SUMM: What is the /mdec directory

From: Guy Dallaire <dallaire_at_total.net>
Date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996 15:28:20 -0400

Thanks to all who replied.

First: Here is my original post

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I've got an '/mdec' directory on all of my factory installed servers.
Does anyone know what they are ? They are filled with rz*.advfs files

I also have an FMG_LOCAL_PARAM_LIBRARY.KNL file sitting there, what is it

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No one was able to tell me exactly what is the FMG_LOCAL_PARAM_LIBRARY.KNL
file, so I'll leave it sitting there...

And the answers:

Do not delete the /mdec files: they are needed when you create
filesystemes or label disks. Otherwise, your will never be
able to create a bootable disk...

        Benoit Maillard
        maillard_at_fgt.dec.com

----
Hellebo Knut <Knut.Hellebo_at_nho.hydro.com>
They all are configuration files (disks, advfs etc. and should not be
touched !
----
From: iwm_at_uvo.dec.com
These are the bootblocks, depending on the filesytem
which eventually gets put onto the disk, will depend on
the file which is used. 
----
From: Neil Schellenberger <nschelle_at_crosskeys.com>
I believe that these are boot block images.  They are the bootstrap
programs that are put on the first block of a disk to allow it to start
the operating system.  They are present in /mdec for two reasons (that I
can think of): a) disaster recovery, and b) formatting new bootable
drives.
As for the FMG_LOCAL_PARAM_LIBRARY.KNL file:
I have no idea what this is for.  It sounds vaguely VMS-y.  I don't have
one on any of my machines.
----
From: vsp_at_unx.dec.com
	/mdec directory is used during the vmunix bootup process.
	It contains files representing primary boot (e.g. rzboot,
	always 512 bytes) and secondary boot (bootrz) files for 
	various disk and configurations. disklabel also uses this 
	info as needed. Refer to disklabel(8) for more info.
                                        THANKS AGAIN

Received on Tue Sep 24 1996 - 21:59:05 NZST