Digital PDFs

EK-ALCAB-OG-B01

December 1995

180 pages

Original

1.9MB

Document:	AlphaServer 2100B Installation/Owner's Guide
Order Number:	EK-ALCAB-OG
Revision:	B01
Pages:	180
Original Filename:

OCR Text

AlphaServer 2100 CAB
Installation/Owner’s Guide
Order Number: EK–ALCAB–OG. B01

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

1st Edition, December 1994
2nd Edition, April 1995
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and
should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that
may appear in this document.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government
is subject to restrictions set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in
Technical Data and Computer Software Clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
FCC NOTICE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference in
which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.

© Digital Equipment Corporation 1994, 1995. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The postpaid Reader’s Comments form at the end of this document requests
your critical evaluation to assist in preparing future documentation.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: AlphaServer,
DEC, DECchip, Digital, OpenVMS, StorageWorks, ThinWire, VAX DOCUMENT,
and the DIGITAL logo.
OSF/1 is a registered trademark of Open Software Foundation, Inc.
PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows and Windows NT are
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
S2847

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT Version 2.1.

EC:
Warning! This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product
may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take
adequate measures.
Achtung! Dieses ist ein Gerät der Funkstörgrenzwerklasse A. In
Wohnbereichen können bei Betrieb dieses Gerätes Rundfunkstörungen
auftreten, in welchen Fällen der Benutzer für entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen
verantwortlich ist.
Attention! Ceci est un produit de Classe A. Dans un environnement
domestique, ce produit risque de créer des interférences radioeléctriques,
il appartiendra alors à l’utilisateur de prendre les mesures spécifiques
appropriées.
ACOUSTICS: Preliminary declared values per ISO 9296 and ISO 7779 (March
10, 1994):

Idle
Operating

Sound Power Level
LwAd , B

Sound Pressure Level
LpAm , dBA (Bystander
Positions)

6.4
6.4

52
52

Current values for specific configurations are available from Digital
representatives. 1 B = 10 dBA.
SCHALLEMISSIONSWERTE: Verläufige Werteangaben nach ISO 9296 und
ISO 7779/DIN EN27779 (10 March 1994):

Leerlauf
Betrieb

Schalleistungspegel
LwAd , B

Schalldruckpegel
LpAm , dBA
(Zuschauerpositionen)

6,4
6,4

52
52

Aktuelle Werte für spezielle Ausrüstungsstufen sind über die Digital Equipment
Vertretungen erhältlich. 1 B = 10 dBA.

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

xiii

1 System Introduction
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Introduction and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Online Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Cabinet Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Front of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Top of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Left Side of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Rear of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Components: Bottom of System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

2 Site Preparation and Installation
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Installing the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Site Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unpacking the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During System Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Rear Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Front Door Latch Bracket . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Front Filler Panels . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Stabilizer Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–1
2–2
2–2
2–3
2–7
2–13
2–14
2–14
2–16
2–18
2–20
2–22

Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting to Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Serial/Parallel Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expanding the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2–24
2–26
2–28
2–28
2–28
2–30
2–30
2–32

3 System Operation
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying Power to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displaying Power-Up Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Diagnostic Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multiprocessor Failover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preboot Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switching Between Operating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Booting the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Autobooting the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning the System Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the DC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Extended Power-Down (AC Power) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invoking Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Invoking Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Halt Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Operate Mass Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating a CD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD-ROM Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–1
3–2
3–5
3–5
3–5
3–6
3–7
3–8
3–8
3–12
3–14
3–17
3–18
3–19
3–20
3–20
3–20
3–22
3–23
3–23
3–23
3–23
3–23
3–24
3–24
3–25
3–25
3–25
3–25
3–25
3–26
3–26

Caddyless Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive with Caddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting and Removing a Compact Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating a DAT Tape Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DAT Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting a Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating a Diskette Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diskette Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting a Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating a QIC Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QIC Drive Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting a QIC Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing a QIC Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–26
3–28
3–30
3–34
3–34
3–34
3–34
3–36
3–36
3–36
3–36
3–38
3–38
3–38
3–38

4 Options and Upgrades
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upgrade Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Planning Your Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access from the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access from CompuServe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Systems and Options Catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verifying System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firmware Menu Options for Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firmware Console Commands for DEC OSF/1 and
OpenVMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPU Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expansion I/O (64-Bit PCI) Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guidelines for Systems with SWXCR-Ex Controller . . . . . . . .
Standard I/O Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ISA Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying EISA and ISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring EISA and ISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Configuration Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Configuration Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

vii

Before Running the ECU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the ECU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring EISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Configuring EISA/ISA Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Bus Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal SCSI Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Removable Media Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Port Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4–16
4–17
4–19
4–21
4–23
4–25
4–25
4–26
4–28
4–30
4–32

5 System Troubleshooting
In This Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining the Service Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determine the Service Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Considerations Before Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Task Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying and Resolving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Determining the Type of Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of System Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precall Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Support Center Contact Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems Getting to Console Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Failing SIMMs Reported on Power-Up Display . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Reported Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
show fru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional EISA Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boot Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating System Reported Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fail-Safe Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fail-Safe Loader Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activating the Fail-Safe Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

viii

5–1
5–2
5–2
5–2
5–3
5–4
5–4
5–5
5–5
5–6
5–6
5–6
5–10
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–16
5–17
5–19
5–21
5–25
5–27
5–28
5–29
5–30
5–31
5–32
5–32

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

AlphaServer 2100 CAB system Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Full Complement System Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operator Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking the Operator Control Panel Door . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Left-Side Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bottom Access Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Clearance and Service Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unpacking the System Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Cabinet from the Skid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Rear Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Front Door Latch Bracket . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Front Filler Panels . . . . . . . . . .
Pulling Out and Adjusting the Stabilizer Bar . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Interlock System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ethernet Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCSI Expansion and Optional RAID and/or DSSI Ports . . . .
Operator Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Powered-Down System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying Power to the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turning Off the AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Caddyless CD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD-ROM Drive with Caddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting and Removing a Caddyless Compact Disc . . . . . . . .
Inserting and Removing a CD-ROM Caddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting and Removing a Tape: DAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–3
1–4
1–8
1–9
1–10
1–11
1–12
1–13
1–14
2–6
2–8
2–10
2–12
2–15
2–17
2–19
2–21
2–23
2–25
2–27
2–29
2–31
2–33
3–2
3–6
3–7
3–21
3–22
3–27
3–29
3–31
3–33
3–35

3–11
3–12
4–1
4–2
4–3
4–4
4–5
4–6
4–7
5–1

Diskette Drive and Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
QIC Tape Drive and QIC Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Bus Option Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Bus Configurations According to the Number of
CPUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA and ISA Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing Removable Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Hard-Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Supply Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fail-Safe Loader Jumper (J6) on the Standard I/O
Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3–37
3–39
4–7

System Cabinet Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Electrical Specifications (60 Hz) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Electrical Specifications (50 Hz) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display . . . .
Setting No Autoboot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RAID Subsystem Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus (EISA
Options Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus with ISA
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Identify a Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identifying and Resolving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problem Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Support Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Power Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Problems Getting to Console Mode . . . . .
Interpreting the Operator Control Panel
Power-Up/Diagnostic Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory Data Bits in Error and Corresponding SIMM
Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1–5
1–6
2–3
2–4
2–5
3–13
3–15
4–10

4–8
4–14
4–24
4–27
4–29
4–31
5–33

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

4–20
4–22
5–3
5–4
5–5
5–7
5–10
5–11
5–12
5–14

5–9
5–10
5–11
5–12
5–13
5–14
5–15
5–16

Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the Console
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed-Media Mass-Storage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removable-Media Mass-Storage Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting RAID Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EISA Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCI Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Boot Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Flow for Errors Reported by the Operating
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5–16
5–22
5–23
5–24
5–26
5–28
5–29
5–30

Preface
Purpose of This Guide
This guide together with the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware
Reference Guide describe how to install, operate, upgrade, and
troubleshoot the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system.

Who Should Use This Guide
This guide is for Digital service personnel or qualified selfmaintenance customers who are familiar with computer
installation tasks, and for system managers and others who
perform system management tasks.

Structure of This Guide
This guide is organized in the following manner:
•

Chapter 1, System Introduction—Introduces the system, and
its functional characteristics, components, and controls.

•

Chapter 2, Site Preparation and Installation—Provides site
planning and preparation information, as well as system
unpacking and installation procedures.

•

Chapter 3, System Operation—Describes the operator control
panel and provides procedures for power on and off, checking
indicators, switching between consoles, and booting the
operating system.

•

Chapter 4, Options and Upgrades—Describes the options and
upgrades and provides procedures for verifying the system
configuration and configuring system options.

•

Chapter 5, System Troubleshooting—Provides information
and procedures for diagnosing and correcting system and
peripheral problems.

xiii

Related Documents
Other documents related to the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system
include the following:
•

AlphaServer 2100 RM Series Installation/Owner’s Guide
(EK-KN450-RM)

•

H9A10 (600 mm) Cabinet Installation/Owner’s Guide
(EK-HA910-IN)

•

AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide (EKAXPFW-RM)

•

AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100R/2200 Server Windows NT
Release Notes (EK-WNTFS-IN)

•

DSSI VMScluster Installation and Troubleshooting (EKD4AXP-TS)

•

AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100 RM/2100 CAB Series Service
Guide (EK-KN450-SV)

•

OpenVMS AXP System Dump Analyzer Utility Manual
(AA-PV6UB-TE)

•

Guide to Kernel Debugging (AA-PS2TA-TE)

•

DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool User’s Guide
(AA-PTTMA-TE)

Conventions Used in This Guide
This guide uses the following conventions:

xiv

Convention

Meaning

Note

A note calls the reader’s attention to any
item of information that may be of special
importance.

Caution

A caution contains information essential to
avoid damage to the equipment.

Warning

A warning contains information essential to
the safety of personnel.

Convention

! "#. . .

Meaning

Numbered callouts are used to label and
refer to parts of a figure.

MONOSPACE

Text displayed on the screen is shown in
monospace type.

MONOSPACE

Bold type denotes user input.

italic type

Italic type emphasizes important
information, indicates variables, and
indicates complete titles of manuals.

n.nn

A period in numerals signals the decimal
point indicator. For example, 1.75 equals
one and three-fourths.

Ctrl/x

Ctrl/x indicates that you hold down the Ctrl
key while you press another key or mouse
button (indicated here by x).

Return

Specific keys such as the Return key are
represented in boxes.

A lowercase italic x indicates the generic use
of a letter. For example, xxx indicates any
combination of three alphabetic characters.

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

[]

In command format descriptions, brackets
indicate optional elements. You can choose
none, one or more, or all of the options.

console command
abbreviations

Console command abbreviations must be
entered exactly as shown.

boot

Console and operating commands are shown
in this special typeface.

Safety Symbols
The following symbols appear on the system. Please review their
definitions below:
Warning: For protection against fire, use only
modules with current-limiting outputs.

Warning: CPU and memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.
Warning: This area contains electrical energy.
Disconnect the AC power cord(s) to the system before
accessing this area.
Warning: High voltage shock hazard present inside
the power supply.

xvi

1
System Introduction

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

System Introduction and Features

•

Power Cord Order Numbers

•

System Cabinet Specifications

•

System Characteristics

•

Components and Controls

System Introduction 1–1

System Introduction and Features

System Introduction and Features
The AlphaServer 2100 CAB system is a member of the
AlphaServer product line. The product line is a family of
symmetric multiprocessing, server systems. Supported by
multiple operating systems (currently DEC OSF/1, OpenVMS,
and Windows NT), they are suitable for several computing
environments: general purpose computing, high-performance
applications and databases, and PC LAN servers.
The server CPU is based on the DECchip 20164 processor chip.
Successive upgradable generations are planned.
The AlphaServer 2100 CAB system is designed for office or
satellite equipment room installations where floor space is at a
premium, but large disk storage arrays and/or other expansion is
required. The system may also be used in laboratory or factory
environments where rackmount application-specific equipment
must be configured with the system.

Online
Information

Your system shipment includes a set of diskettes called the
‘‘Fast Track to Information.’’ Fast Track is an easy-to-navigate,
electronic version of the user information for the AlphaServer
2100 systems.
You can install Fast Track on any personal computer or laptop
computer running Microsoft Windows V3.1 or later or a Windows
emulator. You need to have approximately four megabytes
available on your designated disk.
Note
Future plans call for Fast Track to Information to be
shipped on CD-ROM with new systems.

1–2 System Introduction

System Introduction and Features

Figure 1–1 AlphaServer 2100 CAB system Chassis

SCALE=1/8
LJ-03758-TI0

System
Packaging

The system is packaged in a standard slide-mounted chassis
(see Figure 1–1), and installed in an H9A10 cabinet (see
Figure 1–2). The H9A10 is a low-cost cabinet that meets the
Electronic Industries Association (EIA), and the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 297 standards.
Two power controllers or power distribution units and their
power cords are shipped with each AlphaServer 2100 CAB
system. The power cords have either: 5-30P plugs for 120-Vac
operation, or 6-20P (PDU) or 6-30P (power controller) plugs for
240-Vac operation in the U.S.A., Canada, and Japan. If the plugs
are not compatible to your power-source receptacle, contact your
Digital Customer Service office for assistance.
Note
The equipment installed must have an interlock bracket
to work with the interlock kit.

System Introduction 1–3

System Introduction and Features

Figure 1–2 Full Complement System Cabinet

LJ-03879-TI0

1–4 System Introduction

System Cabinet Specifications

System Cabinet Specifications
The system cabinet specifications are contained in Table 1–1.
Table 1–1 System Cabinet Specifications
Item

Specification

Operating Specifications:
Height
Width
Depth
Weight

170.0 cm (66.9 in)
60.0 cm (23.6 in)
87.5 cm (34.0 in)
286 kg (630 lb)

Shipping Specifications:
Height
Width
Depth
Weight

181.4 cm (71.4 in)
91.4 cm (36.0 in)
121.6 cm (47.9 in)
318 kg (700 lb)

Maximum vertical rackmounting
space (with power controllers
installed)

153.5 cm (metric RETMA) 1
54.25 in (English RETMA) 2

Horizontal rack width

Standard 48.26-cm (19-in.)
EIA rail spacing 3

Casters, swivel, nonlocking:
Diameter
Maximum capacity

7.62 cm (3 in.)
225 kg (500 lb)

Casters, fixed, nonlocking:
Diameter
Maximum capacity

7.62 cm (3 in.)
225 kg (500 lb)

1 Refers to the cabinet version that has the rail-hole pattern compliant with the

metric Radio Electronic Television Manufactures Association (RETMA) standard
2 Refers to the cabinet version that has the rail-hole pattern compliant with the

English RETMA standard
3 Depending on the cabinet model ordered, the rail-hole pattern may be compliant

with either the English RETMA or the metric RETMA standard.

System Introduction 1–5

System Characteristics

System Characteristics
Table 1–2 highlights the system characteristics of the
AlphaServer 2100 CAB system.
Table 1–2 System Characteristics
Characteristic

Description

Four-processor capability

Systems can be configured as a uniprocessor or with up
to four processors.

High-performance PCI I/O
subsystem

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) is an
industry-standard bus that supports Digital and thirdparty options. The current PCI implementation on the
server has a peak bandwidth of 132 MB/s.

EISA I/O bus

33 MB/s EISA I/O bus supports the industry-standard
EISA options, such as:
Network adapters
Video/audio options
Storage adapters

Internal mass storage

Accommodates up to two, 13.3-cm (5.25-in) half-height
hard-disk-drive storage devices. One device is standard
in all configurations and a second is optional. Up to 2
GB per drive.

External storage devices

Supports external StorageWorks compatible
storage devices for low-cost, high-capacity, flexible
configurations. This capability allows many
independent disks that may be configured in stripe
sets, shadow sets, or RAID sets to optimize performance
according to customer requirements.
(continued on next page)

1–6 System Introduction

System Characteristics

Table 1–2 (Cont.) System Characteristics
Characteristic

Description

High availability

Supports disk hot swap in external StorageWorks
shelves as well as clustering (currently, only for
OpenVMS) with proper software and controllers.

CPU chip technology

The DECchip 21064, 21064A, and 21065, which
offer successively higher levels of performance, are
manufactured using Digital’s CMOS process.
This process uses a feature size of 0.75 micron, and the
chip contains 1.7 million transistors on one die.

CPU clock rate

200 MHz initially; >300 MHz over lifetime.

CPU chip design features

Superscalar, superpipelined

System bus bandwidth

667 MB/s (128-bit, 24-ns cycle)

Memory

Up to 2 GB of main memory

System Introduction 1–7

Components and Controls

Components:
Front of
System

Figure 1–3 shows the components on the front of the system.

Figure 1–3 Front Components

2
3

7
4

SCALE=1/9
5

8
LJ-03796-TI0

! Operator control panel
$ Location for optional redundant power supply
" Optional slot for removable-media % Power supply
mass-storage devices
& Power connector, AC (the system does not
# Removable-media mass-storage have an AC power switch)
devices
' Power supply DC Okay indicator
( Front bezel
For information about mass-storage controls, refer to devicespecific information in Chapter 4 of this guide.

1–8 System Introduction

Components and Controls

Operator
Control Panel

Figure 1–4 shows the individual controls and indicators on the
operator control panel.
Figure 1–4 Operator Control Panel

! Power-up/diagnostic display
" DC On/Off button
# Halt button (DEC OSF/1 and

LJ-03778-TI0

$ Reset button

OpenVMS systems only)

System Introduction 1–9

Components and Controls

Operator
Control Panel
Door

The operator control panel door allows access to the controls
without removing the front bezel. To open the door, unlock the
door
and pull the upper-right edge
of the door away from
the system as shown in Figure 1–5.

Figure 1–5 Unlocking the Operator Control Panel Door

SCALE=1/8
LJ-03759-TI0

1–10 System Introduction

Components and Controls

Components:
Top of System

Figure 1–6 shows the location of the top-rear access cover to
the module card-cage area and the top-front access cover to the
area containing the fan assembly, removable-media mass-storage
device, and fixed-media mass-storage device(s).
Warning: CPU and memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.
Figure 1–6 Top Components

3
SCALE=1/8
LJ-03797-TI0

! Top-rear access cover
" Top-front access cover

# Fixed-media mass-storage

device (second device is optional)

System Introduction 1–11

Components and Controls

Components:
Left Side of
System

Figure 1–7 shows how to access the PCI and EISA input/output
(I/O) interface boards through the left-side access door.
Warning: For protection against fire, use only
modules with current-limited outputs.

Figure 1–7 Left-Side Components

LJ-03798-TI0

! Left-side access door

1–12 System Introduction

" I/O interface boards

Components and Controls

Components:
Rear of System

Figure 1–8 shows the major components at the rear of the
system.
Figure 1–8 Rear Components

Scale=1/5

6
7

4
5

! EISA board bulkhead
" PCI board bulkhead
# SCSI and DSSI expansion ports
$ Parallel port

LJ-03762-TI0A

% Serial port (COM1)
& Serial port (COM2)
' Mouse port
( Keyboard port

System Introduction 1–13

Components and Controls

Components:
Bottom of
System

Figure 1–9 shows the bottom access door. This door provides
service access to the power supply connections and the SCSI,
parallel, serial (COM1 and COM2), mouse, and keyboard ports.
Warning: This area contains electrical energy.
Disconnect the AC power cord(s) to the system before
accessing this area.

Figure 1–9 Bottom Access Door

1
SCALE=1/8

! Bottom access door

1–14 System Introduction

LJ-03799-TI0

2
Site Preparation and Installation

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Before Installing the System

•

Site Planning

•

Unpacking the System

•

During System Installation

•

Connecting to Networks

•

Connecting Peripherals

Site Preparation and Installation 2–1

Before Installing the System

Warning
Only qualified service persons should install the system.
Qualified service persons need not be Digital Services
representatives, but they should have the technical
training and experience:

Tools Required

•

To be aware of hazards to which they are exposed in
performing a task

•

To take measures to minimize danger to themselves
or other persons.

The tools required to unpack and install the system are:
•

Scissors

•

Flat-blade screwdriver

•

Phillips screwdriver

•

Adjustable wrench

•

Spirit level

2–2 Site Preparation and Installation

Site Planning

Site Planning
The installation instructions that follow assume that:
•

All cables that you plan to connect to your system are in
place and clearly labeled. These cables are:
Terminal data cables
Telephone cables
Network cables

•

The requirements and conditions listed Table 2–1, Table 2–2,
and Table 2–3 have been satisfied

•

The system is located in an area that provides sufficient
clearance for ventilation and servicing. Figure 2–1 shows
the recommended clearance and service area required for the
system.

Table 2–1 System Electrical Specifications (60 Hz)
Requirement

Specification

Input voltage

120 Vac nominal

Operational voltage
range

90-132 Vac

Phasing

Single-phase

Frequency range

57-63 Hz, 60 Hz nominal

Input current

8 A typical, 16 A maximum,
per power cord

Ground current

2.3 mA typical

Power consumption

1400 W typical, 3450 W maximum

U.S.A. power cord
plug (3 pole, 3 wire)

NEMA L5-30P
(Mates with receptacle NEMA L5-30R)

Two power controllers or power distribution units rated at 24 A for 120 Vac are
supplied with the system.

Site Preparation and Installation 2–3

Site Planning

Table 2–2 System Electrical Specifications (50 Hz)
Requirement

Specification

Input voltage

220-240 Vac nominal

Operational voltage
range

180-256 Vac

Phasing

Single-phase

Frequency range

47-53 Hz, 50 Hz nominal

Input current

4 A typical, 8 A maximum,
per power cord

Ground current

4.4 mA typical

Power consumption

1440 W typical, 3450 W maximum

UK power cord plug
(3 pole, 3 wire)

NEMA L6-20P or L6-30P
(Mates with receptacle NEMA L6-20R
or L6-30R)

Two power controllers or power distribution units rated at 16 A for 220 Vac are
supplied with the system.

Warning
High Leakage Current — An insulated earthing
conductor that is identical in size, insulation material,
and thickness to the earthed and unearthed branchcircuit supply conductors (except that it is green with
or without one or more yellow stripes) is to be installed
as part of the branch circuit that supplies the system.
The earthing conductor described is to be connected
to earth at the service equipment or, if supplied by a
separately derived system, at the supply transformer or
motor-generator set.
The attachment-plug receptacles in the vicinity of the
system are all to be of an earthing type, and the earthing
conductors serving these receptacles are to be connected
to earth at the service equipment.

2–4 Site Preparation and Installation

Site Planning

Table 2–3 System Environmental Conditions
Conditions

Specifications

Temperature range:
Operating
Nonoperating
Storage (60 days)
Rate of change

10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)
-40°C to 66°C (-40°F to 151°F)
-40°C to 66°C (-40°F to 151°F)
11°C/hr (20°F/hr)

Relative humidity:
Operating
Nonoperating
Storage
Storage (60 days)
Rate of change

10-90% noncondensing
10-90% noncondensing
10-90% noncondensing
10-90% noncondensing
20%/hr

Maximum heat dissipation

3450 W AC, 11,730 BTU/hr

Air flow:
Operating
Intake location
Exhaust location

400 CFM
Cabinet front
Cabinet rear top

Altitude:
Operating
Nonoperating

2000 m (6,562 ft)
3600 m (12,000 ft)
Caution

Do not impede airflow by obstructing the front and rear
of the unit. Exceeding internal thermal limits can affect
system reliability/availability.

Site Preparation and Installation 2–5

Site Planning

Figure 2–1 System Clearance and Service Area

48.3 cm
(19 in)

61 cm
(24 in)

2
76.2 cm
(30 in)
25.4 cm
(10 in)

19.05 cm
(7.5 in)

61 cm
(24 in)

! Front bezel

" AlphaServer 2100 PCI/EISA compartment

2–6 Site Preparation and Installation

LJ-03763-TI0

Unpacking the System

Unpacking the System
The cabinet is shipped on a wooden pallet. Use the following
procedure to unpack the cabinet.
1. Position the pallet in an area that provides sufficient
workspace for unpacking. Ensure that there is sufficient
clearance in front of the pallet (marked with a large F) to roll
the cabinet down the ramps.
2. Refer to Figure 2–2. Cut and remove the plastic wrapping
that secures the corner posts
and the carton
to the
cabinet. The carton contains the two ramps.

3. Remove the corner posts
.

" and the carton # from the pallet

Caution
In the next step, take care not to damage the cabinet
finish when removing the shrinkwrap.

4. Remove the plastic bag

% covering the cabinet.

5. Check the cabinet and the associated equipment for any
external damage. Report any damage to your service
representative or a Digital sales office and to the responsible
freight carrier.
Note
Keep all packing material and receipts in the event a
damage claim is filed.

Site Preparation and Installation 2–7

Unpacking the System

Figure 2–2 Unpacking the System Cabinet

2
2

F
4

2
5
LJ-03830-TI0

2–8 Site Preparation and Installation

Unpacking the System

& and
( to the

6. Refer to Figure 2–3. Remove the four shipping bolts
that secure the four cabinet leveler feet
brackets
pallet .

)
+>

from the shipping carton and set the
7. Remove the ramps
ramps in the holes
provided at the front of the pallet .
Ensure that the arrows
on the ramps match the pallet
arrows
as shown in Figure 2–3.

Caution
In the next step, the leveler feet must be fully retracted
to prevent contact with the ramp or the floor when the
cabinet is unloaded from the pallet.

(

8. Adjust the four cabinet leveler feet
and the leveler foot on
the stabilizer bar
to the maximum upward position.

Turn the lock nut down on each leveler foot (Figure 2–3)
until it makes contact with the leveler hex nut, and then
turn the leveler hex nut up until it raises the leveler foot
to the maximum upward position. The cabinet should now
rest on the casters so that the lever feet will not touch the
ramps.

Site Preparation and Installation 2–9

Unpacking the System

Figure 2–3 Installing the Ramps

6
8

4
11
9

2–10 Site Preparation and Installation

12
LJ-03831-TI0

Unpacking the System

Warning
In the following step, use sufficient personnel to move
the cabinet off the pallet. A fully configured cabinet can
weigh up to 576 kg (1,280 lb). Equipment installed in
the cabinet can make the cabinet top heavy or cause it to
accelerate rapidly down the ramps if not restrained. Be
prepared to guide and control the motion of the cabinet.)

9. To remove the cabinet from the skid, refer to Figure 2–4 and
roll the cabinet down the ramps using sufficient personnel
for safety.
10. Wheel the cabinet to the desired location.
11. Adjust the leveler feet downward so that the load is removed
from the casters.
Caution
Ensure that the leveler feet extend enough to carry the
load of the cabinet so that the casters spin freely. If not,
damage to the casters will result over an extended period
of time.

12. Using a spirit level, adjust the leveler feet to level the
cabinet.

Site Preparation and Installation 2–11

Unpacking the System

Figure 2–4 Removing the Cabinet from the Skid

LJ-03832-TI0

2–12 Site Preparation and Installation

Unpacking the System

Checking the
Shipment

Check the bill of lading to verify that all items have been
received.
If the shipment is damaged or if any items are missing, notify
the delivery agent, and contact the Digital sales representative.
Save all packing material in case the equipment needs to be
moved to a new location, or returned for repairs.

Site Preparation and Installation 2–13

During System Installation

During System Installation
During installation of the cabinet, one or more of the following
procedures may be required:

Removing and
Replacing the
Rear Door

•

Removing and replacing the rear door

•

Removing and replacing the front door latch bracket

•

Removing and replacing the front filler panels

•

Adjusting the stabilizer bar

•

Using the interlock system

•

Removing and replacing the front bezel

To remove the rear door, refer to Figure 2–5 and proceed as
follows:
Removal
1. Loosen the two M6 screws
door
to the cabinet .

! securing the tabs " on the rear
#

2. Grasp both sides of the rear door
about midway up the
door. Then lift the door off and away from the two brackets
and the M6 screws .

3. Place the rear door

# outside of the work area.

Replacement
To replace the rear door, reverse the removal procedure, steps 1
through 3.

2–14 Site Preparation and Installation

During System Installation

Figure 2–5 Removing and Replacing the Rear Door

5
3
4

MAIN
POWE 1
R

1
2

LJ-04285-TI0

Site Preparation and Installation 2–15

During System Installation

Removing and
Replacing the
Front Door
Latch Bracket

The front door latch bracket prevents the left-side access door on
an AlphaServer 2100 RM series system installed in the top of the
H9A10 cabinet from being fully opened, and must be removed
to allow access. To remove the front door latch bracket, refer to
Figure 2–6 and proceed as follows:
Removal
and two 8-32 kepnuts
that
Remove the two 8-32 screws
secure the front door latch bracket to the cabinet frame.

Replacement
To replace the front door latch bracket, align the two holes on
the front door latch bracket with the two holes on the cabinet
frame, and secure it in place with the two 8-32 screws
and
two 8-32 kepnuts .

2–16 Site Preparation and Installation

During System Installation

Figure 2–6 Removing and Replacing the Front Door Latch Bracket

LJ-04290-TI0

Site Preparation and Installation 2–17

During System Installation

Removing and
Replacing the
Front Filler
Panels

To remove a front filler panel, refer to Figure 2–7 and proceed as
follows:
Removal
Grasp the front filler panel
on both sides and then pull
straight back away from the cabinet.

Replacement
on the front
To replace a front filler panel , align the sockets
filler panel (refer to the exploded view) with the appropriate ball
studs
on the rails
and push the panel into place.

2–18 Site Preparation and Installation

During System Installation

Figure 2–7 Removing and Replacing the Front Filler Panels

1
2

4
4

3
2

LJ-04286-TI0

Site Preparation and Installation 2–19

During System Installation

Adjusting the
Stabilizer Bar

As shown in Figure 2–8 the stabilizer bar
pulls straight out
from the bottom front of the cabinet . When the stabilizer bar
at the end of the stabilizer
is fully extended, adjust the foot
bar until it touches the floor.

Warning
The stabilizer bar must be fully extended before any
system is extended out of the cabinet on its slides.

The system cabinet can hold several system configurations. The
amount of force required to tip or make the cabinet unstable
differs with each configuration.

2–20 Site Preparation and Installation

During System Installation

Figure 2–8 Pulling Out and Adjusting the Stabilizer Bar

2
3
LJ-03835-Ti0

Site Preparation and Installation 2–21

During System Installation

Using the
Interlock
System

The interlock system helps prevent cabinet instability by
allowing only one system at any one time to be pulled out of the
cabinet.
As shown in Figure 2–9 the interlock system consists of a
on which are mounted actuator latches
for each
vertical bar
product installed in the cabinet. These actuator latches engage
the interlock actuator bracket
on the rear of rackmount
systems.

When a rackmount system is pulled out of the cabinet, the
rotate to prevent any other rackmounted
actuator latches
system that has an interlock actuator bracket from being pulled
out of the cabinet.

The expanded view (A) shows the position of the actuator latches
when all systems are pushed into the cabinet. The expanded
view (B) shows the position of all actuator latches after one
system has been pulled out.

2–22 Site Preparation and Installation

During System Installation

Figure 2–9 The Interlock System

MAIN
POWE 1
R

1
LJ-04293-TI0

Site Preparation and Installation 2–23

During System Installation

Removing and
Replacing the
Front Bezel

To connect or disconnect the power cord to the system AC
connector, the front bezel must be removed.
Removal
Refer to Figure 2–10 to remove the front bezel . Press in at the
on the bezel to rotate them down
bottom of the two pull loops
and out from the bezel. Then, using the two pull loops, pull the
bezel away from the system.

Replacement
Refer to Figure 2–10 to install the front bezel . Align the
ball-stud receivers
on the front bezel
with the ball studs
on the front of the system. Press the front bezel
into place.

2–24 Site Preparation and Installation

During System Installation

Figure 2–10 Removing and Replacing the Front Bezel

LJ-03880-TI0

Site Preparation and Installation 2–25

Connecting the Terminal

Connecting the Terminal
Connect either a video graphics array (VGA) monitor or a
Digital VT-series terminal (VTxxx) to the system as shown in
Figure 2–11. Use the H8571-J adapter that was shipped with
your system to connect a VT-series terminal.
Refer to the documentation that is shipped with the terminal
for information on how to connect the keyboard and set up the
terminal. Ensure that the VT-series terminal is set to 9600
baud.

2–26 Site Preparation and Installation

Connecting the Terminal

Figure 2–11 Connecting the Terminal

VGA

Scale=1/5

VTxxx
(9600 Baud)

H8571-J

LJ-03783-TI0A

Site Preparation and Installation 2–27

Connecting to Networks

Connecting to Networks
Overview

The standard network option for your system is Ethernet.
However, your system can support other network options by
using network adapters that can be connected to the EISA and
PCI buses.
For information about connecting your system to networks other
than Ethernet, refer to the documentation that came with the
network adapter.

Ethernet

The system can be connected to a ThinWire, AUI, or 10BASE-T
Ethernet network as shown in Figure 2–12.
Caution
Before connecting the system to an Ethernet network,
turn off the DC power to the system as described in
‘‘Turning the System Off ’’ in Chapter 3.

2–28 Site Preparation and Installation

Connecting to Networks

Figure 2–12 Ethernet Network Connections

10BASE-T

AUI

ThinWire

AUI

MAU

Scale=1/5

LJ-03779-TI0A

! Indicates Ethernet options

Site Preparation and Installation 2–29

Connecting Peripherals

Connecting Peripherals
Serial/Parallel
Connections

Connect a serial or parallel printer, modem, or console terminal
to your system through the serial and parallel ports at the rear
of the system (refer to Figure 2–13).
Caution
Before connecting serial or parallel devices to the system,
turn off the DC power to the system as described in
‘‘Turning the System Off ’’ in Chapter 3.

For information about connecting a specific device to your
system, refer to the documentation for that device.
Note
The cable that connects to the rear of the VGA terminal
has multiple connectors. These connectors are either
color-coded or coded by letters that indicate the color.
Use the coding on the cable and the corresponding coding
on the terminal to determine where to attach each cable
connector.

2–30 Site Preparation and Installation

Connecting Peripherals

Figure 2–13 Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices

Scale=1/5

2
3

LJ-03782-TI0

! Parallel port
" Serial port (COM1) (console terminal)
# Serial port (COM2) (auxiliary console device)

Site Preparation and Installation 2–31

Connecting Peripherals

Expanding the
System

As shown in Figure 2–14, the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system
can be expanded from SCSI port E
by removing the SCSI
terminator (1) and connecting the appropriate cable (2) from the
SCSI device connector.

for optional ports (A through D) are available for
Locations
the RAID options and the DSSI options.

2–32 Site Preparation and Installation

Connecting Peripherals

Figure 2–14 SCSI Expansion and Optional RAID and/or DSSI
Ports

1
Scale=1/5

LJ-03765-TI0

! Port E, SCSI expansion
port

" Optional port locations (A

through D) for RAID options
and DSSI options

Site Preparation and Installation 2–33

3
System Operation

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Operator Control Panel

•

Turning the System On

•

Turning the System Off

•

Invoking Console Mode

•

Operating Storage Devices

•

Operating a Compact Disc Drive

•

Operating a DAT Tape Drive

•

Operating a Floppy Drive

•

Operating a QIC Tape Drive

System Operation 3–1

Operator Control Panel

Operator Control Panel
The operator control panel, shown in Figure 3–1, is located on
the front of the system. It contains a diagnostic display and
buttons that allow the user to power up, halt, and reset the
system.
Figure 3–1 Operator Control Panel

LJ-03778-TI0

! Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

The power-up/diagnostic display shows system status
messages during the power-up and diagnostics sequence.
Use the display to check the results of system self-tests.
For information about interpreting specific messages, refer
to the section ‘‘Interpreting the Operator Control Panel
Power-Up/Diagnostic Display’’ in Chapter 5.

3–2 System Operation

Operator Control Panel

" DC On/Off
The DC On/Off button controls the flow of DC power to
the system. Use the DC On/Off button and the AC power
cord to turn system power on and off. The DC On/Off light,
located on the DC On/Off button, is on whenever DC power
is present.

# Halt (DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS systems only)

The Halt light, located on the Halt button, comes on briefly
during the system self-tests. Thereafter, the Halt light comes
on and remains on whenever DC power is present and the
Halt button is set to the ‘‘in’’ position.
Before Power-Up: Pressing the Halt button before you
power up the system boots the SRM console (even if your
system is set to boot Windows NT) and prevents the system
from booting the operating system.
Before booting the operating system, you must press the Halt
button to the ‘‘out’’ position, and, if you are booting Windows
NT, switch to the ARC console (enter the arc command).
Invoking Console Mode: Pressing the Halt button invokes
console mode when DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS are running.
Pressing the Halt button has no effect when Windows NT is
running.
Caution
Pressing the Halt button interrupts your operating
system session. Before pressing the Halt button, shut
down the operating system according to the operating
system shutdown procedure described in your operating
system documentation.

Returning to Operating System Mode: To return to
operating system mode, press the Halt button to the ‘‘out’’
position and reboot the operating system.

System Operation 3–3

Operator Control Panel

Note
If you press the Halt button by mistake and few or no
console commands have been entered, it may be possible
to resume your operating system session by entering the
continue command.

$ Reset
Pressing the Reset button resets the system. The system
aborts all current processes, initializes, and performs startup
self-tests. Use the Reset button to reset the system if it
hangs or to initialize the system if you have changed system
settings.
Caution
Pressing the Reset button halts all system processes. Do
not press the Reset button while the operating system
is running unless your system is hung and you have
exhausted all other ways of terminating the process.

3–4 System Operation

Turning the System On

Turning the System On
Overview

Turning on the system involves the following steps:
1. Checking the system settings
2. Applying power to the system
3. Checking the diagnostic indicators
4. Booting the operating system

Before You
Begin

To perform some of the instructions in this procedure, you will
need to open the operator control panel door. The key used
to lock and unlock the door is shipped with the system in the
system accessories carton. The keylock on the front of the system
is shown in Figure 1–5.

System Operation 3–5

Turning the System On

Checking
the System
Settings

Before turning the system on, ensure that the system buttons
are in the positions shown in Figure 3–2.
Figure 3–2 Powered-Down System Settings

LJ-03773-TI0

3–6 System Operation

Turning the System On

Applying Power
to the System

Note
If there are any external expansion boxes (for example,
expansion boxes that house storage devices) connected
to the system, turn the power on to those devices first
before applying power to the system.

Apply power to the system as shown in callouts
Figure 3–3.

! through $ in

Figure 3–3 Applying Power to the System
1

LJ-03775-TI0

System Operation 3–7

Turning the System On

Displaying
Power-Up
Information

Power-up information is typically displayed on the system’s
console terminal. The console terminal may be either a graphics
terminal or a serial terminal (connected through the COM1
serial port). The setting of the console environment variable
determines where the system will display power-up output. Set
this environment variable according to the console terminal that
you are using.
Synopsis:
set console output_device
Arguments:
graphics

Displays the power-up output to a graphics
terminal or device connected to the VGA module
at rear of the system.

serial

Displays the power-up output to a device
connected to the COM1 port at the rear of the
system.

Example:
>>> set console serial
>>>

Checking the
Diagnostic
Indicators

After the system is turned on, check the status of the three
diagnostic indicators: the power-up/diagnostic display on the
operator control panel, the system startup, and the console
prompt (DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS systems) or Boot menu
(Windows NT systems).
If any of the diagnostic indicators do not appear as described,
refer to Chapter 5 for help.
Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
The power-up/diagnostic display will display the following
message for several seconds:
starting console
Once the system has completed self-tests, the power-up
/diagnostic display will display the value of the ocp_text
environment variable (default value is ‘‘Model X/XXX: the CPU
variant and system model number’’). For information about
changing the value of the ocp_text environment variable, refer
to the ‘‘set ocp_text’’ section in Chapter 1 of the AlphaServer
2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide.

3–8 System Operation

Turning the System On

System Startup Screen
The system startup screen will scroll. To stop the screen display
from scrolling, enter Ctrl/S . To resume scrolling, enter Ctrl/Q .
The screen will look similar to the following example:
starting console on CPU 0
Testing Memory bank 0
Testing Memory bank 1
probing hose 0, PCI
slot 0 -- ewa -- DECchip 21040-AA
slot 1 -- pka -- NCR 53C810
slot 2 --- Intel 82375EB
probing hose 1, EISA
slot 2 -- pkb -- ADP0001
slot 3 -- era -- DEC4220
slot 4 -- dra -- MLX0070
probing hose 2, PCI
starting console on CPU 1
2:35:54 March 4, 1994
Memory Testing and Configuration Status
Module Size
Base Addr Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status
------ ----- --------- ---------- ---------- -----0
64MB 00000000
1-Way
0
Passed
1
Not Installed
2
Not Installed
3
Not Installed
Total Bad Pages 0
Testing the System
No Disks available for testing
Testing the Network
Alpha AXP (TM) Server Console T3.5-12, built on Mar 1 1994 at
18:20:28
Console Prompt or Main Menu
The appropriate response on your console terminal depends on
the operating system that you plan to boot.
Note
If neither a console system prompt or a Main menu is
displayed, press Return several times.

System Operation 3–9

Turning the System On

DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS Systems
DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS systems are supported by the SRM
firmware. Refer to Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
Firmware Reference Guide.
If you are booting a DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS system, the console
prompt for the SRM firmware should be displayed. The prompt
will vary depending on how many CPUs are in your system:
>>> (1 CPU)
P00>>> (multiple CPUs)
Note
If CPU0 failed during power-up tests, or has an error
logged in its EEPROM, the system will ‘‘failover’’ to
another CPU. The number of the CPU serving as the
primary CPU is displayed in the SRM prompt; for
example, P02>>> or P02>>>, and son on.

Windows NT Systems
Windows NT systems are supported by the ARC firmware. Refer
to Chapter 2 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference
Guide. Systems using Windows NT power up to the ARC boot
menu show below:
ARC Multiboot Alpha AXP Version n.nn
Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corporation
Copyright (c) 1994 Digital Equipment Corporation
Boot menu:
Boot Windows NT
Boot an alternate operating system
Run a program
Supplementary menu...
Use the arrow keys to select, then press Enter.

3–10 System Operation

Turning the System On

Note
If the response on your terminal does not correspond to
the operating system that you plan to boot, you are using
the wrong console interface for your operating system.
Switch to the other console as described in the following
information.

Switching from SRM to ARC
To switch from the SRM console interface to the ARC console
interface, enter the arc command as follows:
>>> arc
Once the console firmware is loaded and the system is initialized,
the first screen of the ARC console interface is displayed.
Switching from ARC to SRM
To switch from the ARC console interface to the SRM console
interface, perform the following steps:
1. From the Boot menu, select the Supplementary menu.
2. From the Supplementary menu, select Set up the system.
3. From the Setup menu, select Switch to OpenVMS or OSF
console. The operating system console can be selected.
4. Select the operating system and press Enter on Setup menu.
5. When the message Power-cycle the system to implement
the change displays, press the Reset button. (Do not press
the DC On/Off button.)
Once the console firmware is loaded and the system is initialized,
the SRM console interface prompt is displayed.

System Operation 3–11

Turning the System On

Multiprocessor
Failover

AlphaServer 2100 systems support multiprocessor failover, which
allows the system to power up and boot the operating system
even if only one CPU is working.
During power-up or system reset, the serial ROM tests check for
a good CPU, starting with CPU0, to serve as the primary CPU.
The primary CPU is the only CPU that tests memory and reads
the flash ROM code.
If a CPU fails serial ROM tests, or if the CPU has an error
logged to its serial control bus EEPROM, that CPU is disabled.
The lowest numbered passing CPU serves as the primary CPU.
If all CPU modules fail their power-up diagnostics, then CPU0
will serve as the primary CPU.
If any of the CPUs fail during power-up, the halt button LED on
the operator control panel lights for a few seconds, and the CPU
status message on the power-up/diagnostic display indicates
which CPU failed (Table 3–1).
The following firmware commands can also be used to examine
the status of CPU tests or to see if errors are logged to a CPU.
•

show fru

•

show error

•

show config
Note
The CPU number of the CPU serving as the primary
CPU is displayed in the SRM prompt; for example,
P01>>> or P02>>>, and so on.

3–12 System Operation

Turning the System On

Table 3–1 Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display
Message

Meaning

TEST

Is displayed while system performs diagnostic exercisers. The
type of module under test, its slot number, and the currently
executing test number are also displayed.

FAIL

If an error is detected, a failure message is displayed and the
Halt button LED lights for a few seconds. The error is logged
to the appropriate module via the serial control bus. In nearly
all cases, the power-up tests continue. The module type and
slot number for the field replaceable unit (FRU) that failed,
along with the test number that detected the error are also
displayed.
Module types and/or slot numbers:
CPU_nn — CPU module (0 or 1)
MEM_nn — Memory module (0 or 1)
I/O_0 — I/O backplane
I/O_1 — Expansion I/O module (PCI)
PCInn — PCI modules (0–2)
EISAnn — EISA modules (1–7)
MBD — System backplane

CPU STATUS

Summary of CPU testing—The status of right to left, starting
with CPU0 is displayed:
‘‘P’’ — CPU passed
‘‘F’’ — CPU failed
‘‘–’’ — CPU not present

STARTING CPU #
TEST MEM BANK #
PROBE I/O SUBSYS
SYSTEM RESET
Alpha AXP nnnMHz

The console is starting the primary CPU.
The console is testing memory.
The console is checking the PCI.
The Reset button has been pressed.
When the system is under operating system control, the CPU
speed is displayed unless you supply your own text using the
ocp_text environment variable.

System Operation 3–13

Turning the System On

Preboot Tasks

You may need to perform some of the following tasks before
booting your operating system:
•

Run the EISA Configuration Utility.

•

Check the required environment variable settings.

•

Change the way your system powers up or boots.

•

Verify your configuration.

The remainder of this section contains more information about
each of these tasks.
Run the EISA Configuration Utility
If an EISA or ISA module has been added, removed, or moved,
the EISA Configuration Utility must be run before booting the
operating system. Refer to the ‘‘EISA Bus Options ’’ section in
Chapter 4.
Check the Required Environment Variable Settings—DEC
OSF/1 or OpenVMS
If you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS, check that the
settings for the following environment variables match your
configuration. The console command to reset the variable is
shown in parentheses. Refer to Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer
2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide.

3–14 System Operation

•

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)

Turning the System On

Reminder
Except for the set bootdef_dev and the set
boot_osflags commands, the environment variables
are set by initializing the system before booting the
operating system. The system can be initialized either
by entering the init command at the >>> prompt or by
pressing the Reset button on the operator control panel.

Change Default Power-Up or Bootstrap
To change the way the system powers up or boots the operating
system, change the default values for your system’s environment
variables. Typical changes would be to set the system to autoboot
or to change the default boot device.
•

For DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS systems, review Chapter 1
in the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide,
particularly Table 1, Task Summary Table.

•

Windows NT systems boot automatically. To prevent
autoboot follow the steps specified in Table 3–2

Table 3–2 Setting No Autoboot
Step

Action

Result

Access the Setup menu.

The system displays the
Setup menu.

Choose the Setup
autoboot menu item
and press Enter.

The system displays a
prompt asking you whether
you want the system to boot
automatically.

To prevent autoboot,
choose No and press Enter.

The system displays the
Setup menu.

Choose the Supplementary

The system saves the
changes that you have made
in the NVRAM and then
displays the Supplementary
menu.

menu, and save
changes... menu item
and press Enter.

System Operation 3–15

Turning the System On

Verify Your Configuration
•

DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS systems
The following SRM console commands are used to verify
system configuration on systems running either the DEC
OSF/1 or OpenVMS operating system:

show config—Displays the buses on the system and the
devices found on those buses.

show device—Displays the devices and controllers in the
system.

show memory—Displays main memory configuration.
set and show—Set and display environment variable
settings.
For more information about these console commands, refer to
Chapter 4.
•

Windows NT systems
The following ARC menu options are used to verify system
configuration on systems running the Windows NT operating
system:

Available Boot Devices Display—Lists the ARC boot
device names for devices installed in the system.

Set Default Variables—Allows you to select values for
Windows NT firmware environment variables.
For more information about these menu options, refer to
Chapter 2 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference
Guide.

3–16 System Operation

Turning the System On

Switching
Between
Operating
Systems

Because configuration files are different for each operating
system, you must perform the following tasks to switch from one
operating system to another on your system:
1. Invoke console mode if you are not already in console mode.
For information about invoking console mode, refer to the
‘‘Invoking Console Mode’’ section presented later in this
chapter.
2. Insert the ECU diskette containing the configuration files for
the operating system that you are going to switch to.
3. Run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) from that
diskette.
For information about running the ECU, refer to the
‘‘Configuring EISA Options ’’ section in Chapter 4.
4. Remove the ECU diskette.
At this point you are using the ARC console. You can proceed
to boot Windows NT at any time.
5. If you are booting DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS, you must
switch from the ARC to the SRM console before booting the
operating system. See the ‘‘Switching from ARC to SRM’’
section presented earlier in this chapter.

System Operation 3–17

Turning the System On

Booting the
Operating
System

One of several operating systems can be booted:
•

DEC OSF/1

•

OpenVMS

•

Windows NT

In the following instructions, it is assumed that the operating
system has already been booted at least once.
Condition

Reference

If Factory Installed
Software (FIS) has not
been booted

See the Factory Installed Software
document that came with your
system.

If the system was not
shipped with Factory
Installed Software, and
the operating system
software has not been
loaded or booted

See the installation documentation
that came with your operating
system.

Booting DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS Software
When booting either DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS systems, the
console prompt >>> should be displayed. Boot the operating
system as follows:
Step

Action

Enter boot or b at the console prompt.
>>> b
The system boots the operating system using the
default values for the boot device and boot flags. A
booting system software screen is displayed on the
console terminal.
After several minutes, the operating system login
banner is displayed on the console terminal.

3–18 System Operation

Turning the System On

For additional information about the boot command, refer to
the boot section in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
Firmware Reference Guide.
Booting Windows NT Software
When booting a Windows NT system, the Windows NT menu
should be displayed. Windows NT will automatically begin
booting after the Main menu is displayed for several seconds.

Autobooting
the Operating
System

If the system is set to autoboot, the operating system will
automatically boot after you power up the system, press the
Reset button, or after recovery from a system crash.
To autoboot DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS systems:
•

Set the auto_action environment variable to either boot or
restart. For more information, refer to the set auto_action
command in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
Firmware Reference Guide.

•

Ensure that the default boot device has been set to the
device from which you want the operating system to boot.
(Enter show bootdef_dev to see whether your default boot
device has already been assigned.) For information about
setting the default boot device, refer to the set bootdef_dev
command in Chapter 1 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100
Firmware Reference Guide.
Note
The Windows NT operating system autoboots by default.
If your system does not autoboot, set the system to
autoboot by following the instructions in the AlphaServer
2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide.

System Operation 3–19

Turning the System Off

Turning the System Off
Before You
Begin

It may not be necessary to turn the system off to recover from
system problems. First try pressing the Reset button on the
operator control panel.

Turning Off the
DC Power

If the system needs to be turned off, proceed as follows:
1. Shut down the operating system according to the operating
system shutdown procedure described in your operating
system documentation.
2. Press the DC On/Off button and the Halt button to the
positions shown in Figure 3–4. (If the Halt button is set to
the "in" position, the system will not boot the next time the
system is turned on.)

3–20 System Operation

Turning the System Off

Figure 3–4 Turning Off the System

LJ-03777-TI0

System Operation 3–21

Turning the System Off

Extended
Power-Down
(AC Power)

If an extended power-down is required, proceed as follows:
1. Turn off the DC power to the system as described in the
previous section.
2. Turn off the AC power to the system by unplugging the AC
power cord(s) as shown in Figure 3–5.
Warning
If two power supplies are present, unplug the AC power
cords from each power supply.

Figure 3–5 Turning Off the AC Power

LJ-03780-TI0

3–22 System Operation

Invoking Console Mode

Invoking Console Mode
Console
Subsystem

The console subsystem contains firmware code (software code
embedded in the hardware) that offers service functions such
as initializing and testing the hardware and bootstrapping the
system software. Because the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system
supports multiple operating systems, the server has two different
versions of console firmware. They are explained in detail in
Chapter 1 (for users running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS) and
Chapter 2 (for users running Windows NT) in the AlphaServer
2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide.

Console
Terminal

A console terminal is required for your system. It allows the
issuing of commands to the system while the operating system is
not running.

Console Mode

Console mode is the state in which the system and the console
terminal operate under the control of the console firmware.
When commands can be issued from the console terminal and
firmware is executing, the system is in the console mode.
On DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS systems, the console mode prompt
for a system with one CPU is >>>. The console mode prompt for
a system with multiple CPUs is P00>>>. The control characters
and supported keys can be used to enter console commands at
the console mode prompt.

Invoking
Console Mode

Invoke console mode by shutting down the operating system
according to the operating system shutdown procedure described
in your operating system documentation.

System Operation 3–23

Invoking Console Mode

Using the Halt
Button

If you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS, you can invoke the
console mode by pressing the Halt button on the operator control
panel. However, ensure that the operating system is shut down
first.
Caution
Press the Halt button only after the operating system
has been shut down using the proper software shutdown
procedure.

Pressing the Halt button has no effect if you are running
Windows NT.
For more information about using the Halt button, refer to the
description in the ‘‘Operator Control Panel’’ section in this
chapter.

#
Remote Access

When you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS systems, you
can invoke the console mode from a remote terminal that is
connected to the system through the COM2 port at the rear of
the system (refer to Figure 2–13).
To invoke console mode perform the following steps:
1. Connect the remote terminal to the system.
2. Shut down the operating system.
3. When the shutdown completes, press Return .
The console prompt (>>> or P00>>>) is displayed.
Note
If the response on your terminal does not correspond
to the operating system that you plan to boot, you are
using the wrong console interface for your operating
system. Switch to the other console as described in the
‘‘Switching from SRM to ARC’’ section or the ‘‘Switching
from ARC to SRM’’ section in this chapter.

3–24 System Operation

Operating Storage Devices

Operating Storage Devices
Overview

Mass storage devices are drives that are used to store large
amounts of data for extended periods.

For Additional
Information

This section describes how to insert and remove media into
removable-media drives. For more information about a specific
drive, refer to the documentation for that drive.

Before You
Operate Mass
Storage
Devices

Before operating mass storage devices:
•

Set up the device.
Typically, you must set up a device before you can begin
using it. You set up a device while the operating system is
running. Refer to your operating system documentation for
information about how to set up a device.

•

Familiarize yourself with the care and maintenance required
by the device.
Refer to the option documentation for care instructions for
each option.

Operating
Storage
Devices

The remaining sections of this chapter describe how to operate
removable-media mass storage devices.

System Operation 3–25

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Operating a CD-ROM Drive
CD-ROM Drive
Description

CD-ROM drives read information from removable, read-only
compact discs.
Your system may have one of two types of CD-ROM drives: a
caddyless drive or one that must be used with a disc caddy.
Caution
Handle a disc by its edges. Do not touch the surface
of a disc. Fingerprints and dust can cause the disc to
malfunction.

Caddyless
Drive

3–26 System Operation

Figure 3–6 shows the components of a caddyless drive.

! Compact disc
" Headphone port
# Headphone volume control
$ Busy light
% Eject button
& Manual eject hole

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Figure 3–6 Caddyless CD-ROM Drive

6
5
4

XXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX

MA070393A

System Operation 3–27

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Drive with
Caddy

3–28 System Operation

Figure 3–7 shows the components of a CD-ROM drive with a disc
caddy.

! Headphone port
" Headphone volume control
# Disc caddy slot
$ ID dimple
% Busy light
& Eject button
' Manual eject hole
( Compact disc caddy
) Compact disc

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Figure 3–7 CD-ROM Drive with Caddy

7
6

5
4

9
1

XXXX
XXXXXXXX
XX XXXX
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX

XXXX
XXXX
XXXXX
XX XXXX
XX XXXX
XXXX
XXXX XXXXX

MA068593A

System Operation 3–29

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Inserting and
Removing a
Compact Disc

Caddyless Drives
Insertion: (Figure 3–8):

1. Press the drive Eject button ( ) shown in Figure 3–8).
The disc drawer ejects part way as shown in Figure 3–8.
2. Gently pull the disc drawer far enough out so that you can
insert the compact disc.
3. Insert the disc into the drawer.
4. Push the drawer back in.
The busy light comes on. When the busy light goes off,
the drive is ready to use. To operate the drive, follow the
instructions provided with your system software.

3–30 System Operation

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Removal: (Figure 3–8):

1. Press the drive Eject button ( ) shown in Figure 3–8.
The disc drawer ejects part way as shown in Figure 3–8.
2. Gently pull the drawer out far enough so that you can
remove the compact disc.
3. Remove the compact disc.
4. Push the drawer back into the drive.
Figure 3–8 Inserting and Removing a Caddyless Compact Disc

MA070293A

System Operation 3–31

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Drives with Caddy
Insertion: (Figure 3–9):
1. Gather both the caddy and the disc you wish to insert.
2. If there is a protective film on the center of the caddy lid,
remove the film .

3. Open the caddy by pressing the tabs on both sides of the
caddy at the end opposite the shutter .

4. Set the disc, printed side up, into the caddy

5. Press firmly on both corners to close the caddy lid.

6. Insert the caddy into the drive . Push the caddy gently into
the drive as far as it will go. The caddy should be completely
inside the drive when properly inserted.
The busy light comes on when the caddy has been inserted
correctly.
7. When the busy light goes off, the drive is ready to use. To
operate the drive, follow the instructions provided with your
system software.
Removal: (Figure 3–9):
1. Press the eject button

The caddy will automatically eject part way.
2. Remove the caddy from the drive.

3–32 System Operation

Operating a CD-ROM Drive

Figure 3–9 Inserting and Removing a CD-ROM Caddy

693
XXX X XX XXXX
MA068
XXXXX
XXX XXXXX

XXXXX

XXXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXX
XXXXXX
XXXX
XXXXX
XXXXX

4
MA068693A

System Operation 3–33

Operating a DAT Tape Drive

Operating a DAT Tape Drive
DAT
Description

A DAT tape drive stores information on removable tape
cartridges. Figure 3–10 shows the components of a DAT drive.

Inserting a Tape

To insert the tape into a DAT drive (Figure 3–10):

! Tape/activity light
" Write-protect light
# Tape cassette slot
$ Tape unload button
% Tape cassette
& Write-protect switch (write-protected position)
' Write-protect switch (write-enabled position)
!

1. Check to see that the tape/activity light
on the drive is
off. If it is on, there is already a tape in the drive. Remove
the tape from the drive before continuing. (See ‘‘ Removing a
Tape’’.)
2. Set the write-protect switch on the tape that you wish to
insert to either the write-protected
or write-enabled
position.

3. Insert the tape into the drive, with the tape oriented as
shown in .

Removing a
Tape

To remove a tape from a DAT drive (Figure 3–10):

is on steady green
1. Check to see that the tape/activity light
(not flashing). If the tape/activity light is flashing, the drive
has not finished completing a data transfer. Wait until the
tape/activity light comes on steady green before proceeding.
2. Press the unload button

$ to eject the tape.

The tape ejects part way.

3–34 System Operation

Operating a DAT Tape Drive

3. Remove the tape from the drive.
Figure 3–10 Inserting and Removing a Tape: DAT

4
3

2
1

5
MA068393A

System Operation 3–35

Operating a Diskette Drive

Operating a Diskette Drive
Diskette Drive
Description

Diskette drives read information from, or write it to, removable
diskettes. Figure 3–11 shows a diskette and the components of a
diskette drive.

! Eject button
" Busy light
# Write-protect switch
$ Write-protect switch (write-protected position)
% Write-protect switch (write-enabled position)

One diskette drive is located to the left of the removable-media
mass storage compartment.

Inserting a
Diskette

Insert a diskette into a diskette disk drive (Figure 3–11):

1. Set the write-protect switch on the diskette
to either the
write-protected
or write-enabled
position.

2. Insert the diskette into the drive as shown.

Removing a
Diskette

3–36 System Operation

Remove a diskette by pressing the Eject button on the diskette
drive ( in Figure 3–11):

Operating a Diskette Drive

Figure 3–11 Diskette Drive and Diskette

4
3
MA068793

System Operation 3–37

Operating a QIC Drive

Operating a QIC Drive
QIC Drive
Description

QIC tape drives read information from, or write it to, removable
tapes. Figure 3–12 shows a QIC tape drive and a compatible
tape.

Inserting a QIC
Tape

Insert a QIC tape into a QIC tape drive as follows:
1. Set the write-protect switch on the tape to either the
write-protected
or write-enabled
position.

2. Insert the tape into the drive

Removing a
QIC Tape

3–38 System Operation

Remove a QIC tape by pressing the Eject button on the QIC tape
drive :

Operating a QIC Drive

Figure 3–12 QIC Tape Drive and QIC Tape

QIC-2GB

MA069393A

System Operation 3–39

4
Options and Upgrades

In This Chapter

This chapter covers the following topics:
•

Upgrade Overview

•

Supported Options

•

Verifying System Configuration

•

System Bus Options

•

Configuring System Options
System Bus
EISA Bus
ISA Bus
PCI Bus
SCSI Buses

•

Power Supply Configurations

•

Console Port Configurations

Options and Upgrades 4–1

Upgrade Overview

Upgrade Overview
Planning Your
Upgrade

Plan an upgrade by performing the following tasks:
1. Obtain an accurate list of the modules and devices in
your current configuration.
Refer to your operating system documentation for
information concerning configuration information by using
an operating system command.
You can also obtain configuration information in console
mode. (Refer to ‘‘Invoking Console Mode’’ in Chapter 3.)
Once you are in console mode, find configuration information
as follows:
•

If you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS, obtain a
list of your system’s modules and devices by entering the
show configuration command at the console prompt.
(Refer to the ‘‘Verifying System Configuration ’’ section of
this chapter for more information.)

•

If you are running Windows NT, obtain a list of your
system’s modules and devices by accessing the Hardware
configuration display menu item.

2. Decide how you wish to change your system.
You can obtain a current description of supported options
from the Digital Systems and Options Catalog.
3. Determine whether you can install the new option
yourself, or whether you need to contact a Digital
service representative or other qualified service
person.
Note
The following options should only be installed by a
qualified service person:

4–2 Options and Upgrades

•

Removable-media devices

•

Internal StorageWorks shelves

Upgrade Overview

4. Determine whether the upgrade will require you to
add a second power supply to your system.
If you have only one power supply, determine whether you
need to add a second power supply. Refer to the ‘‘Power
Supply Configurations ’’ section in this chapter.
5. Order the options and, if necessary, a second power
supply.
6. Install and configure the options.
•

To install the option, refer to the documentation shipped
with the option.

•

To configure the option, refer to the appropriate section
in this chapter.

Options and Upgrades 4–3

Supported Options

Supported Options
Supported
Options

The AlphaServer 2100 CAB system provides support for a
number of bus options. You can obtain a current list of supported
options from several sources. The list is updated periodically as
new options are added. Consult the following sections for the
most convenient way for you to obtain the options list.

Access from
the Internet

If you are an Internet participant, you can obtain the latest
version of the supported options list as follows:
Access the list from the Digital FTP archive:
ftp.gatekeeper.dec.com: /pub/Digital/info/misc/2100-options.txt
Access the list from the Digital World-Wide Web server:
http://www.digital.com/info/misc/2100-options.abs.html

Access from
CompuServe

CompuServe subscribers can access the list of supported options
from the DEC4WNT forum, Library 4, Hardware Support. The
file name is OPTS21.TXT.

Digital Systems
and Options
Catalog

You can obtain information about hardware configurations for
the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system from the Digital Systems and
Options Catalog. The catalog is regularly published to assist
customers in ordering and configuring systems and hardware
options. Each catalog printing presents all products that are
announced, actively marketed, and available for ordering. If
necessary, past editions should be retained for reference.
•

Call 1-800-DIGITAL to talk to a consultant about your
configuration.

•

Access printable PostScript files of any section of the catalog
from the Digital FTP archive on the Internet:
ftp gatekeeper.dec.com
cd /pub/digital/info/soc

4–4 Options and Upgrades

Verifying System Configuration

Verifying System Configuration
Before You
Begin

Several console commands or menu options allow you to examine
system configuration and environment variable settings. To use
these commands or menu options, you will need to invoke console
mode. For information about invoking console mode, refer to the
‘‘Invoking Console Mode’’ section in Chapter 3.

Firmware Menu
Options for
Windows NT

The following ARC menu options are used to verify the system
configuration on systems running the Windows NT operating
system.
•

Display hardware configuration—Lists the ARC boot device
names for devices installed in the system.

•

Set Default Variables—Allows you to select values for
Windows NT firmware environment variables.

For information about using these menu options, refer to
Chapter 2 in the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference
Guide.
To enter SRM commands, you must switch from the ARC to
the SRM console. For information about switching to the SRM
console, refer to the ‘‘Switching from ARC to SRM’’ section in
Chapter 3. Switch back to the ARC console before booting the
Windows NT operating system.

Firmware
Console
Commands for
DEC OSF/1 and
OpenVMS

The following SRM console commands are used to verify system
configuration on systems running either the DEC OSF/1 or
OpenVMS operating system.
•
•

show config–Displays the buses on the system and the
devices found on those buses.
show device–Displays the devices and controllers in the
system.

•

show memory–Displays main memory configuration.

•

set and show–Set and display environment variable settings.

Options and Upgrades 4–5

Verifying System Configuration

For information about using the set and show commands to set
and display environment variables, refer to Chapter 1 in the
AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide.

4–6 Options and Upgrades

System Bus Options

System Bus Options
The system bus interconnects the CPU modules, memory
modules, and the optional PCI expansion I/O module. It is
the hardware structure through which data processed by the
microprocessor is transferred throughout the system.
Figure 4–1 shows the location of the system bus and system
bus options in the card cage. Your system supports options for
several types of bus architectures; including EISA, ISA, and
PCI. The next sections describe the system bus options for your
system.
Figure 4–1 System Bus Option Locations

EISA8
EISA7
EISA6
EISA5
EISA4

EISA Bus

EISA3
EISA2
EISA1
Standard I/O
PCI0
PCI1

PCI Bus

PCI2

Extended I/O

CPU2
CPU0
CPU1

MEM0

System
Bus

MEM1
MEM2

CPU3

MEM3

LJ-03787-TI0

Options and Upgrades 4–7

System Bus Options

CPU Modules

The system can support up to four CPU modules in a symmetric
multiprocessing (SMP) configuration. Note the following:
•

All systems must have a CPU module installed in system
bus slot 2 (CPU 0).

•

Systems with more than two CPUs displace the 64-bit PCI
expansion or memory module capacity as shown in Figure
4–2.
Warning
Before installing a CPU module, turn off all power to
the system (both AC and DC). Refer to the ‘‘Turning the
System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

Figure 4–2 System Bus Configurations According to the Number of CPUs
1 CPU

2 CPUs

4 CPUs

3 CPUs

---

EXT I/O

---

EXT I/O

CPU 2

EXT I/O

CPU 2

CPU 0

---

CPU 1

MEM 0

MEM 1

CPU 3

MEM 2

---

MEM 3

LJ-03788-TI0

Warning: CPU and memory modules have parts that
operate at high temperatures. Wait two minutes after
power is removed before handling these modules.

4–8 Options and Upgrades

System Bus Options

Memory
Modules

The system can support up to four memory modules (for a
maximum memory capacity of 2 GB). A minimum of one memory
module is required.
Warning
Before installing a memory module, turn off all power to
the system (both AC and DC). Refer to the ‘‘Turning the
System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

Memory is available in three variations as follows:
•

Expansion I/O
(64-Bit PCI)
Module

80-ns memory modules
–

MS450–BA (B2021–BA) 64-MB 80-ns memory

–

MS450–CA (B2021–CA) 128-MB 80-ns memory

–

MS451–CA (B2022–CA) 512-MB 80-ns memory)

A CPU slot (system bus slot 1, CPU 2) can be substituted for
additional I/O expansion. An expansion I/O module provides two
64-bit PCI slots.

Options and Upgrades 4–9

System Bus Options

Guidelines for
Systems with
SWXCR-Ex
Controller

If you purchased a StorageWorks RAID Array 210 Subsystem
for your AlphaServer 2100 CAB system, observe the guidelines
below when you add, move, or reconfigure RAID devices. The
RAID subsystem includes the SWXCR-Ex EISA backplane RAID
controller.
•

Run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) as described in
this chapter to configure all modules on the EISA bus.

•

Run the RAID Configuration Utility (RCU) as described in
StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem Family Installation
and Configuration Guide to set up the disk drives and logical
units. The RCU is provided on a diskette with the RAID
subsystem kit.

•

On OpenVMS systems, RAID drives do not autoconfigure.
See the StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem Family
Software User’s Guide for OpenVMS AXP for instructions on
configuring your RAID devices on OpenVMS.

RAID Subsystem Documentation
For information about the RAID subsystem and specific
operating systems, consult the documents listed in Table 4–1.
These documents are included in your RAID subsystem kit.
Refer to Table 5–11, Removable-Media Mass-Storage Problems
in Chapter 5 for RAID troubleshooting hints related to the
AlphaServer 2100 CAB system.
Table 4–1 RAID Subsystem Documentation
Document

Part Number

StorageWorks RAID Array 200
Subsystem Family Installation and
Configuration Guide

EK-SWRA2-IG

StorageWorks RAID Array 200
Subsystem Family Software User’s
Guide for OpenVMS AXP

AA-Q6WVA-TE

StorageWorks RAID Array 200
Subsystem Family Software User’s
Guide for OSF/1

AA-Q6TGA-TE

StorageWorks RAID Array 200
Subsystem Family Software User’s
Guide for Microsoft Windows NT

AA-Q6SWA-TE

4–10 Options and Upgrades

Standard I/O Module

Standard I/O Module
Warning
Before installing the standard I/O module, turn off all
power to the system (both AC and DC). Refer to the
‘‘Turning the System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

The standard I/O module provides the standard set of I/O
functions and is required in all systems. The standard I/O
module resides in a dedicated slot (I/O) in the EISA bus card
cage (refer to Figure 4–1). It provides:
•

A Fast SCSI-2 controller chip that supports up to seven
drives

•

The firmware console subsystem in 512 KB of Flash ROM

•

An Ethernet controller with AUI or twisted-pair connectors

•

A floppy drive controller

•

Two serial ports with full-modem control and the parallel
port

•

The keyboard and mouse interface

•

The speaker interface

•

The EISA-to-PCI bridge set

•

The TOY clock

Options and Upgrades 4–11

EISA Bus Options

EISA Bus Options
The EISA bus (Extended Industry Standard Architecture bus) is
a 32-bit I/O bus. The EISA bus is a superset of the 16-bit ISA
bus and has been designed to accept newer 32-bit components
while remaining compatible with older 8-bit and 16-bit cards.
EISA offers good performance, up to 33 MB/s for bus masters
and direct memory access (DMA) devices. Up to eight EISA or
ISA modules can reside in the EISA bus portion of the card cage.
All slots are bus master slots. EISA slots can be filled in any
order.
Figure 4–1 shows the location of the EISA options in the card
cage. Access to the EISA options in the card cage is by way of
the left-side access door shown in Figure 1–7. Ensure that the
left-side access door is closed and its two retaining screws are
tightened before turning the system on.
For information about installing a specific EISA option, refer
to the documentation for that option. For information about
configuring an EISA option, refer to the ‘‘Configuring EISA and
ISA Options’’ section in this chapter.
Warning
Before installing EISA bus options, turn off all power to
the system (both AC and DC). Refer to the ‘‘Turning the
System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

Warning: For protection against fire, use only
modules with current-limited outputs.

4–12 Options and Upgrades

ISA Bus Options

ISA Bus Options
The ISA bus (Industry Standard Architecture bus) is a 16-bit
I/O bus. The EISA bus is a superset of the ISA bus and has
been designed to be backward compatible with 16-bit and 8-bit
architectures. Therefore, ISA modules can be used in your
server, provided the operating system supports the device.
Up to eight EISA or ISA modules can reside in the EISA bus
portion of the card cage. Figure 4–1 shows the location of the
options in the card-cage. Access to the options in the card cage is
by way of the left-side access door shown in Figure 1–7. Ensure
that the left-side access door is closed and its two retaining
screws are tightened before turning the system on.
For information about installing a specific ISA option, refer
to the documentation for that option. For information about
configuring an ISA option, refer to the ‘‘Configuring EISA and
ISA Options’’ section in this chapter.
Warning
Before installing ISA bus options, turn off all power to
the system (both AC and DC). Refer to the ‘‘Turning the
System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

Warning: For protection against fire, use only
modules with current-limited outputs.

Options and Upgrades 4–13

Identifying EISA and ISA Options

Identifying EISA and ISA Options
An option board can be identified as an EISA or ISA by
examining its contacts (refer to Figure 4–3):
•

EISA boards have two rows of gold contacts with several
gaps.

•

ISA boards have one row of gold contacts and no more than
one gap.

Figure 4–3 EISA and ISA Boards

ISA

EISA

MA046393

4–14 Options and Upgrades

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

Configuring EISA and ISA Options
EISA
Configuration
Utility

Whenever you add, remove, or move an EISA or ISA board in
your system, run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU). Each
EISA or ISA board has a corresponding configuration (CFG) file,
which describes the characteristics and the system resources
required for that option. The ECU uses the CFG file to create
a conflict-free configuration. The ECU is a menu-based utility
that provides online help. It serves as a guide through the
configuration process. The ECU is run from the ARC menu
interface.

System
Configuration
Diskette

The ECU is supplied on the System Configuration Diskette
that was shipped with your system. Make a copy of the
System Configuration Diskette and keep the original in a safe
place. Use the backup copy for configuring the system. The
System Configuration Diskette must have the volume label
SYSTEMCFG.
Note
The CFG files supplied with the option to be installed
may not work on this system if the option is not
supported. Before installing an option, ensure that your
system supports the option. The Digital Systems and
Options Catalog lists the supported options.

Options and Upgrades 4–15

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

Before Running
the ECU

Before running the ECU, perform the following steps:
1. Install EISA option(s). (Install ISA modules after running
the ECU.)
For information about installing a specific option, refer to the
documentation for that option.
2. Familiarize yourself with the utility.
You can find additional information about the ECU, by
reading the ECU online help. To read the online help, start
the ECU (refer to the ‘‘Starting the ECU’’ section in this
chapter). Online help for the ECU is located under step 1,
Important EISA Configuration Information.
3. Familiarize yourself with the configuration procedure for
your system:
•

If you are configuring an EISA bus that contains only
EISA options, refer to Table 4–2.

•

If you are configuring an EISA bus that contains both
ISA and EISA options, refer to Table 4–3.

4. Locate the ECU diskette for your operating system. Make
a copy of the ECU diskette and keep the original in a safe
place. Use the backup copy for configuring options.
•

ECU Diskette DECpc AXP (AK-PYCJC-CA) for Windows
NT systems

•

ECU Diskette DECpc AXP (AK-Q2CRB-CA) for DEC
OSF/1 and OpenVMS systems

The ECU diskette is shipped in the accessories carton with
your system.
Note
The current version of ECU requires a VGA terminal.

4–16 Options and Upgrades

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

Starting the
ECU

Complete the following steps to start the ECU:
1. Invoke the console firmware.
•

For systems running Windows NT—Shut down the
operating system or power up to the console Boot menu.

•

For systems running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS—
Shut down the operating system and press the Halt
button, or power up with the Halt button set to the in
position. When the console prompt >>> displays, set the
Halt button to the out position.

2. Start ECU as follows:
•

For systems running Windows NT—Select the
following menus:
a. From the Boot menu, select the Supplementary
menu.
b. From the Supplementary menu, select the Setup
menu. Insert the ECU diskette for Windows NT
systems (AK-PYCJC-CA) into the floppy drive.
c.

•

From the Setup menu, select Run EISA configuration
utility from floppy. This boots the ECU program.

For systems running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS—
Start the ECU program as follows:
a. Insert the ECU diskette for DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS
systems (AK-Q2CRB-CA) into the floppy drive.
b. Enter the ecu command.
The message loading ARC firmware displays.
Loading the ARC firmware takes approximately two
minutes. When the firmware has finished loading,
the ECU program is booted.

3. Complete the ECU procedure according to the guidelines
provided in the following sections.
•

When configuring an EISA bus that contains only EISA
options, refer to Table 4–2 in the ‘‘Configuring EISA
Options ’’ section in this chapter.

Options and Upgrades 4–17

Configuring EISA and ISA Options

Note
When configuring only EISA options, do not perform step
2 of the ECU, Add or Remove Boards. (EISA modules are
recognized and configured automatically.)

•

When configuring an EISA bus that contains both ISA
and EISA options, refer to Table 4–3 in the ‘‘Configuring
EISA/ISA Options ’’ section in this chapter.

4. After you have saved the configuration information and
exited from ECU:
•

For systems running Windows NT—Remove the ECU
diskette from the floppy drive and boot the operating
system.

•

For systems running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS—
Remove the ECU diskette from the floppy drive. Return
to the SRM console firmware as follows:
a. From the Boot menu, select the Supplementary
menu.
b. From the Supplementary menu, select Set up the
system.
c.

From the Setup menu, select Switch to OpenVMS
or OSF console. This allows the operating system
console to be selected.

d. Select your operating system and then press Enter on
Setup menu.
e.

When the message Power-cycle the system to
implement the change displays, press the Reset
button. (Do not press the DC On/Off button.)

Once the console firmware is loaded and the device
drivers are initialized, boot the operating system.
5. Verify that the new options are configured correctly.

4–18 Options and Upgrades

Configuring EISA Options

Configuring EISA Options
EISA boards are configured automatically. Refer to Table 4–2
for a summary of steps to configure an EISA bus that contains
no ISA options. Review the ‘‘Before Running the ECU’’ section
presented earlier in this chapter. Then run the ECU as described
in the ‘‘Starting the ECU’’ section also presented earlier in this
chapter.
Note
It is not necessary to run step 2 of the ECU, Add or
Remove Boards. (EISA modules are recognized and
configured automatically.)

Options and Upgrades 4–19

Configuring EISA Options

Table 4–2 Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus (EISA Options Only)
Step

Explanation

Install the EISA option.

Use the instructions provided with the EISA option.

Power up the system and
run the ECU.

If the ECU locates the required CFG files, it displays the
Main menu. The CFG file 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.)

View or edit details
(optional).

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

Save your configuration.

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

Return to the SRM
console (DEC OSF/1 and
OpenVMS systems only)
and restart the system.

Refer to step 4 of the ‘‘Starting the ECU’’ section for
operating system instructions.

4–20 Options and Upgrades

Configuring EISA/ISA Options

Configuring EISA/ISA Options
ISA modules are configured manually, whereas EISA modules
are configured through the ECU software (automatically). Refer
to Table 4–3 for a summary of steps to configure an EISA bus
that contains both EISA and ISA options. Review the ‘‘Before
Running the ECU’’ section presented earlier in this chapter.
Then run the ECU as described in the ‘‘Starting the ECU’’
section also presented earlier in this chapter.

Options and Upgrades 4–21

Configuring EISA/ISA Options

Table 4–3 Summary of Procedure for Configuring EISA Bus with ISA Options
Step

Explanation

Install or move the EISA
option. Do not install the
ISA boards.

Use the instructions provided with the EISA option. ISA
boards are installed after the configuration process is
complete.

Power up and run the
ECU.

If you have installed an EISA option, the ECU will need
to locate the CFG file for that option. The CFG file for the
option may reside on a configuration diskette packaged with
the option or may be included on the System Configuration
Diskette.

Add the ISA board to the
configuration list.

Use the Add or Remove Boards ECU option to add the CFG
file for the ISA option and to select an acceptable slot for
the option.
The CFG file for the option may reside on a configuration
diskette packaged with the option or may be included on the
System Configuration Diskette.
If the CFG file for the ISA option cannot be found, select
the generic CFG file for ISA options from the configuration
diskette.

View or edit details
(optional).

The View or Edit Details ECU option is used to change

Examine and set the
required switches to
match the displayed
settings.

The Examine Required Switches ECU option displays the
correct switch and jumper settings that must be physically
set for each ISA option. Although the ECU cannot detect or
change the settings of ISA boards, it uses the information
from the previous step to determine the correct switch
settings for these options.
Physically set the board’s jumpers and switches to match
the required settings.

Save your configuration.

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

Return to the SRM
console (DEC OSF/1 and
OpenVMS systems only)
and turn off the system.

Refer to step 4 of the ‘‘Starting the ECU’’ section for
information about returning to the console.

Install the ISA board
and turn on the system.

Use the instructions provided with the ISA option.

4–22 Options and Upgrades

user-selectable settings or to change the resources allocated
for these functions (IRQs, DMA channels, I/O ports, and so
on).
This step is not required when using the board’s default
settings.

PCI Bus Options

PCI Bus Options
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is an expansion I/O
bus and is the preferred bus for high-performance I/O options.
Your system supports 32-bit PCI options.
The PCI bus is shown in Figure 4–1. There are currently three
slots reserved for 32-bit PCI options. A PCI board is shown in
Figure 4–4.
Install PCI boards according to the instructions supplied with
the option. PCI boards require no additional configuration
procedures; the system automatically recognizes the boards and
assigns the appropriate system resources.
Warning
Before installing a PCI option, turn off all power to
the system (both ac and dc). Refer to the ‘‘Turning the
System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

Warning: For protection against fire, use only
modules with current-limited outputs.

Options and Upgrades 4–23

PCI Bus Options

Figure 4–4 PCI Board

MA00080

4–24 Options and Upgrades

SCSI Buses

SCSI Buses
A SCSI bus expansion port on the rear of the system allows
extension of the bus that runs through the removable-media
mass-storage compartment to the outside of the system. As a
result, the external mass-storage devices can be connected to the
buses inside the system.
A Fast SCSI-2 adapter on the standard I/O module provides a
single-ended SCSI bus for the system.
All tabletop or rackmounted SCSI-2 devices are supported
through EISA- or PCI-based SCSI adapters. Use the following
rules to determine if a device can be used on your system:
•

The device must be supported by the operating system.
Consult the software product description or hardware vendor.

•

No more than seven devices can be on any one SCSI-2
controller, and each must have a unique SCSI ID.

•

The entire SCSI bus length, from terminator to terminator,
must not exceed 6.0 m (19.8 ft) for single-ended SCSI-2 at 5
MB/s, or 3.0 m (9.9 ft) for single-ended SCSI-2 at 10 MB/s.
For an AlphaServer 2100 CAB system, the internal cabling
for the removable-media bus is 2.0 m (6.6 ft); therefore, the
maximum length for external expansion is 4.0 m (13.2 ft).

Internal SCSI
Bus

The Fast SCSI-2 adapter on the standard I/O module supports
the following internal SCSI devices:
•

One or two hard-disk drives and up to two 13.3-cm (5.25-in.)
half-height devices.

This bus can be extended to a rackmounted StorageWorks shelf
or to an external expander to support up to seven drives.

Options and Upgrades 4–25

SCSI Buses

Warning

Installing
Removable
Media Storage
Devices

Before installing a storage device, turn off all power to
the system (both AC and DC). Refer to the ‘‘Turning the
System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

To install a removable media device, refer to Figure 4–5 and
proceed as follows:
1. Remove the front bezel as described in the ‘‘Removing and
Replacing the Front Bezel’’ section in Chapter 2.
2. Turn off all power to the system (both AC and DC). Refer to
the ‘‘Turning the System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.
Warning
Before performing the next step, fully extend the cabinet
stabilizer bar. Adjust the foot at the end of the stabilizer
bar until it touches the floor.

3. Remove the four 10-32 screws securing the system to the
front cabinet rails and pull the system out of the cabinet.
4. Remove the top-front access cover shown in Figure 1–6.
5. Locate bracket holes A and B. For RRDnn or TLZ0n, use
bracket holes A. For TZK11 drives use bracket holes B.

6. Attach the bracket
to the drive
using four M3 x 6 mm
flat-head screws
and the appropriate bracket holes (A or
B).

7. Set the device’s node ID so that there are no duplicate node
IDs, as each device must have a unique node ID. Nodes 0–6
are available for drives, and node 7 is reserved for the host
adapter. Refer to the device documentation on how to set the
node ID on the device.

8. Insert the drive
with the attached bracket into the
appropriate slot and connect the drive cables .

9. Secure the drive to the front of the system using two captive
screws .

4–26 Options and Upgrades

SCSI Buses

10. Push the system back into the cabinet. Replace and tighten
the four 10-32 screws.
Figure 4–5 Installing Removable Media

B
A
3

2
B
A

B
A

1
B
A

B
A

LJ-03844-TI0

Options and Upgrades 4–27

SCSI Buses

Installing a
Hard-Disk Drive

To install a hard-disk drive, refer to Figure 4–6 and proceed as
follows:
1. Remove the front bezel as described in the ‘‘Removing and
Replacing the Front Bezel’’ section in Chapter 2.
2. Turn off all power to the system (both AC and DC). Refer to
the ‘‘Turning the System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.
Warning
Before performing the next step, fully extend the cabinet
stabilizer bar. Adjust the foot at the end of the stabilizer
bar until it touches the floor.

3. Remove the four 10-32 screws securing the system to the
front cabinet rails and pull the system out of the cabinet.
4. Remove the top-front access cover shown in Figure 1–6.

! in the accessories kit.
6. Screw the four rubber grommets ! into the drive ".
7. Push the drive into the appropriate keyhole openings # of
the mounting bracket $ and push to the left (when facing
the system) until the locking tab % snaps into place.
8. Connect the drive cables &.
5. Locate the four rubber grommets

9. Push the system back into the cabinet. Replace and tighten
the four 10-32 screws.

4–28 Options and Upgrades

SCSI Buses

Figure 4–6 Installing a Hard-Disk Drive

1
5

4
3

LJ-03843-TI0

Options and Upgrades 4–29

Power Supply Configurations

Warning
Before installing a power supply, turn off all power to
the system (both AC and DC). Refer to the ‘‘Turning the
System Off ’’ section in Chapter 3.

A second power supply can be added to the rackmount system
to provide a redundant power supply (refer to Figure 4–7). In
most cases with a redundant power supply, the failure of one
power supply does not cause the system to shut down. Normal
operation continues with no impact on the system.

4–30 Options and Upgrades

Power Supply Configurations

Figure 4–7 Power Supply Configurations

LJ-03842-TI0

! System with a single power supply
" System with a redundant power supply

Options and Upgrades 4–31

Console Port Configurations

Console Port Configurations
Power-up information is typically displayed on your console
terminal. Your console terminal may be either a graphics
terminal or a serial terminal (one that is connected to your
system through the COM1 serial communication port). The
setting of the console environment variable determines where
the system displays power-up output. Set this environment
variable according to the console terminal that you are using.
Synopsis:
set console output_device
Arguments:
graphics

Displays the power-up output to a graphics
terminal or to a device connected to the VGA
module at the rear of the system.

serial

Displays the power-up output to a device
connected to the COM1 serial communication
port at the rear of the system.

Example:
>>> set console serial
>>>

4–32 Options and Upgrades

5
System Troubleshooting

In This Chapter

This chapter provides troubleshooting information and covers the
following topics:.
•

Determining the Service Provider

•

Task Overview

•

Determining the Type of Problem

•

Reporting Problems

•

Power Problems

•

Problems Getting to Console Mode

•

Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up
/Diagnostic Display

•

Console Reported Problems

•

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

•

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

•

PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

•

Boot Problems

•

Operating System Reported problems

•

Fail-Safe Loader

System Troubleshooting 5–1

Determining the Service Provider

Determining the Service Provider
Determine
the Service
Provider

Considerations
Before
Troubleshooting

Before servicing the system, be aware of any service agreement
that exists for your system. The agreement helps determine the
level of maintenance for self-maintenance customers.
•

For self-maintenance customers, use the information in this
chapter to help identify and resolve the problem. Refer to the
AlphaServer 2000/2100/2100 RM/2100 CAB Series Service
Guide for more comprehensive troubleshooting information.

•

If there is a service agreement with Digital, contact your
Digital service representative for assistance.

Before troubleshooting any system problem, check the site
maintenance log for the system’s service history. Be sure to ask
the system manager the following questions:
•

Has the system been used before and did it work correctly?

•

Have changes to hardware or updates to firmware or
software been made to the system recently?

•

What is the state of the system—is the operating system
running?
If the operating system is down and you are not able to bring
it up, use the console environment diagnostic tools, such as
the power-up/diagnostic displays and ROM-based diagnostics
(RBDs).
If the operating system is running, use the operating system
environment diagnostic tools, such as error logs, crash
dumps, and exercisers (DEC VET).

5–2 System Troubleshooting

Determining the Service Provider

Identifying
Problems

Table 5–1 lists ways to identify problems and indicates where
each method is described.
Table 5–1 How to Identify a Problem
Method

Reference

Using the troubleshooting
tables

This chapter

Running diagnostic tests

test command, or show fru
command as described in the
‘‘Console Reported Problems’’
section in this chapter.
Note

If you are running Windows NT, you must switch from
the ARC to the SRM console before you can run the
test command. For information about switching to the
SRM console, refer to the ‘‘Switching from ARC to SRM’’
section in Chapter 3.

System Troubleshooting 5–3

Task Overview

Task Overview
Identifying
and Resolving
Problems

Table 5–2 describes the steps required to identify and resolve
system problems.
Table 5–2 Identifying and Resolving Problems
Step

Description

Determine the type of problem.

Locate the problem in the troubleshooting tables.

Follow the suggested actions to resolve the problem.

If necessary, run the diagnostic tests.

Contact your Digital service representative or other
maintenance provider.

The next sections describe these steps in detail.

5–4 System Troubleshooting

Determining the Type of Problem

Types of
System
Problems

Determine the type of problem that your system is experiencing
from the list in Table 5–3.
Table 5–3 Problem Reference
Problem

Section

The system powers down
unexpectedly or does not
power up.

Power Problems

The power-up screens are
not displayed on the console
terminal.

Problems Getting to Console Mode

The power-up screens report
an error or do not complete.

Console Reported Problems

The system cannot find the
boot device or the device
does not boot.

Boot Problems

The operating system
startup screen does
not appear, software
applications do not run,
or the operating system
reports an error.

Operating System Reported
Problems

If the system has a problem that is not listed in Table 5–3 or the
corrective actions in the troubleshooting tables do not resolve
the problem, refer to the ‘‘Reporting Problems’’ section in this
chapter.

System Troubleshooting 5–5

Reporting Problems

Reporting Problems
Precall
Checklist

If you are unable to locate the system problem as outlined
in Table 5–3, or the corrective actions suggested in the
troubleshooting tables in this chapter do not resolve the
problem, contact the nearest Digital support center. Before
calling to report a problem, complete the following steps:
1. Locate the part and serial numbers printed on the label at
the rear of your system. Record these numbers on a copy
of the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system Problem Worksheet
presented later in this chapter.
The Digital support center will need this information when
you call.
2. Fill in the Status of the System information on the
worksheet.
3. Note the problem, any known possible causes, and the
corrective actions suggested in the troubleshooting tables.
Also indicate what corrective actions (if any) have already
been taken to try to resolve the problem.
4. Be prepared to read information from the screen and to enter
commands at the keyboard while you talk to the Digital
support center representative.

Digital Support
Center Contact
Numbers

Table 5–4 lists the telephone numbers for contacting your Digital
support center.
If your Digital support center number is not listed in Table 5–4,
contact your local Digital office for assistance.

5–6 System Troubleshooting

Reporting Problems

Table 5–4 Digital Support Centers
Country

Telephone Number

UNITED STATES

1-800-354-9000

Colorado Springs, CO
From U.S./Canada/Mexico

719-592-7000

Shrewsbury, MA
From U.S./Canada/Mexico

508-841-3700

Alpharetta, GA
From U.S./Canada/Mexico

404-343-0000

AUSTRALIA

31-2-5615252

AUSTRIA

0222-86630-555

BELGIUM

02-7297744

CANADA
English

1-800-267-5251

French

1-800-267-2603

DENMARK

80301005

FINLAND

90 9800 2878

FRANCE

1-69874123

GERMANY

01307702

HONG KONG

852-4149779

ISRAEL

052-592-300

ITALY

2-1678 20062

JAPAN (Tokyo)
Trouble

0120-113035 (toll-free)

SPS Telephone Support

0120-113036 (toll-free)

Commodity Products Phone

0120-206042 (toll-free)

Special Account Customers

0120-113334 (toll-free)

Windows NT Hot Line

03-3207-2881
(continued on next page)

System Troubleshooting 5–7

Reporting Problems

Table 5–4 (Cont.) Digital Support Centers
Country

Telephone Number

KOREA

82-2-7991114

MALAYSIA

60-3-2300111

MEXICO

520140810017

NETHERLANDS

030-832888

NORTHERN IRELAND

0232 381381

NORWAY

02-256300

PHILIPPINES

623-810-5156

PORTUGAL
LISBON

01-3877051

OPORTO

02-6068805

PUERTO RICO

800-981-4764

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

01-381216

SINGAPORE

330-6225

SPAIN
MADRID

34-(9)1-5834257

BARCELONA

34-(9)3-4012222

SWEDEN

08-988835

THAILAND

66-254-8191

UNITED KINGDOM

025 6-59200

5–8 System Troubleshooting

Reporting Problems

AlphaServer 2100 CAB
Problem Worksheet
DEC service representative telephone number:
Serial Number:
Status of the System (check all that apply):
DC power light is not on

Console program fails to boot

OCP power/diagnostic display
failure message

Console error message
Diagnostic test error message

Operating system fails to boot

OCP powerup/diagnostic display:

Screen error message:

Troubleshooting notes:

LJ-03805-TI0C

System Troubleshooting 5–9

Power Problems

Power Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when
there is no power at the system enclosure or the power supply
subsystem lights indicate power problems.
Table 5–5 describes possible power problems and their corrective
actions.
Table 5–5 Diagnostic Flow for Power Problems
Symptom

Corrective Action

The fans do not spin up
when the AC power cable
is plugged into the power
supply.

Check the power source and the
power cord.
If there are two power supplies,
make sure that both are plugged
in.

AC power is present, as
indicated by the spinning
fans, but the system does not
power on.

Check the DC On/Off button
setting on the OCP.

Check that the ambient room
temperature is within the
environmental specifications
(10°C–40°C (50°F–104°F)).
The power supply shuts
down after approximately 5
seconds.

5–10 System Troubleshooting

Check to see if both 6.75-inch
fans are operating. A failure
of either 6.75-inch fan causes
the system to shut down after
approximately 5 seconds.

Problems Getting to Console Mode

Problems Getting to Console Mode
This section describes how to troubleshoot when powering up the
system, but the console terminal does not display the power-up
screen.
Table 5–6 describes possible problems getting to console mode
and their corrective actions.
Table 5–6 Diagnostic Flow for Problems Getting to Console Mode
Symptom

Corrective Action

The power-up screen is not
displayed.

Check the power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP
(refer to Table 3–1) for a failure during self-tests.
Check that the keyboard and monitor are properly
connected and powered on (refer to the ‘‘Connecting the
Terminal ’’ section in Chapter 2).
If the power-up screen is not displayed, and the
system enters console mode, check that the console
environment variable is set correctly. If a VGA console
terminal is used, set the variable to graphics. If a serial
terminal is used, set the variable to serial.
If console is set to serial, the power-up screen is routed
to the COM1 serial communication port (refer to the
set console command in Chapter 1 of the AlphaServer
2000/2100 Firmware Reference Guide) and cannot be
viewed from the VGA monitor.
Try connecting a console terminal to the COM1 serial
communication port (refer to the ‘‘Connecting the
Terminal ’’ section in Chapter 2). If necessary use a
9-pin connector. Check the baud rate setting for the
console terminal and system. The system baud rate
setting is 9600. When using the COM1 port, set the
console environment variable to serial.

System Troubleshooting 5–11

Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic
Display
Table 5–7 describes how to interpret messages that may be
displayed on the power-up/diagnostic display located on the
operator control panel on the front of the system (shown in
Figure 3–1).
Table 5–7 Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic Display
Message

Meaning

TEST

This is displayed while the system executes diagnostic tests
and exercisers. The type of module under test, its slot number,
and the currently executing test number are also displayed.

FAIL

If an error is detected, a failure message is displayed (and the
Halt button LED lights) for a few seconds. The error is logged
to the appropriate module through the serial control bus. In
nearly all cases, the power-up tests continue.
The module type and the slot number for the field replaceable
unit (FRU) that failed, along with the test number that
detected the error, are also displayed.
The module types and slot numbers are as follows:
CPU_nn — CPU modules (0–3)
MEM_nn — Memory modules (0–3)
I/O_0 — Standard I/O module
I/O_1 — Extended I/O module (PCI)
PCInn — PCI modules (0–2)
EISAnn — EISA modules (1–8)
MBD — Motherboard

CPU STATUS

Summary of CPU testing—The status of each CPU from right
to left, starting with CPU0 is displayed:
‘‘P’’ — CPU passed
‘‘F’’ — CPU failed
‘‘–’’ — CPU not present

STARTING CPU #

The console is starting the primary CPU.
(continued on next page)

5–12 System Troubleshooting

Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

Table 5–7 (Cont.) Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic
Display
Message

Meaning

SYSTEM RESET

The Reset button has been pressed.

Model X/XX

When the system is under operating system control, the CPU
variant and system model number are displayed unless you
supply your own text using the ocp_text environment variable.

Failing SIMMs
Reported on
Power-Up
Display

For the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system, which uses single-inline
memory modules (SIMMs), serial ROM power-up tests will
terminate if one bank of good memory is not detected and the
console firmware cannot be loaded. The first two data bits of
bad memory (in hexadecimal) are displayed along with the FAIL
MEM_nn display on the operator control panel.
Using Table 5–8 you can find the corresponding SIMM position
on the memory carrier module for the failing data bits.
For example; the following operator control panel power-up
display message indicates a bad SIMM at position J28.
FAIL MEM_00 01
The following operator control panel power-up display message
indicates two bad SIMMs at positions J33 and J34.
FAIL MEM_00 1718
After determining the bad SIMMs, refer to the AlphaServer 2000
/2100/2100 RM/2100 CAB Series Service Guide for instructions
on replacing FRUs for the AlphaServer 2100 CAB system.
Note
Only two bad memory data bits at a time are captured by
the system diagnostics. If more than two SIMMs are bad,
you must repeat the SIMM isolation and replacement
procedures until all bad SIMMs are replaced.

System Troubleshooting 5–13

Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

Table 5–8 Memory Data Bits in Error and Corresponding SIMM Position
Bit in Error–Failing SIMM

00-J28

20-J28

40-J28

60-J32

80-J28

A0-J28

C0-J28

E0-J32

01-J28

21-J28

41-J28

61-J32

81-J28

A1-J28

C1-J28

E1-J32

02-J28

22-J28

42-J29

62-J32

82-J28

A2-J28

C2-J29

E2-J32

03-J28

23-J28

43-J29

63-J32

83-J28

A3-J28

C3-J29

E3-J32

04-J29

24-J29

44-J30

64-J33

84-J29

A4-J29

C4-J30

E4-J33

05-J29

25-J29

45-J30

65-J33

85-J29

A5-J29

C5-J30

E5-J33

06-J29

26-J29

46-J31

66-J33

86-J29

A6-J29

C6-J31

E6-J33

07-J29

27-J29

47-J31

67-J33

87-J29

A7-J29

C7-J31

E7-J33

08-J30

28-J30

48-J32

68-J34

88-J30

A8-J30

C8-J32

E8-J34

09-J30

29-J30

49-J32

69-J34

89-J30

A9-J30

C9-J32

E9-J34

0A-J30

2A-J30

4A-J33

6A-J34

8A-J30

AA-J30

CA-J33

EA-J34

0B-J30

2B-J30

4B-J33

6B-J34

8B-J30

AB-J30

CB-J33

EB-J34

0C-J30

2C-J31

4C-J34

6C-J35

8C-J31

AC-J31

CC-J34

EC-J35

0D-J30

2D-J31

4D-J34

6D-J35

8D-J31

AD-J31

CD-J34

ED-J35

0E-J30

2E-J31

4E-J35

6E-J35

8E-J31

AE-J31

CE-J35

EE-J35

0F-J30

2F-J31

4F-J35

6F-J35

8F-J31

AF-J31

CF-J35

EF-J35

10-J32

30-J32

50-J28

70-J28

90-J32

B0-J32

D0-J28

F0-J28

11-J32

31-J32

51-J28

71-J28

91-J32

B1-J32

D1-J28

F1-J28

12-J32

32-J32

52-J28

72-J28

92-J32

B2-J32

D2-J28

F2-J28

13-J32

33-J32

53-J28

73-J28

93-J32

B3-J32

D3-J28

F3-J28

14-J33

34-J33

54-J29

74-J29

94-J33

B4-J33

D4-J29

F4-J29

15-J33

35-J33

55-J29

75-J29

95-J33

B5-J33

D5-J29

F5-J29

16-J33

36-J33

56-J29

76-J29

96-J33

B6-J33

D6-J29

F6-J29

17-J33

37-J33

57-J29

77-J29

97-J33

B7-J33

D7-J29

F7-J29

18-J34

38-J34

58-J30

78-J30

98-J34

B8-J34

D8-J30

F8-J30

19-J34

39-J34

59-J30

79-J30

99-J34

B9-J34

D9-J30

F9-J30

(continued on next page)

5–14 System Troubleshooting

Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up/Diagnostic Display

Table 5–8 (Cont.) Memory Data Bits in Error and Corresponding SIMM Position
Bit in Error–Failing SIMM

1A-J34

3A-J34

5A-J30

7A-J30

9A-J34

BA-J34

DA-J30

FA-J30

1B-J34

3B-J34

5B-J30

7B-J30

9B-J34

BB-J34

DB-J30

FB-J30

1C-J35

3C-J35

5C-J31

7C-J31

9C-J35

BC-J35

DC-J31

FC-J31

1D-J35

3D-J35

5D-J31

7D-J31

9D-J35

BD-J35

DD-J31

FD-J31

1E-J35

3E-J35

5E-J31

7E-J31

9E-J35

BE-J35

DE-J31

FE-J31

1F-J35

3F-J35

5F-J31

7F-J31

9F-J35

BF-J35

DF-J31

FF-J31

System Troubleshooting 5–15

Console Reported Problems

Console Reported Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when
self-tests do not complete or when error messages are displayed
on your console terminal in console mode.
Table 5–9 describes possible problems reported by the console
program and their corrective actions.
Table 5–9 Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the Console Program
Symptom

Corrective Action

The power-up tests do not
complete.

Use the power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP (refer
to Table 3–1).

The system powers up to the
ash> prompt.

Reinstall the firmware. Refer to the firmware update
documentation for firmware installation instructions.
Contact your Digital support center if there is no
backup copy of the firmware.

The console program reports
an error.

Use the power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP (refer
to Table 3–1) to determine the error.

The OCP displays failure
message at power-up.

Use the show fru command described in the next
section to see if errors have been logged.

The Halt button LED lights
during power-up.

Examine the console event log (enter the cat el
command) or power-up screens to check for embedded
error messages recorded during power-up.

The power-up screen includes
error messages.

If the power-up screens or the console event log indicate
problems with mass-storage devices, or if the storage
devices are missing from the show config display, use
Table 5–10 and Table 5–11 to determine the problem.
If the power-up screens or the console event log
indicate problems with the EISA devices, or if the
EISA devices are missing from the show config display,
use Table 5–13 to determine the problem.
If the power-up screens or the console event log indicate
problems with the PCI devices, or if the PCI devices are
missing from the show config display, use Table 5–14
to determine the problem.
(continued on next page)

5–16 System Troubleshooting

Console Reported Problems

Table 5–9 (Cont.) Diagnostic Flow for Problems Reported by the Console Program
Symptom

Corrective Action

Run the test command (described later in this chapter)
to verify the problem.

show fru

The show fru command reports module and error information for
the following field replaceable units based on the serial control
bus EEPROM data:
•

CPU modules

•

Memory modules

•

I/O modules

For each of the modules, the slot position, option, part, revision,
and serial numbers, as well as any reported symptom-directed
diagnostics (SDD) and test-directed diagnostics (TDD) event logs
are displayed.
In addition, installed PCI and EISA modules are displayed with
their respective slot numbers.

System Troubleshooting 5–17

Console Reported Problems

Synopsis:
show fru
Example:
P00>>> show fru

! "

Slot
0
1
2
3
5
6

Part#
B2110-AA
B2020-AA
B2020-AA
B2020-AA
B2020-AA
B2021-BA

Option
I/O
CPU2
CPU0
CPU1
CPU3
MEM2

PCI Bus
Hose
Slot
0
8

Option Name
NCR 53C810

EISA Bus
Hose
Slot
1
1
1
2
1
3
1
5
1
6
P00>>>

Option Name
MLX0075
DEC2E00
CPQ3011
DEC4220
MLX0072

Rev
Hw Sw
C4 0
A3 0
A3 0
A3 0
A3 0
A0 0

%
Serial#
KA349EVM30
ML33800033
ML33900059
ML33800035
ML33900050
GA33602844

Events logged
SDD
TDD
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
00

! System bus slot number for module (slots 0–7 top to bottom)
Slot 0: Standard I/O module (dedicated EISA/PCI
card-cage slot)
Slot 1–3, 5: CPU modules
Slot 4–7: Memory modules

" Option name (I/O, CPU#, or MEM#)
# Part number of option
$ Revision numbers (hardware and firmware)
% Serial number

5–18 System Troubleshooting

Console Reported Problems

& Events logged:
Numbers other than ‘‘00’’ indicate that errors have been
logged.
SDD: Number of symptom-directed diagnostic events
logged by the operating system, or in the case of memory,
by the operating system and firmware diagnostics.
TDD: Number of test-directed diagnostic events logged by
the firmware diagnostics.

test

The test command runs firmware diagnostics for the core
system. The tests are run sequentially and the status of each
subsystem test is displayed on the console terminal as the tests
progress. If a particular device is not available to test, a message
is displayed.
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.

The test script tests devices in the following order:
1. Memory tests (one pass)
2. Read-only tests: DK* disks, DR* disks, DU* disks, MK*
tapes, DV* floppy
3. Console loopback tests if lb argument is specified: COM2
serial port and parallel port

System Troubleshooting 5–19

Console Reported Problems

4. VGA console tests—These tests are run only if the VGA
terminal is not used as the console terminal; that is, the
console environment variable is set to serial.
5. Network external loopback tests for EWA0—This test
requires that the Ethernet port be terminated or connected
to a live network, otherwise, the test will fail.
Synopsis:
test [lb]
Arguments:
[lb]

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

Example:
>>> test
2:32:12 March 4, 1994
Testing the Memory
Testing the DK* Disks(read only)
dkb600.6.0.2.1 has no media present or is disabled via the
RUN/STOP switch
file open failed for dkb600.6.0.2.1
No DR* Disks available for testing
Testing the MK* Tapes(read only)
Testing the DV* Floppy Disks(read only)
file open failed for dva0.0.0.0.1
Testing the VGA(Alphanumeric Mode only)
Testing the EW* Network
2:33:15 March 4, 1994
>>>

5–20 System Troubleshooting

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up
Mass-storage failures at power-up are usually indicated by read
fail messages. Other problems can result in storage devices
missing from the show config display.
Table 5–10 provides information for troubleshooting fixed-media
mass-storage problems indicated at power-up.
Table 5–11 provides information for troubleshooting removablemedia mass-storage problems indicated at power-up.
Use these tables to diagnose the likely cause of the problem.

System Troubleshooting 5–21

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Table 5–10 Fixed-Media Mass-Storage Problems
Problem

Symptom

Corrective Action

A drive failure.

The fault LED for the drive
is on (steady).

Replace the drive.

There are duplicate SCSI
IDs (when removablemedia bus is extended to
StorageWorks shelf).

The drives with duplicate
SCSI IDs are missing from
the show config display.

Correct the removablemedia SCSI IDs.

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

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
times on the show config
display.

Correct the SCSI IDs.

There are duplicate host
IDs on a shared bus.

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
times on the show config
display.

Change the host IDs using
the set pk*0_host_id
command described
in Chapter 1 of the
AlphaServer 2000/2100
Firmware Reference
Guide.

An I/O module failure (if
removable-media bus is
extended to StorageWorks
shelf) or PCI or EISA
storage adapter option
failure.

Problems persist after
eliminating the previous
problem sources.

Replace the standard
I/O or storage adapter
module.

5–22 System Troubleshooting

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Table 5–11 Removable-Media Mass-Storage Problems
Problem

Symptom

Corrective Action

A drive failure.

The fault LED for the drive
is on (steady).

Replace the drive.

There are duplicate SCSI
IDs.

The drives with duplicate
SCSI IDs are missing from
the show config display.

Correct the SCSI IDs.

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

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
times on the show config
display.

Correct the SCSI IDs.

There are duplicate host
IDs on a shared bus.

The valid drives are missing
from the show config display.
One drive may appear seven
times on the show config
display.

Change the host IDs using
the set pk*0_host_id
command described
in Chapter 1 in the
AlphaServer 2000/2100
Firmware Reference
Guide.

There are missing or loose
cables.

The activity LEDs do not
come on. The drive is missing
from the show config display.

Remove the device
and inspect the cable
connections.

A terminator is missing.

There are read/write errors
in the console event log; the
storage adapter port may fail.

Attach terminators as
needed: internal SCSI
terminator (12-4129601) or external SCSI
terminator (12-37004-04).

There is an I/O module
failure.

Problems persist after
eliminating the previous
problem sources.

Replace the standard I/O
module.

System Troubleshooting 5–23

Mass-Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Table 5–12 Troubleshooting RAID Problems
Symptom

Action

Some RAID drives do not
appear on the show device d
display.

Valid configured RAID logical drives will appear as
DRA0–DRAn, not as DKn. Configure the drives
by running the RAID Configuration Utility (RCU),
following the instructions in the StorageWorks
RAID Array 200 Subsystem Family Installation and
Configuration Guide, EK-SWRA2-IG.
Reminder: several physical disks can be grouped as a
single logical DRAn device.

Drives on the RAID
subsystem power up with
the amber Fault light on.

Whenever you move drives onto or off of the SWXCR-Ex
controller, run the RAID Configuration Utility to set up
the drives and logical units. Follow the instructions in
the StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem Family
Installation and Configuration Guide.

Image copy of DRA
logical drive does not boot
(OpenVMS systems).

If you copy the contents of a system disk to your RAID
subsystem using the BACKUP/IMAGE command,
for example, you need to repeat several steps in the
data device installation procedure, as described in
the StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem Family
Software User’s Guide for OpenVMS AXP, AA-Q6WVATE, in order to make the second device a bootable
device.

Cannot access disks
connected to the RAID
subsystem on Windows NT
systems.

On Windows NT systems, disks connected to the
SWXCR-Ex controller must be spun up before they
can be accessed While running the ECU, verify that the
controller is set to spin up two disks every six seconds.
This is the default setting if you are using the default
configuration files for the controller. If the settings are
different, adjust them as needed.

5–24 System Troubleshooting

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up
EISA bus failures at power-up are usually indicated by the
following messages displayed during power-up:

EISA Configuration Error. Run the EISA Configuration
Utility.
Run the ECU. Refer to the ‘‘Configuring EISA and ISA Options’’
section in Chapter 4 when such a message is displayed. Other
problems are indicated by EISA devices missing from the show
config display.
Table 5–13 provides information for troubleshooting EISA bus
problems that persist after running the ECU.

System Troubleshooting 5–25

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Table 5–13 EISA Troubleshooting
Step

Corrective Action

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

Run the ECU to:
•

Confirm that the system has been configured with the
most recently installed controller.

•

Determine what the hardware jumper and switch
setting should be for each ISA controller.

•

Determine what the software setting should be for
each ISA and EISA controller.

•

Determine if the ECU deactivated (<>) any controllers
to prevent a conflict.

•

Determine if any controllers are locked (!), which
limits the ECU’s ability to change resource
assignments.

Confirm that the hardware jumpers and switches on ISA
controllers reflect the settings indicated by the ECU. Start
with the last ISA module installed.

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

Call the option manufacturer or the Digital support center
for help.

5–26 System Troubleshooting

EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

Additional EISA
Troubleshooting
Tips

The following tips can aid in isolating EISA bus problems:
•

Peripheral device controllers need to be seated (inserted)
carefully, but firmly, into their slot to make all necessary
contacts. Improper seating is a common source of problems
for EISA modules.

•

The CFG files supplied with the option that you want to
install may not work on AlphaServer 2100 systems. Some
CFG files call overlay files that are not required on this
system or may reference inappropriate system resources,
for example, BIOS addresses. Contact the option vendor to
obtain the proper CFG file.

•

Peripherals cannot share direct memory access (DMA)
channels. Assignment of more than one peripheral to the
same DMA channel can cause unpredictable results or even
loss of function of the EISA module.

•

Systems running Windows NT can assign shared interrupt
lines (IRQs). DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS do not allow shared
interrupts.

•

Not all EISA products work together. EISA is an open
standard, and not every EISA product or combination of
products can be tested. Violations of specifications may not
matter in some configurations, but do matter in others.
Manufacturers of EISA options often test the most common
combinations and may have a list of ISA and EISA options
that do not function in combination with particular systems.
Be sure to check the documentation or contact the option
vendor for the most up-to-date information.

•

EISA systems will not function unless they are first
configured using the ECU.

•

The ECU will not notify you if the configuration program
diskette is write-protected when it attempts to write the
system configuration file (system.sci) to the diskette.

System Troubleshooting 5–27

PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up

PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up
PCI bus failures at power-up are usually indicated by the
inability of the system to see the device. Use Table 5–14 to
diagnose the likely cause of the problem.
Table 5–14 PCI Troubleshooting
Step

Corrective Action

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 the Digital support center
for help.

5–28 System Troubleshooting

Boot Problems

Boot Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot problems that occur
while the system is booting the operating system software.
Table 5–15 describes possible problems during booting and their
corrective actions.
Table 5–15 Diagnostic Flow for Boot Problems
Symptom

Corrective Action

System cannot find the boot
device.

Verify that your system recognizes the boot device,
using the show device command. Refer to the
‘‘Verifying System Configuration ’’ section in Chapter 4.
Check that the boot device environment variable
correctly identifies the boot device:

Device does not boot.

•

DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS: See the boot command
in the AlphaServer 2000/2100 Firmware Reference
Guide

•

Windows NT: See the FWSEARCHPATH
environment variable in the AlphaServer 2000
/2100 Firmware Reference Guide

Check that the Halt button is set to the ‘‘out’’ position.
Run the test command. See the description in the
section ‘‘Console Reported Problems’’, earlier in this
chapter.

System Troubleshooting 5–29

Operating System Reported Problems

Operating System Reported Problems
This section describes how to troubleshoot system problems that
occur while the operating system software is up and running.
Table 5–16 describes possible operating system problems and
their corrective actions.
Table 5–16 Diagnostic Flow for Errors Reported by the Operating System
Symptom

Corrective Action

The system is hung or has
crashed.

Examine the crash dump file.
Refer to the OpenVMS AXP Alpha System Dump
Analyzer Utility Manual for information on how to
interpret OpenVMS crash dump files.
Refer to the Guide to Kernel Debugging for information
on using the DEC OSF/1 Krash Utility.

The operating system is up.

Have the Digital support center examine the operating
system error log files to isolate the problem. Selfmaintenance customers can refer to the AlphaServer
2000/2100/2100 RM/2100 CAB Series Service Guide.
If the problem occurs intermittently, have the Digital
support center run an operating system exerciser, such
as the DEC VET, to stress the system.
Refer to the DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool User’s
Guide for instructions on running DEC VET.

5–30 System Troubleshooting

Fail-Safe Loader

Fail-Safe Loader
The fail-safe loader (FSL) allows you to power up without
initializing drivers running power-up diagnostics.
Note
The fail-safe loader should be used only when a failure
at power-up prohibits you from getting to the console
program. You cannot boot an operating system from the
fail-safe loader.
If a checksum error is detected when loading the SRM
console at power-up, the fail-safe loader is automatically
loaded into memory and the system displays the FSL
prompt ash>. If the system automatically powers up to
the ash> prompt, reinstall the firmware according to the
instructions provided with the firmware.
Whenever the fail-safe loader console is activated, the
power-up/diagnostic display on the OCP displays a FAIL
I/O_00 message.

The FSL permits you to get to a console, with limited
functionality, when one of the following is the cause of a
problem getting to the console program under normal power-up:
•

A power failure or accidental power-down during a firmware
upgrade

•

An error in the nonvolatile nvram file

•

An incorrect environment variable setting

•

A driver error
Note
The FSL program, indicated by the ash> prompt, has
limited functionality (a simple shell is indicated by the
letters ‘‘ash’’ contained in the console prompt).

System Troubleshooting 5–31

Fail-Safe Loader

Fail-Safe
Loader
Functions

From the FSL program, you can:
•
•

Edit the nvram file (using the edit command).
Assign a correct value to an environment variable (using the

show and set commands).
•

Start individual drivers using the init -driver ew command
to start the Maintenance Operations Protocol (MOP) driver
or init -driver dv to start the floppy driver. The init
-driver 6 command in FSL mode starts all available drivers.
Note
The nonvolatile file, nvram, is shipped from the factory
with no contents. You can use the edit command to
create a customized script or command file that is
executed as the last step of every power-up.

Activating
the Fail-Safe
Loader

To activate the FSL, perform the following steps:
1. Install jumper J6 on the standard I/O module (refer to
Figure 5–1). The jumper is stored on one of the pins of the
J6 jumper.
2. Turn on the system.
3. Use the FSL program (indicated by the ash> prompt) to make
corrections, edit the nvram file, set environment variables, or
initialize phase 6 drivers.
4. When you have finished, power down and remove the FSL
jumper.

5–32 System Troubleshooting

Fail-Safe Loader

Figure 5–1 Fail-Safe Loader Jumper (J6) on the Standard I/O
Module
1

NVRAM
J5
J3
J6

6
LJ-03781-TI0

! Ethernet Address ROM (E72)
" SCSI (50-pin)
# Floppy (34-pin)
$ Remote I/O (60-pin)
% OCP (10-pin)
& DSM Remote Option (16-pin)
Note
J3–Power supply mode: When installed, dual power
supplies operate in redundant mode.
J5–Program voltage: Internal use only.
J6–Fail-safe: When installed, selects the fail-safe loader
firmware.
NVRAM–Nonvolatile random-access memory.

System Troubleshooting 5–33

Index
64–bit PCI, 4–9

A
AC power connector
location of, 1–8
Access door
left side
location of, 1–12
Adapter
Fast SCSI-2, 4–25
ARC boot selections
managing of, 3–1
ARC firmware
using the, 3–1
ARC interface
switching to SRM from, 3–11
Autoboot
DEC OSF/1, 3–19
OpenVMS, 3–19

B
Boot diagnostic flow, 5–29
Boot menu (ARC), 3–10
Boot problems
troubleshooting, 5–29
Boot procedure, 3–18
booting DEC OSF/1 automatically, 3–19
booting OpenVMS automatically, 3–19
Bus
expansion of, 2–32
system, 4–7

C
Caddy
See CD-ROM caddy
CD
See CD-ROM drive, 3–26
CD-ROM caddy
loading a disc into, 3–32
CD-ROM disc drive
inserting a disc into, 3–32
CD-ROM drive
components, 3–26, 3–28
inserting a disc into, 3–30
operating, 3–26
removing a disc from, 3–31, 3–32
CFG files, 5–27
COM2 and parallel port
loopback tests, 5–19
Commands
to examine system configuration, 4–5
Compact disc drive
operation of, 3–1
Configuration
See ECU
console port, 3–8
EISA boards, 4–19
EISA/ISA boards, 4–21
Configuration file (CFG), EISA and ISA,
4–15
Configuration rules
removable-media, 4–26

Index–1

Configuration, verifying
for DEC OSF/1, 4–5
for OpenVMS, 4–5
for Windows NT, 4–5
Considerations
before troubleshooting, 5–2
Console
diagnostic flow, 5–11
Console commands
show fru, 5–17
test, 5–19
Console device, connecting, 2–30
console environment variable, 3–8
Console mode
defined, 3–23
invoking, 3–23
invoking remotely, 3–23
invoking with Halt button, 3–23
problems, troubleshooting, 5–11, 5–16
prompt, 3–23
troubleshooting, 5–16
Console output, 3–8, 4–32
Console port configuration, 4–32
Console port configurations, 3–8
Console prompt, 3–23
SRM console, 3–9
console terminal, 2–26
Console terminal, 3–23
Console, invoking
See Console mode, 3–23
Consoles
switching between ARC and SRM, 3–11
CPU, 4–8
CPU failover, 3–12
CPU module
installation requirements, 4–8
location of, 4–7
SMP configuration and, 4–8
Customer support, 5–6, 5–7

Index–2

D
DAT tape drive
operating, 3–34
operation of, 3–1
DC On/Off button, 1–9, 3–3
DC On/Off light, 3–3
Diagnostic flow
boot problems, 5–29
console, 5–11
console mode problems, 5–16
errors reported by operating system,
5–30
power problems, 5–10
problems getting to console mode, 5–11
problems reported by console, 5–16
Disk drives
mounting, 3–25
Door, OCP
opening of, 1–10
unlocking of, 1–10
Dual power supply (redundant), 4–30

E
ECU
actions after exiting, 4–18
defined, 4–15
invoking console firmware, 4–16
procedure for running, 4–16
procedures, 4–19
starting up, 4–16
edit command, 5–32
EISA, 1–6
EISA boards
configuring, 4–19
EISA boards, identifying, 4–14
EISA bus
features of, 4–12
location of, 4–7
problems at power-up, 5–25
troubleshooting, 5–25
troubleshooting tips, 5–27

EISA configuration procedure, 4–19
EISA Configuration Utility
See ECU
EISA I/O boards
location of, 1–12
EISA/ISA boards
configuring, 4–21
EISA/ISA configuration procedure, 4–21
Enclosure, 1–6
Environment variables
resetting, 3–14
Errors
commands to report, 5–17
Ethernet
external loopback, 5–19
Extended I/O module, 4–9
location of, 4–7

F
Fail-safe loader, 5–31
activating, 5–31
power-up, 5–31
Failover, 3–12
Fast SCSI-2 adapter, 4–25
Fixed-media
storage problems, 5–21
Floppy drive
operation of, 3–1
Front bezel
installation of, 2–24
removal of, 2–24
FRUs
commands to report errors, 5–17

H
Halt button
invoking console mode with, 3–3
invoking operating system mode with,
3–3
location of, 1–9
Hangs
using Reset button to recover from, 3–4

I
I/O boards
EISA, location of, 1–12
PCI, location of, 1–12
I/O bus, EISA features, 4–12
I/O module, 4–11
init -driver command, 5–32
Installation
front bezel, 2–24
Internal SCSI bus, 4–25
Interrupt lines
and EISA, 5–27
IRQs
and EISA, 5–27
ISA boards, identifying, 4–14
ISA bus
defined, 4–13
ISA/EISA boards
configuring, 4–21
ISA/EISA configuration procedure, 4–21

L
Loopback tests
COM2 and parallel ports, 5–19

M
Managing
ARC boot selections, 3–1
Mass storage
actions before operating devices, 3–25
described, 4–25
problems, troubleshooting, 5–21, 5–23
supported devices, 3–25
Mass storage devices
actions before operating, 3–25
mounting, 3–25
supported, 3–25
Memory module
location of, 4–7
variations of, 4–9

Index–3

Modem, connecting, 2–30
Modules
CPU, 4–8
Extended I/O, 4–9

N
Networks
connecting to, 2–28
Ethernet, 2–28
nvram file, 5–32

O
Operating system
boot failures, reporting, 5–30
preboot tasks, 3–14
Operating system problems
troubleshooting, 5–30
Operating system, booting, 3–18
Operating systems
switching, 3–17
Operation
compact disc drive, 3–1
DAT tape drive, 3–1
floppy drive, 3–1
QIC tape drive, 3–1
storage devices, 3–1
Operator control panel
controls
location of, 1–8
controls on, 1–9
DC On/Off button, 3–2
DC On/Off light, 3–2
display, interpreting, 5–12
Halt button, 3–3
Halt light, 3–3
location of, 1–8
power-up/diagnostic display, 3–2
Reset button, 3–4
Options
adding, 4–2
from non-Digital vendors, 4–2
installing, 4–2
supported, 4–4

Index–4

P
PCI, 1–6
PCI bus
defined, 4–23
location of, 4–7
troubleshooting, 5–28
PCI I/O boards
location of, 1–12
Peripheral devices, connecting, 2–30
Phone numbers
customer support, 5–7
Power problems
troubleshooting, 5–10
Power supplies
location of, 1–8
Power supply configurations, 4–30
Power-down procedure
turning off dc power, 3–20
Power-up display
interpreting, 5–12
Power-up sequence
mass-storage failures, 5–21
PCI failures, 5–28
Power-up/diagnostic display, 3–8
Printer, connecting, 2–30
Problem reporting, 5–6
Problems
See Troubleshooting
determining type, 5–5
identifying, 5–1, 5–4

Q
QIC tape drive
operating, 3–38
operation of, 3–1

R
RAID subsystem
guidelines, 4–10
problems with, 5–24

Reboot procedure, 3–18
Removable-media
storage problems, 5–23
Removable-media compartments
configuration rules, 4–26
Removable-media devices
SCSI support for, 4–25
Reset button
for recovering from hangs, 3–4
location of, 1–9

S
SCSI bus
expansion of, 2–32
internal, 4–25
Self-test status lights
location of, 1–9
Serial ports, 3–8, 4–32
show fru command (SRM), 5–17
SMP configuration
CPU modules, 4–8
SRM firmware
using the, 3–1
Standard I/O module, 4–11
Startup procedure
preboot tasks, 3–14
Storage devices
mounting, 3–25
operating, 3–25
operation of, 3–1
Supported options, 4–4
SWXCR controller
guidelines, 4–10
System
before installing the, 2–2
configuration, verifying, 4–5
expansion of SCSI, 2–32
turning off, 3–20
turning on, 3–5
System bus, location of, 4–7
System components
front, 1–8

System Configuration Diskette, 4–15
System configuration, verifying
for DEC OSF/1, 4–5
for OpenVMS, 4–5
for Windows NT, 4–5
System operation
boot, 3–18
reboot, 3–18
System software
booting, 3–18
System startup screen, 3–8
SYSTEMCFG volume label, 4–15

T
Tape drive
See QIC tape drive; DAT tape drive
Tape drives
mounting, 3–25
Terminal
connecting to, 2–26
console, 2–26
test command, 5–19
Troubleshooting, 5–1
boot problems, 5–29
considerations before beginning, 5–2
console, 5–11
console mode problems, 5–16
EISA problems, 5–25
errors reported by operating system,
5–30
for self-maintenance customers, 5–2
interpreting the operator control panel
power-up display, 5–12
mass-storage problems, 5–21
operating system problems, 5–30
PCI problems, 5–28
power problems, 5–10
problem reference, 5–5
problem worksheet, 5–9
problems getting to console mode, 5–11
problems reported by the console, 5–16
RAID device problems, 5–24
reporting problems, 5–6
task overview, 5–4

Index–5

Troubleshooting (cont’d)
test command, 5–2

U
Upgrades
planning, 4–2
Using firmware
ARC, 3–1
SRM, 3–1

Index–6

How to Order Additional Documentation

Technical Support
If you need help deciding which documentation best meets your needs, call 800-DIGITAL
(800-344-4825) and press 2 for technical assistance.

Electronic Orders
If you wish to place an order through your account at the Electronic Store, dial
800-234-1998, using a modem set to 2400- or 9600-baud. You must be using a VT
terminal or terminal emulator set at 8 bits, no parity. If you need assistance using
the Electronic Store, call 800-DIGITAL (800-344-4825) and ask for an Electronic Store
specialist.

Telephone and Direct Mail Orders
From

Call

Write

U.S.A.

DECdirect
Phone: 800-DIGITAL
(800-344-4825)
Fax: (603) 884-5597

Digital Equipment Corporation
P.O. Box CS2008
Nashua, NH 03061

Puerto Rico

Phone: (809) 781-0505
Fax: (809) 749-8377

Digital Equipment Caribbean, Inc.
3 Digital Plaza, 1st Street
Suite 200
Metro Office Park
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920

Canada

Phone: 800-267-6215
Fax: (613) 592-1946

Digital Equipment of Canada Ltd.
100 Herzberg Road
Kanata, Ontario, Canada K2K 2A6
Attn: DECdirect Sales

International

—————

Local Digital subsidiary or
approved distributor

Internal Orders1
(for software
documentation)

DTN: 264-3030
(603) 884-3030
Fax: (603) 884-3960

U.S. Software Supply Business
Digital Equipment Corporation
10 Cotton Road
Nashua, NH 03063-1260

Internal Orders
(for hardware
documentation)

DTN: 264-3030
(603) 884-3030
Fax: (603) 884-3960

U.S. Software Supply Business
Digital Equipment Corporation
10 Cotton Road
Nashua, NH 03063-1260

1 Call to request an Internal Software Order Form (EN–01740–07).

Reader’s Comments

AlphaServer 2100 CAB
Installation/Owner’s Guide
EK–ALCAB–OG. B01

Your comments and suggestions help us improve the quality of our publications.
Thank you for your assistance.

I rate this manual’s:

Excellent

Good

Fair

Accuracy (product works as manual says)
Completeness (enough information)
Clarity (easy to understand)
Organization (structure of subject matter)
Figures (useful)
Examples (useful)
Index (ability to find topic)
Page layout (easy to find information)
I would like to see more/less
What I like best about this manual is
What I like least about this manual is

I found the following errors in this manual:
Page
Description

Additional comments or suggestions to improve this manual:

For software manuals, please indicate which version of the software you are using:

Name/Title

Dept.

Company

Date

Mailing Address
Phone

Poor

Do Not Tear – Fold Here and Tape
TM

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 33 MAYNARD MASS.

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
Shared Engineering Services
DIGITAL DRIVE MK01-2/E12
PO BOX 9501
MERRIMACK, NH 03054–9982

Do Not Tear – Fold Here

No Postage
Necessary
If Mailed
in the
United States