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AlphaStation 600A Series
User Information
Part Number: EK-AL655-UI. A01

January 1997
This book introduces the AlphaStation 600A Series system. Use
the information in this book to configure, start, use, update, and
troubleshoot your system. You will also find general system
information, such as console commands and system care, in this
book.

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

January 1997
Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in
the manner described in this publication will not infringe on existing or future patent
rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this publication imply the granting of licenses
to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.
Possession, use, or copying of the software described in this publication is authorized
only pursuant to a valid written license from Digital or an authorized sublicensor.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1997. All rights reserved.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: Alpha,
AlphaGeneration, AlphaStation, OpenVMS Alpha, OpenVMS Alpha, and the Digital
logo.
The following are third-party trademarks:
Microsoft and Microsoft Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
Digital UNIX Version 3.0 is an X/Open UNIX 93 branded product.
SIMM is a trademark of Molex Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
holders.

S3417

Information - Class B
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. Any
changes or modifications to this equipment may void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The keyboard and video ports should be connected only with shielded data cables with an
external ferrite bead over the cable. When either of these ports is connected with cables
without such a ferrite bead, the additional ferrite beads shall be clamped over these cables
next to the cable connector.

Table of Contents
1 Getting Started
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................1-1
Before Starting Your System ................................................................................................1-2
Posture and Work Habits ...............................................................................................1-3
Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord .........................................................................1-7
Installing Your System .........................................................................................................1-8
Connecting System Components....................................................................................1-9
Network Connection ....................................................................................................1-12
Starting Your System..........................................................................................................1-12
Preloaded Operating System Software ......................................................................... 1-13
Switching Console Firmware .......................................................................................1-14
If No Operating System Is Installed ............................................................................. 1-15
Booting the Operating System .....................................................................................1-15
Turning Off Your System ................................................................................................... 1-18
Computer Security..............................................................................................................1-19
Security Lock .............................................................................................................. 1-19
Passwords ....................................................................................................................1-19
SRM Console Security................................................................................................. 1-20

2 System Overview
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................2-1
System Unit..........................................................................................................................2-1
PCI Architecture...................................................................................................................2-2
System Board .......................................................................................................................2-2
The Keyboard ................................................................................................................2-3
System Front Panel...............................................................................................................2-4
System Rear Panel................................................................................................................2-6

AlphaStation 600A User Information v

Table of Contents

3 Installing System Options
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 3-1
System Unit Components ..................................................................................................... 3-2
Left Side Panel ..................................................................................................................... 3-3
Removing the Left Side Panel ....................................................................................... 3-4
Replacing the Left Side Panel........................................................................................ 3-6
System Board ....................................................................................................................... 3-7
System Memory ................................................................................................................... 3-9
Installing Memory Modules......................................................................................... 3-10
Removing Memory Modules ....................................................................................... 3-11
External Drive Bay Devices ............................................................................................... 3-12
SCSI Addresses ........................................................................................................... 3-12
Installing External Drive Bay Devices ......................................................................... 3-13
Internal Drive Bay Devices................................................................................................. 3-18
Removing the Drive Assembly from the System Unit .................................................. 3-18
Removing a Device from the Drive Assembly ............................................................. 3-20
Replacing the Drive Assembly in the System Unit....................................................... 3-21
EISA and PCI Expansion Options....................................................................................... 3-21
EISA Bus..................................................................................................................... 3-22
PCI Bus ....................................................................................................................... 3-22
Installing Expansion Modules...................................................................................... 3-23
The Operator Control Panel................................................................................................ 3-24
Rotating the OCP......................................................................................................... 3-24

4 Troubleshooting
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 4-1
General Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 4-2
Initial Troubleshooting .................................................................................................. 4-2
Interpreting Error Beep Codes ....................................................................................... 4-7
Reading the Console Event Log..................................................................................... 4-8
The test Command......................................................................................................... 4-8
The sys_exer Command...............................................................................................4-10
The show_status Command ......................................................................................... 4-11
Power Problems.................................................................................................................. 4-13
Console Problems............................................................................................................... 4-14
Boot Problems.................................................................................................................... 4-15
Problems Detected by the Operating System ...................................................................... 4-16
Storage Problems................................................................................................................ 4-16
Option Card Problems ........................................................................................................ 4-20
Network Problems .......................................................................................................4-20
EISA Bus Problems ..................................................................................................... 4-21
vi AlphaStation 600A User Information

Table of Contents
PCI Bus Problems........................................................................................................4-21
Monitor and Terminal Problems ......................................................................................... 4-22
Keyboard and Mouse Problems...........................................................................................4-23
Printer Problems .................................................................................................................4-24
Overheating Problems.........................................................................................................4-24
RAID Device Problems ...................................................................................................... 4-25
Using the Fail-Safe Loader ................................................................................................. 4-26
Status and Error Codes ....................................................................................................... 4-27
Equipment Log ................................................................................................................... 4-28

5 Console Subsystems
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................5-1
Using the AlphaBIOS Console..............................................................................................5-2
Using a Serial Line ........................................................................................................5-2
Windows NT System Start-up........................................................................................5-3
The Firmware Menus............................................................................................................5-4
Help in Navigating AlphaBIOS ............................................................................................5-5
Primary Operating System and the Auto Start Option ...........................................................5-6
Manually Setting Up the Hard Disk ...............................................................................5-8
System Setup Tasks ............................................................................................................5-10
Displaying Your System Configuration...............................................................................5-10
Running a Configuration Utility .........................................................................................5-12
Using the EISA Configuration Utility ................................................................................. 5-13
Before You Run the ECU ............................................................................................ 5-14
Configuring EISA Options...........................................................................................5-14
Setting Up Password Protection .......................................................................................... 5-16
Index to the AlphaBIOS Menu Functions............................................................................5-18
Hard Disk Setup Menu................................................................................................. 5-19
Operating System Selection Setup Menu...................................................................... 5-21
Display System Configuration Menu............................................................................ 5-24
Run Maintenance Program Menu.................................................................................5-34
CMOS Setup Menu......................................................................................................5-35
Using the SRM Console...................................................................................................... 5-39
Basic Commands .........................................................................................................5-39
Comprehensive Commands.......................................................................................... 5-41
Getting Help on the SRM Console ............................................................................... 5-41
SRM Console Conventions ..........................................................................................5-43
SRM Console Shortcut Keys........................................................................................5-44
Boot Command............................................................................................................ 5-45
ECU Command............................................................................................................ 5-47
Set Command .............................................................................................................. 5-47

AlphaStation 600A User Information vii

Table of Contents
Environment Variables ................................................................................................5-53
SRM Console Security Features................................................................................... 5-54

6 Care of the System
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 6-1
Cleaning Your System Unit .................................................................................................. 6-1
Cleaning Your Monitor......................................................................................................... 6-1
Cleaning Your Keyboard ...................................................................................................... 6-2
Cleaning Your Mouse........................................................................................................... 6-2
Moving Your System............................................................................................................ 6-3
Packing Your System ........................................................................................................... 6-4
Installing Your System at a New Location..................................................................... 6-4

7 Technical Specifications
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 7-1
System Specifications........................................................................................................... 7-1
External System Connectors ................................................................................................. 7-3
Parallel Port Connector.................................................................................................. 7-4
Serial Port Connectors ................................................................................................... 7-4
Keyboard and Mouse Connectors................................................................................... 7-5
Expansion Slots ............................................................................................................. 7-6
Power Supply and Input Power Requirements....................................................................... 7-6
System Board Jumper Locations........................................................................................... 7-7
System Board and CPU Card Jumper Settings ...................................................................... 7-8

8 Updating System Firmware
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 8-1
System Firmware.................................................................................................................. 8-1
Updating Firmware Using the CDROM Drive ............................................................... 8-2
Updating Firmware Using the Network.......................................................................... 8-5
Updating Firmware Using the Diskette Drive ................................................................ 8-5
Flash Enable Jumper...................................................................................................... 8-6

9 Starting an Operating Sytem Installation
Preparing to Install Windows NT.......................................................................................... 9-1
Preparing the System ..................................................................................................... 9-1
Installing Microsoft Windows NT.................................................................................. 9-6
Preparing to Install Digital UNIX ......................................................................................... 9-7

viii AlphaStation 600A User Information

Table of Contents
Installation Preparation ..................................................................................................9-7
Installing Digital UNIX .................................................................................................9-8
Preparing to Install OpenVMS Alpha....................................................................................9-8
Preparing the System .....................................................................................................9-8
Installing OpenVMS Alpha..........................................................................................9-10

10 Equipment Log
Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 10-1
Equipment Log ................................................................................................................... 10-1

List of Figures
Figure 1-1. AlphaStation 600A Series System........................................................................1-2
Figure 1-2. Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits ..................................................1-4
Figure 1-3. System Airflow (Side View, Cover Removed).....................................................1-9
Figure 1-4. Connecting Cables and the Power Cord ............................................................. 1-11
Figure 1-5. Starting Your System.........................................................................................1-13
Figure 2-1. Typical Keyboard Layout ....................................................................................2-3
Figure 2-2. Indicators, and Drive Bay Locations....................................................................2-5
Figure 2-3. Rear Connectors (Rear View) ..............................................................................2-6
Figure 3-1. System Unit Components ....................................................................................3-2
Figure 3-2. Unlocking and Removing the Left Side Panel......................................................3-5
Figure 3-3. Replacing the Left Side Panel..............................................................................3-6
Figure 3-4. System Board Components..................................................................................3-7
Figure 3-5. Memory Banks and Connectors ...........................................................................3-9
Figure 3-6. Installing a Memory Module.............................................................................. 3-10
Figure 3-7. Removing a Memory Module ............................................................................ 3-11
Figure 3-8. Removing a Plastic Filler Panel ......................................................................... 3-13
Figure 3-9. Attaching the Securing Bracket and Installing the Device.................................. 3-15
Figure 3-10. SCSI and Removable Device Connector Cable Configuration .........................3-16
Figure 3-11. Power Cable Configuration.............................................................................. 3-17
Figure 3-12. Removing the Drive Assembly ........................................................................3-19
Figure 3-13. Removing a Device from the Drive Assembly .................................................3-20
Figure 3-14. EISA and PCI Expansion Module Contacts......................................................3-21
Figure 3-15. PCI/EISA Slot Numbering............................................................................... 3-22
Figure 3-16. Installing an Expansion Module.......................................................................3-23
Figure 3-17. Removing the Front Bezel ............................................................................... 3-25
Figure 3-18. Rotating the OCP............................................................................................. 3-26
Figure 5-1. The Boot Menu....................................................................................................5-3

AlphaStation 600A User Information ix

Table of Contents

List of Figures (continued)
Figure 5-2. The AlphaBIOS Setup Menu ............................................................................... 5-4
Figure 5-3. First Level Help Display...................................................................................... 5-5
Figure 5-4. Second Level Help Display ................................................................................. 5-6
Figure 5-5. Primary Operating System Selection .................................................................. 5-7
Figure 5-6. Auto Start Option Enabled................................................................................... 5-7
Figure 5-7. Operating System Selection Menu....................................................................... 5-8
Figure 5-8. Hard Disk Setup Menu ........................................................................................ 5-8
Figure 5-9. Display System Configuration Menu ................................................................. 5-11
Figure 5-10. Select Run Maintenance Program .................................................................... 5-12
Figure 5-11. Execute Run Maintenance Program................................................................. 5-13
Figure 5-12. Advanced CMOS Setup Menu......................................................................... 5-17
Figure 5-13. Hard Disk Setup Menu ................................................................................... 5-19
Figure 5-14. Operating System Selection Setup Menu ........................................................ 5-21
Figure 5-15. Display System Configuration Menu .............................................................. 5-24
Figure 5-16. Hard Disk Configuration Menu....................................................................... 5-26
Figure 5-17. PCI Configuration Menu ................................................................................ 5-27
Figure 5-18. Advanced PCI Information Menu ................................................................... 5-28
Figure 5-19. EISA Configuration Menu.............................................................................. 5-29
Figure 5-20. SCSI Configuration Menu .............................................................................. 5-30
Figure 5-21. Memory Configuration Menu ......................................................................... 5-32
Figure 5-22. Integrated Peripherals Menu ........................................................................... 5-33
Figure 5-23. Run Maintenance Program Menu ................................................................... 5-34
Figure 5-24. Standard CMOS Setup Menu.......................................................................... 5-35
Figure 5-25. Advanced CMOS Setup Menu........................................................................ 5-37
Figure 6-1. Cleaning the Mouse............................................................................................. 6-3
Figure 7-1. System Board Jumper Locations.......................................................................... 7-9
Figure 7-2. CPU Card J1 Jumper Settings............................................................................ 7-10
Figure 9-1. Express Hard Disk Setup .................................................................................... 9-5

x AlphaStation 600A User Information

Preface
Welcome to the AlphaStation 600A Series System
This book introduces the AlphaStation 600A Series system.
Use the information in this book to configure, start, use, update, and troubleshoot your
AlphaStation 600A Series system. You can also find general system information such as
console commands and system care in this book.

Audience
If you will be operating, configuring, or adding options to the AlphaStation 600A Series
system, the information included in this book will be helpful to you.

Organization of the Information
This information for users covers the following topics:
Chapter 1, Getting Started, describes installing, starting, restarting, and turning off the
system.
Chapter 2, System Overview, describes the hardware components, including the peripheral
component interconnect (PCI) architecture, the controller, the keyboard, the system unit
front panel, and the system unit rear panel.
Chapter 3, Installing System Options, describes the system unit components and gives
instructions and illustrations to help you remove and replace them.
Chapter 4, Troubleshooting, describes system troubleshooting as well as the error beep
codes.
Chapter 5, Console Subsystems, contains a basic description of the AlphaBIOS console
commands and the system reference manual (SRM) console commands.
Chapter 6, Care of the System, describes how to clean your system, monitor, mouse, and
keyboard. It also contains instructions for moving and reinstalling your system.

AlphaStation 600A User Information xi

Preface
Chapter 7, Technical Specifications, describes the technical characteristics of the system.
Chapter 8, Updating System Firmware, explains how to use the firmware update utility.
Chapter 9, Starting an Operating System Installation, provides the information you need to
begin an operating system installation.
Chapter 10, Equipment Log, contains tables that you can use to record information about
your system hardware and software components.

Conventions
This guide uses the following conventions:
Convention Example
c:\windowsc:\w
indows>

Description
Monospaced, bold text indicates file names, path names,
directories, or screen text.

[Enter]

Square brackets surrounding text represent a key on the
keyboard.

[Ctrl]+[R]

A plus sign between keyboard keys indicates that the keys
shown should be pressed at the same time.

auto_action

Italic text indicates environment variables. Titles of
information sources are in italic, and occasionally italic is
used for emphasis in the text.

)

xii AlphaStation 600A User Information

A pointing hand indicates a reference to additional
information.

Preface

Abbreviations
This guide uses the following abbreviations:
Abbreviation

Meaning

alternating current

amp

ampere

Celsius

compact disc

CD-ROM

compact disc read-only memory

CEE

International Commission for Conformity Certification of
Electrical Equipment

CFG

configuration file

centimeters

CPU

central processing unit

CSA

Canadian Standards Association

direct current

DMA

direct memory access

DRAM

dynamic random-access memory

DROM

diagnostic read-only memory

ECU

EISA configuration utility

EISA

extended industry-standard architecture

flashROM

electrically erasable, rewriteable, nonvolatile memory

feet

gigabyte

hertz

IEC

International Electrotechnical Commission

I/O

input/output

IRQ

interrupt request

ISO

International Organization for Standardization

AlphaStation 600A User Information xiii

Preface

Abbreviations (continued)
Abbreviation

Meaning

kilobit

kilobyte

kilogram

pound

LED

light-emitting diode

meter

MAU

media adapter unit

megabit

megabyte

MHz

megahertz.

millimeter

nanoseconds

NVRAM

nonvolatile random-access memory

OSF

DEC Open Software Foundation/1 UNIX operating system

PCI

peripheral component interconnect

RISC

reduced instruction set computing

ROM

read-only memory

SCSI

small computer system interface

SIMM

single in-line memory modules

SRM

system reference manual (the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS
Alpha consoles)

SROM

serial read-only memory

Underwriters Laboratories

VAR

value-added reseller

V AC

volts alternating current

VMS

Virtual Memory System

watt

xiv AlphaStation 600A User Information

Preface

Special Notices
This guide uses three kinds of notices to emphasize specific information.
________________________WARNING __________________________
A WARNING indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause injury.
____________________________________________________________
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
A CAUTION indicates the presence of a hazard that can cause damage to
hardware or that might corrupt software.
____________________________________________________________
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
A NOTE gives general information, such as compatibility with other products or
pointers to other information.
____________________________________________________________

Additional Information Resources
For additional information about your AlphaStation 600A Series system, consult the
AlphaStation 600 Series Installation Information (order number EK-AS800-IN), which
presents a graphical overview of the AlphaStation 600A Series system installation. The
information in this installation guide applies to both AlphaStation 600 and AlphaStation
600A systems.
Contact your distributor or Digital representative for other available product-related
information.

AlphaStation 600A User Information xv

1
Getting Started

Introduction
Your AlphaStation 600A Series is a high-performance system that uses the latest
microprocessor technology. The system can stand alone or function as a client in an
office network environment.
This chapter describes how to install, start, restart, and turn off your AlphaStation 600A
Series system. You can also find information here about preloaded software as well as
guidelines for system security. Figure 1-1 shows a typical AlphaStation 600A Series
system.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-1

Getting Started

DEC0A001.AI

Figure 1-1. AlphaStation 600A Series System

Before Starting Your System
Before you start your system, follow this procedure:
1.

Read and understand the information supplied with your system.

Select a well-ventilated site near a grounded power outlet and
away from sources of excessive heat. Also, use an appropriate
power strip to isolate the site from electric noise (for example,

1-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started
spikes, sags, and surges) produced by devices such as air
conditioners, large fans, radios, and televisions.
3.

Save all shipping containers and packing material for
repackaging or moving the system later.
_________________________ NOTES ____________________________
Do not install optional hardware or application software until you have started
your system and verified that the base system is working correctly.
On systems that have preloaded software, a label attached to the system unit
informs you that there is licensed software installed. Carefully review the
software license agreement shipped with your system.
____________________________________________________________
________________________WARNING___________________________
When unpacking and moving system components, be aware that some
components (such as the system unit or monitor) may be too heavy for you
to safely lift alone. If you are doubtful about whether you can lift these
items alone, please get assistance.
____________________________________________________________

Posture and Work Habits
Some studies suggest that if you use poor posture while you work or if your equipment is
poorly positioned, injury may result. Although other studies refute this cause and effect,
we recommend that you read and follow the precautions outlined in Figure 1-2 and Table
1-1 and adjust your work area so that you are comfortable. and adjust your work area so
that you are comfortable.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-3

Getting Started
9
8
7
5
6

4
3
2

DEC0A003.AI

Figure 1-2. Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits

1-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started

Table 1-1 Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits
Adjust

Figure
Callout

Chair

Your feet are flat on the floor.

Your legs are vertical and form a right angle to the
floor.

4
Keyboard and
Mouse

To allow the following conditions:

Your thighs are horizontal, and they are not bearing
weight. To prevent restriction of the blood flow, keep
the backs of your knees away from the seat so you do
not compress the area behind them.
Your upper body is erect and your lower back is
supported with a backrest.
Your wrists are straight and do not flex more than 15
degrees. They are supported and do not rest on sharp
edges. If you use a mouse, rest your hand on the mouse
so your wrist is not on the work surface. Operate the
mouse close to your body's centerline.
Your upper arms are straight down at your sides, and
your elbows are close to your sides and support your
arm weight. Forearms are at a 70- to 90-degree angle.

Head

Avoid neck strain. Your head should incline
downward, but no more than 15 to 20 degrees.

Monitor

The monitor should be no higher than the level of your
eyes and at the correct distance for your vision.

Lighting

Avoid eye fatigue, which can be caused by glare,
image quality, uncomfortable furniture, eye height, and
uncorrected vision. If you cannot focus to read at
different distances, you may need special glasses.
Relax your eyes periodically by focusing on distant
objects.
Direct lighting or sunlight on the screen causes glare
and reflections. Place lighting behind or to the side of
your work area, and distribute the lighting evenly on
your work area.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-5

Getting Started

Table 1-1 Recommendations for Posture and Work Habits (cont.)
Adjust

Figure
Callout

To allow the following conditions:

Noise

Keep background noise at a minimum. Background
noise above 65 dBa is tiring. Sound-absorbing
materials (for example, curtains, carpeting, and
acoustic tile) can help reduce background noise.

Temperature

The temperature should be between 20° and 23°C (68°
and 74° F).

Humidity

The humidity should be between 30% and 70%.

Ventilation

Provide adequate air ventilation to operate the
equipment and avoid fatigue.

Work Area

Your work area should be greater than 70 cm (28
inches) center to center, preferably 152 cm (60 inches).

________________________WARNING___________________________
If you experience pain or discomfort while using your system, rest and
review the instructions for posture and work habits. If the pain or
discomfort continues after resuming work, discontinue use and report the
condition to your job supervisor or physician.
____________________________________________________________

1-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started

Identifying the Correct AC Power Cord
The proper AC power cord accompanies your AlphaStation 600A Series system. Because
variations exist from one country to another, and systems may be moved, inspect your
power cord to ensure that it is the correct one for your country or region. If you are not
sure that the supplied AC power cord is correct, contact your authorized Digital service
representative or distributor before you use it.
________________________WARNING___________________________
Do not attempt to modify or use an external 115V AC power cord for 230V
AC input power. Modifying the power cord can cause personal injury and
severe equipment damage.
____________________________________________________________
Power cords supplied with the AlphaStation 600A Series system meet the following
criteria:
•

The cords are UL-listed and CSA-certified, rated for use at
250V AC with a current rating that is at least 125% of the
current rating of the AlphaStation 600A Series system. In
Europe, the cordage carries the <HAR> mark.

•

The AC plug is terminated in a grounding-type male plug
designed for use in the region. It must also have marks showing
certification by an agency acceptable in the region.

•

The connector at the computer end must be an IEC1-type CEE222 female connector.

•

The cord length does not exceed 4.5 m (14.5 ft).

1 International Electrotechnical Commission.
2 International Commission for Conformity Certification of Electrical Equipment.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-7

Getting Started

Installing Your System
The AlphaStation 600A Series Installation Information you received with your system
graphically outlines the steps to follow to install your system.
1.

Make sure you received all of your system components. Use
Appendix G, Equipment Log, to list your equipment. If
something is missing, please contact your distributor or Digital
representative.

If you are using rack-mount installation, remove the glide pads
(enclosure feet).

3. Position your system so that air can flow freely to and from the
vents, as shown in Figure 1-3.
_______________________ CAUTIONS __________________________
To ensure that your system is properly cooled:
Make sure that air can freely flow into the front
system unit.

d and out of the rear c of the

Do not remove a filler plate until you are ready to add a new system
component.
____________________________________________________________

1-8 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started

c Rear of system unit

MLO-013738

d Front of system unit
Figure 1-3. System Airflow (Side View, Cover Removed)

Connecting System Components
To connect the components of your AlphaStation 600A Series system, follow this
procedure:

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-9

Getting Started
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
The AlphaStation 600A Series system runs on 88V–268V AC and 48–62 Hz.
The system uses an autosensing power supply.
____________________________________________________________
1.

Ensure that the On/Off switch is in the Off (flush) position. See Figure 1-5 for
a view of the switch positions.

Connect the mouse, keyboard, video cable, and power cords to the system
components, as shown in Figure 1-4.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
If you disconnect the mouse or keyboard during operation, data will be lost and
you will have to power-cycle the entire system.
____________________________________________________________

1-10 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started

9
2

1
8

6
ML013755

c Mouse connector
d Keyboard connector
e Optional SCSI connector
f Optional SCSI connector
g Network connectors
h Power connector
i Video port
 Parallel port
 Serial ports

Figure 1-4. Connecting Cables and the Power Cord

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-11

Getting Started
3.

If you have an external small computer system interface (SCSI)
interface or SCSI storage box, connect the SCSI cable to the
appropriate SCSI port on the rear of the system. See the section
on SCSI Termination in Chapter 3 for additional information.

Network Connection
The AlphaStation 600A Series system has 10BASE-T (twisted-pair) connectors for
connecting to a network. Use the appropriate connector for your application.

Starting Your System
Perform the following steps to start your AlphaStation 600A Series system:
1.

Turn on the system unit, monitor power, and any external
devices. Figure 1-5 shows the location of the system unit On/Off
button.

If necessary, adjust the monitor contrast and brightness to obtain
a readable screen display. Refer to the information supplied with
your monitor for further instructions.

Allow your system to complete any power-on self-tests and
device initialization messages. This will take approximately 1
minute. If you are using the Digital UNIX on OpenVMS Alpha
operating systems, and the auto_action environment variable is
set to Boot, the system starts as soon as the self tests have
completed (less than 2 minutes). If you are using Microsoft
Windows NT, the operating system starts after countdown
expires (default is 10 seconds).

1-12 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started

Off

MLO-013820

Figure 1-5. Starting Your System

Preloaded Operating System Software
Your AlphaStation 600A Series system comes with one of the following operating
systems preloaded:
•

Digital UNIX

•

OpenVMS Alpha

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-13

Getting Started
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
Microsoft Windows NT is available but is not preloaded on your AlphaStation
600A Series system.
____________________________________________________________

Depending on how the environment variables are set, your system shows one of the
operating system-specific displays described next, after the self tests complete
successfully.
Digital UNIX
If you are using the Digital UNIX operating system, when you turn on your system, you
see a >>> prompt (if auto_action is set to Halt) or the system proceeds to boot Digital
UNIX (if auto_action is set to Boot).

)

For more information, refer to your operating system
documentation.

OpenVMS Alpha
If you are using the OpenVMS Alpha operating system, when you turn on your system,
you see a >>> prompt (if auto_action is set to Halt) or the system proceeds to boot
OpenVMS Alpha (if auto_action is set to Boot).

)

For more information, refer to your operating system
documentation.

Switching Console Firmware
To switch from the AlphaBIOS console (used with the Microsoft Windows NT
Workstation operating system) to the SRM console (used with the Digital UNIX and
OpenVMS Alpha operating systems), from the Boot menu, select your operating system
(Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha).
To switch from the SRM console to the AlphaBIOS console, at the SRM prompt (>>>),
type: arc.

1-14 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started

)

If No Operating System Is Installed
If an operating system was not preloaded on your system, refer
to Chapter 9 and to your operating system documentation for
information on how to load it.

Booting the Operating System
You may need to perform some of these tasks before booting your operating system:
Run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU)
Check required environment variable settings.
Change the way your system powers up or boots.
Verify your system configuration
Running the EISA Configuration Utility
If you have added, removed, or moved an EISA card, you must run the EISA
Configuration Utility before booting the operating system. Refer to "Using the EISA
Configuration Utility" in Chapter 5 for more information.
Checking Required Environment Variable Settings
If you are running the Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha operating system, verify the
value of the set bus_probe_algorithm environment variable. It should be set to
"new."

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-15

Getting Started

You may also want to check that settings for the following variables match your
configuration. The SRM console command to reset each variable is shown in
parenthesis. To see a complete list of environment variables, type show * at the SRM
console prompt.
Operating system (set os_type)
Ethernet device type (set ew*0_mode)
Speed for Fast SCSI devices (set pk*0_fast)
Boot device (set bootdef_dev)
Boot flags (set boot_osflags)
Device names (set bus_probe_algorithm)
Network protocols (set ew*0_protocols)
Changing Startup and Boot Defaults
You can change the way the system starts up or boots the operating system. For
example, you can set the system to autoboot or you can change the default boot device.
To make these kinds of changes you need to change default values for your system's
environment variables.
To change default values for Windows NT systems, which boot automatically, select
the CMOS Setup menu from the Boot menu. (See “Using the AlphaBIOS Console”
in Chapter 5.
To change default values for Digital UNIX or OpenVMS Alpha systems, see "set" in
Table 5-5. Basic SRM Console Commands.
Startup and Boot Environment Variables
The following environment variables affect the way the system starts up or boots:
auto_action
autoload
countdown
os_type

1-16 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started
Table 1-2 lists the boot environment variables and their values, and briefly describes their
effects. Environment variables marked with an asterisk∗ in Table 1-2 require that you
use the init command to initialize the firmware whenever you reset that particular
variable.
Example: >>> set os_type NT
>>> init
Table 1-2. Startup and Boot Environmental Variables
Operating
System

Environment
Variable

Value

Description

Digital
UNIX
OpenVMS
Alpha

auto_action

Boot
Halt
Restart

*Specifies the system default startup action.
Applies only to the Digital UNIX and
OpenVMS Alpha operating systems.

Digital
UNIX
OpenVMS
Alpha

bus_probe_
algorithm

New

*Improves bus sizing and configuration on
systems running the Digital UNIX and
OpenVMS operating systems. Failure to set
this environment variable could result in
errors.

Windows
NT

autoload

Yes or
No

Specifies whether the Windows NT operating
system should boot. Does not affect the
OpenVMS Alpha or Digital UNIX operating
systems. If the value is YES, the Windows
NT firmware boots the system after the
COUNTDOWN time-limit expires. If the
value is NO, the system halts at the Windows
NT firmware Boot menu.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-17

Getting Started

Table 1-3. Startup and Boot Environmental Variables
Operating
System

Environment
Variable

Value

Description

Windows
NT

countdown

10
seconds
(default
value)

Specifies the time limit within which you can
stop the Windows NT operating system from
booting if AUTOLOAD is set to YES. The
time limit is specified in seconds. When you
turn on the system or reinitialize the
firmware, the system displays the seconds
remaining before the operating system boots
automatically. To stop the system from
booting automatically, you must choose
another menu item from the Boot menu.

Windows
NT
Digital
UNIX
OpenVMS
Alpha

os_type

NT
UNIX
VMS

*Specifies the system default operating
system setting. Depending on the value, the
system either boots or restarts the specified
operating system, or halts in the specified
console. You can modify the value from
either the Windows NT (ARC) console or
Digital UNIX and OpenVMS (SRM) console.

Turning Off Your System
Before turning off your system, make sure to save and close all open files. If you turn the
system off without saving and closing files, you could corrupt some or all of your data.
To turn off your system, follow this procedure:
1.

Close any application data files you have open as well as any
applications you have running. Most application programs
prompt you to save the information before closing.

Shut down the operating system with the appropriate command
from Table 1-4:

1-18 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Getting Started

Table 1-4. System Shutdown Commands
Operating System

Action

Windows NT

From the Program Manager File menu, choose Shutdown.
Choose the OK button to confirm.

Digital UNIX

Type the following from a superuser account:
shutdown -h now

OpenVMS Alpha

Type the following from a privileged account:
@sys$system:shutdown

Wait for the operating system to complete the shutdown process. For Digital UNIX
or OpenVMS Alpha, the SRM console prompt (>>>) is displayed. Microsoft
Windows NT displays a window indicating it is safe to turn off or restart the system.

Do not turn off power to your system and peripherals until the shutdown sequence
completes.

Computer Security
Use the security lock and passwords to protect your AlphaStation 600A Series system.

Security Lock
To avoid theft of internal components, your AlphaStation 600A Series system comes
with a security key lock, which is located on the back of your system unit. When this
lock is in the locked position, no one else can open the system box. Store the key in a
safe place.

Passwords
You can set your system for screen saver and pause screen passwords. See your operating
system documentation for more information on the availability and use of these
options.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 1-19

Getting Started

SRM Console Security
For information on console security features that restrict access to certain SRM console
commands, see “SRM Console Security Features” in Chapter 5.

1-20 AlphaStation 600A User Information

2
System Overview
Introduction
This chapter describes the AlphaStation 600A Series system hardware components,
including the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) architecture, the keyboard, the
system unit front panel, and the system unit rear panel.

System Unit
Your AlphaStation 600A Series system uses a high-performance Alpha architecture CPU.
The system unit includes:
•

Two external storage bays for 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch devices

•

Three internal storage bays for 3.5-inch devices

•

Diskette controller that supports one or two diskette drives

•

One 3.5-inch external diskette drive

•

Small Computer System Interface (SCSI3) controller with both internal and external
buses that support up to 16 SCSI devices, and twisted-pair Ethernet ports.

•

Seven slots for 32-bit PCI options; two slots for EISA plug-in options.

•

Keyboard and mouse ports

•

Two serial ports and one parallel port

)

Refer to Chapter 7, “Technical Specifications,” for additional information.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 2-1

System Overview

PCI Architecture
Your system's PCI architecture represents the latest advances in local bus technology. The
PCI architecture of your AlphaStation 600A Series system delivers maximum performance
by providing a wider data path, greater speed, and improved expandability.
PCI local bus features include:
•

Highest performance in the workstation market today

•

Best expandability for high-performance peripheral devices

•

Support for multiple bus masters

•

32-bit data transfer

•

PCI-to-EISA bridge capability that allows you to use commonly available EISA
options

System Board
The system board provides a standard set of I/O functions :
•

A Fast Wide SCSI controller chip that supports up to 7 fast wide SCSI drives

•

The firmware console subsystem on 1 MB of Flash ROM

•

A diskette drive controller

•

Two serial ports with full modem control and the parallel port

•

Keyboard and mouse interface

•

Speaker interface

•

PCI-to-PCI bridge chip set

•

PCI-to-EISA bridge chip set

•

EISA system component chip

•

Time-of-year (TOY) clock

•

Connectors:

•

- EISA bus connectors (Slots 1 and 2)

•

- PCI bus connectors (Slots 11, 12, and 13, before the bridge)

•

- PCI bus connectors (Slots 1, 2, 3, and 4, behind the bridge)

•

Memory module connectors (16 SIMM connectors)

•

CPU module connector

2-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

System Overview

The Keyboard
Your system comes equipped with a 101-key enhanced keyboard (shown in Figure 2-1)
that allows you to enter data or commands to your system. Note: Some European
keyboards have 108 keys. Refer to Table 2-1 for information on key groups and functions.

)

Refer to your operating system or application software documentation for softwarespecific key functions.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
Adjust the angle of the keyboard for your comfort. The underside of the
keyboard has feet that swing down and lock into place.
____________________________________________________________
1

5
DEC0A002.AI

Figure 2-1. Typical Keyboard Layout

AlphaStation 600A User Information 2-3

System Overview

Table 2-1. Key Groups and Functions
Figure
Legend

Key, Key Group

Function

[Escape] key

This key is program-specific. Its function is
determined by the installed application software.

Function key group

These keys are program-specific. Their functions
are determined by the installed application
software.

Edit key group

These keys are program-specific. Their functions
are determined by the installed application
software.

Indicator lights

These lights indicate whether [NumLock],
[CapsLock], or [ScrollLock] has been activated.

Numeric keypad

These keys perform numeric functions and
software-defined functions, including cursor
control. The [NumLock] key allows you to toggle
between the numeric functions and softwaredefined functions.

Cursor control key
group

These keys control the movement of the
highlighted cursor on the monitor screen.

Alphanumeric key
group

These typewriter-specific keys feature automaticrepeat capability. If you press and hold down any
of these keys, the keystroke repeats automatically
until released.

System Front Panel
Figure 2-2 shows a front view of the system with pointers to the controls and indicators.
Table 2-2 describes these items.

2-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

System Overview

3
4

9
10

MLO-013818

Figure 2-2. Indicators, and Drive Bay Locations
Table 2-2. Front Controls, Indicators, and Drive Bay Locations
Figure
Legend

Control or Indicator

Function

RRD45 CD-ROM drive

Location of 3.5-inch CD-ROM drive.

Diskette drive

Location of 3.5-inch diskette drive.

Operator control panel

Displays system messages

On/Off button

Turns DC power on and off.

Halt indicator

Lights when system is in the Halt state.

CD-ROM eject button

Releases a CD-ROM from the CD-ROM drive

Diskette eject button

Releases a diskette from the diskette drive.

Halt button

When pressed, the system halts immediately (the
halt button is a momentary contact switch).

On/off indicator

DC On, lights when the system is on.

Reset button

When pressed, resets the system and causes the
self-test to run.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 2-5

System Overview

System Rear Panel
Figure 2-3 shows the rear connectors. Table 2-3 lists the rear connectors and describes
their functions.

3
4

7
10

ML013756

Figure 2-3. Rear Connectors (Rear View)

2-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

System Overview

Table 2-3. Rear Connectors
Figure
Legend

Connector

Function

Mouse connector

Connects a PS/2-compatible mouse.

Keyboard connector

Connects a keyboard.

Serial port connectors

Connect serial devices.

Parallel port connector

Connects an industry-standard parallel printer.

Video port (on option
module)

Provides the interface between the video/graphics
expansion module (option) and the supported
monitor.

Network connectors

Provide twisted-pair network connections..

AC power connector

Connects the system to AC power.

Location for optional
SCSI connector

Provides the interface between the system unit
and external SCSI devices.

Location for optional
SCSI connector

Provides the interface between the system unit
and external SCSI devices.

SCSI slots

Provide the interface between the system unit and
external SCSI devices when optional SCSI
modules are added to the system.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 2-7

3
Installing System Options
Introduction
This chapter describes the AlphaStation 600A Series system unit components and gives
instructions and illustrations to help you install them. The following components are
described:
External and internal drive bay devices
Single in-line memory modules (SIMMs)
EISA and PCI bus options
Operator control panel (OCP)
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
When working on the internals of the system unit (for example, replacing an
option), you must wear a grounded wrist strap.
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-1

Installing System Options

System Unit Components
Figure 3-1 shows the location of the AlphaStation 600A Series system unit components.
Table 3-1 lists the system unit components.
4

7
1
8

MLO-013739

Figure 3-1. System Unit Components

3-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

Table 3-1. System Unit Components
Figure
Legend

Component

Seven 32-bit PCI expansion slots, and two EISA expansion slots

CPU module

Memory modules

Fan

External drive bays for 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch devices

3.5-inch diskette drive

Operator control panel

Internal drive assembly for 3.5-inch devices

Power supply

Left Side Panel
To gain access to the inside of the AlphaStation 600A Series system unit, remove the left
side panel. The system has a safety interlock on the side panel. Removal of this panel turns
off the system if you have not already done so.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
If you are using a rack mount, the side panel is the top of the system unit.
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-3

Installing System Options

Removing the Left Side Panel
To remove the left side panel, follow this procedure:
1.

Turn off your system and all peripheral devices.

Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Wait at least 15 seconds, to allow time for the power supply capacitors to discharge
safely.

Unlock the left side panel by turning the key counterclockwise to a vertical position,
as shown in Figure 3-2.
_________________________CAUTION __________________________
To avoid system damage from static discharge, wear a grounded wrist strap
before you touch anything inside the system.
____________________________________________________________

Slide the panel toward the rear of the system unit (as shown in Figure 3-3) and remove
it.

3-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

c Finger grip

DEC0A004.AI

Figure 3-2. Unlocking and Removing the Left Side Panel

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-5

Installing System Options

Replacing the Left Side Panel
Replace the left side panel., as shown in Figure 3-3, and lock it.

DEC0A014.AI

Figure 3-3. Replacing the Left Side Panel

3-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

System Board
Figure 3-4 shows the location of the AlphaStation 600A Series system board components.
Table 3-2 describes these components.
6

Bank 3
Bank 2
5

Bank 1
11

Bank 0

4
12
3

11
12
13
1
2
3
4

13
14

15
MLO-013742

Figure 3-4. System Board Components

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-7

Installing System Options

Table 3-2. System Board Components
Figure
Legend

Components

PCI slots: primary

PCI slots: secondary

EISA slots

CPU module

Memory module connectors

Power connector (+5V sense, -5V, +12V, -12V, 3.3V sense)

Power connector (+5V)

Power connector (+3.3V)

Diskette drive connector

Fan connector

TOY/NVRAM chip (E78)

NVRAM chip (E14)

Speaker connector

OCP connector

Internal SCSI bus connector

Not used

3-8 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

System Memory
The AlphaStation 600A Series system memory. supports 16 single in-line memory module
(SIMM) connectors on the system board. The SIMM connectors are grouped in four
memory banks consisting of four memory modules. Figure 3-5 shows the four memory
banks and their memory module connectors.
Keep in mind the following rules when installing memory modules:
A memory option consists of four memory modules.
One bank must contain a memory option.
All memory modules within a bank must be of the same capacity.
The system unit supports five sizes of memory options: 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256
megabytes. Using combinations of these five memory options, the system supports
from 16 megabytes to one gigabyte of memory.

Bank 3
Bank 2
Bank 1
Bank 0

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

SIMM 1

SIMM 3

SIMM 0

SIMM 2

MLO-013740

Figure 3-5. Memory Banks and Connectors

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-9

Installing System Options

Installing Memory Modules
You need to install a new memory module to replace a faulty module or when upgrading a
memory bank. You may need to remove memory modules in order to access the memory
slots for any new modules (see the next section). To install a memory module, refer to
Figure 3-6 and follow these steps:

Install the module in the socket at a 45-degree angle. Be sure that the notch is
oriented as shown. Rock the module gently until it is seated evenly, and press gently
so it slips over the two posts located at each end of the slot. Tip the module upright
until both retaining clips at the ends of the socket engage.

Reinstall any memory modules you may have removed for access purposes.

Replace the system covers.

Test the memory configuration using the following commands:
>>> show memory
>>> memory

DEC0A026.AI

Figure 3-6. Installing a Memory Module

3-10 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

Removing Memory Modules
You may need to remove memory modules to either remove or install another memory
module. Note the position of any memory modules that you remove.
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
To avoid electrostatic damage to components, wear a grounded wrist strap
before you touch anything inside the system.
____________________________________________________________
Figure 3-7 shows the removal procedure for a memory module. To remove a memory
module:
1.
2.

Remove the appropriate memory modules by pressing the metal clips  on both sides
of the memory module connector to the side.
Tilt the memory module and lift it  out of its connector.

MA00233

Figure 3-7. Removing a Memory Module

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-11

Installing System Options

External Drive Bay Devices
The AlphaStation 600A Series system supports three external drive bay devices: a slimline
3.5-inch diskette drive and two 5.25-inch half-height removable media devices (intended
for tape and CD-ROM use.)

SCSI Addresses
Before installing a SCSI drive, you must either set or verify the setting of the drive’s SCSI
address (SCSI ID). Digital recommends that you use Table 3-3 as a guide for the selection
of an address for your SCSI drive. Although Table 3-3 shows eight SCSI addresses, widebus SCSI can support up to 15 addresses.
Table 3-3. SCSI Address Recommendations
SCSI
Address
(ID)

Device (Drive) Recommended

System disk (where your operating system resides)

Expansion/hard drive

CD-ROM drive

Expansion

Host adapter (SCSI controller)

3-12 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

Installing External Drive Bay Devices
To install an external drive bay device, follow this procedure: .
1.

Turn off your system and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Unlock and remove the left side panel, as described earlier in this chapter.

Carefully remove the plastic filler panel , pushing it out from the inside using a
Phillips screwdriver inserted through one of the screw holes in the side of the drive
bay.

DEC0A031.AI

c Shield
d Filler panel
Figure 3-8. Removing a Plastic Filler Panel

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-13

Installing System Options
4.

Refer to your drive documentation to configure the drive. If the drive is a SCSI drive,
you must select a SCSI address and make sure SCSI termination is disabled.
Terminator power should be enabled. Record the SCSI address you use in Appendix
G.

Attach the securing bracket by aligning the holes and inserting the screws, as shown in
Figure 3-9.

Connect the power and SCSI cables to the drive before fully inserting and securing the
device. Figure 3-10 shows a SCSI cabling configuration using one diskette drive and
three SCSI drives. If you have a SCSI tape drive, it connects to the SCSI cable. Figure
3-11 shows the cables from the power supply.
__________________________NOTES ___________________________
The CD-ROM must always go in the top slot.
The CD-ROM drive and optional tape drive are narrow SCSI devices. You must
use the wide-to-narrow SCSI adapters with them, as shown in Figure 3-10. Two
adapters (part number 17-04009-01) are supplied with the system.
If you are using SCSI2 “wide” drives, you do not need the adapter.
____________________________________________________________
Verify that the cable is connected in the correct orientation. All cables and most
connectors are keyed so that you cannot connect them incorrectly. If your drive is not
keyed, you must connect pin 1 of the cable to pin 1 of the connector.
Pin 1 of the cable is on the edge with the colored stripe or pattern. Pin 1 of the
connector should be marked with a small number "1" at one end of the connector or
with a small number “1” or “2” printed on the circuit board near one end of the
connector.

3-14 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

c Two mounting screws for each device
d Securing bracket, with two mounting screws
e Bracket shown in place

DEC0A038.AI

Figure 3-9. Attaching the Securing Bracket and Installing the Device

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-15

Installing System Options
9
1

2
3

5
8

6
7

c Wide-to-narrow SCSI adapter
d CD-ROM
e Tape drive or disk drive
f Diskette drive
g h i Disk drives
j Internal SCSI connector
k Diskette drive connector

MLO-013754

Figure 3-10. SCSI and Removable Device Connector Cable Configuration

3-16 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options
3

2
1

4
5

MLO-013825

c J21 - power connector (+5V sense, -5V, +12V, -12V, and +3.3V sense)
d J19 - power connector (+5V)
e J20 - power connector (+3.3V)
f J22 - OCP connector
g J3 - internal SCSI connector
Figure 3-11. Power Cable Configuration

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-17

Installing System Options
7.

Slide the drive in and secure it with two mounting screws, as shown in Figure 3-9.
__________________________ NOTE____________________________
If you are mounting a 3.5-inch drive in a 5.25-inch drive bay, you need 3.5-to5.25-inch exchange brackets on the 3.5-inch drive.
____________________________________________________________

Replace and lock the left side panel, as described earlier in this chapter.

Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall outlet.

Internal Drive Bay Devices
The AlphaStation 600A Series system supports three 3.5-inch devices in a drive assembly.
To add or replace these devices, you must remove the entire drive assembly from your
system unit, remove the devices from the assembly, and install the new devices.

Removing the Drive Assembly from the System Unit
To remove the drive assembly from the system unit, see Figure 3-12 and follow this
procedure:
1.

Turn off your system and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Unlock and remove the left side panel, as described earlier in this chapter.

Remove the SCSI and power cables from the devices in the drive assembly. Note the
position of the cables so that you can reconnect them to the correct devices later.

Loosen the two mounting screws

Slide the drive assembly

d just above the power supply in the keyhole slots.

c toward the rear of the system unit and remove it.

3-18 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

DEC0A029.AI

Figure 3-12. Removing the Drive Assembly

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-19

Installing System Options

Removing a Device from the Drive Assembly
To remove a device from the drive assembly, see Figure 3-13 and follow this procedure:
1.

Remove a device by removing the screws
out of the assembly .

e on both sides and sliding the device d

3
DEC0A028.AI

Figure 3-13. Removing a Device from the Drive Assembly
2.

Slide the drive into the drive assembly and secure it with screws.
_________________________CAUTION __________________________
Be sure to use the short screws that came with the drive. Other screws may be
too long and could damage the internal mechanism of the drive.
____________________________________________________________

3-20 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

Replacing the Drive Assembly in the System Unit
To replace the drive assembly in the system unit, follow this procedure:
1.

Reconnect the SCSI and power cables to the drives.

Replace the drive assembly in the system unit by sliding it forward until it is properly
positioned. Ensure that the two mounting tabs on the drive assembly engage the
mounting finger and slot in the system unit.

Tighten the two mounting screws.

Replace and lock the left side panel, as described earlier in this chapter.

Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall outlet.

EISA and PCI Expansion Options
You can determine whether an option is an extended industry-standard architecture (EISA)
option , or a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) option by examining the contacts on
the module (shown in Figure 3-14):
The AlphaStation 600A Series system features seven 32-bit PCI slots and two EISA slots.
Figure 3-15 shows the location of the EISA slots  and PCI slots: secondary  and
primary .
EISA

PCI

ML013741

Figure 3-14. EISA and PCI Expansion Module Contacts

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-21

Installing System Options

EISA Bus
The EISA bus is a 32-bit I/O bus. EISA is a superset of the well-established 16-bit ISA
bus. EISA was designed to accept newer 32-bit components, while remaining compatible
with older 8-bit and 16-bit cards.
EISA offers performance of up to 33 MB/second for bus masters. Slots are bus master slots
and can be filled in any sequence.

)

Refer to your option module documentation for instructions on configuring an EISA
option module.

PCI Bus
The PCI bus is an industry-standard I/O bus that is the preferred bus for high-performance
I/O options. The system supports 32-bit PCI option modules.

)

PCI option modules require no additional configuration procedures; the system
automatically recognizes the modules and assigns the appropriate system resources.
Refer to your option module documentation for additional information.

11
12
13
1
2
3
4
MLO-013743

Figure 3-15. PCI/EISA Slot Numbering

3-22 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

Installing Expansion Modules
To install an expansion module, see Figure 3-16 and follow this procedure:
1.

Turn off your system and unplug the power cord.

Unlock and remove the left side panel, as described earlier in this chapter.

Unscrew and remove the metal slot cover

Insert the new expansion module into the socket in the system board
module firmly into the socket.

Replace the screw that formerly held the slot cover to secure the module

Replace and lock the left side panel, as described earlier in this chapter.

)

Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall outlet and turn on the system.

d. Push the
d.

For more information on operating system-specific options, refer to your operating
system and option documentation.

MLO-013753

Figure 3-16. Installing an Expansion Module

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-23

Installing System Options

The Operator Control Panel
If you are either using a rack mount for the AlphaStation 600A Series system unit or
positioning the system horizontally on a desk top, you may want to rotate the operator
control panel (OCP) 90 degrees.

Rotating the OCP
To rotate the OCP, follow this procedure:
1.

Turn off your system and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

Remove the front bezel

c, as shown in Figure 3-17.

3-24 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Installing System Options

1
DEC0A007.AI

Figure 3-17. Removing the Front Bezel

Remove the OCP by pressing down
the OCP to the left 90 degrees .

c, as shown in Figure 3-18; rotate

AlphaStation 600A User Information 3-25

Installing System Options
1

4
DEC0A008.AI

Figure 3-18. Rotating the OCP
4.

Reinsert the OCP.

Replace the front bezel.

Connect the power cord and plug it into the wall.

3-26 AlphaStation 600A User Information

4
Troubleshooting

Introduction

)

This chapter describes initial and general troubleshooting as well as the error beep codes.
Refer to the documentation supplied with additional options if you are experiencing
problems with specific options that you have installed.

__________________________NOTE ____________________________
If you need to return a failed component, pack it in its original container and
return it to Digital Equipment Corporation or to your service provider.
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-1

Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting
Before you begin troubleshooting your system, consult your service agreement to
determine how much troubleshooting and repair you should undertake yourself.
•

If you plan to maintain the system yourself, use the information in this guide to help
identify and resolve the problem.

•

If you have a service agreement with a service provider, contact your representative
for assistance.

Initial Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot your AlphaStation 600A Series system initially, follow this procedure:
1.

Check that the power indicator is on.

Check the power indicator on the monitor.

Make sure that all cables and connections are secure.

Press the Halt/Reset button. If your system fails to boot, turn it off, wait 20 seconds,
and turn it back on.

Contact your Digital service representative or service provider for software- or
hardware-related problems by calling 1-800-DIGITAL.

Table 4-1 lists possible problems and the relevant sections in this chapter.

4-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

Table 4-1 Determining Where to Look
Task or Problem

Relevant Section

To confirm that EISA cards or memory modules
are properly configured.

Option Card Problems

To run a diagnostic test of the whole system, show
its status, or terminate the testing.

System Diagnostics

No startup display appears when you turn on the
system.

System Diagnostics (Error Beep Codes)
System Troubleshooting
Power Problems
Console Problems
Problems Detected by the Operating
System

Startup tests do not complete.
The system cannot boot the operating system.

Console Problems
Boot Problems
System Diagnostics
System Troubleshooting

The operating system reports errors, is hung, or
crashes.

Problems Detected by the Operating
System

The system cannot access a mass storage device.

Storage Problems

Storage devices are missing from the show
device display.
The system indicates network problems, an EISA
card is not configured, or a PCI card is unseen by
the system.

Option Card Problems

The monitor or the terminal are not working.

Monitor and Terminal Problems

The keyboard and mouse are not working.

Keyboard and Mouse Problems

The system repeatedly shuts down after 10
seconds.

Overheating Problems

System does not see or cannot access RAID
drives.

RAID Device Problems

The FlashROM is corrupted, and the system
cannot access console mode.

Using the Fail-Safe Loader

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-3

Troubleshooting
Table 4-2 lists how to identify and solve general problems that could occur with your
system.
Table 4-2. System Troubleshooting
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

Power indicator not on.

System is not plugged in.

Turn off the system, plug it in,
and then turn it back on again.

No power at the wall outlet.

Use another wall outlet.

Power supply failure.

Contact your service
representative.

Internal power supply
cables not reconnected
after installing options.

Reconnect cables.

Removable side panel not
installed properly.

Reinstall removable side panel.

Brightness and contrast
controls are not correctly
set.

Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.

Monitor is off.

Turn on the monitor.

Monitor cable or power
cord is incorrectly
installed.

Check all monitor connections.

Configuration error. SRM
console may be set incorrectly to “Serial.”

Set the SRM console to
“Graphics.” Refer to the video
module documentation for
more information.

Monitor is defective.

Try another monitor.

Defective video controller
module.

Replace the video module.

Power is on, but there is no
screen display.

4-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

Table 4-2. System Troubleshooting (continued)
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

System does not boot

Operating system software
is not installed on the hard
disk drive.

Install the appropriate
operating system.

System cannot find the
boot device.

Check the system configuration
for correct device parameters.
Digital UNIX and OpenVMS
Alpha: Use the SRM show
config and show device
commands. (Refer to Chapter
5, “Console Subsystems.”) Use
gathered information to
identify target devices for the
boot command and verify that
the system acknowledges all
installed devices.
Windows NT: Use the
AlphaBIOS console to display
the available boot devices.
First, from the Boot menu
select AlphaBIOS Setup
menu...; then select
Display System
Configuration. Verify that
the target boot device is listed.

Environment variables
incorrectly set.

Check and set the environment
variables, if necessary.
Digital UNIX and OpenVMS
Alpha:
Use the SRM console show
envar and set envar
commands to check and set the
values assigned to boot-related
variables such as auto_action,
bootdef_dev, and boot_osflag.
(Refer to Chapter 5 , “Console
Subsystems.”)

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-5

Troubleshooting

Table 4-2. System Troubleshooting (continued)
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

System does not boot.
(continued)

Hard disk drive is not
correctly formatted, or the
requested partition does not
exist.

Format the hard disk drive or
correctly partition the hard disk
drive using the supplied
software.

There is no software on the
requested partition.

Install software on the requested
partition.

Loose cables.

Secure all cable connections.

SCSI drive jumpers
incorrectly set.

Check all SCSI devices for
incorrect or conflicting IDs.
Refer to the hard disk drive
documentation.

SCSI bus termination
incorrectly set.

Check that the SCSI bus is
properly terminated. Refer to
Chapter 3 for more information.

Keyboard is passwordprotected.

Enter the keyboard password,
if supported by your operating
system.

Keyboard is not connected.

Connect the keyboard to the
keyboard port.3

Keyboard is connected to
the mouse port.

Connect the keyboard to the
keyboard port.1

Target boot device not listed
in show device, show
config (SRM), or
Display System
Configuration
(AlphaBIOS)

No response to keyboard
commands

3Turn the system off before connecting the keyboard.

4-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

Table 4-2. System Troubleshooting (continued)
Problem

Possible Cause

Action

No response to mouse
commands

Mouse is not connected.

Connect the mouse.4

Mouse is connected to the
keyboard port.

Connect the mouse to the mouse
port.2

Mouse driver not installed.

Install the appropriate mouse
driver. Refer to your application
software documentation.

Mouse ball sticking.

Clean the mouse. Refer to
Appendix B, System Care, for
information on cleaning the
mouse.

Interpreting Error Beep Codes
Table 4-3 describes error beep codes that you may encounter while using your system. For
example, if the SROM (serial read only memory) code could not find any good memory,
you would hear a 1-3-3 beep code (one beep, a pause, a burst of three beeps, a pause, and
another burst of three beeps).
Table 4-3. Error Beep Codes
Beep Code

Meaning

Action

1 at system start-up

System start-up is successful.

None.

1-2-4

Backup cache error

Call your service representative

1-1-2

A ROM data path error was
Refer to the section, "Using the
detected while loading
Fail-Safe Loader."
AlphaBIOS/SRM console code.

1-1-4

The SROM code could not read Refer to the section, "Using the
the flashROM headers, or there Fail-Safe Loader."
was a checksum failure.

1-2-1

TOY NVRAM failure.

Call your service representative.

4Turn the system off before connecting the mouse.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-7

Troubleshooting

Table 4-3 Error Beep Codes (continued)
Beep Code

Meaning

Action

1-3-3

The SROM code could not find at
least 16 MB of good memory, or
there was no memory available.

Verify that the memory
modules are properly seated.
Replace faulty memory
modules. If replacement
does not solve the problem,
call your service
representative.

3-1-2

The J1 jumper on the CPU card
Check that the J1 jumper is
was set incorrectly or the on-board set at bank 1. (See Figure 9SCSI controller failed.
7.) If the jumper is not the
problem, call your service
representative.

3-3-1

Generic system failure.

Call your service
representative.

3-3-2

The J1 jumper on the CPU card
was set incorrectly or the PCI-toPCI controller failed.

Check that the J1 jumper is
set at bank 1. (See Figure 97.) If the jumper is not the
problem, call your service
representative.

3-3-3

Internal Qlogic controller failure.

Call your service
representative.

Reading the Console Event Log
The system maintains a console event log consisting of status messages received during
startup testing. If problems occur during startup, standard error messages may be
embedded in the console event log. To display the console event log, use the cat el
command. Or, to display the log screen by screen, use the more el command.

The test Command
The test command runs firmware diagnostics for the entire core system. The command
runs one pass of the tests, and fatal errors are reported to the console terminal. To run tests
concurrently and indefinitely, use the sys_exer command.
The cat el command should be used in conjunction with the test command to examine
test/error information reported to the console event log.

4-8 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
By default, no write tests are performed on disk and tape drives. Media must be
installed to test the floppy drive and tape drives. A loopback connector is
required for the COM2 port (9-pin loopback connector, 12-27351-01).
The test command does not test the DNSES, TGA card, reflective memory
option, nor third-party options. When using the test command after shutting
down an operating system, you must initialize the system to a quiescent state.
Enter the following commands at the SRM console:
>>> set auto_action halt
>>> init
...
>>> test

After testing is complete, set the auto_action environment variable to its
previous value (usually, boot) and use the Reset button reset the system.
____________________________________________________________

The test script is made up of several exercisers that test devices in the following order:
1.

Console loopback tests if the lb argument is specified: COM2 serial port and parallel
port.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
A serial loopback connector (12-27351-01) must be installed on the COM2
serial port if the lb argument is specified.
____________________________________________________________

Network external loopback tests for E*A0. This test requires that the Ethernet port be
terminated or connected to a live network; otherwise, the test will fail.

Memory tests (one pass).

Read-only tests: DK* disks, DR* disks, DU* disks, kMK* tapes, DV* diskettes.

VGA console tests. These tests are run only if the console environment variable is set
to “serial.” The VGA console test displays rows of the word “digital.”

Synopsis:
test [lb]
Argument:
[lb]

The loopback option includes console loopback tests for the COM2 serial port
and the parallel port during the test sequence.
AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-9

Troubleshooting
In Example 4-1, the system tests complete successfully after one pass of the diagnostics.
Example 4-1 The test Command
>>> test
Testing the Memory
Testing the DK* Disks (read only)
No DU* Disks available for testing
No DR* Disks available for testing
No MK* Tapes available for testing
No MU* Tapes available for testing
Testing the DV* Floppy Disks (read only)
Testing the VGA (Alphanumeric Mode only)
Test the EWA0 Network
Testing the EWB0 Network
>>>

The sys_exer Command
The sys_exer command runs firmware diagnostics for the entire core system. This
command runs the same tests that are run by the test command, but sys_exer runs
them concurrently and in the background. Nothing is displayed unless an error occurs.
Example 4-2 shows a sample of the sys_exer display.
__________________________ NOTE____________________________
The diagnostics started by the sys_exer command require extra memory
resources. The init command must be used to reconfigure memory before
booting and operating the system.
____________________________________________________________
Because the sys_exer tests are run concurrently and indefinitely (until you stop them
with the init command), they are useful in diagnosing intermittent hardware problems.
__________________________ NOTE____________________________
By default, no write tests are performed on disk and tape drives. Media must be
installed to test the diskette drive and tape drives. Certain memory errors
reported by the OCP may not be reported by the ROM-based diagnostics.
Always check the power-up diagnostic display before running diagnostic
commands.
____________________________________________________________

4-10 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting
Synopsis:
sys_exer [lb]
Arguments:
[lb]

The loopback option includes console loopback tests for the COM2 serial
port and the parallel port during the test sequence.

>>>
Example 4-2. The sys_exer Command
>>> sys_exer
Default zone extended at the expense of memzone.
Use INIT before booting
Exercising the Memory
Exercising the DK* Disks {read only}
Exercising the Floppy (read only)
Testing the VGA (Alphanumeric Node only)
Exercising the EWA0 Network
Exercising the EWB0 Network
Type “init” in order to boot the operating system
Type “show_status” to display testing progress
Type “cat el” to redisplay recent errors

The show_status Command
The show_status command reports one line of information per executing diagnostic.
Many of the diagnostic tests are run in the background and provide information only if an
error occurs. Use the show_status command to display the progress of the diagnostics.
The show_status display is shown in Example 4-3.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-11

Troubleshooting

Example 4-3. The show_status Command
>>> show_status
ID

Program

Device

Pass

Hard/Soft

00000001

idle

system

0000550b

memtest

memory

193

7243563008

00005514

memtest

memory

192

7222591488

0000551d

exer_kid

dka100.1.0.2

2461184

0000551e

exer_kid

dka400.4.0.2

2460672

00005533

exer_kid

dva0.0. 0.100

2311168

00005608

nettest ewa0.0.0.200 1131

12160512

12159632

00005746

nettest ewb0.0.0.13. 1127

12116624

12115280

>>> init
ff.fe.fd.fc.fb.fa.f9.f8.f7.f6.f5.ef.df.ee.f4.

.
.
.
>>>

4-12 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Bytes Written

Bytes Read

Troubleshooting

Power Problems
Table 4-4 describes how to troubleshoot the system when there is no power at the system
enclosure.
Table 4-4. Troubleshooting Power Problems
Symptom

Action

No AC power

Check the power source and power cord.
Check that the system cover is properly secured. An interlocking
sensor switch shuts off power to the system if the cover is removed.
If there are two power supplies, make sure that both power
supplies are plugged in.

AC power is present,
but system does not
power on.

Check the On/Off switch on the operator control panel.
Check that the ambient room temperature is within environmental
specifications (10–40ºC, 50–140ºF).
Check that cable connectors on the system board are properly
connected.
Check that the internal power supply cables are plugged in at the
right place on both the power supply and system backplane.

Power supply shuts
down after
approximately 10
seconds (fan failure).

Using a flashlight, look through the front to determine if the fan is
spinning at startup. If it does not spin, check the power supply.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-13

Troubleshooting

Console Problems
Table 4-5 describes how to troubleshoot the system when, at startup, the console terminal
does not display the startup screen, or the startup screen displays error messages.
Table 4-5. Troubleshooting Console Problems
Symptom

Action

Startup screen is not
displayed.

Refer to the table "Error Beep Codes" to interpret the startup beep
codes.
Check that keyboard and monitor are connected and functioning
properly. Check that power is on.
If the startup screen is not displayed, yet the system enters console
mode when you press the Return key, check that the console
environment variable is set correctly. If you are using a VGA
console terminal, the variable should be set to "graphics." If you
are using a serial terminal, the variable should be set to "serial."
Try connecting a console terminal to the COM1 serial
communication port. If necessary use a 9-pin connector. Check
baud rate setting for console terminal and system. The system baud
rate setting is 9600. When using the COM1 serial port, set the
console environment variable to "serial."
If you have verified that there are no monitor, terminal or keyboard
problems, the problem may be with the firmware. Refer to the
section, "Using the Fail-Safe Loader."

Startup screen
displays error
messages.

If startup screens or the console event log indicate problems with
mass storage devices, or if storage devices are missing from the
show config display, use the troubleshooting tables in the
section, "Storage Problems" to determine the problem.
If startup screens or the console event log indicate problems with
EISA or PCI devices, or if EISA or PCI devices are missing from
the show config display, use the troubleshooting table in the
section, "Option Card Problems" to determine the problem.

4-14 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

Boot Problems
Table 4-6 describes how to troubleshoot problems that occur while the system is booting
operating system software.
Table 4-6. Troubleshooting Boot Problems
Symptom

Action

The system cannot
find the boot device.

Verify that your system recognizes the boot device, using the show
device command.
Check that the boot device environment variable correctly identifies
the boot device:
Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha: use the show
bootdef_dev command to display the boot device.
Windows NT: Check system configuration for the correct
environment variable settings:
For Digital UNIX and OpenVMS, examine the auto_action,
bootdef_dev, boot_osflags, and os_type environment variables.
Make sure that the bus_probe_algorithm environment variable is
set to "new."
For problems booting over a network, check the ew*0_protocols or
er*0_protocols environment variable settings: Systems booting
from a Digital UNIX server should be set to bootp; systems
booting from an Open VMS server should be set to mop.
For Windows NT, examine the FWSEARCHPATH, AUTOLOAD, and
COUNTDOWN environment variables.

System does not boot.

Check that the Halt switch is set to the "off" position.
Verify that you have not installed an unsupported graphics module
or another type of unsupported adapter.
For problems booting over a network, check the ew*0_protocols or
er*0_protocols environment variable settings: Systems booting from
a Digital UNIX server should be set to bootp; systems booting
from an OpenVMS Alpha server should be set to mop.
Run the test command to check that the boot device is operating.
See the table in the section, "Console Problems."

Refer to your operating system software information.
There is a software
problem or the
Verify that you have the correct firmware revision for your system
operating system is
not installed correctly.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-15

Troubleshooting

Problems Detected by the Operating System
Table 4-7 describes possible operating system problems and their solutions.
Table 4-7. Troubleshooting Problems Detected by the Operating System
Symptom

Action

System is hung or has
crashed.

Examine the crash dump file.
Refer to the OpenVMS Alpha System Dump Analyzer Utility
Manual (AA-PV6UB-TE) for information on how to interpret
OpenVMS Alpha crash dump files.
Refer to the Guide to Kernel Debugging (AA-PS2TD-TE) for
information on using the Digital UNIX Crash Utility.

No startup display.

The console environment is set to "serial;" thus, the startup screen
is routed to the COM1 serial communication port and cannot be
viewed from the VGA monitor.
If you are using a VGA monitor, set the console environment
variable to "graphics." (Use the set console graphics
command). See "Troubleshooting Console Problems."

Errors have been
logged, and the
operating system is
up.

Have your service provider examine the operating system error log
files to isolate the problem.
If the problem occurs intermittently, have your service provider run
an operating system exerciser, such as DEC VET, to stress the
system.
Refer to the DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool User's Guide (AAPTTMD-TE) for instructions on running DEC VET.

Storage Problems
Mass storage device problems at startup are usually indicated by read fail messages or by
the omission of storage devices from the show config display. Table 4-8, Table 4-9,
and Table 4-12 list troubleshooting suggestions.

4-16 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

Table 4-8. Troubleshooting Fixed-Media Problems
Symptom

Problem

Action

Fault indicator light for
drive is on (amber).

Drive has failed.

Replace drive.

Drives are missing from
the show config
display.

Duplicate SCSI IDs (when
removable-media bus is
extended to StorageWorks
shelf).

Correct removable-media SCSI
device IDs. May need to
reconfigure internal
StorageWorks backplane.

SCSI bus length limit
exceeded.

Check cabling.

Valid drives are missing
from the show config
display.

SCSI ID is set to 7 (reserved
for host ID).

Correct SCSI IDs.

One drive may appear
seven times on the
configuration screen
display.

Duplicate host IDS on a shared Change host ID through the
pk*0_host_id
bus.
environment variable (set
pk*0_host_id).

Drives appear
intermittently in show
config display.

For systems using Windows
NT, choose "Set default
configuration" from the Setup
menu to select the host ID.
You cannot access the
software or data on the
drive. (Hard disk drive
cannot read or write
information.)

The SCSI ID of the drive is not
unique or the SCSI drive
cables are connected
incorrectly.
Incorrect disk drive jumper
settings.
SCSI hard disk drive is not
correctly formatted or
partitioned
The SCSI drive is faulty.

Activity indicators do not
come on.

Missing or loose cables.

If the device is not listed in the
show config display,
check the SCSI cabling and the
drive's SCSI ID.
Refer to the disk drive
installation instructions.
Format and partition as
required using the supplied
operating system.
Contact your service
representative.
Remove device and inspect
cable connections.

Drive is missing from the Drive is not properly seated.
show config display.

Reseat drive.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-17

Troubleshooting

Table 4-9 describes symptoms of hard disk problems, with possible causes and solutions.
Table 4-9. Troubleshooting Hard Disk Error Messages
Error message

Possible Cause

Action

“Internal error
occurred”

Incompatible or failed disk
cables.

Try another cable known to
be good.

Disk controller not
configured.

Check your hard-disk
controller documentation to
see if you have to run a
configuration utility to set up
your hard-disk.

Disk controller malfunction.

Test controller functioning
using the controller’s
diagnostic utility. If an error
is found, contact your service
representative for a
replacement.

Improper SCSI termination.

Check to see that
terminating resistor packs
are removed from all drives
except the controller itself
and the last drive connected
to it.

No hard disk installed.

Install hard disk.

Cable not connected to
either the disk or controller.

Check the cable connections
to ensure that cable
connectors are fully seated.

No power to drive.

Check cable connections. If
problem persists, try
connecting the drive to a
different power connector.

Disk drive malfunction.

Replace the drive with one
known to be good. If
problem persists, hard drive
is defective. Contact your
service representative.

“No hard drives were
found connected to
your computer”

4-18 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Hard disk Error Messages (cont.)
Error message

Possible Cause

Action

“Perform an express
disk setup?”

Hard disk 0 does not have
any partitions defined.

Perform an express disk
setup to automatically create
default disk partition
arrangement on hard disk 0.

Table 4-10 Troubleshooting Removable-Media Problems
Symptom

Problem

Action

Diskette drive cannot
read or write information

Diskette is not formatted.

Format the diskette.

Diskette is of wrong density.

Use diskette of proper
density for your drive.

Diskette is worn or damaged.

Try another diskette.

Diskette is write-protected.

Slide the write-protect
switch so the hole is not
visible.

Diskette drive is empty.
Insert a diskette.
Drive fault indicator is
on.

Drive failure.

Try the drive in a different
slot to eliminate slot failure
as the cause. If drive is
faulty, replace the drive. If
faulty slot is suspected, try a
working drive in that slot. If
it fails, check for conflicting
SCSI IDs. If none, call
service representative.

Valid drives are missing
from the show config
display.

Duplicate SCSI IDs.

Correct removable-media
SCSI IDs.

Valid drives are missing
from the show config
display.

SCSI ID is set to 7 (reserved for
host ID).

Correct SCSI IDs.

One drive may appear
seven times on the
configuration display.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-19

Troubleshooting
Table 4-11 Troubleshooting Removable-Media Problems (cont.)
Symptom

Problem

Action

Valid drives are missing
from the show config
display.

Duplicate host IDs on a shared
bus.

Change host ID using the
set pk*0_host_id
command.

Activity indicators do not
come on. Drive missing
from the show
config display.

Faulty cable termination.
Missing or loose cables.

Check cable termination.
Remove device and inspect
cable connections.

Activity indicators do not
come on.

Cable length.

Check cable length: bus
length must not exceed 3
meters.

One drive may appear
seven times on the
configuration display.

Missing terminator.
Drive missing from the
show config or
show device display.
Read/write errors in the
console event log; storage
adapter port failure.

Attach terminators as
needed: internal SCSI
terminator or external SCSI
terminator.

Devices produce errors or Extra terminator.
device IDs are dropped.

Check that SCSI bus is
terminated only at beginning
and end. Remove
unnecessary terminators.

Option Card Problems
Option card problems can include problems related to network options, EISA bus options,
and PCI options.

Network Problems
Network problems can vary depending on the type of network option card that you have
installed. See the option card documentation for information on troubleshooting network
problems. Make sure you have correctly set the network type for the network interface
card. See Chapter 6, "Configuring" for more information.

4-20 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

EISA Bus Problems
EISA bus problems at startup are usually indicated by the following display during startup.
Run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) if this message is displayed.
EISA Configuration Error. Run the EISA Configuration Utility.
Table 4-12 describes the steps for troubleshooting EISA problems.
Table 4-12. Troubleshooting EISA Bus Problems
Step

Action

Confirm that the option is supported, and confirm firmware and software versions.

Check that the EISA card and any cabling are properly seated.

Run the ECU to:
• Confirm that the system has been configured with the most recently
installed controller.
• Check the software setting for each EISA controller.
• See if the ECU deactivated (< >) any controllers to prevent conflict.
• See if any controllers are locked, which limits the ECU's ability to
change resource assignments.
• Ensure that IRQs are set correctly.

Check for a bad slot by moving the last installed controller to a different slot.

Call the option manufacturer or your service representative for help.

PCI Bus Problems
PCI bus problems at startup are usually indicated by the inability of the system to detect
the PCI device. Use Table 4-13 to diagnose the likely cause of the problem.

PCI Parity
Some PCI devices do not implement PCI parity, and some have a parity-generating scheme
that may not comply with the PCI Specification. In such cases, the device functions
properly as long as parity is not checked. The pci_parity environment variable for the
SRM console has a default setting of OFF, so that false PCI parity errors do not result in
machine check errors. The AlphaBIOS environment variable,
ENABLEPCIPARITYCHECKING, also has a default setting of FALSE, so that parity is
not checked unless you change the value to TRUE. When PCI parity is disabled, no parity
checking is implemented for any PCI device, even those that produce correct, compliant
parity.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-21

Troubleshooting
Table 4-13. Troubleshooting PCI Bus Problems
Step

Action

Confirm that the option is supported, and confirm firmware and
software versions.

Confirm that the PCI module and any cabling are properly seated.

Check for a bad slot by moving the last installed controller to a
different slot.

Call the option manufacturer or your service representative for help.

Monitor and Terminal Problems
If the system starts up but has no startup display when you turn on the system, refer to
Table 4-14.
Table 4-14. Troubleshooting Monitor and Terminal Problems
Possible Cause

Action

The monitor or terminal is not
turned on.

Check that the monitor or terminal is turned on.
Make sure that all cables are connected at both ends.
Make sure there is power at the outlet.

The monitor or terminal brightness
and contrast controls are incorrectly
set.

Adjust the monitor or terminal contrast and brightness
controls.

The monitor or terminal cable is not
connected to the correct serial port.

Check the serial port to which the terminal cable is
connected. Make sure that it is connected to the lefthand serial port (COM1). Straighten any bent
connector pins and reconnect cable.

If you are using a console terminal,
check the baud rate setting for the
terminal and system. The system
default baud rate setting is 9600.

Connect the console terminal to the COM1 serial
communication port and set the console environment
variable to serial (set console serial
command).

The power cord is not connected.
The power cord may be faulty. The
power cord socket may not be
working.

Make sure that all the power cords are connected
correctly at both ends. Try a power cord that works or
test the power socket with an appliance that works.

Monitor may be defective or the
wrong type.

Try another monitor.

4-22 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting
Table 4-15. Troubleshooting Monitor and Terminal Problems
Possible Cause

Action

The terminal or monitor fuse may
have blown.

Replace the blown terminal or monitor fuse. Refer to
the terminal or monitor documentation.

The port to which the terminal or
monitor connects may not be the
correct one.

Ensure that your monitor cable is plugged into the
correct graphics port if you have an optional graphics
card installed. You should plug the cable into the
connector of your option card, not the connector on the
system board.

The port to which the terminal or
monitor connects may be faulty.

Try connecting the terminal or monitor to another
system using the same terminal or monitor cable. If
the terminal or monitor works, the port to which the
terminal or monitor was connected is faulty. Contact
your service representative.

Keyboard and Mouse Problems
Table 4-16 lists problems that may occur with the keyboard or mouse.
Table 4-16. Troubleshooting Keyboard and Mouse Problems
Symptom

Possible Cause

Action

The monitor does not
display the character that
you type.

The keyboard cable is
not connected correctly.

Make sure that the keyboard cable is
connected correctly in the keyboard
connector.

The keyboard has failed. Replace the keyboard. If the
problem persists, contact your
Digital service representative.
The monitor displays a
message indicating a
keyboard error.

The keyboard is not
connected correctly.

The mouse is connected
The mouse pointer is
displayed on the monitor, incorrectly.
but does not move
correctly.
The mouse ball is dirty.

Make sure that the keyboard is
connected to the keyboard port.
Make sure that the mouse cable is
connected correctly in the mouse
connector.
Remove the ball from the mouse and
clean it in a lukewarm, mild-soap
solution. Dry the ball and replace it
in the mouse.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-23

Troubleshooting
Table 4-17. Troubleshooting Keyboard and Mouse Problems (cont.)
Symptom

Possible Cause

Action

The mouse pointer does
not show on the monitor.

The mouse is connected
incorrectly or the mouse
cable is loose.

Make sure that the mouse cable is
connected correctly in the mouse
connector.

The system is in console
mode.

The mouse pointer is displayed only
when the operating system is
running. Boot the operating system.
Replace the mouse.

The mouse is faulty.

Printer Problems
Verify that the printer is correctly cabled to the system (see Figure 2-3 to verify the
connection) and refer to the printer's documentation if necessary.

Overheating Problems
Internal sensors monitor system and power supply temperature and shut down the system if
maximum limits are exceeded. If the system shuts down unexpectedly:
•

Ensure that the side panel is properly in place. Refer to "Left Side Panel" in Chapter 3
for information on removing and replacing the panel.

•

Verify that the ambient temperature does not exceed the limits specified in Table 7-3,
"System Environmental Specifications."

•

Refer to Table 4-4, "Power Problems" to troubleshoot power supply problems and fan
failure.

4-24 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

RAID Device Problems
For systems that have the StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem installed, Table 4-18
describes symptoms of RAID device problems and offers solutions.
Table 4-18 Troubleshooting RAID Device Problems
Symptom

Action

Some RAID devices do not
appear on the show device
display.

Valid configured RAID logical drives will appear as
DRA0-DRAn, not as DKn. Configure the drives by
running the RCU, following the instructions in the
StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem Family
Installation and Configuration Guide, EK-SWRA2-IG.
Several physical disks can be grouped as a single logical
DRAn device. External SCSI terminators used with the
SWXCR controller must be of type 12-41667-02 (narrow)
or 12-41667-04 (wide).

Drives on the RAID subsystem
start up with the amber fault
indicator light on.

Whenever you move drives on or off the RAID
controller, run the RCU to set up the drives and logical
units. Follow the instructions in the installation and
configuration guide.

Cannot access disks connected to On Microsoft Windows NT systems, while running the
the RAID subsystem on
ECU, verify that the controller is set to spin up two disks
Microsoft Windows NT systems. every six seconds. This is the default setting if you are
using the default configuration files for the controller.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-25

Troubleshooting

Using the Fail-Safe Loader
The fail-safe loader (FSL) allows you to boot an Update Utility diskette in an attempt to
repair corrupted console files that reside within the FlashROMs on the system board. Use
the FSL only when a failure at startup prevents you from accessing the console mode and
you have checked the operator control panel for progress messages.
Using the Update Utility
To activate the fail-safe loader:
1.

Turn off the system

Install the update utility diskette in the diskette drive.

Remove the left side panel (See "System Unit Components" in Chapter 3.)

Enable the fail-safe loader by moving the J1 jumper on the CPU card from the normal
position (0) to the position nearest the system board (7). (See Chapter 7.)

Replace the left side panel.

Turn on the system, and check the operator control panel for progress messages.
Respond "yes" to the update prompt.

After the update utility has completed, turn off the system.

Remove the side panel.

Disable the fail-safe loader and set the J1 jumper to the normal operating position.

10. Replace the side panel, and turn the system back on.
11. Check to make sure that the appropriate console prompt appears.

4-26 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Troubleshooting

Status and Error Codes
Table 4-19 shows SROM status and error codes you may encounter while using the
AlphaStation 600A Series system.
Table 4-19. SROM Status and Error Codes
Status Code

Meaning

Fatal Error Codes

No s-cache bits set in sc_ctl register

Floppy load error

No usable memory detected

System init failure

PCI data path error

CIA/PCEB I/O register init failure

Bad CIA memory csr was detected

Bcache data path error

Bcache address line error

Flash ROM data path read error

Nonfatal Error
Codes

CPU speed error detected

PCI-to-PCI data path error

No real-time clock (TOY)

EISA configuration NVRAM

Main memory data path error

Q-logic SCSI data path error

Main memory address lines error

Super I/O error

Main memory cell test error

Flash ROM checksum error

AlphaStation 600A User Information 4-27

Troubleshooting

Table 4-16. SROM Status and Error Codes (continued)
Nonfatal Error
Code

Meaning

SROM program beginning to initialize the EV5 CPU

Initialize CPU and system interface

Sizing CPU speed

Sizing S-cache

Initializing and testing the PCI bus

Sizing B-cache

Sizing memory

Configuring memory

Initializing B-cache

Testing memory

Testing B-cache bits

Testing memory bits

Testing B-cache address

Testing memory address

Testing B-cache cells

Testing memory cells

Initializing memory

Loading Flash ROM code

Re-initializing CPU and system interface

SROM execution completed

Equipment Log
For your convenience, Chapter 10 includes a form on which you may record all model
numbers and serial numbers for your hardware components (system unit, monitor,
keyboard, and mouse) and system hardware configuration information (CPU, memory
size, drive size, ports, and so on).

4-28 AlphaStation 600A User Information

5
Console Subsystems
Introduction
The AlphaStation 600A Series system contains two console subsystems:
The AlphaBIOS console supports the Microsoft Windows NT operating system.
The SRM (system reference manual) console supports the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS
Alpha operating systems.
Each console subsystem contains special software, called firmware, that interacts directly
with the hardware components and facilitates interaction between the system hardware and
the operating system. The console firmware is used to initialize and set up the I/O system
of the computer, which includes the PCI bus and connected devices such as SCSI disk
controllers, the video display, the diskette drive, and the keyboard. The firmware resides
in 1MB of flashROM on the system board and can be updated without removing and
installing chips.
Users of the Windows NT operating system can use the information on the AlphaBIOS
console to configure, start, update, and troubleshoot your Alpha system. Users of the
OpenVMS Alpha and Digital UNIX operating systems need to use the AlphaBIOS
interface only to run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU), RAID Configuration Utility
(RCU), or other option-specific configuration utilities. To switch from the SRM console to
the AlphaBIOS console, type either of the following commands at the SRM prompt: arc
or ecu. Either command accesses the AlphaBIOS Boot menu.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-1

Console Subsystems

Using the AlphaBIOS Console
AlphaBIOS firmware provides a menu-based interface to the console subsystem that
supports Windows NT running on hardware based on the Alpha processor. When an
AlphaStation 600A Series system with Windows NT is turned on, a menu similar to the
following displays after initialization:

Using a Serial Line
AlphaBIOS can be run from the graphics console or from a serial line. If you use the serial
line, refer to Table 5-1 for serial line equivalents to graphics line keyboard commands.
Table 5-1. Serial Line Keyboard Commands
Graphics Line Commands

Serial Line Commands

F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
Insert
Delete
Backspace
ESC

CTRL +A
CTRL +B
CTRL +C
CTRL +D
CTRL +E
CTRL +F
CTRL +P
CTRL +R
CTRL +T
CTRL +U
CTRL +V
CTRL +W
CTRL +H
CTRL +[

5-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Windows NT System Start-up
For systems using the Windows NT operating system, AlphaBIOS initializes the video and
keyboard devices first. Thus, if AlphaBIOS does not start when you turn on your
computer, check first to see that the keyboard is plugged in and working and that the video
card and monitor are properly connected and working. After the video and keyboard are
initialized, AlphaBIOS displays a windowed, graphical-style user interface (UI), where
progress is displayed as initialization continues.
Next, a memory test verifies that the memory is fully functioning. While the memory test
runs, it shows each megabyte (MB) of memory tested. If you do not want to test memory
during initialization, you can disable the test while it is running by pressing the space bar,
or use the CMOS Setup menu to disable it.
After memory is tested, AlphaBIOS detects and initializes SCSI disk controllers connected
to the computer. As each controller is detected, AlphaBIOS probes its SCSI bus and
reports each of the SCSI devices detected.
Finally, after the SCSI initialization is complete, AlphaBIOS leaves the initialization
window and displays the Boot menu, shown in Figure 5-1. Whenever you turn on or reset
your system, the Boot menu is displayed.
AlphaBIOS Version 5.11
Please select the operating system to start:
Windows NT Workstation 3.51

Use
and
to move the highlight to your choice.
Press Enter to choose.

Alpha
Press <F2> to enter SETUP
PK-0728-96

Figure 5-1. The Boot Menu
The Boot menu lists each of the operating systems that have been set up on your computer.
From the boot menu, you can choose which of the operating systems you want to boot, or
you can enter the AlphaBIOS Setup menu.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-3

Console Subsystems

The Firmware Menus
By pressing F2 in the Boot menu, you can access the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, shown in
Figure 5-2. From the Setup menu you can access other menus to perform the tasks listed
in Table 5-2.
AlphaBIOS Setup

Display System Configuration...
Upgrade AlphaBIOS
Hard Disk Setup...
CMOS Setup...
Install Windows NT
Utilities
About AlphaBIOS...

Press ENTER to partition or format hard disks.

ESC=Exit
PK-0726-96

Figure 5-2. The AlphaBIOS Setup Menu
Table 5-2. Choosing the Right Menu
Task

Enable the Auto Start option
Set date and time
Configure the diskette drive and keyboard
Test memory at system start-up
Set PCI parity
Set password protection

CMOS Setup (Standard)
CMOS Setup (Standard)
CMOS Setup (Standard)
CMOS Setup (Advanced)
CMOS Setup (Advanced)
CMOS Setup (Advanced)

5-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Table 5-3. Choosing the Right Menu (cont.)
Select a console (AlphaBIOS or SRM)
Run a configuration utility
Set up the hard disk
Display the system configuration
Upgrade the AlphaBIOS firmware
Verify and change operating system selections

CMOS Setup (Advanced)
Utilities
Hard Disk Setup
Display System
Configuration
Upgrade AlphaBIOS
Utilities

Help in Navigating AlphaBIOS
Two levels of keyboard help are available for AlphaBIOS. To reach the first level, press
F1 once from the CMOS Setup menu. This Help display, shown in Figure 5-3, provides
explanations of the keystrokes available for the part of the AlphaBIOS interface currently
displayed.
Help: CMOS Setup

F1=Key Help

Change color scheme.

Enter Advanced CMOS Setup.

Set factory default CMOS settings.

ESC

Exit CMOS Setup and discard any changes.

F10

Exit CMOS Setup and save changes,
including changes from Advanced CMOS Setup.

ENTER=Continue
PK-0724-96

Figure 5-3. First Level Help Display

The second level of keyboard help, reached by pressing F1 twice from the CMOS Setup
menu, shows explanations of the keystrokes available for navigating the interface
throughout the AlphaBIOS firmware interface. Figure 5-4 shows an example of the second
Help display.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-5

Console Subsystems
AlphaBIOS Setup

F1=Help

Help: Action Keys
TAB

Move highlight forward between fields of a dialog.

SHIFT+TAB

Move highlight backward between fields of a dialog.
Move highlight within a menu, or cycle through available field
values in a dialog window.

ALT+

Drop down a menu of choices from a drop-down listbox.
drop-down listbox can be recognized by the
symbol.

HOME

Move to the beginning of a text entry field.

END

Move to the end of a test entry field.

Move to the left or right in a text entry field.
ESC

Discard changes and/or backup to previous screen.

ENTER=Continue

PK-0725-96

Figure 5-4. Second Level Help Display

Primary Operating System and the Auto Start Option
Alpha systems can have multiple versions of Windows NT installed at the same time. This
feature is useful, for example, when testing application compatibility across different
versions of Windows NT.
Each time you install a separate version of Windows NT, a new operating system selection
is created. Although you can start any of the installed versions of Windows NT, one of the
installed versions must be the primary operating system. The version you select as the
primary operating system is the one that automatically starts if the Auto Start option is
enabled in AlphaBIOS.
Figure 5-5 shows an example of a primary operating system selection as it appears in the
Boot menu. Notice that the primary operating system is listed first on the boot display.

5-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
AlphaBIOS Version 5.11
Please select the operating system to start:
Windows NT Workstation 3.51

Use
and
to move the highlight to your choice.
Press Enter to choose.
PK-0720-96

Figure 5-5. Primary Operating System Selection

The primary operating system starts automatically if the Auto Start option is enabled in the
CMOS Setup menu, shown in Figure 5-6.
CMOS Setup

Date:
Time:

Tuesday,
11:26:22

December

1995

Floppy Drive A: 3.5" 1.44 MB
Floppy Drive B: None
Keyboard: U.S. 101-key keyboard

Auto Start: Enabled
Auto Start Count: 30 Seconds
PK-0721-96

Figure 5-6. Auto Start Option Enabled

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-7

Console Subsystems

The primary operating system can be selected in the Operating System Selection Setup
menu, shown in Figure 5-7. For information on preparing to install the operating
system, see Chapter 9.
Operating System Selection Setup

Primary Operating System

Windows NT Server 3.51

PK-0737A-96

Figure 5-7. Operating System Selection Menu

Manually Setting Up the Hard Disk
The Hard Disk Setup Menu allows you to set up the hard disk manually.
_________________________CAUTION __________________________
Unlike other parts of AlphaBIOS setup, hard disk setup makes changes to your disk
configuration as you enter them. Use care when changing your hard-disk arrangement,
because unintended data loss can occur.
____________________________________________________________
Hard Disk Setup
1

Disk

NCRC810 #0, SCSI ID 3
Partition 1
Unused

510 MB
200 MB
310 MB

NCRC810 #0, SCSI ID 5
Partition 1
Partition 2

1001 MB
995 MB
6 MB

INSERT=New

DEL=Delete

F6=Format

F7=Express

NTFS

NTFS
FAT

ESC=Exit
PK-0732-96

1. Disk

Figure 5-8. Hard Disk Setup Menu

The Disk line describes the physical characteristics of the hard disk. This information is
presented for informational purposes and is not selectable or editable.
5-8 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
For detailed information on the fields presented on the Disk line, see the section “Hard
Disk Configuration Menu,” later in this chapter.

2. Partitions
The Partition line(s) describes how space on the drive is allocated to logical drives.
Fields on the partition line include:
Partition number. Within a single drive, partition numbers are assigned in sequential
order: 1, 2, 3, and so on. The partitions populate the drive from the innermost cylinders to
the outermost cylinders. If you have a large hard disk (over 800 MB) and plan to use the
FAT file system, it is a good idea to break the disk into several smaller partitions because
the FAT file system uses disk space more efficiently at smaller partition sizes. This is not a
concern for the NTFS file system, however, as it uses disk space very efficiently at all
partition sizes.
Partition size. The partition size is the raw (unformatted) storage capacity of the partition.
Actual storage space will differ based on the file system with which the partition is
formatted.
Partition format. The file system (if any) used on a partition. This field will display FAT,
NTFS, or unknown (if the partition is unformatted).

3. Disk Setup Options
Insert partition. Use this option to create new partitions. Before creating a new partition,
be sure to select an unpartitioned space. Pressing the Insert key while an alreadypartitioned space is selected causes an informational error to be displayed.
Delete partition. Use this option to delete existing partitions. Before deleting a partition,
make sure any data that you wish to save on the partition has been backed up. Deleting a
partition deletes all data on the partition being deleted, but leaves the rest of the disk
unaffected. Pressing the Delete key while an unpartitioned space is selected causes an
informational error to be displayed.
Format partition. By pressing F6, you can use this option to format a partitioned space
with the FAT file system.
Express setup. By pressing F7, you can use this option to create the default recommended
partition arrangement for Windows NT on your system.
Exit. Press the Escape key to return to the AlphaBIOS Setup menu.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-9

Console Subsystems

System Setup Tasks
The CMOS Setup menu is used for a variety of system settings and is divided into two
modes, standard and advanced. Table 5-4 lists the tasks that can be performed in the two
CMOS Setup modes:
Table 5-4. CMOS Setup Tasks
Standard Mode
Auto Start

Advanced Mode
Memory test at start-up

Date and time

PCI parity

Diskette configuration

Password protection

Keyboard configuration

Console selection

To enter standard CMOS setup mode:
1.

From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “CMOS Setup,” and press Enter.

To enter advanced CMOS setup mode:
1.

From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “CMOS Setup,” and press Enter.

In the CMOS Setup menu, press f6.

Displaying Your System Configuration
You can use AlphaBIOS to display your system configuration in an easy-to-read format
organized by category: system board, memory, hard disk, PCI options, SCSI devices, and
peripherals.
To display your system configuration, follow these steps and refer to Figure 5-9.
1.

From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “Display System Configuration,” and
press Enter.

In the Display System Configuration menu, use the arrow or Tab keys to select
the configuration category you want to see.

5-10 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Display System Configuration

F1=Help

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals

System Type: AlphaStation 600 5/500 Family
Processor: Digital Alpha 21164A, Revision 4.0
Speed: 500 MHz
Cache:
8 MB
Memory: 128 MB
Floppy Drive A: 3.5" 1.44 MB
Floppy Drive B: None
Keyboard: U.S. 101-key keyboard
AlphaBIOS Version:

(1 Processor)

5.23

ESC=Exit
ML013843

Figure 5-9. Display System Configuration Menu

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-11

Console Subsystems

Running a Configuration Utility
If you change your system configurationfor example, by adding a new EISA adapter or
another RAID drive, you will have to run an EISA or RAID configuration utility. As you
modify your system, you might be required to run other types of configuration utilities as
well. Configuration utilities (also called maintenance programs) are run directly from the
AlphaBIOS Utility menu.
Users of OpenVMS Alpha or Digital UNIX: Users of the OpenVMS Alpha and Digital
UNIX operating systems need to switch from the SRM console to the AlphaBIOS console
to run a configuration utility. To switch, type either of the following commands at the
SRM console prompt: arc or ecu. This command will access the AlphaBIOS Boot
menu. To access the Setup menu from the Boot menu, press F2.
To run a configuration utility:
1. From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “Utilities.” From the submenu that
appears, select “Run Maintenance Program,” and press Enter. See Figure 5-10.
AlphaBIOS Setup

Display System Configuration...
Upgrade AlphaBIOS
Hard Disk Setup...
CMOS Setup...
Install Windows NT
Utilities
About AlphaBIOS...

F1=Help

Run ECU from floppy...
OS Selection Setup...
Run Maintenance Program...

PK-0729-96

Figure 5-10. Select Run Maintenance Program
2. In the Run Maintenance Program dialog box, type the name of the program to
be run in the Program Name field. Then tab to the Location list box, and select
the hard-disk partition, diskette, or CD-ROM drive from which to run the
program.
3.

Press Enter to execute the program. See Figure 5-11.

5-12 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

AlphaBIOS Setup

Display System Configuration...
Upgrade AlphaBIOS
Hard Disk Setup...
Run Maintenance Program
CMOS Setup...
Install Windows NT
UtilitiesProgram Name: ecu.exe
About AlphaBIOS...
Location: A:

ENTER=Execute

F1=Help

A:
CD:
Disk 0, Partition 1
Disk 0, Partition 2
Disk 1, Partition 1
PK-0730-96

Figure 5-11. Execute Run Maintenance Program
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
If you are running a utility from a diskette, you can simply type the utility’s
name into the Program Name field, and press Enter. The diskette drive is the
default selection in the Location field. Use Alt+Down arrow when a list box is
selected, to open the list..
____________________________________________________________

Using the EISA Configuration Utility
Whenever you add, remove, or move an EISA module in your AlphaStation 600A Series
system, you need to run the EISA configuration utility (ECU). The ECU is a menu-based
utility, run from the AlphaBIOS menu interface, that provides on-line help to guide you
through the configuration process.
Each EISA module has a corresponding configuration file (CFG), which describes the
characteristics and the system resources required for that option. The ECU uses the CFG to
create a conflict-free configuration.
The ECU is supplied on a diskette that is shipped with your system. Make a copy of the
ECU diskette, and keep the original in a safe place. Use the backup copy when you are
configuring the system. The ECU diskette must have the volume label SYSTEMCFG.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-13

Console Subsystems
__________________________ NOTE____________________________
The CFG files supplied with the option you want to install may not work if the
option is not supported on this system. Before you install an option, check that
your system supports the option.
____________________________________________________________

Before You Run the ECU
_________________________CAUTION __________________________
Make sure the system is turned off before you install options.
____________________________________________________________
Before you run the ECU:
1

Refer to the documentation that comes with your option module
to determine if it is an EISA option.

)

Install EISA options.

Familiarize yourself with the utility.

For information about installing a specific option, refer to the
documentation for that option.

You can find more information about the ECU by reading the
ECU on-line help. To read the on-line help, start the ECU. Online help for the ECU is located under Step 1, Important EISA
Configuration Information.
4.

Familiarize yourself with the configuration procedure for your
system:
•

If you are installing, moving, or removing an EISA option,
refer to the section on Configuring EISA Options in this
appendix.

The ECU diskette is shipped in the accessories kit that
accompanies your system. Make a copy of the diskette and keep
the original in a safe place. Use the backup copy for configuring
options.

Configuring EISA Options
EISA options are recognized and configured automatically. To configure an EISA bus,
follow these steps:

5-14 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
1.

Install, move, or remove the EISA option module.
Use the instructions provided with the EISA option.

Insert either the ECU diskette for Windows NT into the diskette drive, or the diskette
for Digital UNIX or OpenVMS.

Refer to the section “Running a Configuration Utility,” earlier in this chapter.
The message loading AlphaBIOS firmware displays. There may be a 10to 20-second delay in system activity while the system recognizes the ECU. When
the firmware has finished loading, the ECU program is initialized.
If the ECU locates the required CFG configuration files, it displays the main
menu. The CFG for the option may reside on a configuration diskette packaged
with the option or may be included on the system configuration diskette.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
It is not necessary to run Step 2 of the ECU, “Add or remove boards.” EISA
modules are recognized and configured automatically.
____________________________________________________________

Change settings or resources (optional).
This step is not required when you are using the board’s default settings.
The View or Edit Details ECU option is used to change user-selectable settings or to
change the resources allocated for these functions (for example, IRQs, DMA channels,
and I/O ports).

Save your configuration.
The Save and Exit ECU option saves your configuration information to the system’s
nonvolatile memory.

Remove the ECU diskette from the drive, and restart the
operating system.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-15

Console Subsystems

Setting Up Password Protection
Password protection provides two levels of security for your system: setup protection and
startup protection. When system setup protection is enabled, a password is required to
start AlphaBIOS Setup. When startup password protection is enabled, a password is
required before the system initializes.
_________________________CAUTION __________________________
Take care to remember your password. To clear the password requires
replacement of a system board component.
____________________________________________________________
Startup password protection provides more comprehensive protection than setup password
protection because the system cannot be used at all until the correct password is entered.
To enable password protection:
1.

From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “CMOS Setup,” and press Enter.

In the CMOS Setup menu, press F6 to enter advanced CMOS setup mode.

In the Advanced CMOS Setup menu, shown in Figure 5-12, select “AlphaBIOS
Password Option.”

5-16 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Advanced CMOS Setup

PCI Parity Checking:

Disabled

Power-up Memory Test:

Enabled

AlphaBIOS Password Option:
Console Selection:

F1=Help

Disabled
Disabled

Windows NT Console (AlphaBIOS)

Press
or
to select the firmware console that will be presented
the next time the system is power-cycled.

ESC=Discard Changes

F10=Save Changes
PK-0750A-96

Figure 5-12. Advanced CMOS Setup Menu
Use the arrow keys to select the type of protection you want. An explanatory dialog box
appears. Read the dialog box and press Enter to continue.
4. Enter your password in the “Enter New Password” dialog box, then press
Enter.
5. Enter your password in the “Confirm New Password” dialog box, then
press Enter.
6.

Press f10 to save your changes.

________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
If you want to change your password, simply set up your password again.
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-17

Console Subsystems

Index to the AlphaBIOS Menu Functions
This section presents detailed explanations of the elements found in each of the
AlphaBIOS menus. The following topics are covered:
Hard Disk Setup Menu
Operating System Selection Setup Menu
Display System Configuration Menu
Hard Disk Configuration Menu
PCI Configuration Menu
EISA Configuration Menu
SCSI Configuration Menu
Memory Configuration Menu
Integrated Peripherals Menu
Run Maintenance Program Menu
CMOS Setup Menu
Standard CMOS Setup Menu
Advanced CMOS Setup Menu

5-18 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Hard Disk Setup Menu
This section details all of the information presented on the AlphaBIOS Hard Disk Setup
menu. An example is shown in Figure 5-13.
Hard Disk Setup
1

Disk

NCRC810 #0, SCSI ID 3
Partition 1
Unused

510 MB
200 MB
310 MB

NCRC810 #0, SCSI ID 5
Partition 1
Partition 2

1001 MB
995 MB
6 MB

INSERT=New

DEL=Delete

F6=Format

F7=Express

NTFS

NTFS
FAT

ESC=Exit
PK-0732-96

1. Disk

Figure 5-13. Hard Disk Setup Menu

The Disk line describes the physical characteristics of the hard disk. This information is
presented for informational purposes and is not selectable or editable.
For detailed information on the fields presented on the Disk line, see the section “Hard
Disk Configuration Menu,” later in this chapter.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-19

Console Subsystems
Partition size. The partition size is the raw (unformatted) storage capacity of the partition.
Actual storage space will differ based on the file system with which the partition is
formatted.
Partition format. The file system (if any) used on a partition. This field will display FAT,
NTFS, or unknown (if the partition is unformatted).

3. Disk Setup Options
Insert partition. Use this option to create new partitions. Before creating a new partition,
be sure to select an unpartitioned space. Pressing the Insert key while an alreadypartitioned space is selected causes an informational error to be displayed.
Delete partition. Use this option to delete existing partitions. Before deleting a partition,
make sure any data that you wish to save on the partition has been backed up. Deleting a
partition deletes all data on the partition being deleted, but leaves the rest of the disk
unaffected. Pressing the Delete key while an unpartitioned space is selected causes an
informational error to be displayed.
Format partition. By pressing F6, you can use this option to format a partitioned space
with the FAT file system.
Express setup. By pressing F7, you can use this option to create the default recommended
partition arrangement for Windows NT on your system. For more information on the
recommended partition arrangement, see “Setting Up Your Hard Disk”.
Exit. Press the Escape key to return to the AlphaBIOS Setup menu.

5-20 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Operating System Selection Setup Menu
This section details the information presented on the AlphaBIOS Operation System
Selection Setup Menu. An example is shown in Figure 5-2. The process of setting up your
operating system selections is somewhat like using an editor. You can make all the
changes you want to your operating system selections, and then either save your changes
or exit without saving your changes.
Operating System Selection Setup

Primary Operating System

Windows NT Server 3.51

Boot Name: Windows NT Server 3.51
Boot File: Disk 0, Partition 2
\os\winnt351\osloader.exe
OS Path:
Disk 0, Partition 1
\WINNT351
OS Options:

INSERT=New
DEL=Delete

F6=Edit
F7=Copy

F8=Primary
F9=Validate

ESC=Discard Changes
F10=Save Changes
PK-0737-96

Figure 5-14. Operating System Selection Setup Menu

1. Boot Name
Each boot name is associated with an operating system selection. Windows NT Setup
automatically creates a boot name each time you install the operating system. Because the
boot name is only a name, you can modify the boot name at any time without affecting the
rest of the operating system selection. Note that the boot name must have at least one
character.
2. Primary Operating System
The primary operating system is the OS that appears first on the AlphaBIOS boot menu. It
is also the version of the OS that automatically starts if Auto Start is selected. You can
make any of the operating system selections the primary operating system.
3. Boot File
The Boot File line describes the disk, partition, path, and name of the file that AlphaBIOS
passes control to during the process of starting the operating system. This setting is created

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-21

Console Subsystems
along with the operating system selection during Windows NT Setup, and it is usually not
modified by the user. However, this setting can be modified if necessary. For example, a
developer testing different versions of OSLOADER.EXE can store the different versions in
different locations and modify this line to start the operating system with the different
versions as needed.
During Operating System Selection Setup, the disk and partition for the location of the
boot file can be selected from a list of choices presented in a list box. To open a list of
values for the field, press the Alt and down arrow keys together. When you select a boot
file location and name, AlphaBIOS searches for the specified program on the specified
partition. If the search fails, a warning appears, saying that the file does not exist. You are
given the choice to continue with the changes anyway or to cancel the operation and fix
the problem.
Note that because the boot file must be located in a FAT partition, only FAT partitions are
available as the boot partition within the list box.
4. OS Path
The OS Path line describes the disk, partition, and path to the operating system root
directory for an operating system selection.
During Operating System Selection Setup, the disk and partition for the location of the
boot file can be selected from a list of choices presented in a list box. To open a list of
possible values for the field, press the Alt and down arrow keys at the same time. When
you select or enter an OS path, AlphaBIOS searches for the directory. If the search fails, a
warning appears, saying that the directory does not exist. You are given the choice to
continue with the changes anyway or to cancel the operation and fix the problem.
5. OS Options
The OS Options line lists the startup parameters passed to the operating system for an
operating system selection. One example of a startup parameter is whether to start the
operating system in debug mode. By default, Windows NT does not add any entries to this
field. This field can be modified.
6. OS Selection Setup Options
You can use the options listed at the bottom of the menu to edit operating system
selections. When you edit an OS selection, the fields of the OS Selection are validated
when you exit the OS selection setup menu. Depending on the option you choose, one of
the following dialog boxes will appear.
New OS Selection. Pressing the Insert key displays the Insert New Operating System
Selection dialog box, with default values for the new OS selection already filled in. You
can change these values as necessary.

5-22 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Delete OS Selection. Pressing the Delete key tags the currently selected OS selection for
deletion. Although the OS selection is removed from the menu, it is not actually deleted
until you save your changes.
You can also delete all of your OS selections at once by pressing the Control and Delete
keys at the same time while in the Operating System Selection Setup menu.
Note: If you delete all of your OS selections, a dialog box appears informing you that no
OS selections exist and offering three options. You can create a new OS selection, exit
without saving changes, or exit and save changes.
Edit OS Selection. You can edit all of the values of an OS selection by selecting the OS
selection to edit and pressing F6. A dialog box appears with current information. You can
then edit all of the OS selection fields.
Copy OS Selection. You can make it easy to create a new OS selection by using an
existing OS selection as a template. To do this, select the OS selection you want to make a
copy of and press F7 to make a copy of it. A dialog box appears with the values of the OS
selection you selected. You can then edit all of the OS selection fields. Note that if you do
not make any changes, a duplicate copy of the OS selection you copied is made.
Validate OS Selection. Pressing F9 in the Operating System Selection Setup menu allows
you to validate the fields in the currently selected OS selection. The validation routine
checks that the OS loader file and OS directory fields contain valid paths, and that the
OSLOADER.EXE file exists in the directory specified. At the end of the validation, a
dialog box appears describing the results of the validation. If there is an error in an OS
selection, the validation routine displays a dialog box describing the component of the OS
selection that is in error. At this point you can choose to edit the OS selection to correct the
error, or delete the OS selection altogether.
You can also validate all of the OS selections at once by pressing the Control and F9 keys
at the same time. All OS selections are validated in the order they are listed on menu.
Primary Operating System. You can set any of the OS selections to be the primary
operating system by selecting the OS selection and pressing F8. When you make an OS
selection primary, it is displayed first on the Operating System Selection Setup menu and
the text “Primary Operating System” appears next to the OS selection. In addition, the
primary operating system is displayed first on the AlphaBIOS boot menu and is
automatically started if Auto Start is enabled.

Exit. Pressing the Escape key returns you to the AlphaBIOS Setup menu.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-23

Console Subsystems

Display System Configuration Menu
Information about the system board configuration is presented when you select
“Systemboard Configuration” and press Enter. An example is shown in Figure 5-15.
Display System Configuration

F1=Help

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals

(1 Processor)

5.23

ESC=Exit
ML013843

Figure 5-15. Display System Configuration Menu

1. System Type
The System Type field shows the system family to which the system board in your system
belongs. Alpha system families are defined by the basic architecture of the system board.
Individual system models within the family can have different processors, run at different
speeds, have different options, etc.
2. Processor
The Processor field shows the model and revision of processor installed on your system
boardfor example, 21064. Revision level information can be useful in troubleshooting
problems with technical support personnel.

5-24 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
3. Speed
The Speed field shows the speed at which the processor runs internally.
4. Cache
The Cache field shows the amount, in kilobytes, of static RAM cache memory installed.
Cache memory is used to speed system performance by acting as an intermediary between
the processor and the system’s main memory, which uses slower dynamic RAM.
5. Memory
The Memory field shows the amount, in megabytes, of main memory installed.
6. AlphaBIOS Version
The AlphaBIOS Version field shows the version of AlphaBIOS currently running on your
system. The AlphaBIOS Version field has three parts: the major version number, minor
version number, and build date. The major version number signifies the overall level of the
BIOS; that is, it represents major functionality. The minor version number signifies minor
enhancements that have been made since the last major revision. The build date is the date
and time the BIOS was compiled.
Hard Disk Configuration Menu
Information about the hard disk configuration is presented when you select Hard Disk
Configuration and press Enter. An example is shown in Figure 5-16.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-25

Console Subsystems
Display System Configuration

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals
1

Disk

NCRC810 #0, SCSI ID 3
6 DEC
RZ25L
(C) DEC0007
Partition 1
Partition 2
Unused

510 MB

NCRC810 #0, SCSI ID 5
DEC
RZ26
(C) DECT386
Partition 1
Partition 2

1001 MB

200 MB
200 MB
110 MB

995 MB
6 MB

NRFS
FAT

NTFS
FAT
PK-0739-96

Figure 5-16. Hard Disk Configuration Menu
Fields in the hard disk configuration menu include:

Physical disk ID. The physical disk ID is based on the SCSI ID. The disk with the
lowest SCSI ID is disk 0; the disk with the next lowest SCSI ID is disk 1, and so on.

o Controller. The controller is the brand and model of SCSI chip used on the SCSI
controller.

p Controller number. The controller number is based on how many SCSI controllers of
a particular type are installed in the system. The first controller of a type is always
numbered 0. For example, if two NCR 810 controllers and one QLogic controller existed
in a system, they would be numbered as follows:
First NCR 810 = NCR810 #0, Second NCR 810 = NCR 810 #1, QLogic = QLogic #0

q SCSI ID number. The SCSI ID number is a unique number you assign to each SCSI

device installed in the system. This is usually done via jumpers or a thumb wheel attached
to the drive housing or by jumpers supplied on the StorageWorks backplane.

r Size. This is the raw capacity of the drive. Formatting the drive with different file

systemsfor example, FAT and NTFSmay result in different usable sizes because of the
differences in how storage is managed under those file systems.

5-26 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Drive manufacturer ID. This line identifies the type of drive and the manufacturer, as
well as the firmware revision of the drive.
PCI Configuration Menu
Information about all the PCI devices in your system is presented when you select “PCI
Configuration” and press Enter. An example is shown in Figure 5-17.
Display System Configuration

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals

Device Name

Device Type

Revision

Physical Slot

Intel 82375 PCEB
Digital 21040
S3, DevID=8811
NCRC810
NCRC810

EISA bridge
Ethernet
VGA
SCSI
SCSI

5
35
0
2
17

PCI0-Embedded
PCI0-2
PCI0-4
PCI0-5
PCI1-Embedded

ENTER=Select

ESC=Exit
PK-0740-96

Figure 5-17. PCI Configuration Menu
1. Device Name
This is the name and model of the device as recorded in the device’s firmware.
2. Device Type
The device type lists the function of the device in the system.
3. Physical Slot
The physical slot lists the actual PCI slot number to which the device is attached. Refer to
your system manual for the physical location of PCI slots on your particular system board.
4. Revision
The revision level of the device signifies the number of times it has been updated by the
manufacturer.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-27

Console Subsystems
PCI Device Detail
You can also get additional detail about any of the PCI devices listed by following this
procedure:
To get additional detail about a PCI device
1. Press Enter to allow selection in the device list.
2.

Select the device about which you want additional detail.

Press Enter, and the detail is displayed, as shown in Figure 5-18.

Press Escape to return to the table of PCI devices.
Advanced PCI Information
Bus Number=0, Device Number=6, Function Number=0
Configuration Header Space:
Register Name

Offset

Value

Vendor ID
Device ID
Command
Status
Revision ID
Prog. I/F
Sub Class Code
Class Code
Cache Line Size
Latency Timer
Header Type
BIST
Base Address 0

00h
02h
04h
06h
08h
09h
0Ah
0Bh
0Ch
0Dh
0Eh
0Fh
10h

1000h
0001h
0147h
0200h
01h
00h
00h
00h
00h
20h
00h
00h
00010001h

ENTER=Continue
PK-0741-96

Figure 5-18. Advanced PCI Information Menu

5-28 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
1. Bus Number
The bus number is the virtual PCI bus number.
2. Function Number
The function number represents the number assigned to a particular function on a
multifunction device. For example, a combination Ethernet/SCSI controller would be
listed twice, with the first function listed as function 0 and the other function listed as
function 1.
3. Device Number
The device number is the PCI bus device number.
4. Configuration Header Space
The configuration header space displays the PCI configuration space information for the
selected device. This information is supplied for system engineers.
EISA Configuration Menu
Information about all the EISA devices in your system is presented when you select “Eisa
Configuration” and press Enter. An example is shown in Figure 5-19.
Display System Configuration

F1 = Help

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals

Device Name

Device Type

Physical Slot

DEC5000
DEC4220
Floppy

Other
Network
Disk

Embedded
7
Embedded

ENTER=Select

ESC=Exit
PK-0751-96

Figure 5-19. EISA Configuration Menu

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-29

Console Subsystems
1. Device Name
This is the name and model of the device as recorded in the device’s firmware.
2. Device Type
The device type lists the function of the device in the system.
3. Physical Slot
The physical slot lists the actual EISA slot number to which the device is attached. Refer
to your system manual for the physical location of EISA slots on your particular system
board.
SCSI Configuration Menu
Information about the configuration of your system’s SCSI devices is presented when you
select “SCSI Configuration” and press Enter. In Figure 5-20, only one controller is
installed in the system. If additional controllers were installed, a menu, allowing you to
select which controller you wish to display information about, is displayed before detailed
information about the controller is displayed.
Display System Configuration

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals

NCRC810
#0
QLISP1020 #0

NCRC810 #0, SCSI ID 7, SCSI Bus 0
2

SCSI ID

Device

Size

Description

0
1
4

Disk 0
Disk 1
CD-ROM

1001 MB
510 MB

DEC
DEC
DEC

RZ26L
RZ25L
RRD45

Figure 5-20. SCSI Configuration Menu

1. SCSI Controller Information
The SCSI controller information describes the physical characteristics of the selected SCSI
controller. Information listed in this field includes:

5-30 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Controller. The controller is the brand and model of SCSI chip used on the SCSI
controller.
Controller number. The controller number is based on how many SCSI controllers of a
particular type are installed in the system. The first controller of a type is always numbered
0.
SCSI ID number. The SCSI ID number is a unique number assigned to the SCSI
controller. This must be a unique number. The standard controller numbering scheme is for
controllers to be SCSI ID 7.
SCSI bus number. The SCSI bus number indicates whether the controller is first or
second in the system. The first controller is tied to SCSI bus 0, and the second controller is
tied to SCSI bus 1.

2. SCSI ID
The SCSI ID number is a unique number you assign to each SCSI device installed in the
system. This is usually done via jumpers on the device or on the StorageWorks backplane.

3. Device Type
The device type displays whether the device is a hard disk, CD-ROM, scanner, or other
type of device.
4. Size

This is the raw capacity of the drive. Formatting the drive with different file systemsfor
example, FAT and NTFSmay result in different usable sizes because of the differences
in the way storage is managed under those file systems. This information is left blank if it
is not applicable to a device, for example, a scanner.

5. Description
This is the name and model of the device as recorded in the device’s firmware.

Memory Configuration Menu
Information about the memory configuration is presented when you select Memory
Configuration and press Enter. An example is shown in Figure 5-21.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-31

Console Subsystems
Display System Configuration

F1=Help

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals

System Memory Configuration
1

Bank 0:
Bank 1:
Bank 2:
Bank 3:

32 MB (8 MB per SIMM) -- Starting Address = OXOOOOOOOO
No Memory Detected
No Memory Detected
No Memory Detected

ESC=Exit
PK-0745-96

Figure 5-21. Memory Configuration Menu

1. Installed Memory
The amount of memory, in megabytes, installed in your system.

nMemory bank
oInstalled memory
pMemory per SIMM

5-32 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Integrated Peripherals Menu
The integrated peripherals, such as parallel and serial ports, installed in your system are
detailed in this menu, shown in Figure 5-22.
Display System Configuration

Systemboard Configuration
Hard Disk Configuration
PCI Configuration
Eisa Configuration
SCSI Configuration
Memory Configuration
Integrated Peripherals
1

Serial Port 1: Enabled as COM1:

3F8, IRQ4

Serial Port 2: Enabled as COM2:

2F8, IRQ3

Parallel Port 1: Enabled as LPT1:

3BC, IRQ7
PK-0746-96

Figure 5-22. Integrated Peripherals Menu

1. Device type
This is the physical device as it exists on the system board.

2. MS DOS name
This shows whether the device is enabled, and if it is enabled, the addressable MS-DOS
name for the device.

3. Port address
The port address is the physical memory location from and to which data travels as it is
received into the device, and sent from the device, respectively.

4. Interrupt
This is the interrupt request line (IRQ) used by the device to get the CPU’s attention.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-33

Console Subsystems

Run Maintenance Program Menu
This section details the information presented on the AlphaBIOS Run Maintenance
Program Menu. An example is shown in Figure 5-23.
AlphaBIOS Setup

Display System Configuration...
Upgrade AlphaBIOS
Hard D
Run Maintenance Program
CMOS S
Instal
Program Name: rcu.exe
Utilit
About
Location: A:

ENTER=Execute

A:
CD:
Disk 0, Partition 1
Disk 0, Partition 2
Disk 1, Partition 1
PK-0747-96

Figure 5-23. Run Maintenance Program Menu

Location
The location is the location from which the program in the Program Name field will be run
if no path is entered along with the program name. To display a list of all available disks
and partitions, press the Tab key, then use the down arrow keys. Once the list is displayed,
use the up arrow key to cycle through the selections. To highlight a location, press the Tab
key and the arrow key.

Program Name
The program name is the program to be run. It must be an executable program with a .EXE
filename extension. However, when entering the program name, it is not necessary to type
the extension.
Programs written to be run from AlphaBIOS must be written as ARC compatible images.

5-34 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

CMOS Setup Menu
CMOS Setup is used to configure several basic system parameters. There are two modes
for CMOS Setup, standard and advanced. Standard CMOS setup, shown in Figure 5-24 is
used to configure basic system parameters. Advanced CMOS setup, shown in Figure 5-25,
is used for system-specific parameters and password protection. To move through the
fields, use the Tab key.
CMOS Setup

Date:
Time:

Tuesday,
13:22:27

December

F1=Help

1995

Floppy Drive A: 3.5" 1.44 MB
Floppy Drive B: None
Keyboard: U.S. 101-key keyboard

Auto Start: Enabled
Auto Start Count: 30 Seconds

Press
or
to modify date fields.
take effect immediately.

F3=Color

F6=Advanced

F7=Defaults

Date modifications will

ESC=Discard Changes

F10=Save Changes
PK-0749-96

Figure 5-24. Standard CMOS Setup Menu

1. Date and Time
When setting the time, use the 24-hour format; for example, 10:00 p.m. is 22:00:00.
2. Floppy Drive
AlphaBIOS supports the following types of diskette drives:
 5.25 inch, 1.2 MB
 3.5 inch, 1.44 MB
 3.5 inch, 2.88 MB

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-35

Console Subsystems
3. Keyboard
The keyboard setting makes it possible to use just about any language keyboard available.
To ensure correct character mappings, the language of your keyboard, Windows NT, and
the keyboard language selection in CMOS setup should all match.
4. Auto Start and Auto Start Count
The Auto Start setting determines whether the primary operating system is automatically
started after the system is reset or power-cycled. The Auto Start Count setting is the
amount of time the boot menu is displayed before the default system is automatically
started. This delay gives you the opportunity, after resetting or power-cycling the system,
to select another operating system to start or to enter AlphaBIOS Setup.
5. Standard CMOS Setup Options
Color. Pressing F3 repeatedly cycles through the available AlphaBIOS color schemes.
Advanced. Pressing F6 displays the Advanced CMOS Setup menu.
Defaults. Pressing F7 restores the default standard CMOS setup values without affecting
the advanced CMOS setup values.
Discard Changes. Pressing Escape restores the settings in effect when you started CMOS
Setup. This option also discards changes made in advanced CMOS setup.
Save Changes. Pressing F10 saves changes made in both the standard and advanced modes
of CMOS Setup.

5-36 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Advanced CMOS Setup

PCI Parity Checking:

Disabled

Power-up Memory Test:

Enabled

AlphaBIOS Password Option:
Console Selection:

F1=Help

Disabled

Windows NT Console (AlphaBIOS)

Press
or
to select the firmware console that will be presented
the next time the system is power-cycled.

ESC=Discard Changes

F10=Save Changes
PK-0750-96

Figure 5-25. Advanced CMOS Setup Menu

1. PCI Parity Error Checking
Possible settings for PCI parity checking are enabled and disabled by using this setting.
Parity checking is a method for ensuring data integrity across the PCI bus. AlphaBIOS
supports PCI option cards that generate parity as well as those that do not. Unfortunately,
many older, and even some newer, PCI option cards do not fully comply with the PCI
specification. One of the results of this non-compliance can be incorrect generation of PCI
parity.
To accommodate cards that do not correctly generate PCI parity, Alpha systems with PCI
expansion slots leave PCI parity checking disabled by default. If you are certain that all of
your PCI option cards correctly implement PCI parity generation, you can turn parity
checking on. If PCI parity checking results in unstable system behavior, such as lockups,
you can turn PCI parity checking off again.
If you discover that a card in your system does not correctly generate PCI parity, you can
check with the card manufacturer about getting an updated version of the card with PCI
parity generation correctly implemented.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-37

Console Subsystems
2. Power-up Memory Test
Possible settings for the power-up memory test are enabled and disabled. When enabled,
the memory test writes and then reads patterns of data to main system memory. This
testing verifies the integrity of main system memory.
3. Password Setup
Possible settings for password setup are “disabled,” “setup password protection,” and
“startup password protection.” For more information on password protection, see “Setting
Up Password Protection” in Chapter 2.
4. Console Selection
Select the firmware console to be presented the next time the system is reset or started up.
Selections are Digital UNIX (SRM), OpenVMS Alpha (SRM), or Windows NT
(AlphaBIOS).
5. Advanced CMOS Setup Options
Discard changes. Pressing Escape restores the settings in effect when you started
advanced CMOS setup. This does not discard changes made to standard CMOS setup.
Save Changes. Pressing F10 saves changes made in advanced CMOS setup. Note that,
when exiting CMOS Setup, you must also save your changes at the Standard CMOS Setup
menu for the changes to be stored permanently.

5-38 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Using the SRM Console
The SRM console supports the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha operating systems. For
a complete list of SRM commands, type help at the SRM prompt (>>>).
There are two levels of Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha (SRM) console commands:
Basic
Comprehensive

Basic Commands
Use basic commands to perform common tasks described in this guide. Table 5-5 lists
each console task and provides the corresponding command and its syntax.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
To limit the screen display to 23 lines at a time, use:
>>> more [filename]. Example: >>> more el. Or, use
>>> [command] | more Example: >>> show config | more.
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-39

Console Subsystems

Table 5-5. Basic SRM Console Commands
Task

Command

Syntax

Boot the Windows NT
(AlphaBIOS) console
firmware.

arc or alphabios

Boot the operating
system.

boot

boot [-flags
[longword,]longword
[-halt] [-filename]
[boot_device]

Display error logs.

cat el

cat el or more el

Resume program
execution.

continue

Invoke the EISA
Configuration Utility.

ecu

Display online help on
using console
commands.

help

help [command . . .]

Initialize the system.

init

Halt system tests
invoked by test
command.

kill_diags

Display online help on
using console
commands.

man

man [command . . . ]

Display status of all
system processes.

Set an environment
variable.

set

set [-default] envar
val

Display the value of an
environment variable or
display configuration
information.

show

show [envar]
[{config,device,memory,
pal,version}]

Test the system and
display results.

test

__________________________ NOTE____________________________
Environment variables must be entered exactly as shown, not abbreviated. The
system will not recognize an abbreviated form.
____________________________________________________________
5-40 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Comprehensive Commands
Additional commands are available for system diagnosis and other complex tasks. Use of
these commands requires detailed knowledge of your system. Do not use these commands
without fully understanding the effect they can have on your system. To see a list of
additional commands, enter help or man at the SRM console prompt.

Getting Help on the SRM Console
To get online help, enter help at the SRM console prompt.Example 5-1 shows the help
command and the resulting display.
Example 5-1 The help Command
>>> help
Function:
Display information about console commands.
Synopsis:
help [<command>...]
Command conventions:
<item> Implies a placeholder for user specified item.
<item>... Implies an item or list of items.
[] Implies optional keyword or item.
{a,b,c} Implies any one of a, b, c.
{a|b|c} Implies any combination of a, b, c.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-41

Console Subsystems

The following help topics are available:

alloc

boot

bpt

break

cat

check

chmod

clear

continue

crash

create

date

deposit

dynamic

echo

edit

eval

examine

exer

exit

false

find_field

fr_cmd

free

fw_cmd

grep

halt

help

init

isp1020_edit

kill

kill_diags line

man

memtest

mem_more

net

nettest

semaphore

set

set host

shell

show

show cluster

show config

show hwrpb

show iobq

show map

show memory

show_status

sleep

start

stop

true

5-42 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

SRM Console Conventions
Table 5-6 lists SRM console conventions.
Table 5-6. SRM Console Conventions
Item

Convention

Console prompt

>>>

Continuation line prompt

Maximum command length

255 characters.

Multiple contiguous spaces or tabs

Treated as a single space.

Command abbreviations

Allowed, if not ambiguous.

Command qualifiers or options

Prefix with a space and a dash (-).

Numbers

Hexadecimal, unless otherwise specified.
(Note: Registers such as R0–R31 are shown
in decimal notation.)

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-43

Console Subsystems

SRM Console Shortcut Keys
Table 5-7 lists SRM console shortcut keys and their functions.
Table 5-7. SRM Console Shortcut Keys
Shortcut Key

Function

Return

Å Backspace

Terminates command line input.

[Ctrl]+[A]

Toggles insert/overstrike mode. (Overstrike is the
default.)

[Ctrl]+[B],

Deletes the previously typed character.

Ç, or È

[Ctrl]+[C]
[Ctrl]+[D] or
[Ctrl]+[E]
[Ctrl]+[F] or

Recalls previous commands. (The last 16 commands
are stored.)
Terminates the foreground process.

Moves the cursor left one position.

Moves the cursor right one position.

Moves the cursor to the end of the line.

[Ctrl]+[H]

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.

[Ctrl]+[O]

Suppresses/resumes (toggles) console output.

[Ctrl]+[Q]

XON, resumes the flow of data to the console.

[Ctrl]+[S]

XOFF, stops the flow of data to the console.

[Ctrl]+[U]

Deletes the entire line.

[Ctrl]+[R]

Retypes the current command line.

5-44 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

Boot Command
The boot command performs the following functions:
•

Initializes the processor

•

Loads a program image from the specified boot device

•

Transfers control to the loaded image

The syntax of the boot command is:
boot [-file <filename>] [-flags <longword>[,<longword>]]
[-protocols <enet_protocol>] [-halt] [<boot_device>]
where:
Command Option

Description

-file <filename>

Specifies the name of a file to load into the system. For
booting from Ethernet, this name is limited to 15
characters. Use the set_boot_file command to set
the environment variable that specifies a default boot file.

-flags
<longword>[,<longword>]

Specifies additional information for the operating system.
For systems with OpenVMS Alpha, root number and boot
flags are specified here. For Digital OSF/1 systems, the
following flag parameters may be used:
i = interactive boot
s = boot to single user
a = autoboot to multi-user
Use the set_boot_osflags command to set an
environment variable that specifies a default boot flag
value.

-protocols
<enet_protocol>

Specifies the Ethernet protocol(s) that will be used for a
network boot. Values may be mop or bootp.

-halt

Forces the bootstrap operation to halt and invoke the
console program after the image is loaded and the page
tables and other data structures are set up.

<boot_device>

Specifies a device path or list of devices that the
firmware will attempt to boot. Use the
set_bootdef_dev command to set an environment
variable that specifies a default boot device.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-45

Console Subsystems
Boot Command Examples
Table 5-8 shows boot command examples and their descriptions.
Table 5-8. Boot Command Examples
Command

Description

>>>boot

Boots the system from the default boot
device.

>>>boot ewa0

Boots the system from Ethernet port
ewa0.

>>>boot -file dec2.sys mke0

Boots the file named dec2.sys from
Ethernet port mke0.

>>>boot -protocol bootp eza0

Boots using TCP/IP BOOTP protocol
from Ethernet port eza0.

>>>boot -flags 0,1

Boots the system from the default boot
device using flag settings 0,1.

>>>boot -halt dka0

Loads the image from disk dka0, but
remains in console mode.

5-46 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems

ECU Command
The ecu command transfers execution to the AlphaBIOS console and automatically runs
the EISA Configuration utility. Be sure to insert the ECU diskette before you issue this
command.
The syntax of the ecu command is:
ecu
Refer to the section “Using the EISA Configuration Utility” later in this chapter for
additional information

Set Command
The set command is used to set or modify the value of an environment variable.
Environment variables are used to pass configuration information between the console and
the operating system.
The syntax of the set command is:
set [-default] [-integer] [-string] <envar> <value>
where:
Command Option

Description

-default

Restores an environment variable to its default value.

-integer

Creates an environment variable as an integer.

-string

Creates an environment variable as a string.

<envar>

The environment variable to be assigned a new value.

<value>

The value that is assigned to the environment variable. It
can be either a numeric value or an ASCII string.

__________________________NOTE ____________________________
Whenever you use the set command to reset an environment variable, you
must initialize the system to put the new setting into effect. You initialize the
system by entering the init command or pressing the Reset button..
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-47

Console Subsystems
Set Command Examples
Table 5-9 shows set command examples and their descriptions.
Table 5-9. Set Command Examples
Command

Description

>>>set bootdef_dev ewa0

The default boot device is set to ewa0.

>>>set auto_action boot

The console will attempt to boot following an
error, halt, or power cycle.

>>>set boot_osflags 0,1

The default boot flags are set to 0,1.

>>>set os_type NT

Sets up the system to start the AlphaBIOS
console after the next power cycle.

>>>set com1_baud

Sets the baud rate of the COM1 or COM2 port.
Default baud rate is 9600.

>>>set console

Sets the device on which power-up output is
displayed. GRAPHICS - displayed at a graphics
terminal or device connected to the VGA module.
SERIAL-displayed on device connected to the
COM1 port.

>>>set ew*0_mode

Sets the Ethernet controller to the default
Ethernet device type. For 10Base-T (twistedpair), use “twisted.”

er*0_protocols,
ew*0_protocols

Determines which network protocols are enabled
for booting and other functions. For OpenVMS,
use “mop”; for Digital UNIX, use “bootp”.

pci_parity

Disables or enables parity checking on the PCI
bus. Some PCI devices do not implement PCI
parity checking, or generate parity that may be
incorrect or not fully compliant with the PCI
specification. The device functions properly as
long is parity is not checked. The default value is
“off” - PCI parity disabled. Note: No parity
checking is implemented for any PCI device,
even those in full compliance with the PCI
specification.

>>>set
bus_probe_algorithm

Should be set to “new.” Improves bus sizing and
configuration. Not applicable to systems running
Windows NT.

>>>set pk*0_fast

Enables fast SCSI devices on a SCSI controller to
perform in standard or fast mode. For standard,
set to 0; for fast, set to 1.

>>>set pk*0_host_id

Sets the controller host bus node ID to a value
between 0 and 7..

5-48 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Table 5-10. Set Command Examples (cont.)
Command

Description

>>>set pk*0_soft_term

Enables or disables SCSI terminators. Applies to
systems using the QLogic ISP1020 SCSI
controller..

Show Command
The show command displays the current value of a specified environment variable. The
show command also displays information about the system, according to the arguments
entered.
The syntax of the show command is:
show [{config, device, hwrpb, memory, pal, version, <envar>...}]

where:
Command Option

Description

config

Displays the current memory configuration and PCI logical
slots (based on CFG utility input to the configuration
database). `

device [device name]

Displays the devices and controllers in the system.
Specifying a device name returns information on that
device only.

<envar>

Displays the value of the environment variable specified.

error

Displays error log information.

memory

Displays the memory module configuration.

pal

Displays the version of OpenVMS Alpha and OSF
PALcode.

version

Displays the version of the console firmware.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-49

Console Subsystems
Show Command Examples
Table 5-11 lists show command examples and their descriptions.
Table 5-11. Show Command Examples
Command

Description

>>>show device

Lists device
information, such
as system
designation,
drive model, or
Ethernet address.

dka0.0.0.6.0
dka400.4.0.6.0
dva0.0.0.0.1
ewa0.0.0.12.0
pka0.7.0.6.0

DKA0 RZ26L 441A
DKA400 RRD43 3213
DVA0
EWA0 08-00-2B-E2-1C-25
PKA0 SCSI Bus ID 7

>>>show memory
48 Meg of system Memory
Bank 0 = 16 Mbytes (4 MB Per Simm) Starting at
0x00000000
Bank 1 = 16 Mbytes (4 MB Per Simm) Starting at
0x01000000
Bank 2 = 16 Mbytes (4 MB Per Simm) Starting at
0x02000000
Bank 3 - No Memory Detected

Displays
information for
each bank of
memory in the
system..

>>>show *
(Refer to the next section.)

Lists all variables
and their settings.

>>>show boot*
(Refer to the next section.)

Lists all variables
beginning with
boot.

Sample show config Command Display
Firmware: Version numbers for the firmware code, PALcode, SROM chip, and CPU are
displayed.
Memory: Size and configuration for each bank of memory are displayed.
Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI: All controllers on Hose 0, Bus 0 of the primary PCI bus are
displayed. For storage controllers, the associated devices are also displayed.
Slot 7 is assigned to the PCI-to-EISA bridge chip
Slot 8 is assigned to the PCI-to-PCI bridge chip
Slots 11-13 correspond to physical PCI option slots on the primary PCI bus:
Slot 11 = PCI 11

5-50 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
Slot 12 = PCI 12
Slot 13 = PCI 13
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
If the system finds PCI devices it does not recognize, the device and vendor ID
will appear as 0000 1011 in the show config display. This does not mean
that the device is not supported, only that it is not in the SRM table of known
devices.
____________________________________________________________
Hose 0, Bus 1, EISA: All controllers on Hose 0, Bus 1 of the EISA bus are displayed.
The logical slot numbers in the left column of the display correspond to physical EISA
option slots (1 and 2). For storage controllers, the associated devices are also
displayed.
Hose 0, Bus 2, PCI: All controllers on Hose 0, Bus 2 of the secondary PCI bus are
displayed. The logical slot numbers are listed in the left column of the display. For
storage controllers, the associated devices are also displayed.
Slot 0 corresponds to the SCSI controller on the system board, along with storage drives on
the bus.
Slots 1-4 correspond to physical PCI option slots on the secondary PCI bus:
Slot 1 = PCI 1
Slot 2 = PCI 2
Slot 3 = PCI 3
Slot 4 = PCI 4
Hose 0, Bus 3, PCI: If PCI options contain a PCI-to-PCI bridge, such as the DECchip
21050-AA in the secondary PCI bus (slot 4 in Example 2-1), the additional bus is
represented in the display. For each option that contains a PCI-to-PCI bridge, the bus
number increments by 1, and the logical numbers start anew at 0.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
The onboard SCSI controller (Qlogic 1020A is always device pka.
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-51

Console Subsystems

Example 2-1 show config Command Display
>>> show config
Digital Equipment Corporation
AlphaStation 600A 5/500
Firmware
SRM Console:

T4.7

ARC Console:

5.23

PALcode:

VMS PALcode V1.19-3, OSF PALcode V2.21-5

Serial Rom:

T1.1

Processor
DECchip (tm) 21164A

500MHz

Memory
64 Meg of System Memory
Bank 0 = 64 Mbytes (16 MB per Simm) Starting at 0x00000000
Bank 1 = No Memory Detected
Bank 2 = No Memory Detected
Bank 3 = No Memory Detected
Slot

Option

Hose 0, Bus 0, PCI

Intel 82375EB

DECchip 21050-AA

DECchip 21040-AA

Slot

Option
1

Slot

Bridge to Bus 2, PCI
ewb0.0.0.11.0

08-00-2B-E5-CC-B1

Hose 0, Bus 1, EISA

ISA2000
Option

Bridge to Bus 1, EISA

Hose 0, Bus 2, PCI

Qlogic ISP1020

pka0.7.0.2000.0

dka0.0.0.2000.0

SCSI Bus ID 7

RZ26L

dka400.4.0.2000.0 RRD43
4
Slot

DECchip 21050-AA
Option

Bridge to Bus 3, PCI

Hose 0, Bus 3, PCI

DECchip 21040-AA

Qlogic ISP1020

pkb0.7.0.3002.0

ewa0.0.0.3000.0

SCSI Bus ID 7

Qlogic ISP1020

pkc0.7.0.3003.0

SCSI Bus ID 7

>>>

5-52 AlphaStation 600A User Information

08-00-2B-E2-31-68

Console Subsystems

Environment Variables
Table 5-12 shows selected environment variables and their descriptions. For a complete
list, type show * at the SRM prompt.
Table 5-12. Environment Variables
Variable

Description

auto_action

Sets/shows the console action following an error, halt, or
power-cycle. The action can be halt, boot, or restart. Halt is
the default.

boot_file

Sets/shows the file name to be used when a bootstrap requires
a file name. The default setting is null.

boot_osflags

Sets/shows additional parameters to be passed to system
software. When using OpenVMS Alpha software, these
parameters are the system root number and boot flags. The
default setting is 0,0.

bootdef_dev

Sets/shows the default device or device list from which the
system will attempt to boot. If the system software is
preloaded, the variable is preset to point to the device
containing the preloaded software. Otherwise, the default
value is null.

console

Sets the console output to either serial port or the graphics
controller.

os_type

Sets/shows the specified operating system (NT, OpenVMS
Alpha, or Digital UNIX) that nonvolatile random-access
memory (NVRAM) will boot.

pci_parity

Controls PCI parity checking at the PCI bridge chip. Parity
checking is performed if on, disabled if off, and dependent on
the SCSI controller revision.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-53

Console Subsystems

SRM Console Security Features
Console security features, which restrict access to certain console commands, are intended
to prevent unauthorized users from modifying system parameters or otherwise tampering
with the system from the console. The SRM console supports two modes:
Secure mode allows access only to specific console commands: start, continue,
boot (with stored parameters), and login.
User mode allows access to all SRM console commands
__________________________ NOTE____________________________
The security features work only if access to the system hardware is controlled.
Be sure to keep the front panel of the system locked and the key secure.
____________________________________________________________
The set secure Command
Use the set secure command to enable the security features without restarting the
console. If the console password has already been set, access will be limited to the
start, continue, boot (using the stored parameters), and login commands. For
example:
>>> set secure
Console is secure
If the password has not been set, the console will prompt you to set it. (See "The set
password Command.")
>>> set secure
Secure not set. Please set the password.
The set password Command
Use the set password command to set or change the console password. If the password
has already been set, the console prompts you for the new password and verification, then
for the old password.
>>> set password
Please enter the password:
Please enter the password again:
Now enter the old password:
>>>

5-54 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Console Subsystems
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
The password length must be between 15 and 30 alphanumeric characters. Any
characters after the 30th are not stored.
____________________________________________________________
If the validation password does not match the one previously set, the password does not
change.
>>> set password
Please enter the password:
Please enter the password again:
Validation error
If the password has not been set, the console prompts you for the new password and
verification.
>>> set password
Please enter the password:
Please enter the password again:
>>>
The login Command
Use the login command to turn off the security features and gain access to all the SRM
console commands during a particular session. If a password has not been set when you
enter the login command, you will be prompted to set it, but you need not do so unless
you wish to.
>>> login
Secure not set. Please set the password:
>>>
When the console prompt is redisplayed, the console is no longer in secure mode. If a
password has been set when you enter the login command, you must enter the password
at the prompt:
>>> login
Please enter the password:
If the password you enter matches the current password, the secure mode is turned off and
all console commands can be used. You can then return to secure mode by initializing the
system or entering the boot, continue, or start command.
If you forget the password, you can use the login command and the Halt switch to clear the
password:
1.

Check that the Halt switch is off.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 5-55

Console Subsystems
2.

Enter the login command.

When the Enter Password: prompt is displayed, press the Halt switch, then press
Return.

Press the Halt switch off. The password is now cleared, and secure mode cannot be
reinstated until you set a new password.
__________________________ NOTE____________________________
If you leave the Halt switch on after you clear the password, the system will not
boot.
____________________________________________________________

The clear password Command
The clear password command clears the environment variable, password, setting it to
zero. Use this command when you want access to all the SRM console commands, but the
system is in secure mode. To use clear password, you must know the current
password. If you do not know the password, see "The login Command."
>>> clear password
Please enter the password:
Password successfully cleared

5-56 AlphaStation 600A User Information

6
Care of the System
Introduction
This chapter describes how to:
•

Clean your system, including the outside enclosure, monitor,
mouse, and keyboard

•

Move your system
________________________WARNING __________________________
Make sure you turn off the system and disconnect any external devices
before cleaning any part of your system. When using a moistened cloth for
cleaning, do not allow any excess fluid to leak into the system, keyboard, or
monitor. Wait until the system is completely dry before applying power.
____________________________________________________________

Cleaning Your System Unit
Clean the outside of the system periodically with a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild
detergent solution. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Cleaning Your Monitor
If the monitor screen gets dirty, clean it with a sponge or chamois lightly dampened with a
mild detergent solution. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 6-1

Care of the System
________________________ WARNING __________________________
If you use a prepackaged screen cleaner, make sure that it is nonflammable.
Never spray the cleaner directly on the screen. Instead, apply the cleaner to
a clean cloth, and then clean the screen.
____________________________________________________________

Cleaning Your Keyboard
Your keyboard keys may get dirty with use. Clean them with a clean cloth that has been
lightly dampened with a mild detergent solution.

Cleaning Your Mouse
If your mouse does not move smoothly or if the pointer jumps across the screen when you
are using the mouse, the ball inside the mouse may need cleaning. To clean the ball,
perform the following steps, as shown in Figure 6-1:
1.

Turn the mouse over and remove the plate

Remove the rubber ball

c on the bottom.

d.
3. Clean the ball and rollers e with a cotton swab that has been

lightly dampened with a mild detergent. Replace the ball and
plate.

6-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Care of the System

MLO-011122

Figure 6-1. Cleaning the Mouse

Moving Your System
Perform the following steps before shipping or moving the system:
1.

Back up all files stored on the hard disk drive.

Turn off the external peripherals, the system, and the monitor.

Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet and from the back
of the system unit.

Disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any other cables
from the back of the system unit.

Replace the cache module hold-down bracket. See Figure 3-6 for
additional information.

Package the system as described in the section on Packing Your
System later in this appendix.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 6-3

Care of the System
________________________ WARNING __________________________
When packing and moving system components, be aware that some
components (such as the system unit or monitor) may be too heavy for you
to safely lift alone. If you are doubtful about whether you can lift these items
alone, please get assistance.
____________________________________________________________

Packing Your System
If you are moving the system a short distance (for example, from one room to another in
the same building), you do not have to pack it. However, if you are shipping the system or
moving it by vehicle, pack it in the original packing material and containers. If you did not
save the boxes and packing material, use a sturdy carton and cushion the computer well to
avoid damage.

Installing Your System at a New Location
After moving the system to a new location, unpack and install it following the installation
instructions in Chapter 1.

6-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

7
Technical Specifications
Introduction
This chapter describes the following technical characteristics of the AlphaStation 600A
Series system:
•

System specifications

•

External system connectors

•

Expansion slot current limitations

•

System current requirements

•

System board jumpers

•

I/O subsystem module

System Specifications
Tables 7-1 through 7-4 list the AlphaStation 600A Series system processor features,
dimensions, environmental specifications, and acoustics specifications.
Table 7-1. System Specifications
Attributes

Specification

PCI clock

33 MHz

Data I/O

32-bit PCI

AlphaStation 600A User Information 7-1

Technical Specifications
System board RAM

Expandable up to 1.0 GB

Table 7-2. System Dimensions
Dimension

Specification

Width

238.8 mm (9.4 inches)

Length

645.2 mm (25.4 inches)

Height

442 mm (17.4 inches)

Weight

32+ kg (70+ lb)

Table 7-3. System Environmental Specifications
Attributes

Specification

Operating temperature

10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)
(without removable media)

Storage temperature

−40°C to 66°C (−40F to 151°F)

Operating humidity
(noncondensing)

10% to 90% relative humidity,
(without removable media)
20% to 80% relative humidity
(with removable media)
maximum wet bulb 2°C (36°F)

Storage humidity
(noncondensing)

10% to 90% relative humidity,
maximum wet bulb 65°C (149°F)

Altitude
Operating
Nonoperating

2,438 m (8,000 ft) maximum
4,876 m (16,000 ft) maximum

Shipping vibration

IAW Federal Standard 101, method 5019

Nonoperating shock

30 G, 25 ms halfsine

7-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Technical Specifications

Table 7-4. Acoustics-Declared Values According to ISO 9296
and ISO 7779
Product

PB650-A9

Sound Power Level
LWAd, B

Sound Pressure Level
LpAm, dBA

Idle

Operate

(Operator Position)
Idle
Operate

5.1

5.2

__________________________NOTE ____________________________
Current values for specific configurations are available from Digital
representatives. 1B=10 dBa.
____________________________________________________________

External System Connectors
This section lists the pin assignments for your system's external connectors.
•

Parallel connector: 25-pin D-submini female

•

Serial connectors: 9-pin D-submini male

•

Keyboard and mouse connectors: 6-pin mini-DIN

AlphaStation 600A User Information 7-3

Technical Specifications

Parallel Port Connector
The parallel port connector provides an interface to a printer or other parallel devices.
Table 7-5 lists pin assignments. An asterisk (*) after a signal name indicates an active
low signal.
Table 7-5. Parallel Port Pinouts
DB25 Pin

Signal

Function

STB-R*

Strobe

PRTD0

Printer data bit 0

PRTD1

Printer data bit 1

PRTD2

Printer data bit 2

PRTD3

Printer data bit 3

PRTD4

Printer data bit 4

PRTD5

Printer data bit 5

PRTD6

Printer data bit 6

PRTD7

Printer data bit 7

ACK*

Acknowledge

BUSY

Busy

Paper end

SLCT

Select

AUTOFDXT*

Autofeed

ERR*

Error

INIT*

Initialize printer

SLCTIN*

Select input

18 to 25

GND

Ground

Serial Port Connectors
The serial port connectors consist of two 9-pin D-submini connectors. Table 7-6 lists
their pin assignments.

7-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Technical Specifications
The baud rates supported by the system's serial ports are 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, and 38400.
Table 7-6. 9-Pin Port Pinouts
DB9 Pin

Signal

Function

DCD

Data carrier detect

RXD

Receive data

TXD

Transmit data

DTR

Data terminal ready

GND

Ground

DSR

Data set ready

RTS

Request to send

CTS

Clear to send

Ring indicator

Keyboard and Mouse Connectors
The keyboard and mouse connectors consist of two 6-pin mini-DIN connectors. Table 77 lists their pin assignments.
Table 7-7. Keyboard and Mouse Connector Pinouts
Pin

Signal

Data

Reserved

Ground

+5V DC (fused)

Clock

Reserved

AlphaStation 600A User Information 7-5

Technical Specifications

Expansion Slots
The system board contains seven 32-bit PCI and two EISA expansion slots. The
maximum available +5V DC allowable to any expansion slot depends on the following
parameters:
•

Power supply capacity

•

The +5V DC requirements of the system board

•

The +5V DC requirements of the peripherals

•

The power demands of all other slots in use and of the system
board

Power Supply and Input Power Requirements
The 400-watt power supply provides five DC voltages: +12V, -12V, +5V, -5V, and
+3.43V DC. These voltages are used by the various components within the system and
are listed in Table 7-8.
Table 7-8. Output Power Requirements
DC Outputs

Maximum Load

Maximum Power

+3.4V

36.4 amps

120.0 W

+5.0V

52.0 amps

265.0 W

-5.0V (aux)

0.6 amps

1.0 W

+12.0V

11.0 amps

132.0 W

-12.0V

0.2 amps

2.4 W

Maximum Watts

400 W

7-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Technical Specifications

__________________________ HINT _____________________________
The maximum power from any combination of +3.3V and +5.0V does not
exceed 335 W.
____________________________________________________________
The AlphaStation 600A Series system has the rated voltage range described in Table 7-9.
Table 7-9. Input Power Requirements
Rated Voltage Range

Rated
Input Current

Operating Frequency Range

88V AC–264V AC

8–4 amps

47 Hz–63 Hz

System Board Jumper Locations
Jumper pins allow you to set specific system parameters. Set them by changing the pin
location of jumper blocks. A jumper block is a small plastic-encased conductor (shorting
plug) that slips over the pins. To change a jumper setting, remove the jumper from its
current location with your fingers or small needlenose pliers. Place the jumper over the
two pins designated for the desired setting. Press the jumper evenly onto the pins. Be
careful not to bend the pins.
Figure 7-1 shows the locations of the system board jumper pins. Table 7-10 lists the
system board jumpers and factory-default settings. Pin 1 is always oriented toward the
top of the board.
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
Do not touch any electronic component unless you are safely grounded. Wear a
grounded wrist strap or touch an exposed metal part of the system unit chassis.
A static discharge from your fingers can result in permanent damage to
electronic components
____________________________________________________________

AlphaStation 600A User Information 7-7

Technical Specifications

System Board and CPU Card Jumper Settings
Table 7-10 lists the default jumper settings for the system board. The jumper settings are
shown in Figure 7-1.
Table 7-10. System Board Default Jumper Settings
Number

Name

Description and Default

J50

FROM VPP enable

J16

Permits the 12 volts needed to update the
Flash ROMs. Enabled.

Fan

J53

Allows the large fan to be disabled.
Enabled.

Fan shutdown

J52

Allows the software to shut down the
system in the event of a fan failure.
Enabled.

Temperature shutdown

J56

Allows the temperature chips to shut down
the system in an orderly sequence.
Enabled.

Fan fault

J51

Allows hardware to detect a fan fault and
shut down the system in an orderly
sequence. Enabled.
Set to disable if testing the system board
or CPU card outside of the enclosure.

SCSI terminator

Enables the on-board SCSI terminators.
The system specification requires that the
SCSI bus be terminated at both ends.
Enabled.

7-8 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Technical Specifications
Figure 7-1 shows the system board jumper settings for normal operation.
2

3
1

4
5
6
7

MLO-013744

Figure 7-1. System Board Jumper Locations

AlphaStation 600A User Information 7-9

Technical Specifications
A jumper on the CPU card activates the SROM tests and the fail-safe loader. This jumper
is labeled J1. Figure 7-2 shows the J1 jumper and its default setting. Table 7-11 shows
the other jumper setting functions.
J1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

MLO-013469

Figure 7-2. CPU Card J1 Jumper Settings
Table 7-11. Jumper Setting Functions
Bank

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Jumper Setting Function

Standard boot setting
Standard boot setting
Mini console setting (Internal use only)
Mini console setting (Internal use only)
Startup with no backup cache (Internal use only)
Mini console setting (Internal use only)
Mini console setting (Internal use only)
Fail-safe loader setting: selects fail-safe loader firmware

7-10 AlphaStation 600A User Information

8
Updating System Firmware
Introduction
This chapter explains how to use the firmware update utility. It is the user’s responsibility
to update the system firmware.

System Firmware
The AlphaStation 600A Series system contains a flashROM with AlphaBIOS console
firmware (for the Windows NT operating system) and a flashROM with SRM console
firmware (for the Digital UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha operating systems). You may want
to update your system firmware as later versions become available. You may also need
to recopy firmware onto the system if the flashROM should ever become corrupted. To
do this, use a special procedure (see “Using the Fail-Safe Loader” in Chapter 4.)
You can load firmware into the flashROM from any of the following sources:
CDROM
Network
Diskette

AlphaStation 600A User Information 8-1

Updating System Firmware

Updating Firmware Using the CDROM Drive
To update an OpenVMS Alpha or Digital UNIX system:
1. At the console prompt (>>>), enter the show device command:

>>> show device
dka0.0.0.6.0

DKA0

RZ26L

440C

dka400.4.0.6.0

DKA400

TOSHIBA CD-ROM XM-4101TA 0064

dva0.0.0.0.1

DVA0

ewa0.0.0.2004.0

EWA0

08-00-2B-E5-6A-41

ewb0.0.0.11.0

EWB0

08-00-2B-E1-03-19

pka0.7.0.2001.0

PKA0

SCSI Bus ID 7

2.10

In the above example, the CDROM drive has a device ID of dka400.
2.

Load the Firmware Update compact disc into the drive.

Boot the system from the update utility disc, using the device ID determined in step
1 (in this case, dka400). For example:
>>> boot -fl 0,A0 dka400

8-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Updating System Firmware
Use the list command to show a list of memory-loaded images and a list of
currently supported flashROMs. In the following example, only three devices can be
firmware-updated.
UPD> list
Device
ARC
SRM
fwb0

Current Revision

Filename

Update Revision

arc_fw
srm_fw
dfpaa_fw
dfeaa_fw
dfeab_fw
kzpsa_fw

4.47
t4.5-55
2.46
1.3
2.46
A10

4.46
t4.5-55
2.46

Use the update command to update adapter firmware, as shown in the following
example:
UPD> update
Confirm update on:
ARC SRM
[Y/(N)]y
WARNING: updates may take several minutes to complete for
each device.
DO NOT ABORT!
SRM
ARC

Updating to V4.7...
Updating to V5.26...

Verifying V4.7... PASSED.
Verifying V5.26... PASSED.

UPD>

AlphaStation 600A User Information 8-3

Updating System Firmware
To update a Windows NT system:
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
The latest version of the firmware is available on the World Wide Web:
http://www.windowsnt.digital.com
____________________________________________________________
As new versions of Windows NT are released, it might be necessary to upgrade
AlphaBIOS to the latest version. As improvements are made to AlphaBIOS, you may
want to upgrade to take advantage of new AlphaBIOS features.
From the AlphaBIOS console:
To upgrade from an earlier version of AlphaBIOS, follow these steps from the
AlphaBIOS console:
1.

Insert the diskette or CD-ROM containing the AlphaBIOS upgrade.

If you are not already running AlphaBIOS Setup, access the AlphaBIOS Setup
menu by restarting your system and pressing f2 when the Boot menu is
displayed.

From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “Upgrade AlphaBIOS” and press
Enter. When you choose this option, the existing AlphaBIOS searches for an
executable AlphaBIOS update file, first on CD-ROM, and then on diskette.
Once the update file has been found, it executes it, and the AlphaBIOS is
upgraded.

After the upgrade is complete, the system either resets automatically or
prompts you to reset the system.

8-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Updating System Firmware

Updating Firmware Using the Network
To update firmware using the network, see the Read Me instructions on the Web Server.

Updating Firmware Using the Diskette Drive
To update the firmware using the diskette drive:
1.

Insert the diskette with the new firmware version in the diskette drive.

Enter the following command at the SRM console prompt:
>>> boot dva0
Use the list command to show a list of memory-loaded images and a list of currently
supported flashROMs. In the following example, only three devices can be
firmware-updated.

UPD> list
Device
ARC
SRM
fwb0

Current Revision
4.46
t4.5-55
2.46

Filename
arc_fw
srm_fw
dfpaa_fw
dfeaa_fw
dfeab_fw
kzpsa_fw

Update Revision
4.47
t4.5-55
2.46
1.3
2.46
A10

Updating to V4.7...
Updating to V5.26...

Verifying V4.7... PASSED.
Verifying V5.26... PASSED.

UPD>

AlphaStation 600A User Information 8-5

Updating System Firmware
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
To update your system using the SRM console, use a diskette formatted with
the Alpha boot block. To update using the AlphaBIOS console, use an FAT
formatted diskette.
____________________________________________________________

Flash Enable Jumper
Before you can update your system firmware, the flashROM enable jumper (J50) must be
in the write-enabled position. Refer to the section on system board jumpers in Chapter 7.

8-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

9
Starting an Operating Sytem
Installation
Preparing to Install Windows NT
Preparing the System
1.

Before you install the Windows NT operating system, make sure that you
have the following items:

Microsoft Windows NT AlphaBIOS firmware, Version 4.44 or
later. The AlphaBIOS firmware is a menu-driven utility to
configure your system, and Version 4.44 is required to run
Windows NT 3.51 or later.
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 or later.
The EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) diskette for Microsoft
Windows NT, Version 1.9 or later.
A partitioned and formatted hard disk drive installed in your
system. If your drive has not yet been prepared, follow the
instructions in "Preparing the Hard Disk" later in this section.
2.

If a Microsoft Windows NT product announcement was included with
your system, read the announcement, which contains important READ
FIRST information.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 9-1

Starting an Operating System Installation
3.

Contact the administrator of your local area network to obtain the
network information you will need. This information will vary
depending on the type of network hardware and software installed at
your location.

Setting the Operating System Type
1. Turn the system on by pressing the On/Off switch on the front of the
system. After a short wait, the operator control panel on the front of the
system displays the message "Model 5/500," and the screen displays
initialization and testing information. Internal errors are indicated by
audible "beep" codes. (See Chapter 4, "Troubleshooting.")
2.

Press the Enter key. If your screen displays the AlphaBIOS console
Boot menu, your system has already been prepared for use with
Microsoft Windows NT and you can proceed to the section "CMOS
Setup."
__________________________NOTE ____________________________

Systems with Pre-installed Windows NT Software: If you have a system with
Windows NT installed at the factory, Windows NT setup will start automatically the first
time you turn on your system. If your system does not have Windows NT pre-installed,
you must have a CD-ROM drive attached to your system to install Windows NT. Refer
to your operating system documentation to install your operating system.
____________________________________________________________

If your screen displays a triple arrow (>>>) prompt instead of the AlphaBIOS
console Boot menu, your system has booted the SRM console. Proceed to
step 3.
3.

Type the following two commands at the SRM console prompt and press the
Enter key after each command:
set console graphics
set os_type nt

Turn off the power to your system by pressing the On/Off switch on the
front of your system. Wait at least 10 seconds, then turn the power back on.

9-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Starting an Operating System Installation
5.

The system performs several diagnostics. If you see an ECU error message,
you can ignore it, because the remainder of the configuration procedure will
correct any configuration errors that are displayed on the screen.

CMOS Setup
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
Steps 1 and 2 in the following procedure are needed only when you first set up your
system. On subsequent installations and upgrades, begin at step 3.
____________________________________________________________
1.

From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select the CMOS Setup menu and press
Enter. Set the system date and time.

Return to the main AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “Hard Disk Setup,” and press
Enter.
It is recommended that you partition and format your system's hard disk before
installing Windows NT software, even if already partitioned and formatted.
Repartitioning and reformatting reduce the likelihood of operational problems due to
conflicting versions of the operating system or disk-related problems.
You can easily set up the first hard disk in your system (disk 0) with the
recommended default partition arrangement by performing an express setup.
Note, however, that express setup does not format the large partition with NTFS.
You will have the opportunity to do this during the Windows NT installation.

AlphaStation 600A User Information 9-3

Starting an Operating System Installation

__________________________NOTE ____________________________
The hard disk with the lowest SCSI ID number is seen as disk 0 by AlphaBIOS.
____________________________________________________________
________________________ CAUTION ___________________________
If you have any needed information on your disk, be sure to back up your disk before
using express setup.
____________________________________________________________
To perform an express hard-disk setup, follow these steps and refer to Figure 9-1.
a.

From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select “Hard Disk Setup,” and press Enter.

Press F7 to enter express setup.

Press F10 to continue with the setup.

Put the Windows NT CD into the CD-ROM drive.

Start AlphaBIOS Setup, select “Install Windows NT,” and press Enter.

To complete the installation, refer to your operating system documentation.

9-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Starting an Operating System Installation
AlphaBIOS Setup

Display System Configuration...
Upgrade AlphaBIOS
Hard Disk Setup...
CMOS Setup...
Install Windows NT
Utilities
About AlphaBIOS...

Press ENTER to partition or format hard disks.

ESC=Exit
PK-0726-96

Figure 9-1. Express Hard Disk Setup

AlphaStation 600A User Information 9-5

Starting an Operating System Installation
Setting the EISA Configuration
1. From the AlphaBIOS Setup menu, select "Utilities.”
If any of the EISA option cards in your computer have not yet been identified, a
Caution dialog box is displayed. You can ignore this dialog box because your
option cards will be identified in the following steps.
2.

From the submenu, select “Run Maintenance Program.” Insert the EISA
Configuration Utility (ECU) diskette for Microsoft Windows NT into the diskette
drive, and select “Run ECU from floppy.”
__________________________NOTE ____________________________

It is not necessary to run Step 2 of the ECU, “Add or remove boards.” (EISA cards are
recognized and configured automatically.)
The “View or Edit Details” ECU option is used to change user-selectable settings or to
change the resources allocated for these functions (IRQs, I/O ports, and so on). When
using default settings, this step is not required.
____________________________________________________________
3.

Select "Step 5: Save and Exit" and press the Enter key. At the confirmation
prompt, select "Save the configuration" and press the Enter key. When a dialog
box appears, indicating that the configuration has been saved, press the Enter
key. Your system will restart with the updated information.

Installing Microsoft Windows NT
To install the Microsoft Windows NT operating system, refer to your Windows NT
documentation.
__________________________NOTE ____________________________
During installation, you are prompted for the location of the files for Microsoft Windows
NT. Install the files into the larger of the two partitions you create, and when prompted,
format that partition with the NTFS file system.
____________________________________________________________

9-6 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Starting an Operating System Installation

Preparing to Install Digital UNIX
Installation Preparation
Before installing Digital UNIX on your system, make sure that you have the following
items:
• Digital UNIX Version 4.0A, or later
• SRM console firmware, Version 4.7 or later
• EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) diskette,
Version 1.9 or later, for Digital UNIX and
OpenVMS Alpha.
Before starting installation, be sure to review the Digital UNIX release notes ("General
Installation") and the Digital UNIX installation guide for your version of the operating
system.
Setting the Operating System Type
1. Turn the system on. After a short wait, the operator control
panel on the front of the system displays the message "Model
5/500" and the screen displays initialization and testing
information.
2.

Press the Enter key. If the screen displays a triple arrow prompt
(>>>) you have booted the SRM console. Verify the value of
the set bus_probe_algorithm environment variable. It
should be set to "new." (See “Booting the Operating System” in
Chapter 1 and "Set Command Examples" in Chapter 5.) Then,
proceed to the next section, "Installing Digital UNIX."
If the computer booted directly into the AlphaBIOS Boot menu,
and you did not see the >>> prompt, you must proceed to step 3
to switch to the SRM console.

From the AlphaBIOS Boot menu, select the Digital UNIX
operating system.
These steps initiate loading of the firmware. Once the Digital
UNIX and OpenVMS Alpha firmware is loaded and the system
is initialized, the system displays the SRM console prompt
(>>>).

AlphaStation 600A User Information 9-7

Starting an Operating System Installation
4.

Verify the value of the set bus_probe_algorithm
environment variable. It should be set to "new." (See "Set
Command Examples" in Chapter 5.

Installing Digital UNIX
To install the Digital UNIX operating system from a CD-ROM or to do a remote
installation over a local network using Remote Installation Service (RIS), refer to your
operating system documentation.

Preparing to Install OpenVMS Alpha
Preparing the System
Before you install the OpenVMS Alpha operating system on your system, make sure that
you have the following:
• OpenVMS Alpha operating system, Version 6.2-1H3 or later
• SRM console firmware, Version 4.7 or later
• EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) diskette for Digital UNIX
(DEC OSF/1) and OpenVMS Alpha, Version 1.9.
Before beginning the installation or upgrade, prepare the required hardware and software
components, as described in this section. After preparation is complete, refer to the
OpenVMS Alpha Version 6.2 Upgrade and Installation Manual to install the operating
system.
Preparing Hardware Components
To prepare the hardware components, follow these steps:
1.

Be sure the hardware has been installed and checked for proper
operation.

Be sure you know how to turn on and operate your system
components, including the system unit, console, monitor or
terminal, drives, and printer. Refer to Chapter 1 if necessary.

Set up your system to record the installation procedure on either
a hardcopy terminal or a printer attached to the console
terminal. If you do not do this, the screen messages will be lost.

9-8 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Starting an Operating System Installation
You may want to record a transcript of screen messages to refer
to during installation.
Preparing Software Components
To prepare the software components, follow these steps:
1.

Be sure you have all the items listed on the bill of materials in
the software distribution kit. If your distribution kit is
incomplete, notify your service representative and request
priority shipment of any missing items.

Review all cover letters and release notes.

Setting the Operating System Type
To set the operating system type, follow steps 1 through 7.
1.

Turn the system on. After a short wait, the operator control
panel on the front of the system displays the message "Model
5/500" and the screen displays initialization and testing
information.

Press the Enter key. If the screen displays a triple arrow prompt
(>>>), you have booted the SRM console. Verify that the
bus_probe_algorithm environment variable is set to
“new.” (See “Booting the Operating System” in Chapter 1.
Then, proceed to “Installing OpenVMS Alpha.”)
If the computer booted directly into the AlphaBIOS Boot menu,
and you did not see the >>> prompt, you must proceed to step 3
to switch to the SRM console.

From the AlphaBIOS Boot menu, select the OpenVMS Alpha
operating system.
This step initiates loading of the firmware. Once the SRM
firmware is loaded and the system is initialized, the system
displays the SRM console prompt (>>>).

Verify the value of the set bus_probe_algorithm
environment variable. It should be set to "new." (See "Set
Command Examples" in Chapter 5.)

AlphaStation 600A User Information 9-9

Starting an Operating System Installation
Required PALcode
If your computer console does not have a specific minimum version of the privileged
architecture library code (PALcode), you may not be able to boot your system during the
installation or upgrade procedure. To ensure the correct version, follow these steps
before performing an installation or upgrade:
1.

At the SRM console prompt (>>>) on your running system,
enter the show configuration or show pal command.
The system display will indicate the PALcode version your
system is using.

To determine whether your system is running the required or
recommended version of PALcode, refer to the most recent
OpenVMS Alpha operating system cover letter or release notes
to check for new information that supplements the PALcode
information in the OpenVMS Alpha Version 6.2 Upgrade and
Installation Manual. You can also contact your service
representative.

If the PALcode version is below the required or recommended
minimum, upgrade your firmware either by following the
directions in Chapter 8, or by contacting your service
representative.

Installing OpenVMS Alpha
Use the OpenVMS Alpha CDROM to install or upgrade the operating system, or to
perform operations such as backing up the system disk. For installation information,
refer to your operating system documentation.

9-10 AlphaStation 600A User Information

10
Equipment Log
Introduction
With the equipment log, you can gather information that you may need if problems occur
with your system and you need to call Digital for assistance.
Use the equipment log to record information about your system hardware and software
components. Update the equipment log when you add options.

Equipment Log
The log consists of five tables, which you can use to record the following information:
•

Your system's hardware components (Table 10-1)

•

Your SCSI device address settings (Table 10-2)

•

Your system's system hardware configuration (Table 10-3)

•

The operating system or application software installed on your
AlphaStation 600A A Series system (Table 10-4)

•

Additional components (Table 10-5)

AlphaStation 600A User Information 10-1

Equipment Log

Table 10-1. Hardware Components
Component

Vendor/
Type/Size

Model
Number

System unit

AlphaStation

600A Series

Serial
Number

Date
Installed

System unit key
number
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Installed
diskette drive
Additional
storage device 1
Additional
storage device 2
Additional
storage device 3
Additional
storage device 4
Additional
storage device 5

__________________________NOTE ____________________________
See the regulatory label on the rear bulkhead for such information as the serial
number.
____________________________________________________________

10-2 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Equipment Log

Table 10-2. SCSI Addresses
Device

Address

Device

Address

Table 10-3. Hardware Configuration
Component

AlphaStation 600A Series System Specifics

CPU speed and model
Firmware version
Memory size
Video module

Table 10-4. Installed Software
Operating System or
Application Software

Version
Number

License Number

Date
Installed

AlphaStation 600A User Information 10-3

Equipment Log

Table 10-5. Additional Component Information
Component

Vendor

10-4 AlphaStation 600A User Information

Model
Number

Serial
Number

Date
Installed

Index
A

abbreviations used in this guide, xiii
AC power cord
criteria met, 1-7
identifying, 1-7
acoustics specifications, 7-3
additional information resources, xv
airflow, 1-8
ALPHABIOS console, 5-2
AlphaStation 600A Series system
before you start the system, 1-2
connecting cables and the power cord, 1-11
connecting system components, 1-9
cooling, 1-8
description, 1-1
identifying the correct AC power cord, 1-7
installing, 1-8
preloaded operating system software
(described), 1-14
preloaded operating system software (listed), 113
security, 1-19
starting, 1-12
switching console firmware, 1-14
turning off, 1-18

Beep codes
interpreting, 4-7
Boot defaults
changing, 1-16
Boot problems
troubleshooting, 4-15

C
cables
connecting, 1-11
cleaning
keyboard, 6-2
monitor, 6-1
mouse, 6-2
system unit, 6-1
Commands
basic, 5-39
comprehensive, 5-41
console, 5-39
limiting display, 5-41
connecting cables and the power cord, 1-11
connecting system components, 1-9
connectors
rear panel, 2-6
Console commands, 5-39
Console event log, 4-8
Index 1

Index
console firmware
switching, 1-14
Console problems
troubleshooting, 4-14
Console security, 5-54
console subsystems, 5-1
Consoles
and online help, 5-41
controls and indicators, 2-4
conventions used in this guide, xii
cooling the system, 1-8

D
Digital UNIX
installing, 9-8
preparing to install, 9-7
Drive problems
troubleshooting, 4-16

E
ECU. See EISA Configuration Utility
EISA bus problems
troubleshooting, 4-20
EISA configuration utility
before you run, 5-14
configuring EISA options, 5-14
description, 5-13
diskette, 5-13
on-line help, 5-14
volume label requirement, 5-13
EISA Configuration Utility (ECU)
error messages, 4-20
using with Windows NT, 9-6
when to use, 1-15
EISA slot numbering, 3-22
Environment variables
boot, 1-16
changing default, 1-16
setting, 1-15
Index 2

environmental specifications (system unit), 7-2
equipment log
additional components, 10-4
description, 10-1
hardware components, 10-2
hardware configuration, 10-3
SCSI device address settings, 10-3
software installed, 10-3
Error beep codes, 4-7
error codes, 4-27, 4-28
Error messages
EISA Configuration Utility (ECU), 4-20
startup, 4-14
expansion module contacts, 3-21
expansion options
EISA bus, 3-22
installing a module
illustration, 3-23
procedure, 3-23
PCI bus, 3-22
PCI/EISA slot numbering, 3-22
expansion slot current limitations, 7-6
external drive bay devices
attaching the securing bracket and installing, 315
CD-ROM restrictions, 3-14
connecting the power and SCSI cables, 3-14
description, 3-12
installing, 3-13
power cable configuration, 3-17
SCSI addresses, 3-12
SCSI and device connector cable configuration,
3-16
external system connector pin assignments
keyboard and mouse, 7-5
parallel port, 7-4
serial ports, 7-4

F
Fail-safe loader

Index
using, 4-26
Fan problems
troubleshooting, 4-13
flash enable jumper, 8-6
front bezel
removing, 3-25

G
Graphics options
environment variable, 4-14

H
Hard disk
preparing for Windows NT, 9-3
hardware components
front panel controls, indicators, and drive bay
locations, 2-4
keyboard, 2-3
PCI architecture, 2-2
rear panel connectors, 2-6
system unit, 2-1
Help
SRM console, 5-41
help command, 5-41

I
installing system options
adding memory modules, 3-9
EISA and PCI expansion options, 3-21
external drive bay devices, 3-13
installing a SIMM, 3-10
internal drive bay devices, 3-18
operator control panel, 3-24
removing the left side panel, 3-3
replacing the left side panel, 3-6
system board components, 3-7
system memory, 3-9
system unit components, 3-2
wearing a grounded wrist strap, 3-1

installing the system, 1-8
internal drive bay devices
removing a device from the drive assembly
illustration, 3-20
procedure, 3-20
removing the drive assembly
illustration, 3-19
procedure, 3-18
replacing the drive assembly in the system unit,
3-21

J
Jumper settings
system board, 7-8
jumpers
system board, 7-7

K
keyboard
adjusting the angle, 2-3
cleaning, 6-2
key groups and functions, 2-4
layout, 2-3
no response to commands, 4-6
keyboard connector pinouts, 7-5
Keyboard problems
troubleshooting, 4-23

L
left side panel
removing, 3-3
replacing, 3-6

M
memory
installing, removing, 3-9
memory modules, 3-9
installing, 3-10
removing, 3-11
Index 3

Index
memory options
sizes, 3-9
Monitor. See also SVGA, VGA monitor
cleaning, 6-1
Monitor problems
troubleshooting, 4-22
mouse
cleaning, 6-2
no response to commands, 4-7
mouse connector pinouts, 7-5
Mouse problems
troubleshooting, 4-23
moving the system, 6-3

N
network connection, 1-12
Network problems
troubleshooting, 4-20

O
OCP. See operator control panel
OpenVMS
installing, 9-10
preparing to install, 9-8
verifying version, 9-8
Operating system defaults
changing, 1-16
Operating system problems
troubleshooting, 4-16
Operating system type
setting for Digital UNIX, 9-7
setting for Windows NT, 9-2
operator control panel
rotating
illustration, 3-26
procedure, 3-24
Option card problems
troubleshooting, 4-20
organization of this guide, xi
Index 4

Overheating problems
troubleshooting, 4-24

P
PALcode, 9-10
parallel port connector pinouts, 7-4
PCI architecture, 2-2
PCI bus problems
troubleshooting, 4-21
PCI slot numbering, 3-22
plastic filler panel
caution relative to overheating, 1-8
removing, 3-13
posture and work habits
precautions, 1-3
recommendations, 1-5
warning, 1-6
power cord
connecting, 1-11
power requirements
input, 7-7
output, 7-6
Power supply problems
troubleshooting, 4-13
preloaded operating system software
described, 1-14
listed, 1-13
Printer problems
troubleshooting, 4-24
processor features, 7-2

R
RAID Configuration Utility (RCU), 4-24
RAID device problems
troubleshooting, 4-24
removing a plastic filler panel, 3-13
removing the front bezel, 3-25

Index

S
SCSI adapters, 3-14
security
lock, 1-19
passwords, 1-19
serial port connector pinouts, 7-4
set console graphics command, 9-3
set password command, 5-54
set secure command, 5-54
show_status command, 4-11
shutdown commands, 1-19
SIMM
installing, 3-10
special notices used in this guide, xv
SRM console
commands, 5-39
conventions, 5-43
description, 5-39
help, 5-41
shortcut keys, 5-44
SRM console commands
boot
examples, 5-46
syntax, 5-45
ecu
syntax, 5-47
environment variables
auto_action, 5-53
boot_file, 5-53
boot_osflags, 5-53
bootdef_dev, 5-53
console, 5-53
os_type, 5-53
pci_parity, 5-53
set
examples, 5-48
syntax, 5-47
show
examples, 5-50

syntax, 5-49
starting the system, 1-12
Startup screen display problems
troubleshooting, 4-14
status codes, 4-27
Storage drive problems
troubleshooting, 4-16
switching console firmware, 1-14
system
starting, 1-12, 1-13
turning off, 1-18
system board jumpers
description, 7-7
location, 7-9
settings, 7-9
system care
cleaning the keyboard, 6-2
cleaning the monitor, 6-1
cleaning the mouse, 6-2
cleaning the system unit, 6-1
installing the system at a new location, 6-4
moving the system, 6-3
packing the system, 6-4
system components
connecting, 1-9
system cooling, 1-8
system firmware
description, 8-1
flash enable jumper, 8-6
system shutdown commands, 1-19
system unit
components, 3-2
description, 2-1
dimensions, 7-2
SYSTEMCFG (volume label), 5-13

T
technical specifications
expansion slot current limitations, 7-6
Index 5

Index
external system connectors
keyboard and mouse, 7-5
parallel port, 7-4
serial port, 7-4
system board jumpers
description, 7-7
location, 7-9
system current requirements, 7-6
system specifications
acoustics specifications, 7-3
dimensions, 7-2
environmental specifications, 7-2
processor features, 7-2
Temperature sensor, 4-24
Terminal problems
troubleshooting, 4-22
test command, 4-8
troubleshooting
diskette drive cannot read or write, 4-19
equipment log, 4-28
error codes, 4-27

Index 6

initial, 4-2
no response to keyboard commands, 4-6
no response to mouse commands, 4-7
no screen display, 4-4
overview, 4-2
power indicator not on, 4-4
status codes, 4-27
system does not boot, 4-5
target boot device not listed, 4-6
turning off the system, 1-18

U
Utility update diskette
using, 4-26

W
wide-to-narrow SCSI adapters, 3-14
Windows NT
preparing to install, 9-1
verifying version, 9-1