saveset.BCK/SAV/REWIND target_drive:
Where:

Is the:

source_drive

Device name of the drive holding the
backup disk or tape cartridge.

target_drive

Device name of the drive holding the
system disk.

saveset.BCK

Name of the saveset if restoring from
a backup tape cartridge.

6–18 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Restoring the System Disk

Step

Action

Examples:
•

Restoring from a backup disk:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY DIA0: DIA1:
•

Restoring from a backup tape:

$ BACKUP/IMAGE/VERIFY_$ MIA5:APR_19_1991.BCK/SAV/REWIND DIA0:
5.

The system displays the following message:
%BACKUP-I-STARTVERIFY, starting verification pass

Take one of the following actions:
If you are restoring from . . .

Then

A backup disk

Go to step 9

A tape saveset, and the
saveset fits on one tape

Go to step 9

A tape saveset, and the
saveset takes more than one
tape

Go to step 7

The system displays the following message:
%BACKUP-I-RESUME, Resuming operation on volume 2
%BACKUP-I-READYWRITE, Mount volume 2 on _MIA5: for reading
Enter "YES" when ready:

Remove the backup tape cartridge from the drive. Insert
the next cartridge in the drive and enter Y (for Yes).
Each time you receive a mount request, repeat this step.
When the restore is complete, go to step 9.

System Backup and Restore Procedures 6–19

Restoring the System Disk

Step

Action

When the procedure is finished, the system displays the
following message:
%BACKUP-I-PROCDONE, operation completed.
Processing finished at 19-APR-1991 15:00:00.00
If you do not want to perform another standalone BACKUP
operation, use the console to halt the system.
If you do want to perform another standalone BACKUP operation,
ensure the standalone application volume is online and ready.
Enter "YES" to continue:

10.

If you were restoring from a backup tape cartridge,
remove the cartridge from the drive.

11.

Stop the system. If the system has a Halt button, press
it twice. Ensure that the light on the button goes off. If
the system does not have a Halt button, press the Break
(F5) key.

12.

Reboot the system.

6–20 System Backup and Restore Procedures

Index
A
ANALYZE/CRASH command, 4–11
Autobooting the system
See Booting the system

B
BA215 Cabinet
CPU cover panel
Break Enable/Disable switch, 2–14
diagram, 2–13
Ethernet connectors, 2–15
LED display, 2–14
modified modular jack, 2–14
Power-Up Mode switch, 2–14
DC OK indicator, 2–10
DSSI connector, 2–10
front panel window, 2–7
front view, 2–8
Halt button, 2–10
ISE control panel
Bus Node ID plug, 2–12
component descriptions, 2–12
diagram, 2–11
Fault light, 2–12
Ready button, 2–12
Write-Protect button, 2–12
ISE controls, 2–10
Mass storage shelf
description, 2–10
diagram, 2–9
Power supply panel
circuit breaker, 2–16

BA215 Cabinet
Power supply panel (cont’d)
DC OK indicator, 2–16
Reset button, 2–16
Power-Up Mode switch
Language Inquiry Mode, 2–14
Loop Back Test Mode, 2–14
Run Mode, 2–14
Restart/Run button, 2–10
window keylock, 2–7
BA430 Cabinet
cabinet interior, 2–19
CPU cover panel
Break Enable/Disable switch, 2–26
diagram, 2–25
Ethernet connectors, 2–27
LED display, 2–26
modified modular jack, 2–26
DC OK indicator, 2–21
front door
diagram, 2–18
front view, doors open, 2–19
Halt button, 2–22
Integrated storage elements location,
2–20
ISE control panel
descriptions, 2–24
diagram, 2–23
Mass storage shelf
description, 2–21
diagram, 2–20
Over Temperature Warning indicator,
2–21
Power supply panel
AC Present indicator, 2–28

Index–1

BA430 Cabinet
Power supply panel (cont’d)
DC OK indicator, 2–28
fan failure indicator, 2–28
location, 2–28
Over Temperature indicator, 2–28
power bus connectors, 2–28
power cable connector, 2–28
power switch, 2–28
Power-Up Mode switch, 2–26
Language Inquiry Mode, 2–26
Loop Back Test Mode, 2–26
Run Mode, 2–26
Restart button, 2–22
System control panel, 2–21
system controls
access, 2–18
BA440 Cabinet
Baud Rate Select switch, 2–38
Break Enable/Disable switch, 2–38
Bus Node ID plugs, 2–39
Console module
components, 2–38 to 2–40
diagram, 2–37
DC OK indicator, 2–33
DSSI Bus connectors, 2–39
Ethernet connectors, 2–39
front door
diagram, 2–30
front view, doors open, 2–31
Halt button, 2–34
ISE control panel
component descriptions, 2–36
ISE controls
diagram, 2–35
LED display, 2–38
Mass storage shelf
description, 2–33
diagram, 2–32
Modified modular jack connector, 2–38
Over Temperature Warning indicator,
2–33
Power supply panel
AC Present indicator, 2–41
DC OK indicator, 2–41

Index–2

BA440 Cabinet
Power supply panel (cont’d)
Fan Failure indicator, 2–41
Over Temperature Condition
indicator, 2–41
Power bus connectors, 2–41
Power switch, 2–41
Power-Up Mode switch, 2–38
Language Inquiry Mode, 2–38
Loop Back Test Mode, 2–38
Run Mode, 2–38
Restart button, 2–34
System control panel, 2–33
system controls
access, 2–30
Backing up the system disk
See Standalone BACKUP
BACKUP command
also see Standalone BACKUP
backing up the system disk, 6–14
command parameters, 6–14
restoring the system disk, 6–18
Binary load and unload (X command), 3–42
BOOT command, 3–20
examples, 5–13
use of, 3–19, 5–13
Boot Device
defining default, 5–17
Booting the system
autoboot, 5–6
boot conditions, 5–6
conversational boot, 5–14
SYSGEN usage, 5–15
conversational boot procedure, 5–15
defining a boot device, 5–17
defining halt action, 5–18
from a different directory, 5–14
from console mode, 5–11
from [SYSF] directory, 5–14
SYSBOOT.EXE, usage during
conversational boot, 5–14
Break Enable/Disable switch
as a boot condition, 5–6

Cabinets
See System Enclosures
Comment command (!), 3–42
! (comment command), 3–42
Console commands
binary load and unload (X), 3–42
BOOT, 3–20
! (comment), 3–42
CONTINUE, 3–22
DEPOSIT, 3–22
EXAMINE, 3–24
FIND, 3–26
HALT, 3–26
HELP, 3–27
INITIALIZE, 3–27
LOGIN, 3–28
MOVE, 3–29
NEXT, 3–30
qualifier and argument conventions, 3–5
REPEAT, 3–32
SEARCH, 3–33
SET, 3–35
SHOW, 3–37
START, 3–41
TEST, 3–41
UNJAM, 3–42
X (binary load and unload), 3–42
Console I/O mode
console commands, 3–3
entering console I/O mode, 3–2
privileged mode, 3–17
Console security feature
disabling, 3–19
enabling, 3–16
values, 3–8, 3–35
CONTINUE command, 3–22, 5–15
use of, 3–19

DEPOSIT command, 3–22
Documentation
list of, VAX 4000 systems, 1–14
list of, VAXstation 4000 systems, 1–15

E
Enclosures
See System Enclosures
Error messages
on system startup, 4–5, 4–6
EXAMINE command, 3–24

F
FIND command, 3–26

H
Halt action
boot condition, 5–6
defining, 5–18
HALT command, 3–26
use of, 3–19
HELP command, 3–27

I
INITIALIZE command, 3–27

L
LOGIN command, 3–28
use of, 3–17, 3–19

M
Models
See System Models
MOVE command, 3–29

Index–3

N
NEXT command, 3–30

O
OPCRASH.EXE
See System shutdown
Options
See System options
Over Temperature condition
recovery from, 4–12

P
Password
security password, 3–16
Privileged console mode
exiting, 3–19
logging in to, 3–17
use of, 3–17

R
Reboot
defining halt action, 5–18
Recovering from an Over Temperature
condition, 4–12
REPEAT command, 3–32
Restart
defining halt action, 5–18
Restarting the system, 4–12
Restoring the system disk
See Standalone BACKUP

S
SDA (system dump analyzer), 4–11
SEARCH command, 3–33
Security password
changing, 3–18
entering, 3–16, 3–17
setting, 3–16
verifying, 3–16

Index–4

SET BOOT command
usage, 5–17
SET command, 3–35
SET HALT command
keywords, 5–18
usage, 5–18
SET HOST/DUP command, 3–35
SET PASSWORD command
use of, 3–16
SET PSE command
use of, 3–16, 3–19
SET PSWD command
use of, 3–18
SHOW command, 3–37
SHUTDOWN
command procedure, 6–7
Shutdown procedure
when turning off system, 4–11
SHUTDOWN.COM
See System shutdown
Shutting down the system
See System Shutdown
during system backup, 6–7
Specifications
See System specifications
STABACKIT
command procedure, 6–4, 6–5
Standalone BACKUP
backing up to disk, 6–14
backing up to tape, 6–14
booting from compact disc, 6–11
booting from system disk, 6–8
booting from tape cartridge, 6–9
definition, 6–2
installing on system disk, 6–4
installing on tape, 6–5
qualifiers
/IMAGE, 6–13
/PHYSICAL, 6–13
restoring the system disk, 6–18
STABACKIT procedure, 6–4
storing, 6–3
usage, 6–2

START command, 3–41
use of, 3–19
SYSBOOT.EXE
usage during conversational boot, 5–14
SYSGEN
commands for conversational boot, 5–16
entering commands, 5–15
usage during conversational boot, 5–15
System disk
backing up and restoring
See Standalone BACKUP
System dump analyzer (SDA), 4–11
System Enclosures
VAX 4000 Model 100, 1–4
VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA215), 1–5
VAX 4000 Model 200 (BA430), 1–6
VAX 4000 Model 300/400/500/600, 1–7
VAXstation 4000 Model 60, 1–8
VAXstation 4000 Model 90, 1–9
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC, 1–9
System Generation utility
See SYSGEN
System halt action
See Halt action
System Models
VAX 4000 systems, list of, 1–2
VAXstation 4000 systems, list of, 1–2
System Options
VAX 4000 systems, 1–12
VAXstation 4000 systems, 1–13
System shutdown
emergency, program control, 4–9
emergency, under console control, 4–10
methods, 4–8
orderly shutdown, 4–9
precautions, 4–8
System Specifications
VAX 4000 systems, 1–10
VAXstation 4000 systems, 1–11
System startup
procedure, 4–2
sample error message, 4–5, 4–6
sample startup displays, 4–3 to 4–6

System startup (cont’d)
specifying subsequent system response,
4–7

T
TEST command, 3–41
Turning off the system, 4–11

U
UNJAM command, 3–42

V
VAX 4000 Model 100
access cover, 2–2
console security feature, 3–15
console terminal settings, 2–5
enclosure, 1–4
expansion ports
descriptions, 2–6
diagram, 2–6
front panel, 2–2
rear panel
component descriptions, 2–4
diagram, 2–3
VAX 4000 Model 200
BA215 cabinet — See BA215 cabinet
BA430 cabinet — See BA430 cabinet
BA215 enclosure, 1–5
BA430 enclosure, 1–6
VAX 4000 Model 300
cabinet — See BA440 cabinet
enclosure, 1–7
VAX 4000 Model 400
cabinet — See BA440 cabinet
enclosure, 1–7
VAX 4000 Model 500
cabinet — See BA440 cabinet
enclosure, 1–7
VAX 4000 Model 600
cabinet — See BA440 cabinet

Index–5

VAX 4000 Systems
enclosure types, list of, 1–3
models, list of, 1–2
VAXstation 4000 Model 60
console security feature, 3–15
enclosure, 1–8
System unit
communications/printer port, 2–46
front panel components, 2–44
front view, 2–43
keyboard port, 2–46
monitor power port, 2–46
monitor video port, 2–46
mouse port, 2–46
network switch, 2–47
printer/communications port, 2–46
rear view, 2–45
remote mouse/keyboard port, 2–46
SCSI port, 2–46
standard Ethernet port, 2–46
system power port, 2–46
ThinWire Ethernet port, 2–47
VAXstation 4000 Model 90
console security feature, 3–15
enclosure, 1–9
System unit
communications/printer port, 2–46
front panel components, 2–44
front view, 2–43
keyboard port, 2–46
monitor power port, 2–46
monitor video port, 2–46
mouse port, 2–46
network switch, 2–47
printer/communications port, 2–46
rear view, 2–45
remote mouse/keyboard port, 2–46
SCSI port, 2–46
standard Ethernet port, 2–46
system power port, 2–46
ThinWire Ethernet port, 2–47
VAXstation 4000 Model VLC
console security feature, 3–15
enclosure, 1–9
System unit

Index–6

VAXstation 4000 Model VLC
System unit (cont’d)
alternate console switch, 2–49
communications/printer port, 2–50
Halt button, 2–49
headset jack, 2–49
keyboard port, 2–49
monitor power port, 2–50
monitor video port, 2–50
mouse port, 2–49
On/Off switch, 2–50
printer/communications port, 2–50
rear panel, 2–49
SCCI port, 2–50
side panel, 2–48
standard Ethernet port, 2–50
system power port, 2–50
VAXstation 4000 Systems
enclosures, 1–8
models, list of, 1–2

X
X command (binary load and unload), 3–42